Risk management for public entities: The importance of Fire doors

Fire doors enhance building safety by preventing fire and smoke spread, aiding evacuation, and facilitating more efficient emergency responses. Public entities should prioritize proper fire door maintenance, compliance, and best practices for usage within a comprehensive risk management strategy to strengthen the safety of occupants and better protect their properties.

Fire doors are critical components of building safety systems, specially designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in a building. Made from fire-resistant materials and in accordance with relevant fire safety standards and regulations, these doors can help building occupants safely evacuate during an emergency and contribute to a swift response from fire service professionals.

To maintain safe and secure premises, building and risk managers should understand the importance of fire doors as part of a broader risk management and compliance strategy, as well as best practices for maintenance and usage.

The following guidance highlights the importance of fire doors, defining features of these doors, as well as key risk controls public entities may implement to strengthen their approach to fire safety. It is not an exhaustive list and should be used in conjunction with internal policies and procedures, as well as in compliance with local laws and regulations.

The essential role of fire doors

Fire doors serve several crucial purposes in building safety, including:

Containment: Fire doors help contain fires to specific areas and slow down further spread. By compartmentalizing the fire, fire doors help prevent flames from rapidly spreading throughout the building, allowing occupants to escape and firefighters to control the situation more effectively.
Safe evacuation: During emergencies, fire doors serve as safe escape routes, allowing occupants to exit the building quickly. These doors are designed to withstand fire and smoke for a specified period, providing a protected pathway to safety. By following evacuation procedures and using fire doors as intended, occupants can significantly reduce the risk of injury or loss of life during a fire incident.
Property protection: Fire doors protect critical areas, such as stairwells and mechanical rooms, from fire exposure. By creating a barrier between the fire and these areas, fire doors help prevent further damage and facilitate effective firefighting efforts. This protection is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the building and minimizing the potential for extensive property loss.

Maintaining a compliant fire door safety plan

Safe and effective usage of fire doors requires adherence to comprehensive fire safety plans, as are often required by local and national building codes.

In Canada, The National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) was developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes in 2020, and is updated every five years, to improve building safety, health, and fire protection. It is the gold standard for provincial and territorial governments. Organizations should be attentive to regulations around the following:

Building code compliance: Fire doors must meet the requirements outlined in local and national building codes to ensure their fire resistance and overall safety. These codes specify the materials, construction standards, and installation guidelines for fire doors, ensuring they can withstand fire and smoke for a specified duration.
Inspections: Fire doors should undergo regular inspections to ensure they function correctly and meet safety standards. In Canada, the frequency of inspections for safety doors in commercial buildings can vary based on provincial regulations, the type of building, and the specific safety standards in place. Generally, the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) and local fire codes provide guidelines for the maintenance and inspection of safety doors, including fire doors. These inspections, conducted by qualified professionals, help identify any issues that may compromise the effectiveness of fire doors. Regular inspections also ensure that fire doors are properly maintained and repaired promptly if any deficiencies are found.

Defining features of fire doors

Fire doors act as barriers against the spread of fire and smoke within buildings. Some key features of effective fire doors include:

Material: Fire doors are typically made of steel or solid wood with a fire-resistance rating. This rating is typically expressed in hours and determinized through standardized testing procedures. Materials are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire doors are also equipped with specific hardware, including fire-rated hinges and lock, to ensure proper functionality during a fire event.
Seals: Equipped with smoke seals and self-closing mechanisms, fire doors help prevent the spread of smoke and maintain their structural integrity during a fire. Smoke seals are designed to expand when exposed to heat, creating a tight seal that restricts the passage of smoke and toxic gases.
Labels: Proper labeling is crucial for fire doors, indicating their fire-resistance rating and other essential information about the door's performance, including the duration it can withstand fire exposure (one hour, for example), the manufacturer’s name and product information, the name of the testing laboratory that certified the door, or any additional compliance information, such as building codes or regulations.

Checklist for proper fire door maintenance

Routine maintenance of your building’s fire doors should make up your broader approach to risk management. A comprehensive fire door maintenance checklist should include the following elements:

Visual inspection: Regularly check fire doors for any signs of damage, warping, or gaps around the door frame that may compromise their effectiveness. For example, look for cracks, dents, or any other visible defects that could affect the door's ability to withstand fire and smoke.
Functionality test: Confirm that fire doors close completely and latch securely, providing a tight seal to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Test the self-closing mechanism to ensure it works as intended.
Hardware check: Inspect hinges, locks, and seals to confirm they are in proper working condition and can effectively support the fire door's functionality. Lubricate hinges if necessary and replace any damaged or worn-out hardware components.
Path clearing: Keep the area around fire doors clear of any obstructions to ensure easy access and proper closing during emergencies. Remove any objects, furniture, or debris that may hinder the door's operation or prevent it from closing fully.

Best practices for appropriate fire door usage

For fire doors to be effective, building managers, occupants, and visitors need to be aligned on fire safety plans, including emergency procedures. The following guidance can help inform procedures specific to fire doors:

Do not prop open: Fire doors should never be held open, as this compromises their ability to contain fire and smoke. Fire doors should always remain closed, except when they are being used as an exit during an emergency.
Report issues: Any damage or malfunction of fire doors should be reported immediately to facility management to ensure prompt repairs and maintenance. Regular reporting of issues helps maintain the integrity of fire doors.
Prioritize regular training and education: Regularly educate building occupants about the importance of fire doors and their proper use. Conduct fire safety training sessions to familiarize occupants with evacuation procedures and emphasize the significance of fire doors in ensuring their safety. Promote a culture of fire safety within the building by encouraging responsible behavior and adherence to fire safety protocols.

Summary

The importance of fire doors in commercial buildings cannot be overstated. They are not merely regulatory requirements; they are essential life-saving features that protect both individuals and property during emergencies.

By integrating fire door management into a holistic risk management framework, public entities can enhance their overall safety protocols and ensure compliance with local and national regulations. Organizations are encouraged to take proactive measures, including regular training and maintenance, to uphold the integrity of their fire safety systems. For further guidance and support in optimizing your fire safety strategy, please reach out to your Marsh representative. Together, we can create safer environments for all.

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Article

Risk management for public entities: The importance of Fire doors.

The essential role of fire doors

Maintaining a compliant fire door safety plan

Defining features of fire doors

Checklist for proper fire door maintenance

Best practices for appropriate fire door usage

Summary

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Risk management for public entities: The importance of Fire doors.

The essential role of fire doors

Maintaining a compliant fire door safety plan

Defining features of fire doors

Checklist for proper fire door maintenance

Best practices for appropriate fire door usage

Summary

To learn more, speak with your Marsh representative

Related insights

Risk management for healthcare entities: Safe use of patient bed rails

Risk management for healthcare entities: Self-harm and suicide prevention

Risk management for healthcare entities: Fall and injury prevention

Risk management for healthcare entities: Personal health information privacy and security