Guardians of Safety: A Closer Look at Fire Doors

Fire doors are an essential part of some building’s fire safety systems. They are designed to contain fire and smoke and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the building. Fire doors are required in most commercial and residential (mainly apartment) buildings in New Zealand, and they must meet certain standards in order to be effective.

What is a Fire Door?

A fire door is a door that has been specifically designed to resist the spread of fire. Fire doors are made with fire-resistant materials, such as steel, wood, or fibreglass, and they have intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat to create a tight barrier against smoke and flames.

Fire Door Standards in New Zealand

In New Zealand, fire doors must meet the standards set by the Building Code of New Zealand (BCNZ). The BCNZ specifies the fire resistance rating (FRR) that the device must have for different types of buildings. The FRR is a measure of how long a fire door can withstand exposure to fire before it fails.

For example, fire doors in commercial buildings must have an FRR of at least 60 minutes, meaning that they must be able to withstand exposure to fire for at least 60 minutes before they fail (residential buildings must have an FRR of at least 30 minutes).

Fire Door Construction

Fire doors are typically made with a solid core of fire-resistant material, such as timber, fibreglass, or steel. The core is then covered with a facing material, such as veneer or laminate.

Also, fire doors have intumescent seals around the edges of the door and the door frame. Intumescent seals are made from a material that expands when exposed to heat. This expansion creates a tight barrier against smoke and flames, preventing them from spreading through the door.

Fire Door Components

• Door leaf: The door leaf is the main part of the fire door. It is typically made with a solid core of fire-resistant material and covered with a facing material.
• Door frame: The door frame is the structure that the door leaf hangs in. It is typically made of wood or metal.
• Intumescent seals: Intumescent seals are made from a material that expands when exposed to heat. They are located around the edges of the door leaf and the door frame to create a tight barrier against smoke and flames.
• Fire door closer: A fire door closer is a device that automatically closes the door in the event of a fire.
• Latching mechanism: A latching mechanism is a device that keeps the door closed. It is typically located on the door frame and engages with a strike plate on the door leaf.

How Fire Doors Work

Fire doors contain fires and prevent them from spreading to other areas of the building. They do this by using fire-resistant materials and intumescent seals to create a barrier against smoke and flames.

When a fire occurs, the intumescent seals around the edges of the fire door expand to create a tight barrier against smoke and flames. This prevents the fire from spreading through the door.

The closer also plays an important role in preventing the spread of fire. The fire door closer automatically closes the door in the event of a fire, preventing the fire from spreading through the doorway.

Fire Door Maintenance

Fire doors must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that they are in good working order. This includes inspecting the intumescent seals, the fire door closer, and the latching mechanism.

The intumescent seals should be inspected for any cracks or damage. If the intumescent seals are damaged, they must be replaced immediately.

The fire door closer should be tested regularly to ensure that it is working properly. The latching mechanism should also be tested regularly to ensure that it is engaging properly.

Common Misconceptions

All Doors Are Fire Doors

A common misconception is that all doors in a building can act as fire doors. In reality, fire doors are specially designed and tested to meet specific standards that regular doors do not.

One Size Fits All

Another misconception is that one type of fire door is suitable for all situations. The choice of fire door should be tailored to the specific needs and risks of a building.

Leaving Them Open

Another misconception is leaving fire doors open for convenience. This should never be done, as it negates their purpose. Fire doors must always be kept closed to be effective.
It is illegal to keep fire doors open unless they are held by an “approved hold open” device connected to the fire alarm.

Fire safety doors are an important part of any building’s fire safety system. They are designed to contain a fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the building. In order to be effective, they must meet certain standards and be regularly inspected and maintained.

The Science of Combustion

Fire is a powerful and destructive force capable of causing immense harm to people and property. To effectively combat and prevent fires, it’s crucial to understand the science behind them. One fundamental concept that forms the basis of fire training is the Fire Triangle.

Fire is a chemical reaction that occurs when three essential components come together, forming what is known as the Fire Triangle. These components are fuel, oxygen, and heat. Understanding the Fire Triangle is the cornerstone of fire safety and firefighting.

Understanding the Fire Triangle

The Fire Triangle represents the three elements that must be present for a fire to ignite and continue to burn. Remove any one of these elements, and the fire will be extinguished. Let’s delve into each of these components:

Components of the Fire Triangle

Fuel

Fuel is any substance that can burn. It can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Common examples of fuel include wood, gasoline, paper, and even metals. Identifying and managing fuel sources is a critical aspect of fire prevention and safety.

Oxygen

Oxygen is the oxidizing agent that sustains combustion. Fires require a certain concentration of oxygen in the air to burn. Reducing the oxygen supply can be an effective way to control or extinguish a fire.

