Research undertaken to mark last year’s Fire Door Safety Week found alarmingly, that a third (32%) of the British public would not report a problem with a fire door. The main reason for this was a perceived lack of personal repercussions for not reporting.
It was subsequently found that nearly a fifth (18%) of the public would be more likely to report fire door safety issues if there were personal repercussions for not doing so.
The research also showed that propped open fire doors are a common occurrence, with 10% of respondents having seen a propped open fire door in their place of residence on some occasions and 20% in the workplace. The research from Fire Door Safety Week also identified that the two most common objects used to prop open a fire door are a wedge and a fire extinguisher.
Concerningly, 31% incorrectly believed that a fire door that was propped open with a wedge or a fire extinguisher was safe and 18% didn’t believe a propped open fire door poses a risk to those in the building so wouldn’t take action.
Not only was a propped open fire door incorrectly deemed as safe, but 15% believed that keeping a fire door closed stops it performing, highlighting a lack of understanding around the role fire doors play in the event of a fire.
The research also found a lack of understanding over what constitutes a safe fire door. Alarmingly, 44% believed that:
- a fire door is a normal door covered in fire-resistant paint (13%)
- a fire door is a normal door but with ‘fire door’ signage (13%)
- any timber door was a fire door (7%)
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation which founded Fire Door Safety Week stated: “There is clearly still a dangerous lack of understanding and need for education on the role of fire doors.”
At ADL Health & Safety, we offer a Fire Door Inspection Course which provides all of the information required for anyone involved in fire door checks. Delegates will have an in depth understanding of the current regulations and the knowledge and skills to thoroughly and correctly check fire doors in workplaces and social housing.
Our course is fully accredited with assessment and provides books and certification plus fire door check templates.
It is a one day duration course that provides a comprehensive workbook, checklists and IFSM certification, knowledge is tested via a multiple choice exam.
We are flexible, offering our courses virtually or in person at your workplace or a nearby location.
We still have spaces available on our courses running on the 31st July and 1st September.
Places are limited so book your space today to avoid disappointment at https://www.adlhealthandsafety.com/shop/
For more information about us and our services, get in touch:
+44 (0)7447 480 736
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