Humberside Fire and Rescue Service is reminding building owners, landlords, facilities teams and occupants of the vital role fire doors play in protecting people and property.
Fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, helping to protect escape routes and give people time to evacuate safely. However, they can only do this if they are correctly installed, properly maintained and used as intended.
That is why fire doors should be included as part of your routine building safety checks.
Why Fire Doors Matter
Fire doors save lives. They help contain fire, limit smoke spread and protect escape routes during an emergency.
Despite their importance, fire door safety issues are still commonly identified, including:
- Fire doors being wedged open
- Incorrectly installed, missing or damaged doors
- Missing or damaged seals
- A lack of routine inspections and maintenance
These issues can significantly reduce the effectiveness of a fire door when it matters most.
How to Check a Fire Door – 5 Simple Steps
Incorporating fire doors into everyday safety checks does not need to be complex. As part of your routine, you should make sure:
- Check for a label - Look on the top edge of the door to confirm it is fire-rated
- Check the gaps - Gaps should be less than 4mm around the door
- Check the seals - Intumescent and cold smoke seals must be present and undamaged
- Check the hinges - There should be at least three fire-rated hinges, with all screws secure
- Test the door - Open the door halfway – it should close fully on its own and latch properly
A Shared Responsibility
Fire door safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you are a landlord, building manager or occupant, being aware of risks and reporting issues can help prevent small faults becoming serious hazards.
If you spot a damaged or faulty fire door, report it immediately to your landlord, facilities team or building manager.