Fire Doors in the UK

Fire doors in the UK are an important safety feature in buildings, especially in commercial and public buildings where there can be large numbers of people.

A fire door is specially designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different parts of a building.  It also provides a safe means of escape in case of a fire when it’s also a fire exit.

Fire Door Construction

Fire doors are made of special fire-resistant materials. They are usually fitted with special  intumescent strips that expand when exposed to heat, sealing the gaps around the door.  This helps to prevent smoke and flames from spreading through the door frame. They are also fitted with fire-rated hinges and a self-closing mechanism to ensure that they close properly in the event of a fire.

Fire Door Regulations

Building regulations in the UK require that all commercial and public buildings must have fire doors installed in certain areas.  These areas include corridors, staircases, and escape routes. The doors must meet British Standard 476 standards and be tested and certified to ensure that they are effective in preventing the spread of fire.

Maintenance

It is important to note that the doors must be kept in good condition and properly maintained.  This ensures that they continue to provide the necessary protection against a fire spreading.

Regular inspections and maintenance should be carried out by a competent person to ensure that the doors are functioning correctly.

Fire doors are a crucial safety feature in buildings.  Their installation and maintenance are regulated by building codes and standards to ensure that they are effective in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.