In nearly every building in the UK, Fire doors are fitted and
are an integral part of the engineered fire solutions of a building.
Fire doors firstly prevent the spread of smoke through a building
and secondly they contain or compartmentalise a fire hindering the
spread of a fire through a building. Fire doors save lives and if
a fire door is wedged open it is rendered useless. A dedicated door
retainer should be sited on risk assessed fire doors for peace of
mind.
Door RetainersDoor retainers are
generally used to retain fire doors open safely. Door retainers
should only be fitted after a suitable risk assessment has been
carried out on the premises. Door retainers fitted in the UK must
comply to BS EN 1155, 1997. Acoustic door retainers such as Dorgard
are easy to fit and can mean that doors retained with approved and
dedicated door retainers are legal and safe. Door retainers should
be regularly checked for operation and devices like Dorgard
automatically release the fire door weekly to prevent door warping.
DoorguardDoorgard or Dorgard as is
correctly spelled can be fitted to a fire door. Doorguard holds the
fire open and then Doorguard listens for the sound of the fire
alarm. Upon hearing the fire alarm Doorguard ( or Dorgard) will
automatically release the fire door allowing in to close. Doorguard
will then take 20 seconds to reset before it will work as a door
hold open device again. Doorguard is manufactured in the UK.
Risk AssessmentRisk assessment is a
process of assessing the buildings fire safety. It is deemed the
task of a responsible person. A Risk assessment should be carried
out by companies who employ more than 5 persons. During a risk
assessment the means of escape must be considered and if fire doors
are wedged open the risk assessment would highlight the importance
of fitting dedicated fire door retainers to these fire doors. Risk
assessments are normally reconsidered after the premises have been
redecorated or furniture has been moved. The risk assessment may
then discover that the means of escape is hindered by the furniture
move. The risk assessment or a copy of the completed risk assessment
should be kept of the premises.
Popular links:
How to install Dorgard (Doorguard)
Fire-Safety-Regulations
Dorgard (Doorguard) Colours
Dorgard (Doorguard) Technical help
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