Construction Fire Risks

The main reason why fire doors were invented is to save lives from fire.  It has become part of fire safety regulations in building construction. There are some businesses that are prone to accidents especially if they do not practice fire safety measures.  Luckily, there are business owners who would step beyond the regular preventive guidelines in fire safety. Aside from just putting up fire doors, they up the ante by adding up fire seals.  These fire door improvements will reinforce the main purpose of the door, which is to resist the passage of fire. It can also prevent some of the smoke to pass the door giving the people inside a better chance not to be affected greatly by the ongoing fire.

Fire doors can serve as fire barrier and can give ample time for people on the other side of the door to move things or evacuate people without the hindrance of toxic smoke and flames of fire.  Depending on the kind of materials used for the fire resisting doors in the building construction, it can resist the passage of fire and smoke for about 30 to 120 minutes.  Each door must be certified and be given a rating.  The TRADA and British Woodworking Federation (BWF) have their own way of marking the doors.  TRADA uses the Q-Mark system wherein you will see colored plastic plug inserts in the door leaf.  The BWF on the other hand uses plastic label indicating details of its rating and certification.

Having these fire doors installed in important parts of a building is not enough.  They must be routinely checked for any damage so you can be assured that it will be in its top form when confronted with fire.  Proper maintenance of the doors is essential to its performance.  Inspect them well and see if they open and close without any problem. They have to be fitted well and so look out for any broken fire seals.  Inspect it every six months and replace any damaged seal.  The latches should be lubricated every now and then to ensure that it would function well when there is an ongoing fire.

Do you wonder why there are people who need hospitalization even if they were not burned after being trapped inside the building?  Aside from the psychological trauma, most of them inhaled the smoke and it is dangerous if not properly treated. These doors with the ever-essential fire seals can withhold fire and smoke that can indeed save lives. Along with the smoke detectors and water sprinklers, they have proven time and again that with enough preparation and proper building construction fire can be prevented.

It is integral that when it comes to the fire preventive measures, one should never cut corners.  Do not make the mistake of not following the fire safety guidelines because the lives of the building occupants may rely on them during emergencies like fire.  They increase the chance of each person from leaving the building unscathed.