How fire doors save lives
26 September 2024
In most cases, fire doors are your first line of defence in a fire, stopping the spread of flames for at least 30 minutes. We walk past and through fire doors every day, often without noticing. In the unlikely event of a fire, they’re crucial for keeping escape routes clear and protecting people and the other homes in the building.
It’s important to remember that fire doors only work when they’re closed, so you must always keep fire doors closed – never prop or wedge them open. You also must never tamper with the self-closing devices on a fire door.
Can you spot a faulty fire door?
Most people don’t know how to spot a faulty fire door, but it’s crucial and you don’t need to be an expert to spot some issues! Here’s what you should look out for:
- No certification on the top or side of the door
- Doors that don’t fully close
- Gaps around the top or sides of the door that are thicker than a £1 coin. As a rule of thumb, if you can see light under the door, the gap may be too big
- Hinges that are not firmly fixed, with missing or broken screws
- Damaged seals around the door or frame
- Cracks on the door, or damage to the frame
Noticed any of these issues? Report them right away as it could save a life. To report these issues, please contact us by emailing customerservice@networkhomes.org.uk, filling out our online contact us form or calling us on 0300 323 3000. You can find out more about how to check if your fire door/s are in good working condition by visiting www.networkhomes.org.uk/5stepcheck
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