A fire door is a very important method of passive fire protection. This is because they compartmentalise a building so that the risk of a fire spreading is significantly reduced. When a fire door comes into contact with intense heat such as the heat emitted from a fire, the door’s intumescent seal will expand up to 10-times its original size. This means that it takes longer for fire to get past the door (normally between 30-minutes and an hour) and reduces the amount of smoke that will get through as well. It is vital that fire doors are working correctly. To ensure that a building is as safe as possible from a fire, a fire risk assessment needs to be done once a year. A risk assessment includes checking whether fire doors will work to maximum efficiency and with maximum protection.
FIRE DOOR DO’S & DON'TS
DO'S
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Use third party certificated doors and parts
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Buy fire doors from a certificated company
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Make sure that the specifications of the door match up with the certification that it has
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Make sure that the intended use of the door matches up with the certification
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Make sure that fire doors are installed by a competent and qualified person as well as maintained
DON'TS
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Fit the door like a normal door
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Make changes such as cutting vision panels or other holes on site
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Try to fix a fire door if you are not qualified to do so
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Keep a fire door open for prolonged periods of time, they should only be open when someone is walking through them
Doorcare South West Ltd can help you with this, working with clients in the commercial and industrial, and sectors in Plymouth and across Devon and Cornwall. We offer 24/7 service to ensure your needs are met anytime, day or night. Rely on us for prompt, professional support whenever you need it.. Don't take chances with your safety, we always recommend having your fire doors checked every six months.
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Service EngineerWe are Doorcare South West, a successful business who have been operating for over 20 years. Due to high demand with current workload and new contracts won, we are now looking to expand our team and are recruiting for Service Engineers to join our team. Our team install, repair & maintain Industrial, Commercial and Domestic doors and windows throughout the Southwest. We provide a fully comprehensive specialist service, including sales and specification, installation, maintenance and repair service for doors, roller shutters, industrial and commercial doors, garages, windows and shutters. We would like to hear from industrial engineers with technical expertise within the installation, service and maintenance of doors and shutters. We are also happy to look at applications from people who are less experienced within this field but with the right passion and enthusiasm to undertake training for this job. This will be a varied role where every day could be different. You will be travelling across Devon and Cornwall to different sites for jobs to be completed. You need to be a team player and self-motivated with the work you do, the role will involve working closely with office and site staff. We have an excellent reputation, so we are looking for someone to continually provide excellent customer service and represent the business in the right way. This is a Permanent Full Time Position working Monday – Friday with Overtime available. You must have a full UK Driving Licence Benefits are company clothing and the use of a company van, company pension contribution, work phone and 20 days holiday. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Benefits: Casual dress Company pension Free parking On-site parking Schedule: Day shift Monday to Friday Overtime Work Location: In person
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Automatic door engineerNegotiable salary on or above market rates We are looking for an experienced time-spent automatic door engineer for an exciting new role within an innovative company. You are required to have a proven track record within the installation/repair and maintenance of automatic doors. BS: EN16005 and 17th Edition electrical wiring regulations preferable.
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Industrial door engineerNegotiable salary on or above market rates Doorcare South West Ltd is looking for an experienced time-spent industrial door engineer for an exciting new role within an innovative company. You are required to have a proven track record within the installation/repair and maintenance of industrial doors. 17th Edition electrical wiring regulations preferable.
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CarpenterNegotiable salary on or above market rates Doorcare South West Ltd is looking for an experienced time served carpenter for an exciting new role within an innovative company. You are required to have a proven track record in all aspects of carpentry, a sound knowledge of the installation and repair of fire doors is desirable.
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Storeman / fitters mateCompetitive rates of pay The successful candidate will have the potential to progress with training into a competent industrial door engineer, therefore you will need a keen interest in mechanical/electrical engineering.
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How often do automatic doors need servicing?According to UK standards, automatic doors should be serviced at least twice a year to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and extends the lifespan of the doors.
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Do you provide emergency repair services for automatic doorsYes, we provide 24/7 emergency repair services to ensure that your automatic doors are always functioning safely and efficiently. Our team of certified technicians is ready to respond quickly to any issues.
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How do I know if my automatic door is compliant with UK regulations?We ensure all our automatic doors comply with relevant UK standards, including BS EN 16005 for safety requirements. Our team can conduct compliance checks and provide certification to ensure your doors meet all legal requirements.
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How do I request a quote or schedule a service?You can request a quote or schedule a service by contacting us via phone, email, or our website contact form. Our team will be happy to assist you with all your automatic door needs.
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Are automatic doors a legal requirement in the UK?While automatic doors are not a legal requirement, they are often installed to comply with the Equality Act 2010, which mandates accessibility for people with disabilities. Automatic doors provide easy access and improve safety and convenience for all users.
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What types of automatic doors do you offer?We offer a range of automatic doors, including sliding, swing and folding doors, tailored to meet the specific needs of different environments, from commercial and retail to healthcare and public buildings.
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How energy efficient are automatic doors?Automatic doors are designed to minimise energy loss by reducing the time doors are open and preventing drafts. We offer energy-efficient options with advanced sealing systems and thermal breaks to help reduce energy costs.
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Are fire doors a legal requirement?Yes, fire doors are a legal requirement in the UK in certain types of buildings to ensure safety by preventing the spread of fire and smoke. The specific requirements for fire doors depend on the type and use of the building, as well as its layout. Here are the key points: 1. Regulations and Standards The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005**: This regulation applies to non-domestic premises and requires that a responsible person carries out a fire risk assessment and implements appropriate fire safety measures. Fire doors are often a key component of these measures. Building Regulations Approved Document B**: This document outlines fire safety standards in building regulations and specifies where fire doors are required in new or modified buildings. It distinguishes between various types of buildings (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) and lays out specific requirements for each.
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Where Fire Doors Are Required?Commercial Buildings: Offices, factories, and public buildings must have fire doors to compartmentalise areas, such as stairwells, corridors, and places where fire could easily spread. Residential Buildings: In multi-occupancy residential buildings (e.g., flats, HMOs), fire doors are required for entrances to individual flats and in common areas. Escape Routes: Fire doors are required along escape routes to protect occupants and provide safe exit paths in the event of a fire. High-Risk Areas: Areas that are deemed high-risk (e.g., kitchens, boiler rooms, or storage areas with flammable materials) must be fitted with fire doors to contain any potential fire.
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What are the Fire Door Standards?Fire doors must comply with British Standards such as BS 476-22:1987 or BS EN 1634-1:2014, which specify testing methods for fire resistance.
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What about Inspection and Maintenance?Fire doors must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they are in proper working order. Faulty or damaged fire doors can compromise safety and may lead to legal consequences.
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Why are fire doors so important?Fire doors are crucial for safety as they prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and provide more time for safe evacuation. They help contain fire within a specific area, reduce property damage, and are a legal requirement in many buildings to ensure life safety and compliance with fire safety regulations.