Facility managers and employees must be aware of the critical importance of the building s exits and exit paths and maintain clear access to these essential life safety features at all times.
Should fire doors be locked at all times.
Fire doors have to be kept close at all times unless certified fire door retainers are installed not just a door wedge which hold the fire door open until a fire alarm is set off.
Fire doors require a panic hardware so once an emergency occur personnel will only push that and it will open.
Not locked but closed at all times.
Fire rated door should have self closing door and should not locked at all the times.
Some companies have interior fire doors that typically remain open between departments during the normal business hours but they will automatically close in the event of an emergency.
However if you wish to apply extra safety measures to keep you and your family safe then they are a great addition.
In addition fire doors should carry an appropriate sign when they are held open by a door retainer for example automatic fire door keep clear indicates that the route must remain unobstructed.
Some tips for a safe exit in an emergency.
If the door is not equipped with an automatic closing device do not prop it open.
If you don t already have fire doors in your home standard doors are fine.
1910 37 b lighting and marking must be adequate and appropriate.
Certified fire doors of solid timber construction are designed to resist the smoke and flames of a fire for a minimum specified length of time typically 30 minutes fd30 when closed.
For restricted access areas that are not usually populated such as storage cupboards and boiler rooms and which have no self closing device fitted fire door keep locked indicates that the door must be kept shut and locked at all times.
Fire exit areas should be kept clear from obstruction not only for your safety but the safety of others.
Safeguards designed to protect employees during an emergency e g sprinkler systems alarm systems fire doors exit lighting must be in proper working order at all times.