Fire Door Regulations

Locksmiths of course deal with all manner of lock related products and this inevitably often leads to dealing with other associated products including the doors themselves that the locks and other are accessories are fitted to. Many of these products are either installed onto fire doors or are related to fire doors in some way. Therefore it is important to understand what needs to be considered and to know when products are fitted on to non-compliant doors. So this article looks at fire door regulations and locking mechanisms.

What is a Fire Door and Why are they Important?

A fire door has the same purpose and everyday functionality of a normal door in that it opens and closes and allows access to and from a building/room. However, if there is a fire, then the door has to be able to contain the fire, potentially suppress it and allow people to escape though available exit routes. A fire door is an integral part of the fire safety system of a building.

Fire doors are typically rated FD30 or FD60, meaning that they can offer either 30 minutes or 60 minutes of fire resistance, covering smoke, heat, and flames. Fire doors can be made from a variety of fire-resistant materials.

Where do Fire Doors Need to be Installed?

Domestic buildings: Homes with three or more stories need to have a fire door for every door between a stairwell and a habitable room. Any door between an integral garage and a house must also be a fire door. Doors to converted lofts should also be fire doors.

Mixed-use buildings: Any door between a residential and a commercial space must be a fire door.

Commercial buildings: Fire doors must be designed throughout providing a vertical or horizontal escape route through a building.

It is against fire door regulations to prop open or hold fire doors open, as they will be unable to stop the spread of fires when held open. Generally speaking, fire doors should be fitted with an automatic closer above them.

Fire doors must never be locked whilst a building is occupied, as there must be an unobstructed route to escape through. All components used within a fire door must be fire-resistant in order to pass UK regulations. All hinges used on fire doors must also be fire-rated.

A fire door key should be available and accessible by all that may need it.

Ensure fire doors are checked regularly

In 2019, three-quarters of fire doors inspected by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme were condemned as “not fit for purpose”!

Fire doors should be inspected regularly. Although there is no specific frequency required by legislation, it is normally recommended to carry out an inspection on fire doors at least every 6 months.

For more information, especially relating to locks, please also read the previous Lock Guy article on the use of thumb-turn locks to ensure compliance to the regulations and the safety of all occupants.

More information on the UK fire door regulations can also be found on the Government website on fire door guidance.

I hope this article on Fire Door Regulations has been useful to you. If you have any questions or would like to discuss my services please get in contact.

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