The vital role of fire door maintenance in the public sector

Fire doors are a vital yet often overlooked element of fire safety in public sector buildings. From schools to hospitals, their ability to contain fire and smoke can save lives--but only if they are properly maintained. This article by the National Association of Fire Door Inspectors (NAFDI) explores the legal, practical, and moral imperatives behind routine fire door maintenance, offering best practices and technological solutions to help public organisations uphold their duty of care

Fire safety is a critical consideration for every public sector organisation, from schools to hospitals, government buildings, and community centres. Among the various fire safety measures, fire doors stand as silent guardians, protecting lives and property in the face of an emergency. However, their effectiveness relies heavily on proper maintenance – a task that is often overlooked, with potentially devastating consequences. This article explores why maintaining fire doors is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral and practical imperative for the public sector.

Why fire doors matter

Fire doors are specifically designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, compartmentalising areas within a building to allow occupants more time to evacuate. They are an essential part of a building’s passive fire protection system and play a vital role in safeguarding lives during emergencies. In public sector buildings, where foot traffic is high and the stakes are even higher, fire doors are indispensable. For instance, in hospitals, fire doors can keep vulnerable patients safe from fire and smoke while evacuation efforts are underway. Similarly, in schools, they can prevent a fire from spreading to classrooms where children are sheltering. Their role is not just functional but profoundly life-preserving.

The consequences of neglect

The effectiveness of fire doors hinges on their condition. A poorly maintained fire door may fail to perform in an emergency, compromising the safety of occupants and the integrity of the building. Unfortunately, cases of neglected fire door maintenance abound, often leading to tragic outcomes.

Neglecting fire doors can result in serious consequences. Non-compliance with fire safety regulations, including proper maintenance, can lead to significant fines and legal action. Public sector organisations may also face increased liability, including lawsuits, if inadequate maintenance contributes to injury or loss of life during a fire. Additionally, an unchecked fire can spread rapidly, causing extensive property damage or loss that could have been mitigated by functioning fire doors.

Key maintenance practices

Maintaining fire doors requires regular inspection, repair, and documentation. Here are some best practices that public sector organisations should follow.

Regular inspections by a certified fire door inspector: fire doors should be inspected regularly by a certified fire door inspector, depending on the buildings use, either three monthly, six monthly or per annum to check for issues such as cracks, missing seals, or misalignment.

Compliance checks must be carried out. Fire doors must meet standards outlined in building and fire safety codes. Regular audits can ensure compliance.

Staff should be trained to recognise the importance of fire doors and report any signs of damage or misuse. It is important to be aware of and avoid misuse.

Fire doors should never be propped open, as this compromises their ability to block fire and smoke.

Collaboration and accountability

The responsibility for fire door maintenance should not fall solely on facilities management teams. A culture of accountability and collaboration is essential. Senior leaders within public sector organisations must prioritise fire safety, allocating adequate budgets and resources for regular maintenance. Staff members, too, should be vigilant, treating fire doors as life-saving devices rather than everyday fixtures.

The role of technology

Advances in technology have made fire door maintenance more manageable. Smart sensors can monitor the condition of fire doors in real-time, alerting maintenance teams to issues before they become critical. Digital record-keeping systems can also streamline the documentation of inspections and repairs, ensuring that all compliance requirements are met.

The human cost of complacency

Behind every fire safety failure is a human story – a family grieving the loss of a loved one or a community reeling from the destruction of a cherished space. These stories underscore the urgency of proper fire door maintenance. By investing time and resources into this critical task, public sector organisations can prevent such tragedies and fulfil their duty of care to the public they serve.

Conclusion

Properly maintained fire doors are not just a regulatory checkbox; they are a cornerstone of fire safety in the public sector. Their silent vigilance protects lives, preserves property, and upholds the mission of public service organisations. Neglecting their maintenance is a risk that no organisation should take. By prioritising regular inspections, fostering accountability, and embracing technological solutions, the public sector can ensure that fire doors remain steadfast allies in the fight against fire.

www.nafdi.org.uk