Be Aware: Close the Door

A third (32%) of the British public would not report a problem with a fire door, with a perceived lack of personal repercussions being one of the main reasons for not reporting, new research to mark Fire Door Safety Week found.

Organisers of Fire Door Safety Week say the findings show that there is a “clear lack of accountability” over reporting fire door issues, and that lives are being put at risk as a result. Despite three quarters (75%) correctly believing that propping a fire door open stops it performing its role in the event of a fire, 44% wouldn’t take action over a propped open fire door as they wouldn’t know who to report it to, and almost half (49%) do not feel it’s their place or role to report it.

Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation which founded Fire Door Safety Week, said: “There were 243 fire-related fatalities in England in the past 12 months, so individual action really is crucial in preventing tragedies. Fire doors propped open put lives at risk in the unfortunate event of a fire. Without being properly closed, a fire door cannot hold back the spread of fire and smoke to fulfil its life-saving role.” The research 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

 Fire Door Manufacturer Adds Second Factory

A specialist manufacturer of fire rated, acoustic and PAS 24 security doors and doorsets, is adding a second factory to boost its manufacturing capacity, ahead of its 100th anniversary next year.

Birmingham-based E&SW Knowles employs 114 people and is expanding its manufacturing operation into a second building, adding 13,750sq ft to its existing 44,500sq ft capability. It is designed to support strategic growth and will further improve manufacturing efficiencies and customers’ experience.

The investment has been announced following the company’s recent acquisition by Sentry Doors Limited. The two companies’ product ranges are complementary and have minimal overlap in the industry sectors they serve. The partnership will provide both businesses with opportunities for further innovation and growth.

Managing director Steve Horner said: “This strategic acquisition along with our 100th anniversary will mean that 2023 will be a very big year for us. We wanted to do something that marked this achievement but also put a marker in the sand about where we are going and our intention to become the UK’s leader in timber fire safety and security doorsets. We are committed to the West Midlands area, and will create 10 more jobs next year alone. The new facility will mean more new machinery, processes, and infrastructure to support our growth ambitions. We are very proud of our 100-year heritage and industry experience but are also looking ahead to ensure we remain competitive, customer-focused, and innovative.”

Born from a family-owned business, E&SW Knowles’ products are widely specified in the education, healthcare, leisure, commercial and social housing sectors, complying with the latest standards, building regulations and sustainability demands. Sentry Doors is a specialist manufacturer of bespoke, fully certified timber fire and security entrance doors for the social housing, public sector residential markets and the supplier of choice for local authority, housing associations and their contractors.

More at  www.knowlesdoors.co.uk

20% in the workplace. It 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.

Gavin Tomlinson, National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair for Protection and Business Safety said: “We urge everyone to help keep buildings and their occupants safe and Close the Door on Fire. A fire door can only protect from fire and smoke if it is closed. We ask that if

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people see a fire door propped open, they close it. It’s a simple ask that could save a life.

“Everyone has a role in ensuring their buildings remain safe from fire, and if you have any concerns, then please ensure these are reported to the building owner or person responsible for the fire safety of that building. If it continues to be a problem or you are concerned about fire doors in a building, you can contact your fire service for advice and support.”

The research also found a lack of understanding over what constitutes a safe fire door. Alarmingly, 44% believed that either: a fire door is a normal door covered in fireresistant paint (13%), a fire door is a normal door but with ‘fire door’ signage (13%), or that any timber door was a fire door (7%).

Helen Hewitt added: “There is clearly still a dangerous lack of understanding and need for education on the role of fire doors. The encouraging news is that when people are better informed about fire doors, they’re more likely to report issues. Half (49%) of respondents said having a better understanding over what fire doors do and how they work would encourage them to take action.”

More at  www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk