Is locking a fire door illegal?

Never lock a fire door Emergency fire doors must not be locked, or fastened in a way that they cannot easily, and immediately, be opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency.

Can you lock an emergency exit door?

Fire exit doors must not be locked with a key or padlock whilst a building is in use. However, when a building is unoccupied it can be locked as securely as required.

Is blocking a fire exit illegal UK?

There is a very simple answer to what the law says in regard to blocking fire exits – DON’T! In any building, whether it be for residential or commercial purposes, there are strict laws regarding the fire health and safety aspects that MUST be catered for, and adhered to, by those responsible.

Can you use an emergency exit as a normal door?

Unless used on buildings with certain applications that allow delayed or controlled egress, they must allow free egress. Though they must meet certain safety standards, fire doors may be used for normal daily use at exterior entry points and interior locations within the building.

Is it OK to paint fire doors?

You can paint fire doors using regular decorative paint or varnish without damaging their performance. Avoid using heat or chemical paint strippers if the intumescent seals are in place. Also avoid painting over any hinges, hardware or seals. There is no need to compromise on style and decoration with fire doors.

What is the law on fire exits?

Fire exit doors must open in the direction of escape and sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits. Fire exit doors must not be locked or fastened in a way that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person in an emergency situation.

Is blocking an exit illegal?

It is unlawful for any person to block or attempt to block the entrance to or exit from any public or private property including, but not limited to, any building, parking lot or parking structure or other structure or facility located on such property.

Can fire exits be used as normal doors?

We’re sometimes asked, incidentally, whether a designated fire exit can also legally be used as a regular entrance/exit door i.e. for every day use. The answer is yes it can – indeed the fact that it is in daily use makes it ideal as an escape route as its location is well known.

Can you be fined for misuse of fire doors?

Fire doors need to be closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Legally, if you wedge open a fire door and it is judged that this puts someone’s life at risk, you could suffer penalties, including a fine or even a prison sentence.

Do fire exits have to be kept closed?

Fire exit doors can be left open if desired, although it generally presents a security risk. On the other hand, fire doors should always be closed and have a self latching feature to ensure this happens. Fire doors rarely need to be locked as they are internally fitted and designed purely to stop the spread of fire.

Do fire doors have to have locks and catches?

There should be no locks or catches. Many use a push bar system that will open the door when pressed down. If the door is also a secure entrance, the lock/catches must self-open when the fire alarm sounds. The final fire exit door must lead to a place of safety.

Can you lock an emergency door?

Emergency doors must not be locked or fastened so that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by anyone who may use them in the event of an emergency. So we can lock the door then? Yes, but you must ensure that anyone in the building – not just a key holder – can open the door in the event of an emergency.

Where are fire exit doors required to be fitted?

In multiple occupancy buildings they are required to be fitted on the entrance to each individual dwelling, often leading into a communal hallway. Fire exit doors are the final door on an emergency exit route that must lead to a place of safety.

What are the rules for emergency doors in a building?

Emergency doors must open in the direction of escape; Sliding or revolving doors must not be used for exits specifically intended as emergency exits; Emergency doors must not be so locked or fastened that they cannot be easily and immediately opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency;