This article will give the reasons why fire doors fail to provide fire safety.
A lot of people are aware that fire doors offer better fire safety than any other fire protective tools and equipment. In fact, in some countries the installation of fire doors is mandated by the government in order to ensure zero deaths during a fire emergency. Fire doors have become very important parts of a building or structure and it will help in savings lives during a fire incident.
However, there are still some instances that fire doors fail to give the safety and protection that it should be giving to the people. Failure to protect happens due to many different reasons. Here are some of them.
Fire doors are propped open
It is important that fire doors are always kept closed. In case it is also being used as ordinary path of entry and exit, it should have an automatic closing mechanism. The fire doors aim to shut down an area when fire strikes. This will prevent the quick spread of fire and smoke. If it is left open, then fire and smoke can quickly crawl to the different parts of the building.
Obstructed fire doors
Always remember that fire doors should always be free from obstruction. There should be a freeway where everyone can pass in cases of fire. Keep boxes, cart or anything that can block the door away. There should be a clear way so that the door can quickly close down when it senses extreme temperature.
Incorrect fire door rating
All fire doors have specific fire door rating. This pertains to the number of minutes that the door will endure fire and extreme temperature. It is important for a building to use the door with the right fire door rating. This will give people the right amount of time for escape. In case a building is big and only installed a fire door with the lowest rating, then people will not have enough time to go through the halls and stairs for escape. This is when fatalities and injuries happen even if there are fire doors installed. Correct fire door rating should be followed and installed by the building owners.
Worn out or broken fire doors
A broken fire door will never provide safety. This should always be remembered by the building owners and occupants. This is why regular inspections are done as it will detect errors and damages on the door. Once detected, the fire door inspector will suggest the best action so that the fire door will become effective again. They can either recommend repairs or replacement depending on the severity of the damage.
These are the most common reasons why fire doors fail. It is then important that structure owners are aware of these so that they will know how to properly use and care for the doors once installed in their premises. These mistakes should be avoided as it will put the lives of the people at big risk.
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