Keeping Fire Doors Shut

Fire doors are provided to protect the safety of building occupants and are a vital part of the fire safety plan for all BU buildings. In the event of a fire, they stop fire and smoke spreading into corridors and stairs - provided they are kept shut. When the integrity of a fire door is compromised by either wedging or propping the door open, a serious risk to the occupants of the building is created, should a fire occur.

Unless fitted with an automatic closing device, by keeping fire doors closed we can ensure that individuals have a protected route to get out of the building safely, and that the building itself and contents are protected as far as possible against the spread of fire and smoke damage. Leaving fire doors wedged or propped open disregards the safety of others, and is also against the law.

If it is necessary to prop or wedge open a fire door for the purpose of moving equipment or materials for a short duration; the prop or wedge must immediately be removed on completion of the task in hand; an open fire door must never be left unattended.