10 Years of Fire Door Safety Week 

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25 September 2023

In its tenth year of promoting fire door safety, the British Woodworking Federation reports that the majority of people can’t identify a faulty fire door.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults found that over half (57 per cent) couldn’t spot a problem with a fire door. 21 per cent said they wouldn’t report a faulty fire door even if they saw one, because they don’t think anything would get done. Almost half (49 per cent) didn’t feel it was their responsibility to report a faulty fire door.

There was also a lack of understanding of the purpose of fire doors. More people believed that a fire door aids in stopping the spread of fire (46 per cent) than the spread of smoke (32 per cent) when the reality is that only a fully functioning fire door will protect property and life from fire and smoke.

More positively, 60 per cent of individuals would report a faulty or propped open fire door because they would feel responsible if a fire occurred that they feel they could have prevented. Also,  the majority (86 per cent) said they would report a faulty or propped open fire door in the future.

“This research highlights a worrying lack of awareness about the importance of recognising and reporting faulty fire doors. Everyone must understand that fire doors are a vital barrier, not just against flames but also against the deadly spread of smoke during a fire. We must empower individuals to take responsibility for fire safety in their homes and workplaces."

–Gavin Tomlinson

Protection and Business Safety Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)

More than a third (38 per cent) of respondents said their employer has explained how to spot a faulty fire door in the building, compared to 26 per cent of respondents’ landlords who’ve communicated this.

Commenting on the findings, Gavin Tomlinson, Protection and Business Safety Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), said: “This research highlights a worrying lack of awareness about the importance of recognising and reporting faulty fire doors. Everyone must understand that fire doors are a vital barrier, not just against flames but also against the deadly spread of smoke during a fire. We must empower individuals to take responsibility for fire safety in their homes and workplaces.

“The theme of this year’s campaign, ‘Recognise it, Report it,’ underscores the importance of Fire Door Safety Week. The week helps raise awareness around critical issues such as faulty fire doors, enabling people to spot and report issues so that immediate action can be taken to protect lives and property.”

Fire Door Safety – 5 Things FMs Can Check

The British Woodworking Federation has produced a five-step checklist for identifying faulty doors:

1. Certification – Look for a label or plug marking to show that the door is certified. All ironmongery such as locks, latches, closes and hinges must be CE marked and compatible with the door leaf’s certification.
2. Apertures – Altering the door for glazing apertures and air transfer grilles will make certification void.
3. Gaps and Seals – Check that the gap around the door frame is constant and 3.4mm and CE Marked hinges are firmly fixed with no missing screws. Ensure seals are fitted at the top and sides of the door.
4. Closers – Check that the closer shuts the door onto the latch from any position, and check from 75mm from the closed position.
5. Operation – Ensure the door closes correctly around all parts of the frame.

Picture: a photograph of some double fire doors in a corridor. Image Credit: British Woodworking Federation

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 25 September 2023

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