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Adam Bannister is a contributor to IFSEC Global, having been in the role of Editor from 2014 through to November 2019. Adam also had stints as a journalist at cybersecurity publication, The Daily Swig, and as Managing Editor at Dynamis Online Media Group.
February 3, 2016

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Two Photos that Show the Life-Saving Benefits of Fire Doors

dorset school fire door 1When a fire ripped through the creative arts block at a Dorset school it was a blessed relief that the fire-safety professionals had done their job properly.

Pictures released by Dorset Fire & Rescue Service last year demonstrate starkly the benefits of fire doors in slowing the spread of fire, restricting damage and – most importantly of all – giving people more time to evacuate.

Readers might recall seeing these benefits play out under test conditions – during a live fire door test by the British Woodworking Federation for example. But it’s rare as it is helpful to see the benefits in a real-life scenario too.

The fire, which began on the roof, fortunately occurred during school holidays. It had been burning for more than hour before a 999 call was made. By the time fire engines arrived it was impossible for firefighters to get near it so the blaze remained unsupressed for several more hours – and still, the fire doors stood firm, as the pictures clearly demonstrate.

“We took photos in the aftermath of this school fire, which clearly show the value of fire doors,” said Andy Fox, head of fire safety at Dorset Fire & Rescue Service. “It’s usually difficult to describe just how important they are but these pictures need no description and show exactly how effective correctly installed and maintained fire doors can be.”

Neil Ashdown, general manager of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme added: “These images show just how important it is to ensure that the people responsible for fire-door installation and maintenance are aware of the faults we see.

“From gaps between doors and frames and unsuitable hinges to incorrectly fitted or missing seals, the problems are all too common. It is crucial that before a fire occurs these issues are addressed and an effective inspection regime is in place so that all fire doors can work as well as these.”

dorset school fire door 2This article was originally published January 2015, shortly after the blaze, and was one of IFSEC Global’s most popular articles of the year.

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Ganesh Nilangekar
Ganesh Nilangekar
January 25, 2015 5:05 am

All parties envoled need to be with high professional integrity, Great job

leachmark707
leachmark707
March 19, 2015 10:42 pm

If this isn’t enough evidence to prove that fire-doors are a good investment, I don’t know what is. It seems like the rest of the entire house was burned down except for what was behind this door. I am seriously considering making these an addition to my home now. http://www.bismac.com.au/products

edmundgarcia77
edmundgarcia77
October 30, 2015 6:30 am

Some fire doors come equipped with a mechanism such as an electromagnet, designed to hold the door open during normal daily use. When a fire alarm is activated, the electromagnet shuts off and releases the doors.

http://scanline.com.au

Efim Rabinovitch
Efim Rabinovitch
February 10, 2016 5:24 pm

‘This article was originally published January 2015.’ Republishing this article now looks similar to investigating historic sex abusers years after they were buried rather than taking constructive actions.

Ali Brockett
February 12, 2016 9:09 am

Ok so the doors did their job. Well done ‘professionals’. So why all the burnt debris lying in front of it? Where did that come from? Looks like the bulkhead above the door. Doors maybe OK but they are pointless if the surrounding substrate, including that hidden away above ceilings is not really up to it. Fire door focus is great but lets not promote a false sense of security-“Got my fire doors so Im alright when it comes to fire”. I have been in countless buildings old and new where the fire doors look the business only to lift the… Read more »

AbiWilson33
August 24, 2016 9:50 am

Efim Rabinovitch Because some people might not have seen it before, I hadn’t. I don’t think it can be said that republishing news articles demonstrating the importance of fire safety is pointless.