Ten important fire door facts you need to know
Fire doors create a barrier from fire and toxic cold smoke and prevent it from travelling around a building, keeping the damage to a small area, allowing for evacuation, stay put and safe access for emergency services.
All the below components play a critical role in fire performance. Always check the fire door certificate for compatible specification.
In a block of flats, you will find fire doors on the stairwells, the corridors and on the flat front doors. You will also see them protecting areas where there’s a risk of combustion, such as bin storage or mains electricity service cupboard. Sometimes you will find fire doors inside flats, but this depends on the specific design and layout of the individual flat.
Fire doors in common areas of the building (corridors, stairwells and service rooms) will have blue signage on the door. Flat front doors and those inside individual flats do not require signage.
A fire door only works if it’s installed correctly with compatible components like ironmongery, seals and frame.
Your landlord or freeholder will have legal responsibility for the fire doors in the common areas of the building.
You should seek fire safety information from your landlord or freeholder regarding the specific fire plan for your building to ensure you are prepared in an emergency.
It’s vital it works properly when a fire breaks out, as it forms part of the critical Means of Escape route. Your flat front door must be a fire door, fit for purpose and regularly inspected and maintained.
If you are a leasehold tenant, check the details of your lease and consult the landlord or freeholder. You may be responsible for ensuring that a suitable fire-rated door with all compatible components is fitted.
Most fire doors, especially those on flat front doors, corridors and stairwells, will have cold smoke seals. These seals may be separate or combined with the intumescent seal and usually look like a brush or a plastic fin.
All fire doors in common areas and flat front doors (corridors and stairwells) must have appropriate fire-rated door closers fitted.
Closers must be correctly adjusted to ensure proper opening and closing forces. Regular inspection and maintenance are required, as damaged or disengaged closers won’t work in an emergency.
Flat front door closers should be fitted to the interior side of the door to prevent vandalism and to allow for proper adjustment.
Here are five basic checks you can do. These don’t replace a full inspection by a qualified specialist but can highlight any obvious issues.
Certification
Look for a label or plug on top (or occasionally on the side) of the door. Without a certification mark, you can’t be sure it’s a fire door. Use a mirror or your phone’s selfie camera to check.
Gaps
Check the gaps around the top and sides are less than 4mm when closed. The gap under the door can be up to 8mm depending on the door. You shouldn’t see light under the door. Use a £1 coin for scale – it’s around 3mm thick.
Seals
Look for intact intumescent seals around the door or frame with no signs of damage. These seals expand with heat and stop fire and smoke from spreading.
Hinges
There should be at least three firmly fixed hinges with no missing or broken screws. A poorly maintained door may fail during a fire. Open the door and inspect the hinges closely.
Closing properly
Make sure the door closes onto the latch without sticking. It must close fully to be effective. Open it halfway, let go, and see if it shuts itself.
First, contact your landlord, freeholder or managing agent.
If you’re still concerned or don’t feel you’re getting a proper response, contact your local authority or fire service for advice.
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