The Importance of Regular Fire Door Inspections in Hotels

Do you know the critical role fire doors play in protecting your hotel, guests, and staff during a fire emergency? Regular checks of your fire doors are essential to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, ensuring the safety of everyone on your premises.

In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of inspecting your fire doors, common issues to watch for, and best practices to keep them in top condition.

Related: 2 Types of Hotel Doors every Hotel Manager should know!

Why Inspect Fire Doors Regularly?

Fire doors are a vital component of your fire safety strategy. They are designed to compartmentalize fires, slowing the spread and giving people more time to evacuate safely. Regular inspections ensure these doors function correctly when needed most.

Best Practices for Fire Door Inspections

According to fire safety regulations, fire doors should be inspected at least every six months. Depending on your risk assessment and local requirements, more frequent checks may be necessary. During inspections, ensure the following:

Related: 1,000+ Fire Walks: How To Improve Hotel Safety Standards

• Seals: Heat-activated seals and smoke seals should be intact and undamaged.

• Door Leaves: Door leaves (the main panel of the door) must not be structurally compromised, excessively bowed, or deformed.

• Gaps: Gaps between the door leaf and frame should neither be too tight (causing binding) nor too wide (compromising fire and smoke sealing effectiveness). Industry guidelines suggest gaps of 3mm along the sides and top and no more than 10mm at the bottom.

• Hardware: Hinges, latches, self-closing devices, and automatic release mechanisms should be in good working order.

Remember, consistent inspections and prompt maintenance of fire doors are essential to compliance with fire safety laws and to safeguard lives.

Related: Crisis Averted: Uncovering the Common Causes of Hotel Fires and Ensuring Prevention

Common Issues to Watch For

Here are some frequent problems observed during fire door inspections:

• Damaged Seals: Heat and smoke seals can degrade over time or become dislodged.
• Structural Damage: Cracks, holes, or other visible damage to the door leaf.
• Improper Clearance: Incorrect gaps between the door and frame.
• Malfunctioning Hardware: Issues with hinges, latches, or self-closing devices can render the fire door ineffective.

Fire doors are strategically placed throughout your building to compartmentalize potential fires. Ignoring their maintenance can result in catastrophic consequences during an emergency. Regular inspections and swift repairs are crucial.

Related: How To Keep Your Hotel Fire-Safe: 5 Best Practices

Designating a Competent Person

Every business should assign a competent person to oversee fire door checks. This individual should:

• Be trained in identifying and addressing fire door issues.

• Understand the importance of prompt repairs to maintain compliance and safety.

Alternatively, you can rely on a professional fire safety service provider to manage inspections and maintenance.

Related: Testing your Fire Alarm System!

Enhance Fire Safety with FireCloud365

FireCloud365 simplifies fire safety management by providing an intuitive platform to digitise inspections, schedule routine checks, and maintain regulatory compliance. Our software allows you to track progress in real-time, ensuring that fire doors and other safety measures are always up to standard.

Take the stress out of managing fire safety—reach out to FireCloud365 today to learn how we can support your hotel’s fire safety needs and create a safer environment for everyone.