It can sometimes seem like big, bulky fire doors with those garish green “EXIT” signs are ruining the aesthetics of your commercial premises.
It’s true that they are not the prettiest feature in your building, but they could just stop your local fire services from having to manage a massive, out-of-control fire.
So, before you wonder whether you really need this fire protection feature, consider the following information.
They Close By Themselves
Fire doors are self-closing. This might not seem like a big deal, but without help, they are doing an incredibly important job.
When you open a fire door to access a different part of your building, you’ll notice how it closes behind you. It’s convenient since you don’t have to close it yourself, but it’s not self-closing for your convenience.
It’s closing on its own to stop a fire from spreading as quickly from room to room.
Can’t I just install a normal door and remember to close it? But what if you don’t remember? Fire exit doors are designed to close automatically, so there’s no remembering involved.
They Are Sealed
How can doors possibly be sealed when they open? Well, fire doors are just a little bit magic.
Many types have strips along the edges. When a room with a fire door experiences high temperatures during a fire, those strips expand. Some also have gaskets that do the same thing.
While fire doors can’t stop a fire from bursting its way in eventually, the seals actually have another role. They limit how much toxic gas and smoke enter a room. These can be far more dangerous in the early stages of a fire to anyone in the building.
If you breathe in smoke or toxic gas, you may be too disorientated or drowsy to make your way out safely.
They Are Made to Last
The average household door can likely go on fire before your very eyes. Fire doors are much different. They can be made of wood or steel, with some businesses preferring one or the other.
If you prefer a more traditional door to tie in with the aesthetics of your building, wood would likely be your first choice.
However, steel doors tend to be far more fire-resistant, with some being able to withstand four hours of fire before eventually allowing it to spread.
But whether you choose steel or timber, they have a very important job. They reduce how much oxygen is available to a fire and block its path into adjoining rooms and buildings.
What is the Legal Requirement for Fire Doors in Australia?
Fire doors are a legal requirement in Australian businesses.
However, you can’t just purchase any solid-looking door and call it a fire door. They have to abide by Australian Standard AS1905.1.
They must have a door leaf and frame, along with hardware like vision panels, air grilles, closers, locks, and handles. Fire-rated doors must also be self-closing and self-latching.
In Australia, lightweight materials are used in the construction of fire doors, with finishes like zinc, stainless steel, ply, MDF, and standard steel.
Even if you don’t believe a fire door in your business is necessary, it is. Without one, you could be breaking the law and putting your employees and building occupants at risk. Consider learning more about this vital fire protection measure today.
