Occupant interactions with self-closing fire doors in private dwellings

摘要

Prevention measures to reduce deaths and injuries due to domestic fires have included the provision ofudself-closing fire doors within dwellings. Such an approach however, is reliant on a behavioural responseudon behalf of the occupier(s). This research examined occupier behaviour in relation to self-closing fireuddoors. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals inhabiting a new home. In alludof the properties with self-closing fire doors, the occupants reported interfering with the self-closingudmechanism of the doors. A quantitative survey was subsequently undertaken to obtain frequency data.udIn the majority of dwellings with fire doors occupiers reported propping these open in some way, orudremoving the self-closing mechanism from the door. The accounts suggest that, for fire doors to be anudeffective safety measure within dwellings, a greater emphasis needs to be placed on encouraging occupiersudto adopt safe practices in relation to fire doors. Alternatively, other measures will need to be foundudto address the fire risk.