Key Points
To ensure a fire exit door continues to comply with regulations and function during emergencies, fire exit doors must be maintained
Regular checks should be preformed on the door frame, door leaf, seals, hinges and panic bar
Ensure a clear path and proper signage so that safe evacuations can be performed
Is Fire Exit Door Maintenance Important?
Keeping your emergency exit doors in top working condition should always be a priority for every building owner. In the case of a fire, a fire exit door is not only an escape, it is a line of defense. Doors require maintenance to ensure that they meet all fire safety regulations.
If emergency exits are being used frequently, perhaps for regular entry or exit, it is important that they are checked over more often to make sure that damage has not occurred/been accelerated due to heavy use.
What steps should be taken to maintain fire exit doors?
There are multiple steps that should be taken for the regular care and maintenance of your fire exit doors.
Unobstructed path
In an emergency situation being able to quickly and effectively exit a building is of the utmost importance. Clutter around an exit door can not only encourage the spread of fire, but it can also negatively impact access to your exit point and make it hard for people to escape. This presents a huge safety issue so it is crucial that both sides of your exit are clear.
Exit Signage
Your fire exits should be marked as exits. There needs to be signage throughout your building, especially if it is a commercial premises, that will lead people to the closest fire exit so they can quickly locate emergency egress doors and depart in the case of emergency.
Cleaning
As much as nobody likes cleaning, it is essential for door maintenance that your fire exit is kept clean. Maintenance includes everything from the door itself to the fire exit hardware, such as the panic bar and making sure that there’s no unnecessary damage or wear and tear that takes place.
Inspecting fire doors
Damage and wear and tear can occur at any time, so making sure to regularly inspect your fire exit doors is essential.
Why inspect a fire door?
Making sure that fire exit doors are well maintained and also that they still meet all fire safety regulations is crucial – especially if they are a key part of any business safety assessment.
Fire doors should be inspected to make sure that they are still effective and will be beneficial in the case of a fire. There are several regulations that mandate regular inspections. Both you and other building occupants need to have a safe exit access in the case of a fire – so being aware of any issues there may be with your door is paramount.
Noticing issues and repairing them early on will not only ensure compliance with safety rules, but your doors will also be easier to maintain and repair.
How to inspect a fire door?
Fire exit doors should be thoroughly inspected every six months and there are several things that you should check, including:
Door Frame
If installed correctly, there should be no gaps between your door frame and the wall. If there are gaps then fire and smoke could also pass through them – so making sure that your frames are correctly installed and not damaged is important.
Door
The main section of your door, sometimes referred to as the door leaf, also needs to be inspected. If there are cracks, signs of warping, holes, or any other sort of damage these will need to be repaired. While performing this part of the inspection, you should also check that both sides of the door are clear so people can exit easily in case of a fire.
Seals
Your door seals are essential for holding back fire, so making sure that they are in good condition is essential. The seals will be found around your door. If they are damaged or missing sections, then they will need replacement.
Hinges
Your fire exit door will likely have multiple hinges. You should make sure that they are secure and also free from damage and excessive wear.
Panic Bar
You should check that your panic bar works well. To do this, simply use it and make sure that it is operating smoothly, not sticking, and opens easily. Also check that when the door closes again it is locked and does not open without pushing on the bar.
Documentation
When your door inspection has been completed, your findings should be documented and any necessary repair work should be completed. In following all of these steps you can ensure that you have a fully working, safe and compliant fire exit door.
