Hotels and Guest Houses

What is your responsibility?

  • Hotel and Guest House Owners have a responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to ensure that guests are safe.
  • Facilities should have a fire risk assessment and nominate a “responsible person” (this could be a management company or an individual) who has legal responsibility under the FSO and can be criminally prosecuted if they do not fulfill their duties. This covers a requirement upon the Responsible Person to demonstrate that in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as possible.
  • The state of Fire Doors falls within this responsibility and is given specific reference in the FSO.
  • Whilst this legislation has been in place for a number of years, we continue to hear of business owners who do not understand their responsibilities.

 

Why is a Fire Door Important?

  • A fire door ensures that should a fire break out, it can be contained in a “compartment”. This keeps the fire and smoke trapped for a defined period, allowing time for people to get out/to be rescued and make the fire easier to tackle.
  • It will not fulfill this function if damaged or propped open.

 

How to identify a fire door

  • Signs that might indicate a fire door include things like a blue ‘Fire Door’ or ‘Keep Closed’ sign, door closers, intumescent or smoke seals around the edge of the door or the frame.
  • All fire doors are fire rated. Some are FD30 (providing 30 minute protection), FD60 (60 minute protection) or higher. There is usually a certification mark (a label or plug) on top of the door if it is a Fire Door – you can find out more in the Best Practice Guide published by the BWF Fire Door Alliance.

 

How to inspect and maintain a fire door

  • Fire doors should be checked regularly, and the more they’re used the more frequently they should be checked.
  • Anyone can spot a dodgy fire door (do the 5 Step Check today). But if you have legal responsibility for fire safety, call in a professional.
  • Create a fire door maintenance checklist and schedule, and check all doors in your building.
  • Only ever replace damaged components with like-for-like. Check the fire certificate. A trained person should be responsible for this maintenance work.

Tips for Guests

Take action

  • Make sure you check that fire doors are fit for purpose – use the 5 Step Fire Door Check.
  • Don’t wedge it open and, in particular, keep fire doors closed at night.
  • Seen a dodgy fire door? Report it to the owner straight away.
  • Refer them to the advice on this website.
  • Always check the fire doors and report if there is a problem.

Tips for hotel owners / managers

Ensure your doors in safe working order

  • If you have had a Fire Risk Assessment, make sure doors were covered and the assessor is knowledgeable in this area
  • When you do your regular check, identify and include the fire doors, do this 5 Step Fire Door Check.
  • If in doubt bring in a professional to carry out a survey.
  • Remember if you are replacing the entrance locks to ensure that they are compatible with the doors and professionally fitted
  • DO NOT TRIM THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR OFF SO THAT YOU CAN SLIDE THE NEWSPAPER UNDER IT – THE GAP WILL ALLOW FIRE SPREAD – making the fire door not fit for purpose.

 

How to buy good quality fire doors

  • You’ll find lots of advice on specifying and buying high quality, third-party certificated fire doors and doorsets from the BWF Fire Door Alliance knowledge centre.
  • Always use a reputable and competent supplier – many people claim to make fire doors, but only some have got a properly tested product that is proved to work in a fire.
  • Ask whether the product has been fire tested and demand to see the documentation that proves it (eg. fire certificate or label).
  • It’s not just the door itself that matters. The frame and ironmongery is just as important – they all work together. Only buy exact compatible hardware and components.
  • Always ask for installation instructions and follow them to the letter.
  • Saving a few quid on fire doors isn’t worth it. Consider the cost of damage and loss of life if a fire breaks out. Stick to the specification at all times.

 

Requirements to consider when specifying fire doors

  • All rooms should have fire doors which have a self-closing mechanism.
  • All fire doors must be durable and combine fire protection with accessibility.

 

How to install a fire door properly

  • Fire doors are not ordinary doors. They’re a carefully engineered fire safety device. They must be fitted correctly by a competent installer – if you employ people who install fire doors, make sure they know what they’re doing.