Is your annual fire safety statement on your mind? One area where a lot of businesses fall down is fire doors. When you make certain mistakes, your statement may fail, and you'll be asked to make modifications. At the same time, worrying about your fire doors can prevent you from making changes that benefit the business. Here are some common myths about fire doors that you should be aware of.
Flame Proof Paint Is Enough
If you're aware that you need to install a fire door, it can feel like a hassle. You may have heard that just adding flameproof paint is enough to transform your existing door into a fire door. Unfortunately, that isn't true. Fire doors come with a lot of features that give them their safety status. For example, when they encounter a certain heat, a hidden sealant fills all the gaps to stop a fire from spreading through them. As such, adding paint to a fire door isn't enough to make it effective.
30 Minutes Is Enough
Having a fire door that prevents the spread of fire for 30 minutes is a minimum requirement. In a lot of cases, it's sufficient for your annual fire safety statement to be a success. However, there are certain buildings where you may need more time. For example, if your building contains a lot of flammable liquids, extra time to stop the fire from spreading could be necessary. Safety teams make such assessments on a case-by-case basis, so if you're unsure, it's best to seek advice.
You Can Handle the Installation
While you may be able to order the right fire door, you can't install it. Even if you're proficient at such tasks, self-installation means you're not going to pass the assessment. You need someone who is certified in performing such tasks so that they can make sure the job is performed to standard. Additionally, that person acts as an independent body who can confirm that the door is safe and that it meets the correct installation requirements.
Fire Doors Are Ugly
Learning that you need to add a fire door to your building can cause worries about its aesthetic qualities. You may start to feel as though you're introducing an industrial-looking feature to a building that's otherwise beautiful. However, it is possible to find a door that meets your requirements while matching the building's design. Don't let concerns about the way your door will look dissuade you from installing one.
Contact a professional to learn more about fire doors and other aspects of annual fire safety statements.
