Fire Door Safety Week 2023

There is lack of knowledge and many misconceptions around fire doors, which is why the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) hosts an annual Fire Door Safety Week (FDSW). This week, which is now in its 10th year, educates and informs the general public about the many issues that can occur when fire doors are not used correctly, or are faulty.

Last year’s FDSW research revealed that over 30% of people thought that a propped open fire door was safe! While 15% of respondents believed that keeping a fire door closed prevented it from being able to work properly. These statistics showed just how many people have a lack of understanding around how fire doors work, which can be dangerous for not only themselves, but for others too.

The BWF is focusing this year on the need for education around fire safety and empowering building users to be able to spot a fire door that is not functioning properly. Businesses that are involved in the week are also encouraging people to report a faulty door as soon as they spot it or fix the issue if they can, such as closing a fire door properly.

This is what Richard Kowalski, our door expert and member of the BWF, has to say about this year’s Fire Door Safety Week:

“Being in this business we know all about fire door specifications and certifications, and we even offer training around installation because we know this is a common area where errors can creep in, potentially undermining the efficacy of a fire door. We can’t see what happens to our doors they’re in use however, but we know that a perfectly sound fire door can still be undermined in its crucial role, by being propped open for example, or poorly maintained.

“This year’s campaign is a reminder that everyone can play a part in ensuring a fire door performs as it should if there’s a fire. As well as renewing the important messages about ensuring fire doors are properly tested, certified and fitted correctly.

“People living and working in buildings where they are relying on those fire doors need to know what to look out for and alert the right people when they spot a problem. If we can educate and empower them, we can help avoid more fire tragedies.”

These issues surrounding fire doors do not only occur in high-rise, high-risk buildings, but can also be found in smaller apartment blocks and public and commercial buildings too – anywhere where the regulations require fire doors to be fitted.

In support of this week, we will be sharing the BWF’s safety messages across all of our social media platforms, as well as offering insights from some of our in-house industry experts. For those who want to find out more about the week and see what expert knowledge we will be sharing, visit our social media pages and keep an eye out for interesting updates!
If you want to find out more about fire door safety, or educate yourself and others further, visit: https://www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk/