This short post seeks to explain why they shouldn t be propped open whilst it also covers a range of other frequently asked questions on the subject.
Fire door propped open.
Propped open fire doors.
If the door is not equipped with an automatic closing device do not prop it open.
Despite this they re still regularly found propped open preventing them from working as they should.
This standard regulates the installation and maintenance of assemblies and devices used to protect openings in walls floors and ceilings against the spread of fire and smoke within into or out of buildings.
But there are some doors that you could.
While it can be convenient to put a wedge in to keep a fire door open creating.
So any fire rated door assembly may not be wedged open.
Fire doors can be heavy restrict access through buildings and prevent a free flow of air which is why people prop them open.
That applies to nearly all doors in a hospital.
A 1 1 see annex k for general information about fire doors.
These doors protect stairs labs etc.
Fire doors form an integral part of the fire strategy for shared or multi storey accommodations.
Occupants may be tempted to prop open fire doors to preclude the need to touch handles.
Wedged or propped open fire doors are a common problem.
Fire doors can only be held open by automatic releasing hold open devices specifically designed and installed for this purpose.
1 1 1 with the exception of fabric fire safety curtain assemblies this standard addresses assemblies that have.
Firstly where a fire door has been wedged open against the instructions given by the the employer or resp person the person wedging the door and anyone who doesn t do anything about it ie walks through the door and does not remove the wedge may be contravening article 32 2 a of the fso which states it is an offence for any person to.
Should i still be carrying out fire drills in my commercial premises.
To contain fire and smoke.
When fire doors are wedged or propped open businesses are at risk of fines but more seriously it puts people s lives in danger.
And to finally address fire rated door assemblies section 8 3 3 1 requires all doors required to have a fire protection rating to comply with nfpa 80 which requires self closing devices on the doors.
Don t pay the price of the door wedge.
The only safe way for fire doors to be held open is with special devices that release them to close automatic ally when the fire alarm is activated.
Fire drills are an important part of any successful emergency evacuation procedure and can assist in a safe evacuation in event of.
If propped open occupants can be in danger using stairs to evacuate and lab research can be threatened by fire spread.