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Author: Admin Tags: Fire Door Safety Week

Fire Door Safety Week 2021

Fire doors save lives but cannot work if doors are propped open or damaged, is the important message from North Devon door manufacturer, Principal Doorsets. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic there was concern that the virus may be transmitted via regularly touched surfaces such as door handles and push plates. As a result, many schools and businesses took the decision to wedge doors open to prevent transmission and increase ventilation. But this Fire Door Safety Week (20-26 September), it’s being highlighted fire doors are key to life and building protection as Principal Doorsets Director, Stan Bond, explains: 

“Fire doors are not like any other door. They are life-saving devices and contain components that must work together to ensure that should a fire break out, the flames and smoke are contained in a compartment for a specified time. By keeping the fire and smoke trapped for a defined period, this allows time for people to get out, and makes the fire easier to tackle with less damage to the building. For years we have seen and heard horror stories when fire doors have been wedged open. We want to remind people of the important purpose of fire doors and that due to the unpredictability and seriousness of fire, they must remain closed.” 

Principal Doorsets based on Pottington Industrial Estate, Barnstaple is third party assessed under the Q-Mark Fire door manufacturing scheme. BM TRADA Q-Mark is regarded as one of the most rigorous certification processes available for construction products, it is recognised by controlling authorities, home warranty providers such as the NHBC (National House Building Council) and is used by world-class construction companies and manufacturers.  

BM TRADA Q-Mark assesses products that have been burnt in a controlled furnace, applying extrapolation and over run data techniques to establish a range of products that will perform in a fire. Principal Doorsets rigorously test their fire doors in specialist facilities to ensure their doors exceed safety requirements. 

Fire doors are not only found in high rise buildings, they are prevalent in places such as care homes, hospitals, hotels, schools and specialist housing and must be certified. All fire rated doors can be identified by their mandatory blue plate with the white writing that reads ‘fire door keep shut’ or by the certification mark on the outer edge of the door. Anyone who suspects damage or sees a fire door not being used properly is urged to report it to the building owner.  

Fire Door Safety Week was launched in 2013 in response to a legacy of fire door neglect. The campaign, managed by the British Woodworking Federation, seeks to increase awareness of the vital role of fire doors.