Fire Doors: What They Do and How to Check Them

A fire door holds back fire and smoke for long enough to let people get out. It only works if it closes fully and is in good condition. Damaged or wedged-open fire doors are among the most common findings in a fire risk assessment, and most faults can be spotted in a two-minute check.

What a fire door does

Buildings are divided into compartments by fire-resisting walls and floors. Fire doors close the openings in those walls. In a fire they keep corridors and stairs clear of smoke, protect escape routes and slow the spread of fire to the rest of the building. In nursing homes and hospitals they also make it possible to move people to a safer part of the building instead of straight outside.

A simple check anyone can do

1. Does it close by itself? Open the door fully and let go. It should close completely and latch without help. Try again from a few centimetres open.
2. Are the gaps even? Look at the gap between the door and the frame along the top and sides. Large or uneven gaps let smoke through.
3. Are the seals in place? Most fire doors have strips fitted in the edge of the door or the frame. Check they are there and not painted over or damaged.
4. Are the hinges sound? No missing screws, no movement, no oil stains from a failing hinge.
5. Is the door undamaged? Look for holes, split timber, broken glass or panels that have been cut for cables.
6. Is anything holding it open? Wedges, bins, extinguishers and hooks all defeat the door.

If a door needs to stay open

Doors that get in the way of daily work are the ones that get wedged. The answer is a hold-open device linked to the fire alarm, which releases the door when the alarm sounds. A wedge is never acceptable.

Faults found most often

• Closers disconnected because the door was heavy or noisy.
• Doors that catch on carpet and stop short of the latch.
• Damage from trolleys, beds and deliveries.
• Holes drilled for cables or pipes and never sealed.
• Doors replaced with ordinary doors during refurbishment.

Recording the checks

Note routine door checks, faults and repairs in your fire safety register. Repairs should be carried out by someone competent, using parts suited to fire doors.

Fire doors are checked in every fire risk assessment Safer Solutions carries out. Call 086 275 9728, email info@safersolutions.ie or request a quote.