Fire Door Safety Week in the UK: Ensuring Compliant Escape Doors Based on BS EN 179, BS EN 1125, and BS EN 13637

Fire Door Safety Week , an annual event in the UK, organised by the British Woodworking Federation , serves as a critical reminder of the vital role fire doors play in protecting lives and property during emergencies. In commercial, industrial, and residential settings, ensuring that fire doors are compliant with relevant safety regulations is not just a legal obligation, but a life-saving necessity.?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility for fire safety in buildings to whoever has day-to-day control of the premises, and there are a number of building regulation standards that must be adhered to ensure safety and security.

The UK standards that govern fire doors and escape routes include BS EN 179, BS EN 1125, and BS EN 13637, which provide comprehensive guidelines for the performance, operation, and design of emergency exit systems.?

In this edition of ABLOY UK Security News, we'll explore the importance of these regulations and what you need to know to ensure your escape doors are fully compliant, keeping building occupants safe.?

What is Fire Door Safety Week??

Fire Door Safety Week is a national campaign aimed at raising awareness about the importance of fire doors and encouraging responsible use and maintenance. It highlights the need for compliance with fire safety standards and stresses the importance of properly functioning escape routes during emergencies.?

With many fire-related incidents being avoidable, Fire Door Safety Week emphasises the importance of regular inspections, appropriate maintenance, and adherence to safety standards for fire doors. The week is also an opportunity to engage with stakeholders, from building owners to facilities managers, to ensure that fire doors are correctly installed and meet current regulations.?

Key UK Regulations for Fire Door Escape Systems?

1. BS EN 179: Emergency Exit Devices for Non-Public Areas?

BS EN 179 is the standard that governs emergency exit devices designed for buildings where the general public does not have access, such as offices or private workspaces. In these areas, building occupants are likely to be familiar with the environment and exit routes.?

• Key Points: The standard specifies the requirements for emergency exit devices using a lever or push pad. These must allow occupants to open doors quickly and easily without the need for keys or complex mechanisms.?

• Why Compliance Matters: In non-public buildings, ensuring compliance with BS EN 179 guarantees that staff and other occupants can exit the building safely during a fire, even under pressure.?

2. BS EN 1125: Panic Exit Devices for Public Areas?

For public buildings like shopping centres, hospitals, or schools, BS EN 1125 governs the use of panic exit devices. In these settings, where building occupants may not be familiar with exit routes, panic exit devices must provide a fast and intuitive way to open doors.?

• Key Points: This standard specifies the use of horizontal push bars that allow doors to be opened with minimal force, reducing panic and ensuring a swift exit.?

• Why Compliance Matters: During an emergency, especially in crowded public spaces, panic can spread quickly. BS EN 1125-compliant devices ensure that even large groups of people can evacuate safely without confusion or obstruction.?

3. BS EN 13637 – Electrically Controlled Exit Systems?

BS EN 13637 covers electrically controlled exit systems for both public and non-public buildings. These systems allow the integration of electronic locks with emergency escape routes, ensuring that the doors can be opened quickly when required.?

• Key Points: Electrically controlled exit systems must have fail-safe mechanisms, ensuring that in the event of a power failure, the doors can still be opened. This standard also ensures that the system integrates with fire alarm systems, automatically unlocking doors when a fire is detected.?

• Why Compliance Matters: As technology advances, more buildings are adopting electronic systems for added security. However, ensuring that these systems comply with BS EN 13637 is crucial for maintaining both safety and functionality in the event of an emergency.?

The Role of Fire Doors in Fire Safety?

Fire doors are designed to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading, allowing building occupants more time to escape. However, for fire doors to be effective, they must be properly installed, maintained, and compliant with UK standards. Non-compliant fire doors can endanger lives by failing to prevent the spread of fire and smoke: or by hindering escape due to malfunctioning exit devices.?

Key factors to consider when assessing fire door safety include:?

• Correct Installation: Ensure that fire doors are installed by certified professionals who understand the requirements for fire door performance.?

• Regular Maintenance: Fire doors and exit devices must be inspected regularly to ensure they function correctly. This includes checking for damage, wear and tear, or faulty mechanisms.?

• Clear Escape Routes: Fire doors should always be free from obstructions, allowing occupants to exit without delay. Exit routes should be clearly marked, and fire doors should not be wedged open under any circumstances.?

How to Ensure Compliance During Fire Door Safety Week?

1. Audit Your Fire Doors: Conduct a thorough inspection of all fire doors in your building. Ensure that they are compliant with the BS EN 179, BS EN 1125, or BS EN 13637 standards based on your building type and use.?
2. Train Staff and Occupants: Make sure that everyone in your building is familiar with fire exit routes and knows how to operate emergency exit devices.?
3. Consult a Professional: If you're unsure whether your fire doors are compliant, consult a fire safety expert who can assess your systems and recommend any necessary improvements.

Electric Locks vs Door Magnets?

Opting for an electric locking system, such as a motorised or solenoid lock, offers certain safety benefits over using door magnets on fire and emergency escape doors.?

The primary concern with door magnets on fire escape doors is the potential fire risk, as they need specific fail-safe measures to ensure they work properly during an emergency.?

For instance, some magnetic locks require an alarm or ‘request to exit’ system to enable exit, which could cause dangerous delays for individuals needing quick evacuation in an emergency. Additionally, electric locks are more energy-efficient compared to magnetic locks.?

Conclusion?

Fire Door Safety Week helps to remind us that it’s an important time to reassess the safety and compliance of your building’s fire doors and emergency exit systems. Whether governed by BS EN 179, BS EN 1125, or BS EN 13637, compliant escape routes and fire doors are crucial for safeguarding lives during an emergency. Regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to these key standards will ensure that your fire doors perform as expected when they are needed most.?

Make Fire Door Safety Week count by ensuring your building is fully compliant and that you’re doing everything possible to protect lives.?

Useful Links

Official Fire Door Safety Week Website

ABLOY UK Fire Door Safety Week Campaign Page

ABLOY UK Fire Door Safety Week Infographic

ABLOY Academy - Foundations Course

RIBA CPD Webinar - Electrical Locking for Fire and Escape Doors

RIBA CPD Webinar - Escape Door Systems