A fire door that does not close fully when released has failed its purpose. Self-closing devices must meet BS EN 1154 and be maintained in efficient working order. Here is what to check and when to replace.
Why this matters
A propped-open or non-self-closing fire door is one of the most cited fire safety deficiencies in care home fire risk assessments. In a fire incident, it becomes a central feature of any investigation and enforcement action.
What to do
- 1Test every fire door self-closer at least every six months: release from fully open -- it must close and latch fully without assistance.
- 2Check for hydraulic fluid leaks from the closer body -- a sign of seal failure requiring replacement.
- 3Check the closing speed: too fast is a hazard to residents with limited mobility, too slow may allow the door to fail to latch.
- 4Never allow wedges, doorstops or improvised hold-open devices -- if a door needs to be held open legitimately, fit an acoustic or electromagnetic device that fails to closed on fire alarm.
Primary source
NFCC -- Fire Safety in Specialised Housing guidance
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