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Fire Door Safety Week 2025: Avoid a False Sense of Safety in Your Building

Fire Door Safety Week (22–26 September 2025) shines a spotlight on one of the most critical aspects of building safety: fire doors. This year’s theme, “A False Sense of Safety,” warns that buildings can appear protected while fire doors may not perform when they matter most.

For building managers, facility managers, and housing associations, ensuring fire door compliance isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a vital part of protecting occupants, staff, and visitors.

Why Fire Door Safety Matters

Fire doors are more than just doors. They prevent the spread of fire and smoke, buying precious time for safe evacuation. Neglecting fire doors can have serious consequences:

  • 75% of UK fire doors fail inspection due to gaps, damaged seals, or poor installation.

  • 57% of UK adults can’t identify a faulty fire door, leaving issues unreported.

Whether you manage residential buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, or community centres, a single faulty fire door can put lives and assets at risk.

Common Fire Door Mistakes

Building owners and managers frequently make these errors:

  1. Skipping regular inspections – Small issues often go unnoticed until an emergency.

  2. Ignoring updated regulations – Compliance with the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 is essential.

  3. Neglecting fire signage – Improper or missing signage can confuse occupants during evacuation.

  4. Improper installation or maintenance – Doors not installed to BM TRADA standards can fail in fire situations.

  5. Assuming old doors are safe – Safety standards evolve; what was compliant years ago may no longer meet requirements.

How to Avoid a False Sense of Safety

1. Schedule regular fire door inspections
Check for damaged seals, gaps, warped frames, and functional hardware.

2. Ensure correct fire door signage
Clearly mark fire doors to guide occupants safely during an emergency.

3. Work with certified professionals
Use BM TRADA-certified fire doors and expert fire solutions providers for installation, maintenance, or replacement.

4. Train staff and occupants
Everyone should understand fire door function, emergency procedures, and evacuation routes.

5. Maintain all fire safety equipment
Regularly test alarms, extinguishers, emergency lighting, and door hardware to ensure they work reliably.

Take Action This Fire Door Safety Week

Fire Door Safety Week is the perfect opportunity to review your fire door strategy. Don’t risk a false sense of safety, ensure every door in your building is compliant, fully functional, and properly maintained.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation with ODS Fire Solutions to assess your fire door compliance and protect your occupants today.

https://www.odsgroup.co.uk/fire-solutions

sales@odsgroup.co.uk