What is the protocol for keeping fire doors open?

What is the protocol for keeping fire doors open?

• A. Prop them open with a wedge.
• B. Follow procedures as needed.
• C. Close them immediately.
• D. Leave them open all day.

Answer: (B)

Fire doors are part of the building’s safety system: they’re designed to slow or stop the spread of fire and smoke and to keep egress paths clear. Because of that, they shouldn’t be kept open unless there’s an authorized procedure in place. The proper approach is to follow the site’s fire-safety procedures for when doors can be held open, using approved methods such as hold-open devices that are connected to the fire alarm so the door remains open under normal conditions but closes automatically during a fire. If there’s no approved arrangement, the door should stay closed. Propping with a wedge or leaving doors open all day undermines their purpose and creates serious risk. So the correct protocol is to follow procedures as needed and use approved, safe methods to keep doors open only when allowed.

Fire doors are part of the building’s safety system: they’re designed to slow or stop the spread of fire and smoke and to keep egress paths clear. Because of that, they shouldn’t be kept open unless there’s an authorized procedure in place. The proper approach is to follow the site’s fire-safety procedures for when doors can be held open, using approved methods such as hold-open devices that are connected to the fire alarm so the door remains open under normal conditions but closes automatically during a fire. If there’s no approved arrangement, the door should stay closed. Propping with a wedge or leaving doors open all day undermines their purpose and creates serious risk. So the correct protocol is to follow procedures as needed and use approved, safe methods to keep doors open only when allowed.