Fire Door Safety Week takes place from September 14 – 20, highlighting the importance of fire doors to all businesses. They are often the first line of defence in a fire and can be the difference between life and death for the building occupants. 

Sadly, however, they remain a significant area of neglect, often the first thing to be downgraded on a specification and mismanaged throughout their service life, propped open, damaged and badly maintained.  Fire door breaches are still one of the most common fines implemented under the Fire Safety Order, 10 years since this law was introduced.

Paul Bray, Community Safety Protection Manager said: “A fire door is not necessarily a fire exit door and can be identified by a blue ‘FIRE DOOR KEEP SHUT’ sign often at eye level.

“Fire doors are needed inside buildings too – including homes, offices, factories, hospitals, schools, care homes, bars, restaurants, libraries, sports centres, shops and all sort of buildings we use every day. Internal fire doors help to compartmentalise a building, such as a block of flats, keeping fire and smoke trapped for a while in one area, so that the fire can be tackled and people can be safely evacuated.

“If you’ve seen a dodgy fire door, report it to your landlord or building manager straight away.”

See our nine top safety tips on what to look out for:

• Does the door close soundly against the frame?
• Are the seals (intumescent or smoke seals) present and in good condition?
• Is the edge of the door or frame damaged?
• Does the latch engage properly?
• Are there any gaps larger than 3mm between the frame and the door? Can you see light through the gap at the bottom of the door?
• Are there a minimum of three hinges and do they look in good condition?
• Does the door have signage on it?
• If there is glazing in the door, does it look in good condition?
• Is the door wedged or stuck open?

We’re here to help. Make sure your business isn’t the next victim of fire

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service hold regular business seminars where we can provide you with help and advice to keep your business safe. If you would like to register and interest in attending or for more information:

Phone us on 0800 05 02 999 between 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday or email at firesafety@dsfire.gov.uk

For more information on Fire Door Safety week visit  our webpage.