Fire doors are an important part of any business property. They are essential for ensuring that in the event of a fire, employees and customers can safely evacuate the building. In this blog post, we will take a look at the basics of fire doors: what they are, why they are important, and how to choose the right one for your business.
What is a fire door?
A fire door is a door that is designed to resist the spread of fire. Fire doors are typically made of metal or another fire-resistant material and are equipped with hardware that helps to prevent the door from being opened in the event of a fire.
Fire doors are an important part of any building’s fire safety system and are required in many commercial and institutional buildings. When choosing a fire door, it is important to consider the level of protection that is required.
Fire doors are available in different ratings that correspond to the amount of time that the door can withstand a fire. For example, a 45-minute fire door will provide more protection than a 20-minute fire door.
Ultimately, the best fire door for any given situation is one that has been approved by a qualified engineer.
Does a business need to have a fire door by law?
By law, all business premises in the UK must have at least one fire door fitted along the designated fire escape route. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) requires property owners to install appropriate fire doors in all UK business premises and to appoint a responsible person to ensure regular fire door inspections under RRO guidance.
Fire doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke, and can help to protect people and property during a fire emergency. In order to be effective, fire doors must be properly installed and regularly maintained. If you are responsible for a commercial property, it is important to familiarise yourself with the RRO requirements and to ensure that your premises are compliant.
What’s the difference between an internal fire door and an external fire exit?
Internal fire doors are important to any building’s fire safety plan. These doors help to split the building into compartments, which can slow the spread of fire. In addition, internal fire doors are typically made of fire-resistant materials and are usually equipped with self-closing mechanisms. This helps to ensure that the door will remain shut in the event of a fire.
External fire doors, on the other hand, are typically located at the end of a building’s escape route. These doors do not need to be fire-resistant and do not need to self-close. However, external fire doors must comply with certain regulations, such as being clearly marked and being easy to open from the inside.
Fire door maintenance
Fire doors are an essential part of any building’s fire safety system, and it is important to ensure they are properly maintained. Regular visual inspections should be conducted to check for signs of wear and tear, and any damaged or defective doors should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Our team of experts can provide fire door inspections to help ensure your doors are up to code and ready to do their job in the event of a fire. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
