Alarming Survey Results Reveal Widespread Fire Door Negligence

Alarming Survey Results Reveal Widespread Fire Door Negligence

Fire Doors: The Unsung Heroes of Workplace Safety

Fire doors are a crucial element in the safety infrastructure of any workplace, providing essential protection for both occupants and valuable equipment. However, the effectiveness of these life-saving barriers can be drastically compromised if they are not installed correctly or maintained regularly. Legionella and Fire Safe Services, a BM Trada accredited provider specializing in fire door installation and maintenance, is raising awareness about the critical importance of proper fire door management considering concerning new findings.

Alarming Survey Results Reveal Widespread Fire Door Negligence

A recent survey conducted by health and safety training provider CE Safety has highlighted a concerning lack of awareness among UK workers regarding the proper use and maintenance of fire doors. The survey, which included 1,000 office workers across the UK, revealed that a staggering 75% of fire doors do not meet required safety standards, with 31% having been installed incorrectly from the outset.

Gary Ellis, a spokesperson for CE Safety, expressed deep concern over these findings:
“We were worried to see the amount of people who did not know important information about fire doors that could save lives. 34% of the office workers who took part in our survey did not know that fire doors should be kept closed unless a self-closing mechanism or door release unit has been installed.”

This knowledge gap underscores the urgent need for both employers and employees to prioritise fire door safety. Properly functioning fire doors can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency, as they are designed to prevent the spread of fire and toxic smoke.

Lee Fielding Operations Manager at Legionella and Fire Safe Services said “Fire doors are essential components of a building’s fire strategy, not only for saving lives during a fire by limiting its spread but also for protecting assets and the building itself. It is the responsibility of the Responsible Person (RP) to ensure that fire doors are regularly inspected and maintained by a competent contractor.

With the ongoing amendments to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, many RPs are uncertain about their new responsibilities, including the minimum required frequency of fire door checks, the appropriate fire ratings, and the factors that can compromise a fire door’s integrity, making it unserviceable. Only through increased education and understanding can we ensure that fire doors remain both serviceable and compliant.”

Common Fire Door Faults: What to Look For

The survey also shed light on common issues with fire doors that workers often overlook. While 80% of respondents correctly identified that fire doors should not be wedged open, fewer were aware of other critical faults. For example, only 57% recognised cracked glass as a problem, and just 22% understood that gaps around the door frame could compromise the door’s effectiveness.

These faults are not just minor oversights; they represent significant risks. Screws and hinges in fire doors need to be extremely strong to withstand the intense heat of a fire, and any damage or wear and tear can drastically reduce the door’s ability to protect against the spread of fire and smoke.

The Importance of Regular Inspections and Maintenance

Fire doors must be inspected at least every six months to ensure they remain operational and effective. However, as the survey revealed, many workplaces fall short of this standard. An alarming 41% of office workers reported seeing fire doors propped open at their workplaces—an action that is only safe if the door is equipped with a release unit that will automatically close it in the event of a fire.

Legionella and Fire Safe Services: Your Partner in Fire Door Safety

As an accredited provider by BM Trada in fire door installation and maintenance, Legionella and Fire Safe Services is committed to ensuring that your workplace is fully compliant with fire safety regulations. Our expert team offers comprehensive fire door inspection, installation, and maintenance services, ensuring that your fire doors provide the protection they are designed to deliver.

We urge all businesses to take immediate action by scheduling a fire door inspection and educating their staff on the importance of fire door safety. Remember, a properly maintained fire door is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a vital tool that could save lives.

For more information on our services or to schedule an inspection, please contact us at info@legionellaandfiresafe.co.uk or Call 0800 080 0345