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Blackfriars Hall > Fire Doors – Resident Responsibilities

Fire Doors – Resident Responsibilities

Fire doors play a vital role in keeping everyone in the building safe. Please take a moment to understand how they work and what your responsibilities are as a resident.

What Fire Doors Do

Fire doors are specially designed to:

  • Slow the spread of fire and smoke
    They can hold back fire for a minimum rated period (typically 30 minutes), giving extra time for evacuation.
  • Protect escape routes
    Corridors, stairwells, and exits remain safer for longer.
  • Reduce damage to the building
    By containing a fire in a smaller area.
  • Save lives
    Correctly used fire doors are one of the most effective fire safety measures in any residential setting.

 

How to Recognise a Fire Door

Most fire doors have:

  • A visible FD30 or FD60 label (indicating fire-resistance rating)
  • Intumescent seals around the edges (expand in heat to block smoke)
  • Self-closing devices so the door shuts automatically

If a door looks heavier, closes on its own, or has a blue circular “Fire Door – Keep Shut” sign, it’s likely a fire door.

 

Fire Doors with Automatic Functions

  • Some of the fire doors in Blackfriars properties have an automatic closing function when the fire alarm is triggered, and these closing devices must not be tampered with.  We inspect these devices every week, but please let us know if you spot that something isn’t right.
  • Automatic closers are located in the following places:
    • 16 St John St ground floor corridor (battery-powered)
    • 17 St John St ground floor corridor (battery-powered)
    • 17 St John St kitchen door (battery-powered)
    • Kitchen door of 33 St Giles (mains-powered)

 

Your Responsibilities as a Resident

To ensure fire doors can do their job:

  • Never wedge or prop a fire door open
    Even “just for a minute” – this can allow smoke and flames to spread rapidly.
  • Always make sure fire doors fully close behind you
    A door left just slightly ajar cannot provide proper protection.
  • Do not tamper with self-closers, seals, or hinges
    These components are essential to the door’s performance, and tampering with them is a disciplinary offence under Blackfriars regulations.
  • Report any damage immediately to the Bursary at bursary@bfriars.ox.ac.uk, including:
    • Door not closing properly
    • Gaps around the frame
    • Broken hinges
    • Missing or damaged seals
    • Faulty self-closer

Reporting issues promptly ensures safety for everyone.

 

Fire Door Inspections

To comply with legal and safety requirements, Blackfriars Hall maintains detailed records of monthly fire door inspections. These inspections check:

  • Door condition
  • Function of self-closing devices
  • Seal integrity
  • Any signs of modification or damage

If an inspector needs access to communal or your accommodation areas, please cooperate to help maintain a safe environment.

 

Why This Matters

A fire door that is damaged, propped open, or unable to close properly:

  • Can allow toxic smoke to spread in seconds
  • Removes vital evacuation time
  • Puts all residents at risk

By using fire doors correctly, you are contributing directly to the safety of your peers, visitors, and staff.