Experts issue fire safety warning after concerning survey results

A Lichfield-based environmental services firm has urged individuals and businesses to take responsibility for fire safety in homes and workplaces.

The call from Legionella and Fire Safe Services comes after a study unveiled a dangerous lack of awareness regarding faulty fire doors among the UK public, jeopardising the safety of lives and properties.

The survey, conducted among 2,000 UK adults, indicates that over half (57 per cent) of respondents could not identify a faulty fire door, leading to under-reporting of critical safety issues.

While the research reflects a high level of awareness about factors that can compromise the performance of fire doors during a fire, a staggering majority of respondents were unable to recognise a faulty fire door.

Furthermore, with 29 per cent admitting they wouldn't report a faulty fire door due to a lack of understanding, while 21 per cent expressed scepticism that reporting would yield any action, and nearly half (49 per cent) did not believe it was their responsibility to report such issues.

While 46 per cent believed fire doors stop the spread of fire, only 32 per cent recognised their role in halting the spread of smoke.

However, 60 per cent of respondents would report a faulty or propped open fire door out of a sense of responsibility to prevent a potential fire.

Additionally, 86 per cent expressed a willingness to report such issues in the future.

Danielle Bayliss, operations director at Legionella and Fire Safe Services, said: “Everyone must understand that fire doors are a vital barrier, not just against flames but also against the deadly spread of smoke during a fire.

“We need to urge individuals to take responsibility for fire safety in their homes and workplaces. 'Recognise it, Report it,' is something people need to remember to spot and report issues, so that immediate action can be taken to protect lives and property.

“We have seen an encouraging rise in Fire Safety across our portfolio of clients, including local authorities across the Midlands, but we need to urge residents to be aware and help us protect people's lives."

The survey also highlighted a discrepancy in guidance provision between workplaces and residential buildings.

More than a third (38 per cent) of respondents indicated that their employers had educated them on identifying faulty fire doors in their workplace, whereas only 26 per cent of respondents' landlords had provided such information.

This suggests a need for greater awareness and guidance in residential settings to ensure the protection of homes, belongings, and loved ones.

In residential buildings, fire safety often took a backseat to more immediately visible issues such as damp or mould.