Heat

Heat is the energy required to initiate the combustion process. It can be in the form of a spark, flame, or even high temperatures. Controlling the heat source is essential for fire prevention and safety.

The Role of Fire Training

Now that we understand the Fire Triangle, it’s clear that effective fire training plays a vital role in managing and preventing fires. Firefighters, as well as individuals in various industries, receive fire training to become proficient in handling fire-related situations.

Fire Training Procedures

Identifying Fire Hazards

Effective fire training begins with identifying potential fire hazards in the environment. This involves recognizing fuel sources, assessing fire risks, and taking preventive measures.

Fire Prevention

Preventing fires is often more critical than fighting them. Fire training emphasizes the importance of fire prevention through safe practices, proper storage of flammable materials, and the correct use of electrical equipment.

Emergency Response

In the event of a fire, knowing how to respond is crucial. Fire training provides individuals with the knowledge to act swiftly and efficiently during a fire emergency, reducing the risk of injury and property damage.

The Benefits of Effective Fire Training

Effective fire training offers numerous benefits, such as increased safety, reduced property damage, and, most importantly, saved lives. It ensures that individuals are well-prepared to respond to fire incidents, ultimately minimizing the devastating impact of fires.

The Importance of Fire Drills

Fire drills are an integral part of fire training. They simulate real-life fire emergencies, allowing individuals to practice their response and evacuation procedures. Regular fire drills in schools, workplaces, and residential buildings can save lives by ensuring that people know what to do in case of a fire.

Understanding the Fire Triangle and the significance of fire training is paramount in ensuring the safety of individuals and property. By comprehending the three essential components of fuel, oxygen, and heat, and by receiving appropriate training, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with fires. Regular fire drills and proper emergency response procedures further enhance our ability to manage fire-related situations effectively.

Remember, in the face of fire, knowledge and training are your most valuable assets. Stay safe, and always be prepared.

Fire Evacuation Scheme

A fire evacuation scheme is a plan that outlines the actions to take in case of a fire emergency. It helps to ensure everyone’s safety and minimise injuries and property damage. Having a well-designed evacuation scheme in place can save lives in the event of a fire. A fire evacuation scheme should be comprehensive, concise, understandable and tested regularly in the form of a fire drill.

Fire Drill Checklist for Fire Evacuation Schemes

A fire evacuation scheme is a critical component of any building’s safety plan. It’s essential to have an evacuation plan in place to minimize the risk of injury and loss of life in the event of a fire. One of the best ways to prepare for a fire emergency is by conducting regular fire drills. Fire drills allow individuals to become familiar with evacuation procedures and fire safety equipment such as fire alarms and extinguishers.

To ensure the effectiveness of a fire evacuation scheme’s effectiveness, a qualified fire safety expert must conduct a thorough risk assessment. This assessment can identify potential fire hazards and evaluate the effectiveness of current fire safety measures. By entrusting the risk assessment to a qualified expert, building owners and managers can be confident that they have taken the necessary steps to prevent fires and protect their occupants in the event of an emergency.

Fire evacuation schemes and regular fire drills are essential to a building’s safety plan. They provide an opportunity to practice emergency procedures, test fire safety equipment, and identify any weaknesses in the evacuation scheme. By regularly updating the evacuation plan and conducting risk assessments, building owners and managers can help ensure their occupants’ safety in the event of a fire emergency.

Creating a Fire Drill Checklist

A fire drill is an essential part of fire safety, and it helps ensure that everyone in a building knows what to do in a fire emergency. A fire drill checklist is a step-by-step guide that outlines the necessary actions to take during a fire drill. Check below a few steps to guide your next Fire Drill: 

Step 1: Identify the Fire Drill Team

The first step in creating a fire drill checklist is identifying the fire drill team. The fire drill team is responsible for planning, organising, and conducting the fire drill. The team should consist of members with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience in fire safety.

Step 2: Develop an Evacuation Plan

The next step is to develop an evacuation plan. The evacuation plan should include the following:

• Emergency exit routes

• Meeting points

• Evacuation procedures

• The location of fire extinguishers

The evacuation plan should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should also be posted in visible areas throughout the building.

Step 3: Conduct a Risk Assessment

A risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential fire hazards in the building. The risk assessment should include the following:

• Sources of ignition

• Flammable materials or hazardous substances

• Electrical hazards

• Fire alarm system

• Emergency lighting

To ensure an accurate and thorough risk assessment, it’s important to have a qualified fire safety expert conduct the assessment. This expert should have the necessary knowledge, experience, and training to identify potential fire hazards, evaluate fire safety measures, and provide recommendations to improve the safety of the building and its occupants.

