Fire doors are essential to building safety, as they help prevent the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire. With fire doors placed strategically around areas like stairwells, hallways, and other sections within a structure where heat or smoke may be hazardous, they protect people from exposure to hazardous conditions. Knowing more about how fire doors work and their benefits can ensure you remain safe in an emergency. In this blog post, we will explore exactly what makes them such an essential piece of evacuation procedures so that you are better informed on why outfitting any public space with these life-saving apparatuses is vital.
1. What Are They Made Of?
Fire doors are typically made of high-grade steel or composite materials designed to resist extreme temperatures and pressure. It’s important to note that not all fire doors are created equal; for instance, some may be rated for up to forty minutes of protection while others may only provide thirty minutes or less.
When you enter the market for a fire door, check with the manufacturer to ensure that it has been tested and approved by a fire safety expert. Capital Fire Doors, for example, offers a variety of fire doors that are rated to last up to four extended periods. The team will also help you choose the right door and advise on the best installation practices.
2. How Do They Work?
Fire doors are designed with an intumescent material, a heat-sensitive substance that expands when exposed to intense temperatures. This material allows the door to seal shut in the event of a fire, effectively blocking off heated oxygen and smoke from entering the space.
In addition to their intumescent material, all fire doors must be installed with a self-closing mechanism that ensures it shuts firmly without fail every single time, even in an emergency. This is extremely important as even a slight opening could allow deadly heat and smoke inside.
3. What Are the Benefits?
The most obvious benefit of having fire doors installed is that they can help prevent the spread of flames and smoke in a building, reducing the risk of casualties or structural damage during an emergency. Fire doors also provide added peace of mind by giving people time to evacuate safely, as they are designed to remain sealed shut for up to a certain amount of time.
Finally, fire doors often come with additional features such as vision panels allowing people to see into the other side without compromising safety. This can be especially beneficial for public buildings with high traffic or activity, as it ensures that security personnel can better monitor the space without having to open the door.
4. Are They a Legal Requirement?
Although no law states all public buildings must be fitted with fire doors, many local and national building codes specify the installation of these apparatus in certain areas. It’s important to note that failure to comply with the regulations can result in hefty fines or even prosecution if your property is deemed unsafe by authorities.
If you must comply with fire safety regulations, choose a reliable supplier like Capital Fire Doors to help you select the right door for your environment. Fire doors are essential to any evacuation plan and should be installed in all public spaces to ensure the highest levels of safety and protection.
Overall, fire doors are a simple yet hugely effective safety measure that should be noticed. Their robust construction, efficient functioning, and ability to provide added peace of mind make them essential to any evacuation plan.