Fire doors: ensuring fire safety in healthcare facilities
In the event of a fire, fire doors can help to prevent the spread of smoke and flames. Therefore, offering protection and valuable time for building occupants to safely evacuate, and for the fire and rescue service to arrive and extinguish the fire.
Why are they crucial in the healthcare sector?
Fire doors are especially important in buildings where many people may be present, including the healthcare sector. In healthcare facilities where patients are often unable to evacuate without assistance, having prolonged evacuation time is essential. Fire doors can help prevent the spread of smoke and flames from one area of the building to another, allowing time for staff to move patients to a safe location. This is otherwise known as ‘compartmentation’.
With long corridors and large wards, passive fire protection becomes a vital lifeline for vulnerable people who may have restricted mobility and cannot evacuate a building quick enough in normal circumstances before serious damage is done. Global’s team works hard to ensure that all fire safety standards are met and exceeded to ensure that in the event of a fire, it will remain contained, giving everyone inside the building a chance to get themselves to safety.
Keeping compliant
Fire doors in healthcare facilities are often required to meet specific codes and standards, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Code of Practice for Fire Door Assemblies BS 8214, and Approved Document B. These codes specify requirements for fire-rated doors, including the length of time they must resist fire, and the materials from which they are made.
At Global, we have our very own FD30s PAS24 SBD Ceasefire fire door range. Global can survey, supply, and install fire doors to meet your bespoke requirements. We can provide fire door services using PlanRadar, replicating every step of the Golden Thread through our Complete Approach. We promote full traceability from project conception to completion using digital data capture at the four key phases for complete asset management under the BM Trada Q Mark 170 Scheme.
As part of Global’s ongoing dedication to sustainability and a healthier environment. Global’s Ceasefire fire doors are ecologically conscious to ensure we make the lowest possible impression on the environment for our planet’s future. Made with sustainably sourced metals and Agri-fibre timber. These are put together in-house by our team of experts giving a lifespan of 25 years. We also endeavour to recycle any doors we remove whilst installing new ones!
Condition
It is worth noting that fire doors need to be properly installed, maintained, and tested to ensure they function correctly in the event of a fire. Fire doors that are noncompliant can pose an incredible hazard to the safety of those in and around the building. They can fail to prevent the spread of both fire and smoke, posing an increased risk to the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
What is required?
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that fire doors continue to provide the necessary protection in case of a fire.
Protection of life: Healthcare facilities house vulnerable populations, including patients with limited mobility or medical conditions that make evacuation challenging. Fire safety measures such as proper fire detection systems, evacuation plans, and staff training can save lives and minimize injuries during emergencies.
Preservation of critical infrastructure: Healthcare facilities contain essential medical equipment, medications, and sensitive records that are critical for patient care. Fires can cause significant damage, leading to the loss of infrastructure, medical supplies, and valuable data. Fire safety measures help protect these vital resources, ensuring uninterrupted patient care.
Minimising the spread of fire and smoke: Healthcare facilities often have complex layouts with numerous rooms, corridors, and interconnected areas. Fire safety measures such as fire-resistant construction materials, smoke control systems, and compartmentalization can prevent the rapid spread of fire and smoke, delaying time for evacuation and limiting damage.
Ensuring regulatory compliance: Healthcare facilities are subject to strict regulations and codes related to fire safety. Compliance with these standards is essential to maintain accreditation, licensure, and eligibility for reimbursement. Non-compliance can result in penalties, legal consequences, and reputational damage.
Preventing business interruptions: Fires in healthcare facilities can lead to temporary or permanent closure, disrupting healthcare services for the community and potentially causing inconvenience or harm to patients. Adhering to fire safety protocols minimizes the risk of fire incidents, allowing uninterrupted operation and service continuity.
Global Academy provide a bespoke Level 3 Ofqual Fire Door Inspection course that in partnership with WFST Ltd., and accredited by ABBE. This course is comprised of both theoretical and practical training, which is rare in the industry. An opportunity like this simply cannot be passed up. Our training course has been devised in-house by our top experts, ensuring you receive the best possible training and experience. This course is a fantastic opportunity to gain that industry recognised qualification you’ve been searching for, allowing you to kickstart your career in fire door inspections.
Overall, prioritising fire safety in healthcare facilities is vital to protect lives, preserve critical infrastructure, comply with regulations, and ensure continuous healthcare delivery to patients in a safe environment. At Global. we want to ensure each fire door we install and repair is to the highest standard, which is why all of our technicians are regularly trained, and qualified to industry standards.