The key facts about fire exit doors

In the second of our series of articles on fire doors, this time we’re covering fire exit doors and what you need to know about them.  It’s crucially important that the correct type of doors are installed and that the correct procedures are always followed, to the letter.  Lives are at stake!

Let’s take you through the key facts.  As we covered last time, all of the doors on the escape routes towards the final and outer exit should be quick and easy to open, without a key, and clearly sign-posted.  The problem with the final exit, to the outside, is of course one of security – people need to get OUT quickly in the event of a fire, but you need to stop burglars and intruders getting IN easily.  How do we achieve this?

First things first, this is obviously only a problem when the premises are occupied (so make sure that you have a totally fool-proof policy for checking this).  When the premises are unoccupied, there are a number of options.

Types of fire door

•  the use of so-called “barrel bolts”, but with the stop (which prevents the bolt from being withdrawn too far) removed at installation.  Although frequently used in the past, these are not recommended – particularly if the door is the ONLY means of escape – as they can occasionally stick and thus make the bolt difficult to withdraw
• “panic” or “push” bars.  We’re all familiar with these.  As the name implies, they are easy to operate in a panic situation simply by pushing down.  Clearly they are only suitable for doors that can only open outwards, and must be clearly labelled (e.g. PUSH TO OPEN).  These are particularly effective when large numbers of people are evacuating quickly, as minimal pressure is required to release the locking mechanism
• emergency or “push” pads.  Similar to panic bars, but are small pads instead of horizontal bars.  They should of course also be accompanied by a sign explaining the mode of operation.  These are suitable for doors where panic is unlikely (e.g. for the exclusive use of staff intimately familiar with the building layout) and NOT for the general public
• Redlam bolts.  These bolts fit into a tube, which when broken automatically slides back the bolt and unlocks the door.  As with push pads, they are only suitable for use by staff and NOT for the general public
• Kingpin emergency bolts.  Similar to Redlam bolts, these have a handle which when pulled releases the spring-loaded bolt and unlocks the door.

These solutions are suitable for the vast majority of exit fire doors.  There are some premises, however, such as high security buildings, where other more sophisticated mechanisms need to be employed (e.g. mechanisms relying on electromagnetism such as Maglocks or Shearmags).

Given all these options, and the vital importance of getting it right, it’s crucially important that you talk to the experts when you consider what fire doors to install.

Fire door maintenance

We make no apologies for reinforcing this message time and time again.  Due to the crucial role that they play, it’s vital that fire doors are maintained exactly to the manufacturer’s specifications and checked regularly.  That way, in the unfortunate event of them being put to the test, they will perform as they’re supposed to.

So who should I talk to about my exit fire doors?

Our team at Enfield Doors know this topic inside out, are familiar with all the regulations, standards, and best practices, and will work with you to ensure that the fire doors that you install do exactly what they are supposed to – and will function as intended in the unfortunate event of them ever being put to the test.

You call us on 020 3199 5850. As always we’ll be delighted to help you and pass on our expertise.