Fire safety in schools is essential to protect students, staff, and property. Among the most critical elements of fire safety are the fire doors in schools, which are designed to delay the spread of fire and smoke, safeguard escape routes, and contain fires within specific areas.

Here, we explore everything you need to know about fire doorsets, including their purpose, placement, legal requirements, maintenance, and how they fit into broader safety strategies for schools.

Key Takeaways

• Fire doorsets are life-saving installations that control the spread of fire and smoke.
• You should see them deployed in locations deemed to be high-risk areas (like science labs, kitchens etc.) and along escape routes.
• Regular maintenance ensures their effectiveness over time.
• Compliance with safety laws, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, is mandatory for schools.
• Advanced solutions, such as free-swing closers and keycard access, enhance usability and security.

Understanding the Role of Fire Doors in Schools

Fire doorsets serve a dual purpose in fire safety strategies. They:

1. Delay Fire Spread: Fire doorsets compartmentalise sections of a building, slowing fire and smoke progression.
2. Protect Evacuation Routes: By preventing fire from entering escape paths, fire doorsets ensure safe exits.

For schools, these features are vital, given the high density of occupants and the need for orderly evacuations. Fire doorsets ensure that any emergency response plan functions smoothly, minimising risk to lives and property.

Fact: Fire doors can withstand temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-60 minutes, buying critical time for evacuation efforts.

Strategic Placement of Fire Doorsets

Correct placement of school fire doors enhances their effectiveness. Key locations include:

• Escape Routes: Ensures pathways to exits remain free from smoke and flames.
• Staircases: Prevents fire from spreading across floors.
• High-Risk Rooms: These include science labs, boiler rooms, kitchens, and canteens.
• Long Corridors: To break up spaces over 30 metres in length, and contain fire within these shorter sections.

For detailed advice on placing fire doorsets in specific areas, visit our education sector page.

Fire Doorset Specifications and Ratings

The effectiveness of fire doorsets depends on their specifications:

• The FD30 Rating: Provides 30 minutes of resistance; ideal for most school areas.
• FD60 and Higher: Recommended for high-risk areas like laboratories or server rooms.

Consider steel fire doorsets for high-traffic areas where durability is key, and timber fire doorsets for more eco-friendly solutions.

Enhancements for Accessibility

Modern fire doorsets are designed with features that enhance accessibility. One such feature is the inclusion of vision panels, which improve visibility and contribute to overall safety by allowing individuals to see what lies on the other side. Additionally, automated openers can be installed to ensure inclusivity, making it easier for people with disabilities to use fire doorsets without difficulty.

Maintenance and Inspections: A Legal Obligation

Why Maintenance Matters

Fire doors in schools endure heavy use, often leading to wear and tear. Regular inspections are crucial to ensure:

• Seals and Hinges: Ensure functionality and integrity remain intact.
• Clearance Gaps: Check these against manufacturer guidance.
• Damage Repairs: Any damage to the doorset or frame must be addressed immediately.

Inspection Guidelines

• Monthly Checks: Visual inspections for obvious damage or misuse.
• Annual Assessments: Conducted by professionals to meet compliance standards.

Legal Compliance and Fire Doorset Regulations

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, schools are legally required to:

• Conduct thorough fire risk assessments.
• Install appropriate fire safety measures, including fire doorsets.
• Maintain and repair fire safety installations promptly.

Non-compliance can lead to fines, legal repercussions, and increased risk during emergencies.

For more information on meeting compliance requirements, visit our communal areas page.

Addressing Common Fire Doorset Issues

Propping Open Fire Doorset

Propping open fire doorset with wedges is both illegal and unsafe. Use fire doorset retainers or free-swing closers that release automatically during a fire alarm.

Balancing Security and Fire Safety

Install keycard access systems on school fire doors to ensure controlled access without compromising fire safety.

Gerda Security: Your Partner in School Fire Safety

At Gerda Security, we understand the unique challenges schools face in balancing fire safety, accessibility, and compliance. Our fire doorset solutions are designed with:

• Durability: Built to withstand heavy use, including security testing against standards like Secured by Design.
• Safety: Fully compliant with standards like BS EN 1634, with extensively primary-owned testing conducted at UKAS test houses.
• Maintenance: Engineered for straightforward inspections and repairs.

Fire doorsets are essential for protecting lives in school environments. Through proper installation, maintenance, and compliance, schools can ensure a safer future for everyone. To learn more, explore our guide to fire safety in schools or contact Gerda Security.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the lifespan of a fire doorset?

With regular maintenance, fire doors for schools can last over 10 years.

How often should fire doorset be inspected?

Monthly visual checks and annual professional inspections are recommended.

Can fire doorsets be made with glazing panels?

Yes, as long as the window panel is an original part of the fire doorset, meaning it is fire-rated and complies with safety standards.

Are fire doorsets mandatory in schools?

Yes, under the Fire Safety Order 2005, all schools must install and maintain fire doorsets.