FIRE EXIT DOORS

A fire exit door is a specially designed door that serves as the final exit on an escape route within a building. Its primary purpose is to facilitate a quick escape in the event of an emergency. These doors are typically equipped with a panic bar or push pad mechanism, allowing for easy and rapid operation. This design ensures that occupants can exit safely and efficiently in the event of a fire.

Fire doors are internal doors that are specifically designed to compartmentalise sections of a building. Their primary purpose is to prevent the spread of fire for a minimum duration, typically 30 or 60 minutes. On the other hand, fire exit doors serve as the final exit along an escape route. While fire exit doors do not necessarily need to be fire-resistant, their primary function is to facilitate a quick and safe evacuation from the building to a designated safe location outside. However, in some cases, fire exit doors may also be fire-rated, depending on their location and the building’s fire safety strategy.

Fire exit doors are essential for building safety because they:

• Provide a fast and safe way to escape during emergencies.
• Help keep evacuation routes clear.
• Ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
• Support the overall fire safety strategy of the building.
• Allow emergency services to access the building quickly.

Fire exit doors are regulated by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which took effect in October 2006. According to Article 14 of the RRFSO, “routes to emergency exits from premises and the exits themselves must be kept clear at all times.” It also states that “emergency routes and exits must lead as directly as possible to a place of safety.”

Fire exit doors must be installed at the end of designated escape routes. The specific requirements for these installations will be based on a fire risk assessment that considers factors such as the building’s size, layout, occupancy, and potential fire hazards. Common locations for fire exit doors include:

• At the ends of corridors and stairwells
• Along escape routes in commercial buildings
• As external exits from assembly areas
• In places that provide direct access to safety outside

The width of fire exit doors depends on the number of occupants and the building’s risk profile. According to building regulations, the minimum widths are:

• For up to 60 persons: 750mm
• For up to 110 persons: 850mm
• For up to 220 persons: 1050mm
• For more than 220 persons: 5mm per person

If there are multiple exits, it must be assumed that one might be blocked during a fire, so the remaining exits must be wide enough to allow all occupants to escape quickly.

Fire exit doors should always open outward (in the direction of escape) whenever possible. This design ensures that in panic situations, people pushing against the door will be able to open it instead of being blocked. Additionally, sliding or revolving doors should not be used for exits specifically designated as fire exits.

Fire exit doors must be equipped with specific hardware to ensure proper function during emergencies:

• Panic hardware (such as push bars or touch bars) is required for public buildings.
• Emergency hardware (like push pads) is suitable for premises staffed with trained personnel.
• Self-closing devices are necessary to ensure that the door automatically returns to a closed position.
• Appropriate signage must indicate “Fire Exit” and provide clear operating instructions.
• Suitable locking mechanisms should be installed that do not impede emergency egress.

Panic bars, also known as push bars or touch bars, are horizontal devices installed on fire exit doors that release the locking mechanism when pushed. They are essential in public buildings where occupants may not be familiar with the layout. Panic bars are designed to function effectively, even in crowded conditions where people may be pressed against them. Additionally, all panic hardware must be certified to the British Standard (BS) EN1125.

Emergency pads, also known as push pads, are compact devices that release the locking mechanism when pressed. They are ideal for locations with a limited number of staff or individuals who are familiar with the building, where panic is unlikely to occur. All emergency exit hardware must be certified in accordance with BS EN 179.

Fire exit doors must be inspected regularly to ensure they work properly in emergencies. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 recommend the following:

• Monthly checks for self-closing doors in communal areas of residential buildings over 11 meters tall.
• Quarterly visual inspections for all fire exit doors.
• Annual thorough inspections conducted by a qualified professional.

When inspecting fire exit doors, ensure you check the following:

1. The door opens easily and immediately when the panic hardware is activated.
2. There are no obstructions preventing the door from functioning or blocking the escape route.
3. All components, including hinges, panic hardware, and closers, are in good working order.
4. Appropriate signage is displayed prominently and is visible.
5. Locking mechanisms do not hinder emergency egress.
6. The door closes completely into the frame when released.

Fire exit doors need regular maintenance to ensure they operate reliably. This includes:

• Lubricating moving parts
• Tightening any loose fixings
• Adjusting closers for proper closing action
• Replacing damaged or worn components
• Cleaning door surfaces and hardware
• Testing the operation of panic hardware
• Checking that seals remain intact and effective

Regular maintenance is crucial for the safety and proper functioning of fire exit doors.

Fire exit doors must always remain unlocked to ensure immediate escape in the event of an emergency. However, they can be secured against unauthorised entry from outside using appropriate hardware. Some options include:

• Panic hardware with built-in locking mechanisms
• Emergency exit systems that automatically unlock when the fire alarm is activated
• Outside access devices that permit authorised entry without hindering exit

It is essential to ensure that these options do not obstruct safe egress during emergencies.

Fire exit doors should generally remain closed to ensure the security of the building. However, if operational needs require holding the doors open, this should only be done using approved hold-back devices that automatically release when the fire alarm is activated. Additionally, regular doors along escape routes that serve as fire doors must never be propped open with wedges or other informal objects.

Fire exit doors must be clearly marked with appropriate signage to comply with regulations. This includes:

• “Fire Exit” signs positioned above the door
• Directional signs placed along escape routes leading to the exit
• Operational instructions, such as “Push Bar to Open,” displayed on panic hardware
• “Fire Exit – Keep Clear” signs that are visible from both sides of the door
• In areas with low light, illuminated or photoluminescent signs should be used

Ensuring proper signage helps facilitate safe and efficient evacuation during emergencies.

If a fire exit door is damaged or inoperable, it requires immediate repair. Until the repairs are completed, alternative safety measures should be put in place:

• Establish an alternative escape route if possible.
• Consider implementing emergency boarding or temporary security measures.
• Inform all building occupants about the situation and any alternative arrangements.
• Contact a professional fire door specialist right away for repairs.
• Conduct a temporary fire risk assessment to address the changed circumstances.

A damaged fire exit door needs to be repaired urgently. Repairs should ideally be scheduled for the same day or the next day. If immediate repair is not feasible, temporary measures must be implemented to ensure safety and security, and repairs should be completed as soon as possible.

Building occupants should be aware of:

• The location of all fire exits in the building
• How to operate panic hardware or emergency exit devices
• The importance of keeping fire exit routes clear at all times
• That fire exits should never be blocked, locked, or obstructed
• The building’s evacuation procedures and assembly points
• How to report any issues with fire exit doors