SAFETY GUIDE :
FIRE AND SMOKE DOORS
Fire and smoke doors cannot protect you, if they are held open, blocked, chocked, or do not close properly.
Fire and smoke doors are designed to protect occupants from heat and lethal smoke. Most fire deaths are not caused by burns, but by smoke inhalation.
A fully functioning fire door is needed to…
- contain fire and smoke to the fire area.
- cut off the supply of air (oxygen) for the fire.
- prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other areas.
- create safe passage through hallways and stairways to exits.
- provide occupants time to escape.
- provide areas of refuge while awaiting rescue.
Some fire and smoke doors are held open by magnetic hold-open devices that are connected to the fire alarm system. These will automatically release and close, provided that they are not blocked.
The photos below clearly show the power of a door. Although the room was destroyed by fire, the outside hallway remained clear enough for everyone to escape.
On average, more than 5000 violations related to obstructed, damaged or compromised fire doors are identified on colleges and universities in New York State each year.
DO NOT BLOCK OR CHOCK OPEN FIRE OR SMOKE DOORS
Report damaged doors to https://www.stonybrook.edu/fixit/
In case of Emergency Call University Police Dial 333 from any campus phone, or (631) 632-3333
For more information please contact:
University Fire Marshals
Phone: 631-632-9678
Office: 129 Suffolk Hall
New York State Fire Code §F703.2 Opening protectives. Opening protectives shall be maintained in an operative condition in accordance with NFPA 80. Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or obstructed or otherwise made inoperable.
Environmental Health & Safety – Division of Enterprise Risk Management
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