Fire safety is a crucial aspect of any building, especially for businesses and large properties. One essential element in fire safety is ensuring that fire doors are correctly installed, maintained, inspected, and repaired.
As a business or building owner, the responsibility of keeping fire doors functional and compliant with regulations falls on you.
This guide provides practical tips on maintaining, inspecting, and repairing your fire doors to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants.
At Folgate Safety, we offer comprehensive fire door services, including inspections, repairs, installations, and ongoing maintenance. With our expert team, we help ensure your building meets fire safety standards and protects people, property, and assets from fire risks.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as professional advice or guidance for specific fire safety situations. While we aim to offer accurate and up-to-date content, each property and business has unique fire risks that must be addressed by trained professionals.
Proper fire risk assessments should always be conducted by certified fire safety experts to ensure compliance with local regulations and the highest level of safety. We recommend consulting with trained professionals, such as those at Folgate Safety, for tailored advice, inspections, and the installation of appropriate fire prevention systems.
The Importance of Fire Doors in Fire Safety
Fire doors are a critical part of any building's fire safety strategy. They serve two primary functions:
Preventing the spread of fire and smoke - Fire doors act as barriers that slow the spread of fire, giving people more time to evacuate.
Providing safe evacuation routes - By containing fire and smoke, fire doors help keep escape routes clear and safe for building occupants during an emergency.
Fire doors must always be in optimal condition to perform their role. A faulty or damaged fire door can be the difference between life and death in the event of a fire.
Fire Door Regulations and Legal Obligations
In the UK, fire safety is governed by several laws, including:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that building owners or managers ensure the safety of occupants in case of fire.
BS 8214: This is the British Standard for fire door installation and maintenance. It specifies best practices for fire door performance, including regular inspection and repair.
Neglecting fire doors can lead to non-compliance with fire safety regulations, legal consequences, and increased liability in the case of fire incidents. Regular inspections and prompt repairs are critical to avoiding these risks.
Want to find out if you need fire doors in your building? Read our guide fire door compliance.
How to Inspect Fire Doors: Step-by-Step Guide
Regular inspections are vital to ensuring that fire doors meet all necessary safety standards. Ideally, fire doors should be checked every six months or more frequently if the building experiences high traffic. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to inspect fire doors.
1. Check for Certification
Fire doors should have a certification label or plug, typically located on the top or side of the door. This label indicates that the door meets the required fire safety standards. If you cannot find this certification, the door might not be compliant and may need to be replaced or certified by a professional.
2. Examine the Gaps and Seals
Fire doors require a gap of 2-4mm between the door and the frame. Larger gaps could allow smoke and fire to pass through, compromising safety. Use a gauge or a coin to measure the gap. Check for any visible wear or damage to the intumescent strips and smoke seals around the door. These seals expand when exposed to heat, preventing smoke from seeping through, and must be intact for the fire door to function correctly.
3. Inspect Hinges and Fixings
A fire door should have at least three hinges, which are secure and free from rust or wear. Each hinge must be fire-rated, and screws should be fully tightened. Loose or damaged hinges could prevent the door from closing properly, reducing its effectiveness in a fire.
4. Test the Door Closing Mechanism
Fire doors should close firmly against the latch without needing to be pushed. A malfunctioning door closer can leave gaps between the door and the frame, making it less effective in containing fire. Make sure the door closes automatically from any angle and stays shut once it closes.
5. Look for Signs of Damage
Fire doors can suffer wear and tear over time, especially in busy areas. Check for cracks, holes, or other damage on the door's surface. Even minor damage can affect the door's ability to resist fire and should be repaired immediately.
6. Verify the Glazing (if applicable)
7. Ensure Proper Latching
A fire door must latch completely when closed. This ensures it remains secure during a fire. Check the latch and the door handle to ensure they function smoothly without sticking or jamming. A door that does not latch could become a weak point in your building’s fire protection.
Fire Door Maintenance: Keeping Doors Compliant
Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your fire doors and ensure they remain compliant with legal requirements. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
1. Regular Lubrication
Ensure that all moving parts, such as hinges and closers, are well-lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Avoid using non-approved oils, as they may not be heat-resistant and could affect the door's performance in a fire.
2. Replace Worn-Out Components
Over time, certain parts of a fire door—like seals, handles, and latches—will experience wear. Be proactive in replacing worn-out seals, damaged hinges, or faulty closers to maintain the door's functionality.
3. Clean the Door and Frame
Dust and debris can accumulate in the seals and moving parts of the fire door, affecting its performance. Regular cleaning of the door, frame, and seals is essential for preventing blockages or damage.
4. Schedule Annual Professional Inspections
While regular visual inspections are important, it’s advisable to have a professional fire door specialist like Folgate Safety conduct an annual comprehensive fire door inspection. Professionals can identify underlying issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye and ensure that all doors remain compliant with the latest regulations.
Fire Door Repairs: When and How to Fix Issues
Even with regular maintenance, fire doors may require repairs due to wear and tear or accidental damage. Here are common issues and how to address them:
1. Gaps Too Wide
If the gap between the door and the frame exceeds 4mm, adjustments or repairs are needed. This can often be solved by realigning the door or replacing damaged seals.
2. Broken Hinges or Closers
If a fire door has damaged or worn hinges, these must be replaced with fire-rated hinges. Similarly, if the door closer isn’t functioning correctly, it should be replaced immediately. Always use components that are fire-rated and meet current safety standards.
3. Damage to the Door Surface
Minor damage, such as dents or scratches, can be filled and repaired. However, if the damage compromises the structural integrity of the door, such as deep cracks or warping, you should consider replacing the door.
4. Failed Seals
Over time, intumescent strips and smoke seals can wear down or become damaged. If they no longer expand or seal properly, they must be replaced. Faulty seals will allow smoke to escape, endangering building occupants.
5. Glazing Repair
If the fire-rated glazing in your d
oor is cracked or damaged, it should be replaced immediately. Ensure that the replacement glass is fire-rated and that the seal around the glazing is intact.
Why Choose Folgate Safety for Fire Door Inspection and Repairs?
At Folgate Safety, we understand that maintaining and repairing fire doors can be a complex task. That’s why we offer comprehensive fire door services tailored to your building’s needs. Whether you require a one-off inspection or ongoing maintenance, our qualified professionals are here to help.
Certified Experts: Our team is trained and certified in fire door inspections, installations, repairs, and maintenance.
Comprehensive Inspections: We offer thorough inspections that cover every aspect of your fire doors, ensuring full compliance with UK fire safety laws.
Tailored Solutions: From minor repairs to full replacements, we provide cost-effective solutions to keep your fire doors in optimal condition.
Ongoing Maintenance Plans: We offer regular maintenance plans to ensure your fire doors are always compliant and functioning.
Final Thoughts
Fire doors play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and routine maintenance are essential to keeping them in good working order. By staying proactive with your fire door safety measures, you not only comply with legal requirements but also provide peace of mind for everyone in your building.
To ensure your fire doors meet the highest standards of safety and compliance, contact Folgate Safety today. Our team of experts is ready to assist with inspections, repairs, and maintenance to keep your building fire-safe.
Visit our website www.folgatesafety.co.uk to learn more about our fire door services and to schedule your next inspection.
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