Christmas Decorations Without Compromise: A Facilities Manager’s Guide to Safe Winter Fire Doors

The Christmas season is one of the busiest periods for facilities teams. Decorations go up, staff celebrations take place, visitor numbers increase, and businesses want to create a warm and festive atmosphere. But as decorations appear across the building, the risk to passive fire safety systems increases too, especially when it comes to fire doors.

Fire doors are essential components of fire compartmentation and life safety. They are designed, installed, and maintained to strict standards. Even small seasonal changes can compromise their performance. This guide explains how to keep your building festive without undermining its fire doors, leaning on the requirements of BS 8214 and the third party assurance provided by BM TRADA Q Mark, which Protest ES Ltd is proudly certified under.

Why Christmas Creates Hidden Fire Door Risks

Christmas decorations, extra foot traffic, deliveries, and end of year works all place pressure on fire doors. Issues commonly arise because fire doors are:

• Wedged open for convenience

• Covered or obscured by decorations

• Blocked by trees, parcels, or bins

• Decorated with wreaths that interfere with performance

• Exposed to greater use and wear

Each of these seasonal behaviours can weaken your fire protection strategy and breach legal requirements under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005.

If you need your doors professionally reviewed, visit our Fire Door Inspection page.

The Problem with Wreaths and Decorations on Fire Doors

Wreaths and decorative displays are among the most common Christmas additions in workplaces. Unfortunately, they are also one of the biggest risks.

How wreaths compromise a fire door

Wreaths are often attached with hooks, nails, screws, adhesive pads, or ribbon. These all have the potential to:

• Damage the door leaf

• Interfere with the intumescent seals

• Obstruct the closing path

• Add additional combustibles to the door surface

• Void the fire door’s certification

Under BS 8214, a fire door must remain free from untested alterations. Any additional fittings must be proven through third party evidence. Seasonal decorations do not meet this requirement and can cause the door to fail during a fire.

Adhesive residues

Even temporary adhesive products can leave marks, strip veneer, or cause delamination. This may lead to future smoke leakage or structural weakness.

If any damage is already present, our specialists can support you with certified repairs through our Fire Door Remedials service.

The Risk of Wedging Fire Doors Open During Christmas

Christmas often brings increased foot traffic from:

• Visitors

• Catering teams

• Deliveries

• External contractors

• Internal events

To ease movement, it is common for staff to wedge open fire doors. This is one of the most serious breaches of fire safety law and is specifically prohibited under BS 8214 and the Fire Safety Order.

Why wedging is dangerous

A wedged fire door:

• Removes the door’s ability to prevent fire and smoke spread

• Breaks the integrity of the compartment line

• Compromises evacuation routes

• Exposes stairwells and lobbies to fire spread

• Invalidates certification and insurance protection

If a fire breaks out and a fire door is held open by a wedge, the door will not contain the smoke. This can rapidly flood escape routes and endanger life.

Compliant alternatives

• Electromagnetic hold open devices

• Door closers linked to fire alarms

• Certified fire door retainers

These can be legally fitted by certified experts such as Protest ES Ltd, who hold BM TRADA Q Mark accreditation for installation. Learn more at our Fire Door Installation page.

Decorations Blocking Fire Door Signage and Access

Christmas trees, displays, gifts, and seasonal props often end up placed near doorways. This is a problem when these doorways are fire doors.

Hazards include:

• Trees blocking blue mandatory signage

• Decorations preventing the door from closing fully

• Boxes or objects stored in front of fire exits

• Banners covering smoke seals or hinges

Under BS 8214, all fire door signage must be visible and unobstructed. Decorations must not interfere with the swinging arc of a fire door or its closing mechanism.

If possible, designate a decoration free buffer zone around all fire doors.

Seasonal Damage to Smoke Seals and Intumescent Strips

During the winter period, fire doors are opened and closed far more frequently, especially in hospitality, retail, and office buildings.

This extra use can:

• Tear smoke seals

• Loosen intumescent strips

• Cause wear to the hinges or closing device

• Lead to misalignment due to temperature changes

Once these protective components are damaged or missing, the fire door no longer performs to its rated specification. Seasonal checks should therefore form part of your Christmas preparation.

If your doors need maintenance, book a certified inspection through our Fire Door Inspection service.

How BM TRADA Q Mark Ensures Fire Door Safety

Protest ES Ltd is BM TRADA Q Mark certified for fire door installation and fire door maintenance. This certification means:

• Every installation follows tested and approved methods

• All maintenance work protects the original fire rating

• All materials are traceable and audited

• All remedials are carried out by competent professionals

• All work is supported by photographic evidence

For Christmas and winter planning, this level of assurance is essential. When decorations are up, contractors are on site, and building layout is modified for events, you need certified professionals to verify that fire doors remain fully compliant.

A Facilities Manager’s Christmas Fire Door Checklist

Use this simple list to keep your site both festive and safe.

Do

• Keep all fire doors clear of decorations

• Maintain visibility of fire door signage

• Check that all doors close fully and latch securely

• Inspect smoke seals and intumescent strips

• Monitor door closers for smooth operation

• Train staff on the dangers of wedging open fire doors

• Keep decorations at least one metre from fire exits

• Ensure Christmas trees do not block escape routes

Do Not

• Attach wreaths or fixings to fire doors

• Use adhesive hooks or pads on fire door surfaces

• Hang garlands over door frames

• Store presents, packages, or bins in front of fire exits

• Allow staff to wedge any fire door open

• Cover signage or safety information

If you spot any issues during the holiday period, schedule an immediate inspection or remedial through Protest ES Ltd.

Conclusion

Christmas decorations can brighten a workplace, but they should never compromise fire doors. With careful planning, staff awareness, and certified support, you can maintain the festive atmosphere without risking compliance or safety. By following BS 8214, avoiding unapproved alterations, and working with BM TRADA Q Mark certified professionals, you protect your building and the people inside it throughout the holiday season.

For certified fire door inspection, maintenance, or installation services, contact Protest ES Ltd through our Get a Quote page.