The Importance of Fire Doors in Care Homes

Tuesday 10th September 2024

With an aging population and the requirement of care homes always increasing, it is paramount that all aspects of fire safety are taken into consideration when fire risk assessments, and even individual care plans are being assessed. Fire Doors in care homes are a critical part of the fire strategy and must be correctly installed and maintained to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Why are fire doors in care homes important ?

Unlike high street stores and office blocks, it is very unlikely that everyone would be able to evacuate simultaneously in a care home. For a variety of reasons such as mobility issues, or physical or mental disability. Common practice within a care home setting is a phased or horizontal evacuation when the initial alarm has sounded. Evacuation of this nature can be the most safe and effective. Especially with appropriate fire equipment which is correctly installed and maintained. This can include correctly fitted fire doors and hardware. Correctly fitted fire doors ensure that staff are able to evacuate those with mobility issues, without risk. Acquiring appropriate evacuation devices in order to provide safe evacuation.

Essentially the primary purpose of a fire rated door, is to physically place barriers and compartmentalise a building. By installing purpose-built fire doors correctly, it slows down the progression of a fire. As well as limiting the damage to the property before the emergency services are able to attend the scene. During this time, fire doors help to contain the fire long enough to provide valuable extra minutes. Therefore allowing occupants to evacuate safely unaided or with the assistance of staff.

What fire doors are required in a care setting?

Fire doors should have an appropriate fire rating specified in a fire risk assessment. Fire doors can either be 30 minute or 60-minute rating. General guidance for care homes usually advise a 60-minute fire rated fire door. However, it is critical that a fire risk assessment is actioned as it is specific to that particular environment. It takes into consideration the residents and the additional fire risks within the building. Each of the doors should also have fire and smoke seals installed in the door or frame. Ensuring that escape routes are not compromised during the evacuation process, and smoke inhalation is reduced significantly.

Fire doors & accessibility

Never prop a fire door in a care home open with a wedge — Never prop, wedge, or tie open a fire door

In order for a fire door to perform its purpose properly, the door must be able to close completely. Accessibility is key for a care home and fire doors can cause issues where this is concerned as they can be very heavy to operate. Most of the residents do not have the strength to open a fire door. Propping, wedging, or tying a fire door open should never be practised. However, specialist devices such as overhead door closers and retaining devices can assist with this.

Overhead door closers ensure that a fire door closes fully. This allows for proper compartmentalisation to take place, and contains a fire within a room for a specified time period. To assist in maintaining accessibility, care homes may also use fire door holders, or retainers. These provide a legal solution to hold open fire doors. Upon receiving a signal from a fire alarm panel or sounder, the retainer device will release the door. Overhead door closers can be used in conjunction with door holders and retainers, ensuring the door closes completely.

Accessibility solutions for care homes

The Fireco Pro System and the Agrippa products improve accessibility making it easier for the individuals that use them. Improving ventilation within a building can also be achieved by installing suitable fire door retaining systems.

Fireco Pro Dorgard holding open a fire door legally — Fireco Pro Dorgard legally keeping door open

The Fireco Pro System provides a solution for fire doors where doors can be left open safely. This means air circulation can be improved, but fire doors will still close and provide protection to residents in the event of an emergency. Directly linked to the fire alarm panel system in the premises, fire doors are released to close when the alarm sounds. A Fireco Pro system can consist of a variety of different products. This can include, retainers, door closers, door holders, and the hub itself. Once installed, the Fireco Pro system provides an effective fire door retainer and closer solution.

Geofire Agrippa holding a fire door in a care home open legally — Geofire Agrippa holding the door open via a magnet

Whereas, the Geofire Agrippa provides a simple retrofit solution, with no wiring at all. ‘Listening’ for the alarm system, the Agrippa is acoustically triggered when the alarm sounds. Upon hearing the alarm, the magnet disengages and allows the door to close with the aid of a door closer.

Fire doors are heavy and residents can benefit significantly from having simple accessibility solutions like this fitted.

Fire door maintenance is critical

Qualified fire door inspector, inspecting a fire door in a care home — Qualified inspector performing a fire door inspection

Maintenance on any fire door is critical. However, in places like care homes, they rely heavily on phased evacuations. Therefore, it is paramount that fire doors in care homes are maintained in good working order, including all appropriate hardware. Ensuring that the fire door is able to provide the vital 30 or 60-minutes allows residents a better chance to evacuate safely. This may be under their own ability or with the aid of specialist equipment and support from staff members.

