When it comes to ensuring the safety of your occupants as a building owner or developer, one crucial aspect of fire safety is the proper installation and maintenance of fire doors. This acts as barriers to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
However, many building owners often overlook the significance of fire door handles, which play a critical role in the overall functionality and compliance of the fire door.
Fire door handles are not merely decorative elements; they serve a vital purpose in ensuring the proper operation of the fire door. In the event of a fire, these handles must be able to withstand high temperatures and remain functional, allowing occupants to easily open and close the door during an evacuation.
Non-compliant fire door handles can have severe consequences. If a handle fails during a fire, it can prevent occupants from escaping, leading to injury or even loss of life. Furthermore, using non-compliant handles can result in significant fines and legal liabilities for building owners.
To ensure the safety of your building and its occupants, it is essential to use fire door handles that meet the required standards and regulations. In the UK, fire door handles must comply with BS EN 1634-1.
When selecting fire door handles, look for products that have been tested and certified to meet these standards. It’s also crucial to ensure that the fire door handles are compatible with the specific fire door and its hardware. The handle must be able to operate smoothly with the latch and lock mechanism, ensuring that the door can be easily opened and closed in an emergency.
Regular maintenance and inspection of fire door handles are essential to ensure their continued effectiveness. Over time, handles can become loose, worn, or damaged, compromising their ability to function properly during a fire.
Building owners should establish a schedule for inspecting and maintaining fire door handles, along with the rest of the fire door assembly. This should include checking for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion, and ensuring that the handle operates smoothly and securely.
Any damaged or non-compliant handles should be replaced immediately with products that meet the required standards. It’s also important to keep accurate records of all maintenance and inspection activities to demonstrate compliance with fire safety regulations.
While compliance and functionality are the primary concerns when selecting fire door handles, aesthetics should not be overlooked. Many building owners prefer handles that complement the overall design and style of the interior.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of compliant fire door handles available in various finishes, styles, and materials. From sleek, contemporary designs to more traditional styles, building owners can find handles that meet both their safety and aesthetic requirements.
Some popular options include lever and rose handles in finishes such as polished stainless steel, satin stainless steel, and polished chrome. These durable and attractive finishes are well-suited to the demands of commercial environments.
Fire door handles may seem like a small detail in the overall fire safety strategy of a building, but their importance cannot be overstated. Non-compliant or malfunctioning handles can have severe consequences, putting lives at risk and exposing building owners to legal liabilities.
By understanding the requirements for fire door handles, selecting compliant products, and maintaining them regularly, building owners can ensure that their fire doors are fully functional and ready to perform in the event of an emergency.
At Bradbury Group, we understand the crucial importance of fire safety. Our fire doors are designed and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring optimal performance in the event of a fire.
We offer a variety of fire doors with ratings from FD30 to FD240 to suit the needs of your building. Our doors are expertly manufactured using the finest materials and are rigorously tested to ensure their durability and reliability.
Get in touch with Bradbury Group today to find out more about our range of fire doors and how we can help you create a safer, more secure property.
