Fire Doors: Why Propping Them Open Is a Legal Offence

Propping open a fire door is a common sight in many UK workplaces. Staff often wedge doors open to improve ventilation, make it easier to carry goods through corridors, or encourage social interaction. However, this everyday action undermines your building's passive fire protection and constitutes a breach of fire safety legislation. Under UK law, fire doors must remain closed when not in active use.

The Legal Duty Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) places strict duties on the Responsible Person for any non-domestic premises. Under Article 14 of the RRO, the Responsible Person must ensure that routes to emergency exits are kept clear and that those exits can be safely and effectively used at all times.

When a fire door is wedged open, it cannot perform its function of holding back fire and smoke. This immediately compromises the protected escape routes, meaning occupants cannot use the exits safely. Furthermore, Article 17 of the RRO requires the Responsible Person to ensure that all fire safety measures are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. Allowing doors to be propped open means those fire safety measures are not being maintained, which the local fire and rescue authority can prosecute as a legal offence.

How Fire Doors Protect Premises

Fire doors are complex engineered safety devices, not standard doors. They are designed to compartmentalise a building, preventing the rapid spread of fire and toxic smoke from one area to another. This compartmentalisation provides occupants with the vital time needed to evacuate the building safely.

A correctly functioning fire door relies on its intumescent strips, which expand when exposed to heat to seal the gap between the door and its frame. It also relies on its latching mechanism and automatic closing device. When a fire door is propped open, these components are rendered entirely useless. Smoke can travel unimpeded throughout the building, rapidly overcoming escape routes and putting lives at severe risk.

Relevant British Standards and Guidance

The requirements for fire doors are detailed in BS 476 and BS 8214, which provide the benchmarks for the testing, installation, and maintenance of fire doors. Additionally, PAS 79 provides guidance on conducting fire risk assessments, emphasising the need to inspect the condition and operation of fire doors.

If a fire risk assessment identifies that fire doors are routinely propped open, this must be recorded as a significant deficiency. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) require employers to systematically assess risks and implement appropriate preventative measures. Ignoring the misuse of fire doors fails to meet these regulatory expectations.

Common Misconceptions and Real-World Risks

Many business owners mistakenly believe that a fire door only needs to be closed when a fire breaks out. In reality, a fire door must be kept closed at all times to be effective. Relying on staff to manually close doors during an emergency is highly dangerous. Panic, disorientation, and the rapid spread of smoke mean that a propped-open door will almost certainly be left open during a real emergency.

The risks associated with propping fire doors open include:

• Rapid smoke spread: Smoke travels much faster than fire and is the primary cause of fire-related fatalities.
• Compromised escape routes: Stairwells and corridors fill with smoke, trapping occupants.
• Legal liability: The Responsible Person can face unlimited fines and imprisonment for severe breaches of the RRO.
• Invalidated insurance: Insurers may refuse to pay out on claims if a fire is exacerbated by compromised safety measures.

Enforcing Compliance in the Workplace

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) requires employers to provide a safe working environment. To comply with the RRO and HSWA, business owners must actively prevent the propping open of fire doors.

This can be achieved through staff training, clear signage, and routine management checks. If there is a genuine operational need for doors to remain open for accessibility or ventilation, businesses must invest in electromagnetic hold-open devices. These devices are legally compliant because they are wired into the building's fire alarm system and automatically release the door to close upon activation of the alarm.

How HawkSwift Can Help

Ensuring your fire doors are correctly specified, maintained, and used is a fundamental part of your fire safety duties. A professional fire risk assessment will identify if your fire doors are fit for purpose and highlight any unsafe practices, such as the use of door wedges.

At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough evaluations of your premises. We deliver detailed reports within 48 hours, helping you rectify compliance issues promptly. Our fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT. To ensure your premises meet UK fire safety standards, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.

*This article is provided as general guidance and is not formal legal advice.*