What are the five fire safety tips?
When it comes to the five fire safety tips associated with security doors and windows, here at Secure House, we are always available to provide expert advice based on our many years’ experience. Thanks to working with a wide variety of commercial and residential property clients on both small- and large-scale projects.
From fire escapes to fire doors, there are many different ways in which a building can benefit from enhancements to fire safety. In order to provide a guide for anyone wanting to do this, we have compiled our top five fire safety tips. Read on to find out how you can further improve or include an increased level of fire safety.
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Fire safety starts with a fire escape door
A fire escape door or fire exit door is a fundamental component of both commercial and communal residential buildings. If there is a fire inside the building, which may have hundreds or thousands of people in it, there must legally be a clear route through the building to the final exit. The door at the exit (or exits as there are often multiple fire exits) must be very simple and quick to open in the event of an emergency. Fire escape doors usually open straight into to an outside space.
At the same time, there is a high level of security required by a fire escape door in order to safeguard occupants from intruders externally. These doors can be either steel or glazed, they must always be accessible from inside but it is imperative that they can be opened easily should there be a fire in the building.
Include a panic bar or emergency push pad for even easier opening
The fire escape doors that we install for clients often include a panic bar or emergency push pad to make them even easier to open. All that is required is to push down on the handle and the door will open outwards. Adding a door that has this type of handle is one of our top tips when it comes to selecting a fire escape door. It also enhances the security level of the door.
Fire doors can save lives
In comparison to fire escape doors, fire doors are more often than not installed internally in properties. The objective of a fire door is to prevent fire and smoke entering into specific areas to allow people to safely exit the building in the event of a fire.
Certified fire doors are rated according to the fire and smoke resistance they provide. This is called the FD rating. So, when it is closed, an FD30 fire door will provide up to 30 minutes protection against fire and smoke. And an FD60 door up to 60 minutes protection.
Maintain and test regularly
Testing and maintenance of both fire escape and fire doors is just as important as the testing and maintenance of escape routes. It is vital that a scheduled maintenance programme is in place along with periodic servicing and checks on all fire safety fixtures and fittings.
Call the fire brigade
Our final fire safety tip is to always call the fire brigade in the event of a fire or a suspected fire. Even if you think someone else may have already done so, it’s far better to be safe than sorry. The quicker emergency services arrive on site, the better.
If you’d like to find out more about our range of fire escape doors and fire doors, or to arrange a site consultation, please contact any of the Secure House team on 0207 859 4207 [email protected] and we can discuss your specific requirements.