Maintenance of a fire door, usually starts with a fire door inspections. These inspections must completed by qualified inspectors and should be performed annually. Functionality checks must be performed every 6 months by a Competent Person. For some residential environments, which have two or more floors, fire door checks should be performed every 3 months.

How to do the functionality checks

It is critical to ensure that your fire doors are fit for purpose. Follow these simple steps to perform a functionality check:

Identify the door is fire rated.
Check the gaps and seals around the door for damage or breakage.
Inspect the hinges and the door closer. Testing their functionality.
Ensure that the door is clearly marked with correct signs on both sides of the door.
Assess any and all fire door retainers or free-swing door closers. Ensure that they are installed and work correctly.

If any of the door or installed hardware are damaged, broken, or even missing, your fire door is not fit for purpose and the component should be replaced immediately. Use our handy fire door inspection checklist to guide you through the process, ensuring that you do not miss or overlook a vital component.

It is a legal requirement to maintain any and all fire safety equipment, including fire doors. This is in accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which states fire safety equipment must be kept in ‘good working order’. Failure to maintain all your fire safety equipment, could result in fines, or even permanent closure of your business. According to the RRFSO, fire risk assessments must be carried out in any business and organisation. This must be performed by a Responsible Person or Fire Risk Assessor. All fire safety risks are assessed, a plan of action created, and actioned within the premises.

Toni Harrison

Toni is one of our product administrators.

Latest Posts by Toni Harrison

The Importance of Fire Doors in Care Homes10th September 2024

Should I Have a Fireproof Box for Important Documents?

Friday 6th September 2024

What is a fireproof document box?

A fireproof box protects your valuable documents from fire and flood damage for under £100, potentially saving you more than £1000 in replacement costs and countless hours of admin. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make for peace of mind.

House fires and floods don’t give you a warning. When disaster strikes, you’ve got seconds to get your family to safety. There’s no time to hunt for birth certificates or passports. That’s where a fireproof box becomes your silent guardian, protecting what matters most when you can’t.

SentrySafe fireproof box (A4) — A fireproof box protects important documents from flames and floods

What is a fireproof document box?

A fireproof box is a lockable case (often waterproof too) designed to keep your important documents safe from fire and flood. You might also hear them called a fireproof safe or ‘deed box’ – named after house deeds that people traditionally stored in them.

These fireproof boxes for storage protect your most important papers. Think passports, marriage certificates, insurance documents and bank details. Anything you’d struggle to replace or can’t afford to lose.

A fireproof safe protects important documents, digital media, cash and valuables from flames and floods.

What can you store in fireproof boxes for important papers?

Fireproof safes for documents and data media aren’t just for legal paperwork. They’ll protect anything with sentimental value too. Some home and office document safes are certified to protect digital media like disks and hard drives.

A fireproof box for photos makes perfect sense if you’ve got irreplaceable family pictures. These fireproof boxes and chests come in various sizes, up to 18.5L capacity. Whether you need a fireproof box for house deeds or a comprehensive fire proof box for documents, there’s a size that’ll work.

Woman escaping burning building, carrying her baby and cat to safety — There is no time to find personal or valuable documents in an emergency

Why is a fireproof safe important?

When your house is on fire, everyone needs to get out fast. Stopping to collect valuables is incredibly dangerous and should never be done. But this means your important documents are left behind in the flames.

Flash floods happen quickly too. You might not have time to locate and rescue personal belongings. Fireproof safes give you protection and peace of mind. You can escape to safety knowing your documents are secure.

Fires and floods can happen when your house is empty too. Fireproof safes and boxes are the only way to ensure your important documents survive when no one’s around to save them.

There’s no time to find personal or valuable documents in an emergency.

Are fireproof boxes for storage worth the investment?

A simple A4 safe, like The Sentry Safe CHW20101, costs less than £100. These lockable boxes offer 30 minutes of fire protection up to 843 °C and protect against flood damage for up to 72 hours. This model is UL certified for A4 paper documents and digital media (hard drives, CDs, DVDs), with a 7.84L capacity. It comes with a lifelong after-fire replacement warranty, making it a solid long-term investment.

Let’s look at what this might contain for a family of three, and the replacement costs:

Passports	£88.50	(3)
Birth Certificates	£12.50	(3)
Marriage Certificate	£12.50	(1)
House Deeds	£500 – £800	(1)
Log Books	£25.00	(2)
Qualifications (degrees, NVQs, A-Levels etc.)	£43.00 +/- (depending upon exam board / institution)	(5+)
	Total:	£1080.50 – £1230.50

Table showing replacement costs for important documents (2024)

Table showing replacement costs for important documents (2024).

