As the cost of fire damage continues to rise, businesses and property owners have a responsibility to take proactive steps towards prevention. One key way to do this is through regular fire door surveys, which can help identify issues in your business’s infrastructure that could put you at risk for an unexpected fire.
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4 Things To Consider When Conducting A Fire Door Survey
When it comes to conducting a fire door survey, there are several things you need to consider in order to stay safe and be compliant with your local regulations. First and foremost, you need to hire a reputable inspection team that is experienced and certified in checking fire doors. They will not only inspect the door itself but also the frame, hinges, latches, seals and other components which all need to be up-to-date with the applicable safety standards.
Check Smoke Seals
It is important that smoke seals are checked as part of the survey; these are essential for containing any potential fires within their area. If smoke seals are inadequate or faulty then there is an increased chance of smoke travelling into other areas of the building if there was ever a fire situation.
Ensure Door Clearance
Also, it is important to ensure that doors have adequate clearance from the floor so they can effectively close when needed. This prevents fires from spreading beneath them and into other rooms which could cause significantly more damage than necessary. It is also required by law that doors should fit tightly in their frames because gaps can let out smoke or flames very quickly in event of a disaster.
Visible Fire Exit Signs
Fire exit signs should be clearly visible around any exits so people know where they should go if there was ever an emergency situation such as a fire. Any objects blocking fire exit routes must also be removed immediately otherwise people may be unable to leave quickly enough in case of an emergency evacuation is required.
External Opening Devices Functioning Well
Lastly, it’s important to check whether any external opening devices are functioning correctly as they could prove invaluable during the instance of a suspected fire alarm activation or potential fire risk elsewhere in the premises (for example; broken glass units). By ensuring any external opening devices are functioning correctly you ensure that anyone fleeing danger has access to a quick escape route(s) without having difficulty locating them or becoming trapped inside due to their malfunctionability.
Why Is It Important To Regularly Conduct Fire Door Surveys?
Conducting regular fire door surveys is essential for any business or property owner as it allows them to remain compliant with all applicable fire safety regulations and reduce the risk of an unexpected disaster. The process of checking doors and other areas of your infrastructure also helps you identify potential issues before they become a major problem and ensures that everyone in the building is protected should there be a fire emergency. Additionally, by regularly inspecting and maintaining your fire doors you can save money on repair or replacement costs that may arise if any issues were to go unnoticed for too long.
Is It Expensive To Conduct A Fire Door Survey?
No, fire door surveys don’t need to be expensive and can actually save you money in the long run. The cost of a survey typically depends on the size and complexity of your building as well as any specialised equipment/expertise needed for the inspection. Most companies also offer discounts for regular customers or bulk orders, so it can be beneficial to shop around and see what options are available. Additionally, some companies may offer a free initial survey which is always something worth looking into.
Regardless of the cost, it’s worth remembering fire door surveys are an essential part of ensuring that your building is safe and compliant with all applicable regulations; so investing in one is always money well spent. Talk to experts, Global Facility can give you effective facility management at the right cost. Visit their website here for more information https://globalfm.co.uk/new-fire-door-legislation-2023-survey/
In Summary,
Regularly surveying your fire doors is essential for complying with regulations and preventing potentially fatal consequences if ever exposed to a serious blaze/fire breakout scenario in your building/premises. Without proper checks carried out regularly by qualified personnel – such as those at reputable installation companies – businesses may find themselves liable for prosecution for neglecting their duties towards occupants’ safety or even worse– putting lives at risk unnecessarily due to their failure to comply with standard operating procedures and relevant legislation concerning safety inspections on their premises!
