This year’s Fire Door Safety Week - the 11th in its history - focused on the theme ‘A False Sense of Safety’, aiming to bridge the gap between perception of safety and actual fire risk. Key messages include how effective fire strategies, fire-safe hospital doors and maintaining those doors can significantly influence the sense of safety for patients, staff and visitors in hospitals, and emphasise that fire safety is the responsibility of a broad range of people who must all participate.
Despite rising numbers of fire incidents, hospitals are seen as safest
A survey carried out through Fire Door Safety Week found that hospitals are still considered to be the safest buildings, despite an 18% increase in fires across NHS trusts (averaging nearly four fires daily).
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation that manages and funds Fire Door Safety Week, said, “Our latest research shows that people often have a greater sense of fire safety in buildings like schools and hospitals. Regardless of where you are, it is crucial to be aware of fire safety measures, such as emergency exits and fire doors, because the risk of fire is present in any building.”
The research also revealed that:
- 52% of respondents considered hospitals to be the safest due to their fire prevention measures.
- 47% trust fire doors in public buildings to be fit for purpose.
- 70% said that visible safety measures, such as fire alarms and fire doors, contributed to their feelings of safety.
- 55% were unsure where to find fire safety information with 29% saying they wouldn’t report a fire door issue as they wouldn’t know who to contact.
From our experience of working closely with healthcare providers across the UK, we know just how important it is to foster a safety-first culture. This means that everyone in the life cycle of a hospital building; from building designers and construction teams to door manufacturers, testers, fitters, maintenance, fire safety leads, staff and members of the public, all hold a vital responsibility in considering the impact of specifying high quality fire safe doors, reporting issues and repairing damage.
As highlighted in the recent Grenfell Tower inquiry report, there are grave risks that come with not taking responsibility for fire safety. So, how do we ensure that fire safety doors allow hospitals to remain places that enhance patient care, protect staff and allow for consistent operation throughout critical situations?
How do you know if a fire safety door is actually safe?
Fire doors play a vital role in fire protection by compartmentalising a fire and preventing the spread of flames and toxic smoke. In an emergency, fire doors help contain the blaze, giving occupants valuable time to evacuate or be rescued. However, these doors can only perform this function if they are well-maintained and regularly inspected.
As we have learnt from the Fire Door Safety Week findings, better awareness is needed around fire safety and the signs to look out for. Here are some key facts that will guarantee fire safety doors meet current safety standards.
Related: transforming NHS trust facilities with durable doorsets
How to identify a fire door
Fire doors are marked in several ways to indicate their fire-resistance capabilities. Look for a fire door identification disk on each leaf which will state the fire integrity rating, such as FD30 or FD60; this shows how many minutes of a blaze the fire door can withstand.
Additionally, fire doors must display mandatory signage, including labels like ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’, ‘Fire Door Keep Locked Shut’ or ‘Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear’. These labels help ensure compliance with safety protocols. Furthermore, a manufacturer's identity plug or label will provide further details about the fire rating and certification of the doorset, ensuring the door meets fire safety standards.
Regular inspection and maintenance of fire doors
Fire doors should undergo routine inspections to guarantee they remain fully functional. In sites with heavy foot traffic – such as hospitals – inspections should be conducted more frequently due to the likelihood of increased wear and tear. If a fire door shows any signs of damage - such as deterioration, gaps, or faulty hardware, it should be repaired immediately by the manufacturer or a certified fire door inspector.
Worryingly, 75% of fire doors fail to meet safety standards, often due to installation issues or maintenance lapses. Documenting all inspections and repairs is recommended, as these records can be crucial in proving compliance and ensuring future safety audits go smoothly.
Purchasing high-quality fire doors
When buying fire doors, it's important to recognise that all components - such as vision panels, door hardware, and fire-stopping materials - contribute to the overall fire certification of the doorset. Purchasing a complete fire door package, including ironmongery, ensures you have a fully compliant system.
Doorsets with primary fire test evidence, such as those we provide at Specialist Door Solutions, are preferable because they have undergone rigorous testing under the most demanding conditions and are backed by necessary certifications. It’s important to check that fire doors meet British Standard BS 476 Part 22, which tests fire resistance, or the European equivalent, EN 1634-1.
The importance of proper installation
Even the highest-quality fire door will fail if it’s not properly installed. Fire doors are engineered to precise standards, so professional installation is key to ensuring they perform correctly in an emergency. Hiring a qualified and experienced installer not only guarantees compliance with fire safety regulations but also maximises the effectiveness of the door's fire-resistant features. Remember, installation is just as critical as the door itself in providing optimal fire protection.
Let Specialist Door Solutions take charge of your fire door safety
At Specialist Door Solutions, we are proud to the be UK’s designer and manufacturer of specialist doorsets. We have a 40-year track record of successful collaboration with architects, contractors, NHS trusts and private hospitals: partnerships which are based on our core tenets of specialisation, dedication and sincerity.
Our highly experienced team of specialists in product innovation, development and optimisation are on hand to ensure our customers’ technical and commercial needs are always met.
Contact our Sales team to find out more about the long-term value and strategic benefits of choosing SDS durable doorsets.
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