FIREFIGHTERS across the region are urging people to remember the difference an effective fire door can make.
Fire doors are often the first line of defence in a blaze so their correct specification, installation, maintenance and management can help save the lives of building occupants.
Yet fire door breaches remain one of the most common fines implemented under the Fire Safety Order.
Common problems range from doors being wedged open, missing or damaged or even non-fire doors being installed instead.
As part of the Fire Kills campaign, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) is supporting Fire Door Safety Week 2024 (September 23-29).
Building managers, landlords, tenants and all building users are encouraged to check the operation and condition of their fire doors and repair, if possible, or report those that aren’t satisfactory.
Deb Davies, HWFRS group commander for Protection, said: “It cannot be underestimated the difference that an effective fire door can make.
“A fire door is not always a fire exit door and is typically identified by a blue ‘FIRE DOOR KEEP SHUT’ sign often at eye level.
“Fire doors are an essential part of our fire protection.
“They help to compartmentalise a building, such as a block of flats, keeping fire and smoke trapped for a while in one area so that the fire can be tackled and people can be safely evacuated.
“If you’ve seen a damaged fire door or know of a flat entrance door that hasn’t been checked for fire performance, report it to your landlord or building manager straight away.
“And if you see a fire door propped open, make sure you shut it – a fire door cannot work when open.”
New legislation for fire doors has been introduced following the Grenfell tragedy.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require that fire doors in all buildings containing two or more domestic premises and containing common parts to ensure fire doors are kept shut when not in use and should undergo regular checks.
And residents or guests should not tamper with self-closing devices and should report any fault or damage immediately to the responsible person.
Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-fire-door-guidance and www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk for more information.
