Health & Safety Update (March 2009)
“Fire Doors...It's your Responsibility” - New Fire Doors
DVD
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has produced a 10
minute film on the potentially fatal consequences of installing
uncertified fire doors. The film highlights the benefits of doors
certified under the BWF-CERTIFIRE scheme - as well as the
importance of correctly fitting fire doors, and maintaining them.
The devastating potential outcome of failing to do so is shown.
The scheme was established in 1996 by the BWF and Warrington
Certification; around 75-80% of all UK-sold fire doors are now
certified. Certification ensures that a fire door’s central "leaf"
will withstand fire for at least 30 minutes and that all components
such as closers, hinges, seals and glazing panels also offer the
necessary fire protection.
In 2006 there were 89,000 fires in the UK, causing 491 deaths.
Of these, 61% were due to gas or smoke inhalation. One in 12 fires
spread from the area where they start to other rooms in a building.
Fire doors help save lives and property by containing fire within a
room and preventing the spread of smoke and harmful gases,
providing time for occupants to safely leave the building.
The film shows the effects of fire on two identical looking
doors, one BWF-CERTIFIRE certified, and the other not. The
uncertified door begins allowing smoke and flame through in around
13 minutes whilst the certified door withstands both for an
additional 25 minutes. The film also shows the failure of fire
doors and the catastrophic effects on a building and its
occupants.
The film is viewable online at:
www.bwf.org.uk/firedoors
Copies are obtainable by calling: 0870 458 6939 or
e-mailing:
firedoors@bwf.org.uk