The total replacement cost could easily top £1000, or much more for larger families. This doesn’t include the time and energy you’ll spend on admin. Sentimental items or digital media might never be replaceable.

Even if your home insurance covers these documents, there’s significant admin needed to get copies. Having intact insurance documents will speed up your claim after a fire or flood. The cost of the best fireproof document box is tiny compared to replacement costs and hassle.

Passports are important personal documents, and expensive to replace

Buying the best fireproof safe for home use in the UK

Investing in fireproof boxes for important papers could save you over a thousand pounds and hours of admin time. A fireproof box in the UK can protect sentimental papers and digital media that can’t be replaced. A fireproof box for documents in the UK offers the peace of mind that comes with knowing your most important papers are safe.

Get free delivery today and enjoy the peace of mind that a quality deed box provides.

Don’t wait for disaster to strike. A fireproof box is cheap insurance against catastrophic loss. For less than £100, you’re protecting documents worth over £1000 and countless hours of your time. Contact our friendly customer service team or call us on 0800 612 6537 for more information.

Glossary of Terms

Deed box: Traditional term for a fireproof safe used to store house deeds and other legal documents.

Fire rating: How long a fireproof box can protect contents at specific temperatures (e.g. 30 minutes at 843°C).

Fireproof box: A secure, fire-resistant container to protect documents and valuables from fire and water damage.

Fireproof safe: Another term for a fireproof box, often referring to larger or more secure models.

UL certification: An independent testing standard that verifies a fireproof safe’s protection levels for different types of media.

Water resistance rating: How long fireproof boxes and chests can protect contents when submerged (e.g. 72 hours underwater protection).

All information is correct at the time of posting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the best fireproof safe for home use in the UK cost?

The best fireproof document box typically costs under £100 for a quality A4-sized model. For example, the Sentry Safe CHW20101 offers 30 minutes of fire protection up to 843°C and flood protection for 72 hours. When you consider that replacing important documents can cost over £1000 for a family of three, a fireproof box represents excellent value. Fireproof safes and boxes have lifelong after-fire replacement warranties, making them a wise long-term investment.

What’s the difference between fireproof safes and fireproof boxes and chests?

The terms fireproof safe and fireproof box are often used interchangeably. Both refer to fire-resistant containers designed to protect your valuables. Home and office document safes might be slightly larger or have more robust locking mechanisms, but they serve the same purpose as fireproof boxes for storage. Whether you choose fireproof safes for documents and data media or simpler fireproof boxes for important papers, the key is finding one that meets your capacity and fire rating requirements.

Can I use a fireproof box for photos and digital media?

Absolutely. Many fireproof safes for documents and data media are certified to protect both paper documents and digital storage devices. A fireproof box for photos will safeguard your irreplaceable family pictures, while the same fire proof box for documents can protect hard drives, CDs and DVDs. Look for models with UL certification for digital media protection to ensure your precious memories and important digital files survive fire and flood damage.

What documents should I store in my fireproof box for house deeds?

A fireproof box for house deeds should contain all your most important legal and personal documents. Store house deeds, passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance documents, bank details and vehicle log books. You can also use fireproof boxes for important papers to protect qualifications like degrees and A-levels. Remember, these documents would be expensive and time-consuming to replace, some costing hundreds of pounds each.

Where can I buy a fireproof box for documents in the UK?

You can purchase a fireproof box in the UK from Safelincs with free delivery. We stock a range of fireproof boxes for storage that are suitable for different needs and budgets. Whether you need a compact best fireproof document box for essential papers or larger home and office document safes for extensive document storage, we’ve got options to suit. Contact our friendly customer service team or call 0800 612 6537 for advice on choosing the right model.

How long will a fireproof safe protect my documents during a house fire?

Most quality fireproof safes provide protection for 30 minutes at temperatures up to 843°C. This timeframe typically covers the duration of a house fire affecting the area where your fireproof box is located. Fireproof boxes and chests are designed to maintain internal temperatures low enough to prevent paper documents from burning or becoming damaged. The fire rating varies between models, so check the specifications when choosing the best fireproof safe for home use in the UK.

Are fireproof boxes for storage also waterproof?

Yes, most modern fireproof safes and boxes offer fire and water protection. Quality fireproof boxes for essential papers typically provide flood protection for up to 72 hours when fully submerged. This dual protection is crucial because firefighting efforts often result in significant water damage. A fireproof box that’s also waterproof ensures your documents stay safe from flames and the water used to extinguish them, giving you complete peace of mind.

The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Commissioning

Monday 2nd September 2024

What is fire extinguisher commissioning?

