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Five steps to check your Fire Doors are safe (contact us if you think something's wrong)
Do you know the five steps to check the Fire Doors in your building would properly protect you and your home in the event of a fire? And would you know how to report any issues to us? It’s crucial that you let us know if there are any.
Don't worry if you’re unsure or need a refresher. You'll find our five-step guide to checking Fire Doors are safe below.
If you'd also like to:
- watch a short animation all about Fire Doors,
- see how often we'll inspect the Fire Doors in your building (depending on the type of building you live in),
- download our guide on Fire Doors,
- see more on Fire Doors..
..just tap here: www.boltonathome.org.uk/fire-doors.
Here's our five-step guide to checking your Fire Doors are safe:
Step 1. Certification:
Look for a label or plug on top (or occasionally on the side) of the door. Without a certification mark, you cannot be sure this really is a Fire Door.
How to check: use a mirror or the selfie function on your phone's camera.
Concerns? Please tell us by calling 01204 328000.
Step 2. Gaps:
Check the gaps around the top and sides of the door are consistently less than 4mm when the door's closed. The gap under the door can be slightly larger (up to 8mm), but it does depend on the door. Ideally, you shouldn't see light under the door.
How to check: use a £1 coin to give a feel for scale - this is about 3mm thick. It's important to make sure gaps are not so big that smoke and fire could travel through.
Concerns? Please tell us by calling 01204 328000.
Step 3. Seals:
Look for any intumescent seals around the door/frame. Check they're intact with no signs of damage. These will expand when in contact with heat, and will stop fire moving through the cracks.
How to check: take a look at the edges of the door and its frame.
Concerns? Please tell us by calling 01204 328000.
Step 4. Hinges:
Check all hinges are firmly fixed (three or more of them), with no missing or broken screws. This will ensure the door performs properly in a fire.
How to check: open the door and take a look at the hinges.
Concerns? Please tell us by calling 01204 328000.
Step 5. Closing properly:
Check the door closes firmly onto the latch without sticking on the floor or the frame. A fire door is useless when it's wedged open or can't close fully.
How to check: open the door about half way, let go and see what happens when you allow it to close by itself.
Concerns? Please tell us by calling 01204 328000.