Step 4: Train the Staff

A qualified fire safety expert should train the staff on the evacuation plan, emergency procedures, and fire safety equipment. The staff needs to be trained to ensure their readiness in case of an emergency.

Step 5: Conduct Regular Fire Drills

Conduct regular fire drills to ensure that everyone in the building knows what to do in case of a fire emergency. These drills should test the evacuation plan and be conducted at different times of the day and under different conditions.

Step 6: Evaluate and Update the Fire Drill Checklist

To ensure the fire drill checklist is up-to-date and reflects any changes in the building’s structure or occupancy, it’s essential to evaluate and update it regularly.

Virtual Reality Fire Drill and Evacuation Schemes

Virtual reality (VR) fire training is becoming an increasingly popular method for training individuals in various scenarios, including fire evacuation schemes. Individuals can experience a simulated fire drill in a safe and controlled environment using virtual reality technology. This type of training can help individuals prepare for a real fire emergency and become familiar with the procedures and steps to take in the event of a fire. By incorporating virtual reality training into fire evacuation schemes, individuals can gain a better understanding of fire safety, which can ultimately save lives in the event of a real emergency.

When do i use one and how do i use it?

When it comes to fire safety, prevention is always the best course of action. But if a fire does break out, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. One such tool that every home or workplace should have is a fire blanket.

By knowing what one is when to use it, and how to use it effectively, you can help prevent small fires from turning into large disasters, keeping yourself and your loved ones safe in the event of a fire.

What is a fire blanket and how does it work?

A fire blanket is a safety device that functions to extinguish small fires by depriving them of oxygen. Typically composed of fire-resistant materials like fibreglass, they’re designed to be placed over a burning object or material, completely covering it to cut off the supply of oxygen that the fire needs to continue burning.

Fire blankets are particularly effective for smothering small kitchen fires, fires involving flammable liquids, or clothing fires. They are commonly found in homes, kitchens, laboratories, and industrial settings, serving as a crucial component of fire safety equipment. It is essential to ensure they’re regularly inspected and replaced if damaged or expired to guarantee their effectiveness in emergencies.

When should you use one?

Fire blankets are most effective for small fires that are just starting to spread. Examples of situations in which they can be used include:

• A pan of oil catches fire on the stove

• A rubbish bin catches fire

• A person’s clothing catches fire

• A small electrical fire

It’s important to note that fire blankets are not suitable for larger fires or fires that have already spread to other objects. In these situations, it’s best to evacuate the area and call the fire department.

How to use a fire blanket

It’s a common question. Luckily, using a fire blanket is a straightforward process. It’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished so you don’t put yourself in danger.

Step 1: Remove the blanket from its packaging

If the blanket is stored in a container or packaging, remove it before use. Ensure you know where the blanket is located and that it is easily accessible in case of a fire.

Step 2: Hold the blanket by the corners

When you are ready to use the blanket, hold it by the corners. This will allow you to approach the fire from a safe distance.

Step 3: Approach the fire slowly

Approach the fire slowly and carefully, making sure not to get too close to the flames. If the fire is in a pan or other container, try to slide the blanket over the top of the container to avoid splashing the flames.

Step 4: Cover the fire with the blanket

Place the blanket over the flames when you are close enough to the fire. Ensure that the entire fire is covered by the blanket, including any surrounding objects that may be on fire.

Step 5: Turn off any heat source

If the fire is caused by a heat source, such as a stove or electrical appliance, it’s important to turn off the heat source once the flames have been extinguished. This will prevent the fire from reigniting.

Step 6: Leave the blanket in place

After extinguishing the fire, leave the blanket in place for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that the fire is completely out and that there is no risk of it reigniting.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure accessibility in case of a fire, store fire blankets in an easily reachable location. Regularly inspect them to confirm they are in good condition, free from any damages or wear and tear. If a fire blanket has been used in an emergency, replace it immediately.

Fire Blanket use in Virtual Reality Training

Virtual Reality (VR) fire training with a fire blanket is an innovative method to teach individuals to fire safety. It offers a safe, simulated environment to practice using a fire blanket. Through VR training, individuals learn to identify suitable fire types for the fire blanket, how to deploy it and use it correctly. This type of training allows individuals to practice using a fire blanket in a simulated environment without the risks and dangers associated with a real fire.

Using VR training with a fire blanket can improve individuals’ confidence and proficiency in using this critical fire safety device, potentially reducing the risk of injuries and property damage during a real fire emergency.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a portable device that can extinguish a small fire before it becomes a big one. There are different types of fire extinguishers available for different types of fires. It’s essential to understand the different classes of fire and which extinguisher type is needed for each fire type. In New Zealand, fire extinguishers must comply with the AS/NZS 1841 standard.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher

Choosing the right fire extinguisher type for the fire you are dealing with is essential. Using the wrong extinguisher can make the fire worse and endanger your life. The first step in choosing the right fire extinguisher is to identify the type of fire. Once you have identified the fire class, you can choose the appropriate fire extinguisher.

