This week marks the British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Safety Week, an important campaign reminding us of the critical role fire doors play in protecting lives. In healthcare facilities, where patients and staff depend on safe evacuation routes, fire doors are the first line of defence against the spread of fire and smoke.
Understanding fire door ratings.
Fire doors are rigorously tested and rated for how long they can withstand fire. SDS fire door ratings start from:
FD30: Resists fire for a minimum of 30 minutes.
FD60: Resists fire for a minimum of 60 minutes.
These crucial minutes provide staff and patients time to evacuate safely. However, it’s vital to remember that any damage to a fire door can reduce its effectiveness, making evacuation more dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Fire doors can be recognised in several ways:
Identification disks: Each door leaf should have a disk showing the fire integrity rating (e.g., FD30, FD60).
Mandatory signage: Signs such as “Fire Door Keep Shut”, “Fire Door Keep Locked Shut”, or “Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear” must be displayed clearly.
Manufacturer’s plug or label: This indicates the fire rating and certification of the doorset.
Fire doors should be inspected at least every six months. However, in high-use or high-traffic areas, more frequent checks are strongly recommended. Any signs of damage, deterioration, or wear should be reported and addressed by the doorset manufacturer or a qualified fire door inspector. Repairs must be carried out by professionals approved under a fire door repair and maintenance scheme.
It is also recommended that all inspections and repairs are fully documented and kept for future reference to demonstrate compliance and ensure ongoing safety.
When purchasing fire doors, remember that every component contributes to certification. Vision panels, ironmongery, and fire-stopping materials are all integral to the doorset’s fire integrity. Doorsets with Primary Fire Test evidence provide additional reassurance, as they have been tested as a complete system under demanding conditions and are backed by the required certification.
All SDS doorsets are backed by BM Trada Q-mark certification and primary fire test evidence.
At SDS, our PVC post-formed doorsets are designed to withstand high-traffic use and rigorous cleaning regimes common in healthcare facilities. Their durability helps prevent cracks or damage that could compromise their fire resistance and, ultimately, patient and staff safety.
Fire Door Safety Week is the perfect time to review, inspect, and reinforce the importance of fire doors in your facility. By ensuring fire doors are properly installed, maintained, and certified, healthcare providers can continue to protect lives where it matters most.