Despite the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire in London last summer, research has revealed 50% of people have seen fire doors illegally kept open. A poll of 2,000 adults, carried out by online supplier IronmongeryDirect revealed that almost one in two people surveyed admitted they do not know how to identify a fire door.
IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, has created a checklist which advises on the essential components required to make fire doors compliant.
The checklist highlights many areas where fire safety can be improved, offering a number of product suggestions, including the Arrone AR3500 Door Closer and the Fire and Smoke Intumescent Strip from Pyroplex which can help ensure fire door compliance. The list includes information on door closers, hold open devices, hinges, intumescent seals, signage and locks and hatches.
Regardless of extensive media coverage about the dangers of inadequate fire protection in offices and homes since the disaster, the survey also revealed that less than 20% of tradespeople polled have seen an increase in demand for fire safety products or parts such as replacement intumescent strips for fire doors.
According to the British Woodworking Federation, three million fire doors are installed each year but they remain a significant area of neglect and should be regularly checked and maintained by those responsible for the upkeep of the building.
Managing Director of IronmongeryDirect, Wayne Lysaght-Mason, commented: “Fire doors are too often downgraded on a specification or neglected during their service life.It is vital that correct installation and maintenance are carried out to properly ensure fire safety.
For a video guide on fire door safety visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/fdsw or to view and download the full fire door checklist, visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/fire-safety.