Classes of Fire

There are six classes of fire, each with its own characteristics:

• Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and plastics.

• Class B: Fires involving flammable and combustible liquids such as petrol, diesel, and oils.

• Class C: Fires involving flammable gases such as propane and methane.

• Class D: Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium and sodium.

• Class E: Fires involving electrically energized equipment such as appliances and power tools.

• Class F: Fires involving cooking oils and fats.

Types of Extinguishers

There are different types of fire extinguishers available in New Zealand for different types of fires:

• Water: Suitable for Class A fires.

• Foam: Suitable for Class A and B fires.

• Wet Chemical: Suitable for Class F fires and can also be used on most other classes of fires in the home.

• Dry Powder (ABE): Suitable for Class A, B, C, and E fires. Not suitable for use on Class F fires.

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Suitable for Class E fires and can also be used on Class B fires.

• Specialised Materials for Class D fires: These are for specific metals and should be used only in those cases.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Fire extinguisher training is recommended for all individuals, especially those who work in high-risk environments. This type of training provides instruction on recognising various fire types, proper use of a fire extinguisher, and safe evacuation procedures during a fire emergency.

Virtual Reality Fire Extinguisher Training 

Virtual reality fire extinguisher training is a modern approach to teaching individuals how to use fire extinguishers in a simulated environment. This training provides a controlled and safe atmosphere to practice using different types of fire extinguishers and respond to various fire emergencies. By utilising the latest virtual reality technology, participants can gain practical experience in a realistic but secure environment. This innovative training is particularly useful for people who work in high-risk environments where fire safety is essential. The use of virtual reality technology ensures that trainees are better prepared to handle fire emergencies, reducing the risk of injury or damage to property.

What is the function of a Fire Warden?

A Fire Warden plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of everyone in the workplace. A Warden has received adequate and up-to-date Fire Warden training.  They are responsible for implementing and maintaining fire safety procedures, such as conducting regular fire drills and ensuring that all fire exits are easily accessible and unobstructed. In case of an emergency, Fire Wardens take charge of the evacuation process, making sure that everyone is safely evacuated and accounted for. They may also be responsible for using fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment to contain small fires before they escalate. In short, Fire Wardens are essential for preventing and managing fire-related incidents in the workplace.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Fire Warden

So, what does a Fire Warden do? The short answer is that they have an important roles and responsibilities in an emergency situation. A Fire Warden is crucial in ensuring the safety of individuals in a workplace during a fire emergency. They are responsible for identifying and reporting fire hazards, ensuring that fire safety equipment is in place and in good working condition, and creating and implementing emergency evacuation plans. Additionally, Fire Wardens must educate and train employees on fire safety procedures, conduct regular fire drills, and maintain accurate records. 

Pre-emergency Responsibilities

• Conduct regular fire safety inspections of the premises to identify potential fire hazards and ensure that fire safety measures are in place.
• Ensure that fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency lighting is in good working condition.
• Develop and maintain fire evacuation plans and ensure that they are displayed prominently throughout the premises.
• Conduct regular fire drills to test the effectiveness of the evacuation plans.
• Train staff members in fire safety awareness and evacuation procedures.

During an Emergency

• Take charge of the situation and initiate the evacuation plan.
• Ensure that everyone in the building is aware of the emergency and is evacuating safely.
• Conduct a sweep of the premises to ensure that everyone has left the building and no one is left behind.
• Provide assistance to anyone who may require it during the evacuation.
• Notify the emergency services of the situation.

Post-emergency Responsibilities

• Conduct a debrief with all staff members to review the effectiveness of the evacuation and identify any areas for improvement.
• Conduct an inspection of the premises to identify any damage and ensure that fire safety measures are restored.
• Complete an incident report detailing the emergency and actions taken.

Virtual Reality Fire Warden Training

Virtual Reality technology enables Fire Wardens to participate in realistic fire simulations and practice evacuation procedures within a safe and controlled environment. This training method provides Fire Wardens with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and confidence in responding to actual fire emergencies, while eliminating any risk of harm to themselves or others. Furthermore, Virtual Reality Fire Warden Training can be customised to suit the unique needs and layout of a workplace, delivering a more personalised and efficient training experience.

The Importance of a Fire Warden

By having trained and dedicated Fire Wardens on site, the risk of injury or loss of life during a fire incident is significantly reduced. Their proactive efforts in fire prevention and their decisive actions during emergencies contribute greatly to the overall safety and well-being of employees and visitors within the workplace.