Fire Escape Doors, also known as egress doors, are a critical safety feature in any building. They are designed to provide a secondary means of escape in cae of a fire or emergency situation. They are typically located all around a building and are used as an alternative exit in case the main entrance is blocked in inaccessible. These doors must meet specific building codes and fire safety regulations, which include requirements for the doors size, hardware, and labeling. They are typically made of steel, metal or timber and have a panic bar or push bar on the inside to allow for easy exit.
The door must open easily and quickly in case of emergency, it should also have a self-closing mechanism as well. The importance of keeping the fire escape doors clear of obstructions is paramount to ensure they are in good working condition at all times.
We offer a flexible range of Fire Escape Doors to meet your specific needs, whether you're looking for supply only or full installation. Our supply only option provides high-quality, customisable steel doors delivered directly to your site, ready for installation by your team. For a complete solution, our professional installation service ensures your Fire Escape Doors are expertly fitted to meet safety, security and performance standards.
Fire Escape Doors, often referred to as emergency exit doors, are specialised doors designed to provide a safe and efficient route for occupants to evacuate a building during emergencies, such as fires. These doors are an essential part of a building’s fire safety strategy and are typically required in commercial, industrial, and public buildings to comply with fire safety regulations.
Key Features of Fire Escape Doors:
Fire Escape Doors serve as a critical life-saving measure in emergencies by enabling a rapid and organised evacuation. They help prevent overcrowding and bottlenecks by offering multiple exists, and their design ensures that people of all ages and physical abilities can use them with ease. Properly functioning Fire Escape Doors also minimise the potential for smoke and fire to spread to escape routes, keeping evacuation paths safe.
In the UK, Fire Escape Doors must comply with stringent fire safety laws and regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation requires building owners and managers to ensure that all fire escape routes, including doors, are fit for purpose, well-maintained, and unobstructed at all times. Fire Escape Doors must also meet specific British Standards, such as BS EN 1125, which governs the use of panic exit devices, and BS EN 179, which covers emergency exit hardware.
To comply with these regulations, fire escape doors should:
Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious consequences, including fines, legal action, and putting lives at risk. Regular fire risk assessments, as mandated by UK law, are essential to identify and address any issues with Fire Escape Doors, ensuring the safety of all building occupants.
Yes, Fire Escape Doors are a legal requirement in most commercial buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation mandates that employers and building owners ensure safe escape routes in the event of a fire, including the installation of appropriate Fire Escape Doors.
Whilst both types of doors are designed to enhance safety during a fire, fire escape doors specifically facilitate quick exit from a building. They often feature panic hardware and self-closing mechanisms to ensure easy operation during an emergency, whereas regular fire doors primarily function to contain the spread of fire and smoke.
To ensure compliance, Fire Escape Doors must meet specific safety standards, including the correct fire rating and installation requirements. It’s advisable to consult a qualified fire safety professional or your local fire authority to assess your doors’ compliance with current regulations.
In many cases, it is possible to retrofit existing doors to meet fire escape requirements, but this will depend on the current door’s materials and construction. It is essential to consult a fire safety expert to evaluate your existing doors and determine the necessary modifications to ensure compliance.
To maintain Fire Escape Doors, conduct regular inspections to check for any signs of damage or wear. Ensure that all hardware, such as hinges and panic bars, are functioning properly and that doors can be opened easily. If you notice any issues, contact a professional for repairs or maintenance.
If your Fire Escape Doors are not closing properly, it can comprise safety. Check for any obstructions or misalignments and ensure that all hardware is in working order. If issues persist, contact us to send an engineer out to repair and ensure the door meets safety standards.
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