Fire Door Safety Week 2024
The British Woodworking Federation’s Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise the awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property in the unfortunate event of a fire.
Everyone plays their part in ensuring a fire door performs as it should in the tragic event of a fire, from the manufacturer through to the building users, and knowing what to look out for and what to do if you spot a problem might just save a life.
Fire doors are vital for the safety of those within a burning building. A properly installed and maintained fire door is capable of buying people between 30 to 60 minutes of protection time if a fire breaks out nearby; this could be the difference between life and death.
Recognise it, Report it
Research conducted in 2023 by the British Woodworking Federation as part of their Fire Door Safety Week campaign ‘Recognise it, Report it’, found that over half (57%) of the UK public couldn’t spot a problem with a fire door, leading to a failure to report issues.
Common Issues That Make Fire Doors Ineffective
Improper installation
Blocked or propped open doors
Missing or inadequate seals
Damage to the door frame
Non-compliance with standards
Faulty or incompatible hardware
Inadequate maintenance
Lack of signage
Punishments for Fire Door Misuse or Negligence
Fines: Organisations and individuals can face substantial fines for failing to comply with fire safety regulations. Fines for non-compliance with fire safety regulations can reach up to £10,000 or more for serious breaches.
Prosecution: Serious cases of fire door neglect can result in criminal prosecution. For example, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in the UK, those found guilty can face unlimited fines and up to two years in prison.
Business Closure: Authorities have the power to close down buildings or facilities that are deemed unsafe due to fire door neglect. This can lead to significant financial losses and operational disruptions for businesses.
Insurance Implications: Neglecting fire door maintenance can lead to increased insurance premiums or even void insurance policies. In the event of a fire, insurance companies may refuse to pay out claims if fire doors are found to be non-compliant or neglected.
At Protest ES Ltd we are proud to help keep businesses and people safe from the risk of fire through our fire door maintenance services. We actively encourage building owners and users to check the operation and condition of their fire doors and to report those that aren’t satisfactory.
Visit the pages below to see the various services that Protest ES Ltd provide;
We also engage and educate people, helping the whole building industry and every property owner to understand the correct specification, supply, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance of fire doors.
If you suspect the building you’re living in, working in or visiting has a faulty fire door, DO NOT JUST WALK BY. Report it to whoever manages or owns the building. You could save a life that day.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Protest ES Ltd, for any of your Fire Door requirements in the workplace, today – 01604 696113 | enquiries@protestesltd.co.uk.
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