Let’s be honest, like many safety devices, fire doors remain fairly anonymous. We walk past dozens of them everyday – at work, at home and when we’re out and about in shops and restaurants. How many times do you give them a second thought? The truth is, many of us don’t give fire doors a second thought until we need them, when a fire breaks out.
Fire doors play a vital role as the first line of defence against fire and smoke, containing their spread while buildings are evacuated. To perform as they should (i.e. to resist smoke and fire for a specified time), they must be correctly specified, installed and maintained, and good fire safety practice must be shared and followed. How many times have you walked past a fire door that has been propped open? In the unfortunate event of a fire, a propped open fire door will not hold back smoke and fire, rendering it useless.
Every year, Fire Door Safety Week helps to raise awareness and helps save lives. The campaign seeks to educate people on the need to root out fire doors that are ill-fitted, damaged or poorly maintained and ensure that all buildings are equipped with fire doors that are fit for purpose. Tenants and residents need to have confidence in them and have clear guidance about fire safety plans and measures, and be able to report concerns that are then actioned.
This year the campaign is running from 21st to 27th September and there is still time for you to get involved. Individuals and organisations can show support by:
- Sharing Fire Door Safety Week resources, including the 5 Step Fire Door Check
- Participating in online events that help to educate on fire door best practice
- Pledging Support to the campaign
- Following the campaign on Twitter and helping to spread Fire Door messages
For more information visit firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk.