Fire Door Safety Week was launched in 2013 by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF). Their aim was to raise awareness of the importance of fire doors and the critical part they play in saving lives and protecting a property in the event of a fire. This year the theme is ‘Check it, close it: protection starts at the door’.
According to BWF, recent research shows that there are generational differences in how people identify fire doors and whether they use them correctly. The survey carried out by Fire Door Safety Week campaign found that 38% of people aged between 18-29 feel safe when a fire door is wedged open and 21% of people aged between 30-45 believe that a fire door is simply painted red.
As you can see from this research, it’s important we all understand what a fire door is for, how to spot one and how to use it correctly to ensure the safety of you and others.
What do fire doors do?
Fire doors create a barrier from fire and toxic smoke and prevent them from travelling through a building, restricting damage to a small area. They also enable people to evacuate a building and provide safe access for the emergency services. A fire door only works if it is installed correctly.
Where are fire doors installed?
In a block of flats, fire doors should be on the stairwells and in corridors and the front door of each flat should also be a fire door. They are also used to protect areas where there is a risk of combustion, for example bin storage areas or mains electricity service cupboards. Sometimes fire doors are installed within individual homes, but this depends on design and layout. Fire doors will also have a blue sign stating they are a fire door. If the fire door is a front door or inside an individual home, it does not need a sign.
Inspection and maintenance
Like all landlords and building owners, we’re legally responsible for fire doors in the common areas of buildings. We inspect our doors regularly. However, if you notice anything wrong with a door, please bring it to our attention by contacting us.
Fire doors as front doors
It is crucial a front door works properly if a fire breaks out, therefore we inspect these regularly. Leaseholders may be responsible for making sure their front door has a suitable fire rating and that compatible components are fitted. This can be checked within the lease agreement.
Keeping you and your neighbours safe
- Don’t leave a fire door wedged or propped open
- Keep access to fire doors clear and free from obstruction
- Check your front door closes safely – hold it halfway open, and check the latch engages when you let it go
- If a fire door doesn’t close, report it to us immediately
- Never disconnect an automatic closer – the door is useless if it remains open, and it will allow the spread of smoke and fire
- Don’t remove kitchen or other internal fire doors
- If you’re fitting new carpets, make sure the door still closes smoothly – if it catches on the carpet, consider fitting rising hinges. Don’t trim the door!
- Don’t make new openings in fire doors for cat flaps or letter boxes without seeking advice.
- Do not charge e-bikes or e-scooters in hallways or communal areas. Also do not charge electric vehicles using a communal plug socket.
Reporting an issue
Please contact us if you find an issue or have further questions. You can also contact your local fire service for further information and visit the Fire Door Safety Week website.
For further fire safety information, click here.