Fire doors play a critical role in protecting lives and property by acting as a barrier to the spread of fire and smoke within a building. Installed as part of a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors are essential for maintaining safe escape routes and helping to compartmentalise fire within specific areas. Their design and function are governed by strict legal and regulatory requirements, making their correct specification, installation and maintenance a matter of public safety.
Limiting the Spread of Fire and Smoke
The primary purpose of a fire door is to contain fire and smoke within a designated area for a specified period, commonly 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the fire rating. This delay slows the spread of flames and smoke through a building, enabling occupants to evacuate safely and allowing fire and rescue services more time to respond and suppress the fire.
Unlike standard doors, fire doors are constructed from materials that can withstand high temperatures and continue to function under intense heat. These include solid cores made from timber, gypsum or composite materials, all of which are capable of maintaining structural integrity during a fire. Fire doors must also include intumescent seals around the edges. These seals expand when exposed to heat, effectively sealing the gaps around the door and preventing smoke from passing through.
Supporting Safe Evacuation Routes
Another key function of a fire door is to protect critical escape routes, such as corridors and stairwells. In the event of a fire, these routes must remain usable and free from smoke for as long as possible. Fire doors installed along these paths form part of a building’s compartmentation strategy and must close automatically to maintain their protective function.
This requirement is why fire doors are fitted with self-closing devices, ensuring they return to the closed position after use. If left open, a fire door cannot provide the protection it is designed for. In certain settings, such as care homes and hospitals, fire doors may be held open using electromagnetic hold-open devices linked to the fire alarm system. These devices enable easier movement through the building in day-to-day use, automatically releasing the door to close when the alarm is triggered.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
In the UK, the installation and maintenance of fire doors is a legal requirement in many types of buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Responsible persons, such as landlords, building owners or facilities managers, have a legal duty to ensure that fire doors are fit for purpose and kept in good working condition.
This includes regular inspections to check that doors close fully, seals are intact, and there is no damage that could compromise performance. Any identified faults must be rectified promptly. Fire doors must also be clearly marked with certification labels, confirming that the door and its components have been tested to the appropriate British or European standards, such as BS 476 or EN 1634.
The Role of Third-Party Certification
Third-party certification provides assurance that a fire door set has been manufactured, tested and installed to recognised standards. Certification schemes assess both the performance of the door and the competence of those responsible for fitting and maintaining it. Choosing certified fire door products and installers helps to reduce the risk of non-compliance and gives building owners confidence that their legal obligations are being met.
It is important to note that a fire door is only as effective as its installation. Even a certified door can fail in a fire if poorly fitted or if incompatible hardware is used. For this reason, all components of a fire door set, including the frame, hinges, handles, closers and glazing, must be suitable for use with that specific door and tested as a complete assembly.
The Importance of Fire Door Integrity
Fire doors are a fundamental part of fire safety, serving to slow the spread of fire and smoke and protect escape routes. Their effectiveness depends on careful design, correct installation, and ongoing maintenance. Compliance with fire safety regulations is not only a legal duty but also a vital measure to safeguard lives and property. Ensuring that fire doors are correctly fitted, regularly inspected and fully operational should be a priority for all those responsible for managing buildings.
Who is responsible for fire door integrity
In workplaces, commercial properties, and non-domestic premises, the responsible person is legally obligated to ensure the integrity of fire doors. This individual, who may be the building owner, landlord, or someone with control over the premises, is responsible for ensuring that fire doors are correctly installed, maintained, and inspected. Compliance with fire door regulations is crucial for ensuring safety and avoiding legal consequences.
- Responsible Person: The “responsible person” is the individual who has control over the premises and is responsible for ensuring fire safety, including the operation and maintenance of fire doors.
- Legal Obligation: The responsible person has a legal obligation to ensure fire doors are fit for purpose and regularly inspected.
- Regular Inspections: Fire doors should be inspected regularly, at least every six months, to check for damage, wear and tear, and proper functioning.