Passive Fire Precautions (i)

• Fire Doors
• Smoke Seals
• Glazed Door Panels
• Self-closing Devices

Be clear which doors are fire doors, as these need to be kept shut, unless they are fitted with automatic self-closing devices linked to the fire alarm system. 

Most fire doors are fitted with a simple self closing device, and any glazing incorporated will be fire resisting. Fire doors should always have smoke seals fitted along their top and side edges.

In most places of work fire doors will be labelled 'Fire Door - Keep Shut' . However fire doors leading to cupboards, storerooms or plant rooms are usually kept locked, and should be labelled with a sign to this effect.

Fire doors are important because they hold back fire and smoke, and are designed to protect means of escape such as corridors and stairways. They also prevent fire spreading rapidly from one area to another.

People should be actively discouraged from wedging or propping open fire doors. Always make sure they are closed when work ceases, and before locking up the premises. Self closers may need adjusting from time to time, if doors are not closing fully into their frames.