Jargon Buster
Welcome to our Jargon Buster, a simple, no-nonsense guide to help you understand the terms and phrases you might come across when using our site. Whether you're a healthcare provider, workplace safety officer, a concerned parent, or simply a first-time, buyer seeking to make an informed purchase, this glossary is here to take the confusion out of technical talk.
What is a Fire Door?
A fire door is a complete installed assembly, also known as a fire doorset, which is constructed of fire resisting components including doorframe, door leaf/leaves with any glazing panels required, ironmongery (locks, latches, hinges, etc), intumescent seals and an automatic closing device.
It is an internal door, whose function when closed is to resist the smoke and flames of a fire for a minimum period of time, typically 30 minutes (FD30). As such, a fire door acts to create/protect an escape route through a building or compartmentalise a fire in a section of the building, to facilitate the swift and safe evacuation of people from the premises.
What is a Fire Door Retainer?
A fire door retainer allows a fire door to be kept open legally and will ensure that the door is closed automatically in the event of a fire.
They are available as battery and mains powered versions and can either be wired into a fire alarm panel or in the case of the Dorgard, acoustically operated by the sound of the fire alarm.
What are Fire Escape Hoods?
Fire escape hoods are designed to prevent inhalation of toxic smoke and gases in the event of a fire. They are designed to fit over the head, face or nose and mouth of a person escaping a fire and can provide up to 15 minutes protection against toxic smoke and fumes.
What is a Fire Exit?
A fire exit is the final exit on a fire escape route through a building. The fire exit door must open easily, immediately and wherever practicable in the direction of travel, i.e. outwards, into a place of safety outside the building. A fire exit must remain unobstructed at all times and bear the appropriate signage: e.g. "Fire Exit – Keep Clear".
What is a Fire Extinguisher Rating?
A fire extinguisher rating is an indication of the size and type of fire an extinguisher is capable of dealing with, for example a 13A rated extinguisher can extinguish 1.3 metres of class A fire.
What is a Fire Hose Reel?
Fire hose reels are permanently installed and are designed to give quick and controlled access to a water supply the event of a fire.
What are a Fireproof Hinges?
Fireproof hinges are usually supplied in sets of 3 and are fire rated for either 30 or 60 minutes fire protection.
What are a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment should be carried out by a responsible person within an organisation and is designed to identify and reduce potential fire risks as well as ensure the fire safety of a premises and its occupants.
What are Fire & Smoke Seals?
Fire and smoke seals are fitted to either a fire door or its frame and help to prevent the passage of fire and smoke. In the event of a fire the intumescent material expands sealing the gaps around the door and maintaining the door's fire integrity.
The seals are available with 30 or 60 minutes protection and can be either surface mounted or rebated into the door or frame.
What is a Fixed Temperature Heat Detector?
Fixed temperature heat detectors have a single thermistor which will activate when the element reaches a set operating temperature.
What is a Fresnel Diffuser?
Fresnel diffusers take a light source and concentrate it in a specific direction making them ideal for highlighting exit routes in buildings with large open premises.