When it comes to fire safety, fire doors are one of the most important passive protection measures in any building. They are specifically designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, buying precious time for safe evacuation and emergency response. But here’s the catch, even the best fire doors can only do their job if they are properly maintained.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential do’s and don’ts of fire door maintenance, highlighting common mistakes, and explain how you can keep your building compliant and, more importantly, safe.
The Do's of Fire Door Maintenance
Regular Fire Door Checks: Fire doors should be checked frequently. Look for gaps, damaged seals, working self-closers, and sign of wear and tear.
Professional Fire Door Inspections: Qualified inspections can identify issues that are easy to miss and provide reports to demonstrate compliance with the Fire Safety Order and comply with Building Regulations.
Ensure self-closing devices work correctly: A fire door must always be able to close fully and securely on its own. Test the closer and adjust or repair it if necessary (we can help!).
Keep fire door signage in place: Signs such as 'Fire Door Keep Shut' are a legal requirement and should always be visible and clear.
The Don'ts of Fire Door Maintenance
Don't wedge fire doors open: This is one of the most common and dangerous mistakes we see everyday. A wedged-open fire door cannot stop the spread of fire and smoke.
Don't paint over seals or hinges: Painting or varnishing over intumescent seals, hinges, or closing devices can prevent them from working properly.
Don't ignore minor damage: Even small cracks, missing screws, or damaged glazing can significantly compromise performance.
Don't leave it too long between checks: Without regular fire door maintenance, their effectiveness is quickly reduced. Fire door inspections should take place every 6-12 months, depending on the building complexity and occupant vulnerability.
Why Fire Door Maintenance Matters
Neglecting fire door maintenance doesn’t just risk non-compliance with fire safety regulations – it risks lives. A damaged or non-compliant fire door can allow smoke and fire to spread rapidly, cutting off escape routes and making safe evacuation impossible.
That’s why it is essential to keep up with inspections, carry out basic checks, and use trained certified professionals to assist with fire door maintenance, inspections and repairs when required.
Insurance Costs
If a fire breaks out on a property, the owner or occupier could be held responsible for any resulting damage or injuries. Carrying out regular fire door inspections not only reduces the risk of fire spreading but also helps facility managers limit their potential liability. Many insurance providers also make routine fire door inspections a condition to cover, and failing to meet these requirements can lead to increased premiums or even invalidated policies.
How We Can Help
At Assured Fire Safety Consultancy Ltd, we provide comprehensive fire door maintenance, inspections, fittings, and repairs to ensure your building stays safe and compliant. Whether you’re a school, care home, housing association or business, we’ll help you protect people and property with expert fire safety support.
Contact Us!
Contact us today to book a fire door inspection or maintenance visit to check if your building is compliant and fire safe.
The Do's and Don'ts of Fire Door Maintenance
When it comes to fire safety, fire doors are one of the most important passive protection measures in any building. They are specifically designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, buying precious time for safe evacuation and emergency response. But here’s the catch, even the best fire doors can only do their job if they are properly maintained.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential do’s and don’ts of fire door maintenance, highlighting common mistakes, and explain how you can keep your building compliant and, more importantly, safe.
The Do's of Fire Door Maintenance
The Don'ts of Fire Door Maintenance
Why Fire Door Maintenance Matters
Neglecting fire door maintenance doesn’t just risk non-compliance with fire safety regulations – it risks lives. A damaged or non-compliant fire door can allow smoke and fire to spread rapidly, cutting off escape routes and making safe evacuation impossible.
That’s why it is essential to keep up with inspections, carry out basic checks, and use trained certified professionals to assist with fire door maintenance, inspections and repairs when required.
Insurance Costs
If a fire breaks out on a property, the owner or occupier could be held responsible for any resulting damage or injuries. Carrying out regular fire door inspections not only reduces the risk of fire spreading but also helps facility managers limit their potential liability. Many insurance providers also make routine fire door inspections a condition to cover, and failing to meet these requirements can lead to increased premiums or even invalidated policies.
How We Can Help
At Assured Fire Safety Consultancy Ltd, we provide comprehensive fire door maintenance, inspections, fittings, and repairs to ensure your building stays safe and compliant. Whether you’re a school, care home, housing association or business, we’ll help you protect people and property with expert fire safety support.
Contact Us!
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