Is it a legal requirement to have fire doors?

But is it a legal requirement for fire doors to be installed? Find out all below.

What are fire rated doors?

If you’re not sure what fire-rated doors are, then don’t worry – we have you covered. Fire-rated doors have a fire-resistant rating which determines how long the door can reduce the spread of fire and smoke in certain areas of a building. They’re crucial to protecting members of staff from a fire outbreak. They are an essential lifeline and provide the vital time required to allow people to safely evacuate buildings in the event of a fire. 

It’s good to know that not all doors and partitions have to be made from fire-rated glass. But it is important it’s used where necessary. There is a variety of different ratings given to fire-rated glass, depending on its performance. As a guide, fire-rated glass will typically provide performance from anywhere between 20 minutes and 120 minutes, which is the length of time that the glass will stay intact for when exposed to fire.

Your local Building Control Office will advise on the Fire Rating Requirements and Specifications needed for your building. As recorded in the Approved Document B for England and Wales, there are specific building regulations which must be adhered to in order to render a building fire safe. This includes guidance as to where fire safe walls and doors must be implemented

At Office Blinds & Glazing, we offer an exciting and attractive range of Fully Certified, Steel Framed Glass Fire Doors and Glass Fire Screens. Over the years, we’ve supplied fire-rated doors to some of the most iconic buildings in the UK. The fire screen glass makes it able to withstand higher temperatures compared to standard and toughened glass.

Is it a legal requirement?

So, to answer the question, are fire doors a legal requirement? Well, as of the regulatory reform of 2005, fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties – including businesses. Anyone who has control of the premises is the person responsible for ensuring fire doors have been installed in the building. The reform also states, that anyone who has a certain amount of control over certain areas, is also responsible for making sure fire doors are present and visible.

If you are the person responsible, you must carry out fire risk assessments. However, you can pass this on to your second in command, or trusted person. But, if a fire were to break out and the fire regulations weren’t met, you would be held accountable for it as you’re in control of the premises. If you have employees who suffer from any disability, you need to pay closer attention to them as they will need more help evacuating quickly and safely. 

Also, if your building has been designed to meet modern regulations, this should be acceptable. However, you will still need to carry out fire risk assessments, and make sure that all precautions and routines are in working order. 

Why are fire doors important for an office?

You’re aware of the fire regulations now, but are you in need of further evidence as to why fire doors are important for an office? Let us divulge.

First and foremost, they’re an important aspect of health and safety. Carrying out the correct fire safety and evacuation plans is just as important as conducting regular risk assessments. By purchasing the correct and reliable fire doors, you give yourself the opportunity to safely evacuate the building in case of a fire.

Fire technology has become so advanced it means that transparent fire screens and doors can be implemented to segregate escape routes, common areas and staircases. Fire-rated glass makes an ideal alternative to standard steel or wooden fire doors, perfect for modern offices that don’t want solid fire doors disrupting their bespoke designs.

Another benefit of using fire-rated glass in doors and screens is that it is transparent. Not only does this provide particular aesthetically pleasing benefits, but also contributes to the safety aspect. Through transparent doors and screens, it’s easier to identify the location of flames and smoke to help plan out a more successful escape plan, avoiding areas which appear to be affected and identifying any potential dangers ahead.

At Office Blinds & Glazing, our fire-rated doors meet all health and safety standards. They’re a more stylish and practical approach to your fire safety plans, as it complies with all of the regular health and safety standards.

We hope you enjoyed reading our latest article on if it’s a legal requirement to have fire doors. If you’ve found this helpful, or you would like to enquire about our fire-rated doors – get in touch today for more information!