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Why Fire Doors Are Vital in Escape Routes
Fire doors are acritical part of escape routes, helping to contain fire and smoke long enough for people to evacuate safely. In Australia, they must comply with AS1905.1, AS1905.2, and the National Construction Code (NCC) to ensure they perform when it matters most.
Do:
- Ensure compliance: Only use fire doors that meet Australian Standards AS 1905.1 and AS 1905.2, as well as the National Construction Code (NCC).
- Keep them unobstructed: Always keep the path to and through a fire door clear so it can be used in an emergency.
- Close them properly: Make sure the door self-closes and latches fully to maintain its fire resistance.
- Maintain regularly: Schedule inspections and maintenance to ensure hardware, seals, and the door leaf are in working order.
- Use appropriate signage: Clearly label fire doors and escape routes so they are easy to identify in a crisis.
Don’t:
- Wedge them open: This compromises their ability to contain fire and smoke.
- Block access: Never place furniture, equipment, or debris in front of a fire door or its escape path.
- Modify without approval: Drilling holes, changing hardware, or altering the frame can affect compliance and performance.
- Ignore damage: Even minor damage to the door leaf, frame, or seals can reduce fire resistance.
- Use them for storage access: Fire doors in escape routes should be functional emergency exits, not shortcuts to storage rooms.
Talk to Our Fire Door Specialists
When it comes to protecting lives, every second counts. Choosing compliant fire doors—and using them correctly—can make all the difference in an emergency.
Larnec supplies high-quality, Australian Standard–compliant fire doors tailored to your project’s requirements. To discuss your needs, contact our team at sales@larnec.com.au or call 1800 527 632!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, fire doors are often required in escape routes where fire separation and safe egress must be maintained.
They are designed to help contain fire and smoke while still allowing occupants to exit safely. Requirements depend on building design and applicable regulations.
Yes, fire doors can be used as exit doors if they are configured to support both fire resistance and safe egress.
This typically involves compliant hardware such as panic bars and self-closing mechanisms. The door must be suitable for both containment and accessibility.
Fire doors in escape routes should include fire resistance, easy operation, and reliable closing mechanisms.
They are typically configured with compliant hardware, seals, and door closers to ensure performance during an emergency. These features support both safety and usability.
If fire doors are not properly maintained, they may not perform as intended during a fire event.
Issues such as faulty closers, damaged seals, or obstruction can compromise both containment and safe exit. Regular inspection helps ensure ongoing reliability.
The right fire door should be selected based on compliance requirements, building layout, and usage conditions.
It should be designed to support both fire resistance and safe egress, with appropriate hardware and configuration. Proper specification helps ensure the door performs effectively in an emergency.