Fire extinguisher commissioning is the initial inspection of new fire extinguishers by a qualified fire extinguisher engineer. This inspection involves looking for visible faults, or signs of damage to the extinguisher which may have occurred during transit. It is essential that these inspections are done on-site where the extinguisher will be installed, as a damaged extinguisher may not be effective in an emergency. Depending on the type of damage it could even cause harm to the user if deployed.

Enquire about our On-site Commissioning & Installation service today

two engineers in a warehouse, wearing hi-vis jackets checking the quality of two extinguishers — On-site Commissioning & Installation

Do my fire extinguishers need to be commissioned?

British Standard BS5306-3:2009 specifically requests on-site commissioning to be completed after transportation. Suppliers will deliver new extinguishers containing the required fire fighting medium, meaning that they are technically ready for use. However, fire extinguishers must never be used, or installed, until a qualified engineer has commissioned the unit. This is because no matter how strong the supplier’s quality checks are, there can be no guarantee that the unit is safe for use, as it may have been damaged in transit.

To ensure that new fire extinguishers are fit for purpose, they should always be purchased through a reputable supplier which has third party certification. This includes BAFE accreditation, which can only be obtained by organisations that have demonstrated that the services and products they provide conform to recognised standards. This provides peace of mind about quality and compliance.

Our On-site Commissioning & Installation service is available for all fire extinguishers. Contact our friendly servicing team today on 0800 612 4827 for more information.

BAFE accreditation Logo

Can I buy pre-commissioned extinguisher

No reputable fire safety company will supply pre-commissioned fire extinguishers. While this option may appear convenient, in practice, it could mean that the extinguisher will not work if a fire breaks out. The extinguisher may have been deemed safe for use at the suppliers warehouse, there is no way to guarantee that the unit has not been compromised on its way to the end user. Some issues may be obvious, and could be picked up by a member of staff on arrival. However, some damage may be more subtle, and can only be identified by a qualified engineer.

On-site fire extinguisher commissioning is therefore a requirement which protects the user. While providing organisations with peace of mind that their extinguishers will be fit for use in the event of a fire. The practise of pre-commissioning puts the customer both at the risk of injury and exposes them to substantial legal liabilities.

Risks of pre-commissioned extinguishers

Cylinders may be dented, which may impact the medium they contain
Tubing can become detached or damaged, meaning the medium cannot be expelled effectively, or at all
Handles and safety pins can get bent to a degree that they cannot be used in an emergency. This often happens when low quality fire extinguishers rest on their heads in transit
Extinguishers containing CO2 can leak during transit. This type of extinguisher does not have a pressure valve, and so only a careful weight test during commissioning (removing the horn and measuring with precision scales) will reveal any loss in pressure and weight
End users require a certificate by an engineer to state that their premises are covered in accordance to the British Standard. A pre filled in servicing label on the extinguisher does not certify that the extinguisher is installed in the correct position, or that it is in fact the right extinguisher for the risks present at the location

Fire extinguisher commissioning vs servicing

Fire extinguisher commissioning must be done by a trained engineer upon installation, to ensure that it is fit for purpose. This includes ensuring that it is the right type of extinguisher for the risks present in the area, and that it is not damaged or otherwise compromised. Commissioning must be done before the extinguisher is used, as it may not be safe to discharge, even in the event of a fire.

Fire extinguisher servicing often involves similar checks by a trained engineer, but is not required upon installation. Depending on the type of extinguisher and its age, this can sometimes involve disassembly and refilling. To comply with British Standards, steel fire extinguishers need to be serviced annually. Failure to do so puts lives at risk, and there could be legal action if the servicing has not been completed. Especially, if an extinguisher fails to discharge, or causes harm to the user in the event of a fire. Servicing also ensures that the Responsible Person is made aware when their extinguishers are nearing their end of life, so that replacements can be sourced in good time.

Service-free extinguishers do not need to be serviced annually by an engineer. However, they must still be commissioned on site upon installation, and visually checked by a trained member of staff annually.

Servicing and Commissioning Options

Always ensure that fire extinguishers are supplied by a reputable company with third party accreditation, and commissioned upon installation by a qualified engineer. This ensures that the extinguisher is fit for purpose, and ready for use in the event of a fire. Commissioning and annual servicing in line with British Standards also protects organisations from legal action in the event of a fire, particularly if an extinguisher is damaged or faulty when required.

For more information about fulfilling your extinguisher installation and maintenance requirements, contact Safelincs on 0800 612 4827 or email support@safelincs.co.uk.