10 Fire Door Statistics To Know in 2024

In the realm of fire safety, few elements are as crucial as fire doors. These stalwart guardians stand as a frontline defence against the ravages of flames, smoke, and heat, safeguarding lives and property.

Fire doors are specifically designed to withstand fire for up to 30 minutes. They are a legal requirement for flats which open onto communal areas shared with other tenants.

As we stride into 2024, it’s imperative for property owners, managers, and occupants to be well-versed in the latest fire door statistics and understand the pivotal role fire doors play in bolstering building fire safety. 

Join us as we delve into the depths of fire door insights, uncovering essential facts and figures that underscore their significance in preserving lives and structures.

Data On the Importance of Fire Doors

Before we delve into the statistics, let’s reaffirm the criticality of fire doors in ensuring fire safety. Fire doors aren’t merely barriers; they’re meticulously engineered solutions designed to contain fire outbreaks, limit their spread, and provide safe evacuation routes.

These doors are equipped with robust materials and mechanisms, including intumescent seals and self-closing mechanisms, to withstand the intense pressures of a fire event and mitigate its impact.

Fire doors are designed in order to withstand incredibly intense temperatures for up to 30 minutes. This provides vital time for people who may be trapped inside a building to evacuate to safety. 

In fact, aluminium, which has a melting point of 660°C and steel, which has a critical point of 530°C, are two major components that are used within the design of a fire door.

Fire Door Statistics: Initial Insights for 2024

Let’s delve into the realm of fire door statistics to glean insights into the current landscape of fire safety:

1. Frequency of Inspections: Recent data indicates a surge in the frequency of fire door inspections, reflecting a growing awareness of fire safety responsibilities among property owners and managers.
2. Failure Rates: Shockingly, the data reveals that a significant proportion of installed fire doors fail to meet safety standards during inspections. Common issues include damaged seals, faulty self-closing mechanisms, and improper installation.
3. Regional Disparities: While fire safety regulations are enforced nationwide, there are regional disparities in compliance levels. For instance, data from the London Fire Brigade highlights higher rates of fire door inspection failures in densely populated urban areas.
4. Impact of Failed Inspections: Fire doors failed inspections pose a grave risk in the event of a fire, compromising evacuation routes and allowing the rapid spread of flames and smoke. Addressing these failures promptly is paramount to enhancing building fire safety.

10 Fire Door Statistics For 2024: The Numbers

Below we have some alarming fire door statistics found in research from the London Fire Brigade and The Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS):

1. 49% of the populace didn’t feel it was their place to report issues with fire doors and that 44 per cent wouldn’t take action if they saw one propped open, as they wouldn’t know who to report it to.
2. 15% of people think closing a fire door would stop it working, with almost exactly half saying they thought more education about the role and functionality of fire doors was needed.
3. 75% of doors fail to meet safety standards. 
4. 31% of failures are due to improper installation.
5. Statistics show that roughly 3 million brand new fire doors are purchased and installed inside buildings every single year in the UK alone.
6. Every single fire door that is bought should be, by law, fitted with something known as an intumescent seal. These expand 5-10 times their normal size and help to seal the gaps around the entire perimeter of a fire door to hold it in place and prevent a fire from spreading.
7. In a survey carried out by registered fire risk assessors, around 80% of all fire escape routes were obstructed in some way, with 65% of fire doors being left open and 85% having their automatic door closers disconnected from the top.
8. For buildings over 11 metres high with multiple occupants, a responsible person must check fire doors in common areas quarterly and flat entrance doors annually, leading to the building’s common parts.
9. Flats 4.5 metres above ground level must have fire doors between all the habitable rooms and the hallway or stairwell.
10. For newly built single residences and home renovations with three or more floors, fire doors are required in living spaces that open onto the main staircase.

The Landscape of Fire Door Inspection

One of the key pillars of fire safety is regular inspection and maintenance of fire doors. However, recent fire door inspection statistics reveal concerning trends. According to the latest data from the fire door inspection scheme, there has been a notable increase in fire door inspection failures across various sectors.

 From commercial establishments to residential complexes, fire doors failed inspections at an alarming rate, raising significant fire safety concerns.

Urgently Inspect Fire Doors: A Call to Action

Amidst the backdrop of rising fire door inspection failures, there emerges a pressing need for proactive measures. Property owners and managers must heed the call to urgently inspect fire doors to identify deficiencies and rectify them promptly. 

Neglecting fire door maintenance can have dire consequences in the event of a fire, jeopardising lives and exacerbating property damage. By prioritising fire door safety, we can fortify our buildings against the unpredictable nature of fire outbreaks.

Strategies for Enhancing Fire Door Safety

Armed with insights from fire door statistics, it’s imperative to implement proactive strategies to bolster fire door safety:

1. Regular Maintenance: Adopt a proactive approach to fire door maintenance, scheduling regular inspections and addressing issues promptly to ensure compliance with safety standards.
2. Staff Training: Provide comprehensive training to building occupants and staff on the importance of fire door safety, including proper operation and maintenance practices.
3. Smoke Sealing: Pay special attention to smoke sealing mechanisms to prevent the ingress of smoke during a fire event, thereby safeguarding escape routes and minimising health hazards.
4. Collaboration with Authorities: Collaborate with local fire authorities and regulatory bodies to stay abreast of evolving fire safety regulations and best practices, fostering a culture of compliance and accountability.

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