Should Fire Doors Be Wedged Open? Absolutely not unless it is done properly using methods that will be mentioned in this blog. Wedging fire doors open poses a serious safety risk, allowing fire and smoke to spread rapidly, endangering lives and property. While some may prop doors open for convenience, doing so is dangerous and often illegal under UK fire safety laws. Propping doors open can also invalidate insurance and lead to legal and financial penalties. Safe alternatives include acoustic or magnetic fire door retainers and free-swing overhead door closers.

Do fire doors need to be self closing? Self-closing fire doors are crucial for building safety, automatically preventing fire and smoke spread. Legally required in UK escape routes, corridors, and staircases, they use closers meeting BS EN 1155 or BS 5839: Part 3, with hydraulic or gear mechanisms for smooth closure. Some closers hold doors open until a fire alarm triggers closure. They offer fire containment, increased escape time, legal compliance, and durability. Crucially, they must never be propped open.

Have you ever considered the safety of your home or workplace against fire hazards? Since fire risk always exists and can occur at times, purchasing fire doors becomes critically important.

Whether it’s a domestic or a commercial property, in the UK they’re legally required to have fire doors installed. So, if you’re a landlord or a tenant, you must install appropriate fire doors in the correct locations.