Here, some experts have put together a simple guide to everything you need to know about fire doors to keep your premises safe and legal.
1. What are Fire Doors and How do they Work?
A fire door is a technical safety device that, when closed, acts as a barrier to separate fire and smoke and slows its spread to other parts of the building. On the other hand, when open, they provide a means of escape and provide emergency services with a protected route to access the building. The spread of fire is like a domino effect; there are no obstacles, so every piece keeps falling, and the fire keeps spreading. If you put up an obstacle, you would soon see the chain reaction stop. The obstacle contains fire, so it is now safe to go forward.
2. How Long can Fire Doors Contain Fire and Smoke?
This depends on the fire door rating, which indicates how long the door can withstand a fire. The most common ratings are FD 30 and FD 60, which resist fire for 30 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. However, you may also have ratings that allow up to 120 minutes of fire resistance, but the minimum you should ever find is 30 minutes. The design of the building and the nature of its daily operation will determine the category of fire doors that should be installed.
3. Why are Fire Doors Important?
In fact, people are more often affected by smoke before the fire itself. Fire doors are a lifesaver in this scenario as they can resist smoke and fire. A smoke seal, for example, around the edge of the door and the frame seals gaps to prevent smoke from entering and preventing smoke inhalation. Similarly, intumescent strips expand to several times their original size when exposed to heat to seal gaps around doors and contain fire and smoke.
4. Are Fire Doors and their Maintenance a Legal Requirement?
Yes. The Reform of Regulations Regulations 2005 (RRO), which applies to all non-domestic and communal premises, states that a responsible person must take steps to eliminate and reduce fire risks. This includes duties such as carrying out fire risk assessments and implementing recommendations from the assessment to ensure a safe and legal environment, as well as offering appropriate fire safety training to staff. So, whenever you need a commercial fire door repair, you can contact us or visit our website to learn more.
