Fire doors (schools/class doors)

[RP06]

Hi all,


Thanks for taking the time for reading this just need some guidance on classroom fire doors/other information on fire doors

As im sure you can guess a lot of the classrooms have been supplied door wedges to hold the fire doors open, (intended to hold the doors open during lessons) is this allowed? Are there any exceptions to having the fire doors opened by a wedge.

Also we have just had some new fire doors installed, but we haven't put the blue "fire door keep shut" on them does this need to be done?

 

[Wayners]

Fit these. They are sound operated so when the fire alarm sounds they release.
If there is noise like someone clapping could also release the door sometimes

No you should not wedge door open.

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[mattylad]

Sounds to me that this school needs a fire inspection urgently.

Propping open fire doors, faulty emergency lighting equipment, asking questions on public forums instead of seeking a professionals advice.

This is children's lives that are supposed to be protected, get a fire alarm company in (the one you should have a contract with already) to come, test everything and quote you for bringing it up to the standard it should be at.

 

[MintDesign]

As from my experiences, fire door are suppose to protect or act as barrier from fire.

If it is fire door it should be close the whole time and should be signed with fire door keep shut.

Unless you are a school teacher willing to take risk to open with wedge that is your problem.

 

[RP06]

@mattylad thank you for your response, the fire service did come yesterday. I am not much to do with this side of things though at the school, however i feel as though fire safety measures have only worsened over the years in the building (although the manager is so strict in terms of everything but not when it comes to enforcing the regulations) i have tried to speak to the site manager (who is responsible for the emergency lighting) but was dismissed, then went to the building safety manager at the school, who did get 2 of the faulty lights replaced, the site manger then told me off! However, since then, many lights are faulty, i have tried to show him before anyone only to be told "not now I'm busy" to which he walked away. I feel as though as much as i know what is wrong with the fire safety, i can not say anything (im not in a position to do so with my role ie, not to do with the safety) but need something to be done if that makes sence

 

[foxhole]

Email all with your concerns , copy headmaster and any school governors .

 

[^woody^]

You need to have sight of the school's Fire Safety Risk Assessment. That will detail all the issues you describe and is specific to the site - i.e. what may or may not be done in one building may not be what is required to be done in another building.

Not all physical fire doors may be "fire doors" for the purpose of compartmentation. Fire doors can be kept open, and may not be required to be kept shut, signs are not always required.

 

[RP06]

Oh okay, thank you that could be right for that area as we also have automatic fire doors on electric magnets every like 4 meters in the corridoors, ill check. Thanks for that

 

[johnny2007]

1. Everybody is responsible for safety, nobody is exempt, so your concerns should be considered, not dismissed.
2. Fire doors are not to be kept shut in all situations. In many buildings they're normally wide open until alarm sounds and they automatically close.
3. This is a school, so a fire safety inspection is compulsory and you'll find all defects and recommendations in the final report, no need to ask here.
4. If you feel that something is unsafe and after reporting it nothing is done, send an email to the responsible person. That leaves a trace that you've discharged your responsibility should something happen. In other words, as you can't personally fix it, officially and in writing pass the bucket.

 

[RP06]

@johnny2007 thank you for this advice! I will do that

cheers

 

[mattylad]

Also, say nothing that can identify you or the school in question.

Whilst you may be correct in what your asking, they may well find out and make your life hell or no longer part of that school.