When running a business, you have to take sufficient measures to keep staff, stock, equipment and the property itself safe. You could work at a manufacturing plant, a pharmaceutical company or a logistics centre. It doesn’t matter the industry; your workplace could be vulnerable.
In fact, there are over 22,000 workplace fires in the UK every year, which illustrates just how important it is to install things like smoke-tight doors and other fire safety fittings.
This article will draw attention to smoke seal door installations, fire sliding doors and other essential fire safety features that every industrial setting should invest in. It will be a guide to staying ahead of fire safety regulations, along with ensuring maximum protection and security in case of emergencies.
The power of smoke-tight doors
Smoke-tight door fittings are essential for the protection of employees and goods during fire emergencies. They are generally steel doors, designed to prevent the spread of smoke and fire by creating a tight seal around the doorframe. Fire and smoke seals for doors can be achieved through a variety of mechanisms, including:
- Intumescent strips, which are made from materials that expand significantly when heated up, are found on door edges to stop the spread
- Purpose-built nylon pile, rubber or brush material smoke seals for doors, simply filling the gaps between doors and frames
- EPDM seals, which are essentially strips installed around the frame, are designed to keep the door tight when shut
All of these features help to keep fire and smoke contained, which aids firefighters in managing fire one place at a time. This also reduces the risks of smoke inhalation for staff as they leave affected rooms.
Fire sliding doors
Beyond smoke seals for fire doors, you can take safety up to the next level with sliding fire door installations. Much like standard smoke-tight doors, these installations are generally made from steel. The sliding nature of them can increase the speed of pedestrians, sack trucks, small trolleys and things of the sort.
Whatever fire safety features you choose to have installed on your doors, make sure to look out for sufficient ratings, such as RS, T90, T60 and EI230, among others. These will confirm that the doors are suitably designed within the UK’s fire safety regulations, helping to keep fines and penalties at bay.
Other important fire safety features & practices
If you’re trying to create a truly fire-safe workplace, you can’t rely on the merits of smoke-tight doors alone. Your approach to fire safety should be comprehensive, covering a range of essential installations and practices.
Fire detection and alarm systems. Smoke detectors, heat detectors and manual alarms are essential for early detection and alerting, ensuring people can evacuate promptly.
Clear escape routes and exits. Keep escape paths and emergency exits clearly marked and unobstructed so people can easily make their way out.
Suppression systems and extinguishers. Sprinkler systems and an abundance of fire extinguishers are important for tackling and suppressing fires, big and small.
Proper training and prevention practices. Your staff should be informed and trained in basic fire prevention strategies, like keeping materials separate and using extinguishers.
Fire-resistant construction materials. If possible or plausible, structures should be built using fire-resistant materials, such as steel, concrete, stone and others.
Fighting fires starts with prevention
The most important thing to remember is that the most important part of fighting fires is preventing them from happening in the first place. Proper fire safety procedures will be your greatest tool against blazes and smoke, with all installations best treated as last defences.