Posted on 31 October 2022
We’re supporting Fire Door Safety Week 2022 to raise awareness of how fire doors work to save lives.
Lesley Smith, our Head of Building Safety, said: “A fire door is a crucial element in protecting lives and property. A fire door creates a barrier preventing fire from spreading. A well-functioning fire door gives additional time and creates a safe refuge for occupants, and provides a protected route for emergency services.”
What 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.
How fire doors work
There are key parts in a fire door, all working together to provide a fire barrier - so one small change can have a big impact its performance. A fire door only works if it's installed correctly.
Where fire doors are 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.
How to tell a door is a fire door
Fire doors in common areas of the building (corridors, stairwells and service rooms) will have a blue sign. Front doors, and fire doors inside individual homes, do not need to have 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 emailing us.
Fire doors as front doors
Front doors face onto ‘critical means of escape routes’. It’s vital front doors work properly when a fire breaks out, so it’s important that the front doors of flats are fire doors. Leaseholders may be responsible for making sure their front door has a suitable fire rating and that compatible components are fitted, and need to check their 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 half way 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.
Reporting an issue
Email us if you find an issue with the fire safety doors in your building. Alternatively, contact your local fire service for advice.
Fire Door Safety Week was launched in 2013 and this year runs from 31 October – 7 November.