Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 20:10
As part of the Trust’s continued work around improving Fire safety staff are being reminded not to wedge open any fire doors.
It can be very tempting to wedge open fire doors around busy areas within the Trust, or to help the airflow during hot/cold weather.
However well intentioned, wedging open fire doors is illegal and provides no protection to the building, colleagues and visitors in the event of a fire.
Keeping fire doors open allows smoke and flames to rapidly spread.
A fully closed fire door can protect colleagues from the dangers of fire for more than 30 minutes, allowing escape or refuge.
A fire door is rendered ineffective if it is wedged open. Smoke spreads rapidly along corridors and into rooms when the doors are wedged open.
If a fire door is defective, please ensure it is reported to onto the Estate Micad for repairs.
Colleagues who wedge open fire doors are placing everyone at risk in the event of a fire and could leave themselves liable to prosecution.
EEAST colleagues who have any concerns or would like some further guidance, please contact:
Fire Safety Manager: Stephen Manuel
07355 023485
Published 18th December 2022