24 Oct Why Boarding Up Exit Doors Creates More Problems Than It Solves
Why Boarding Up Exit Doors Creates More Problems Than It Solves
Boarding up a damaged exit door is often treated as a stopgap solution — quick, cheap, and easily arranged. But when that door forms part of a designated escape route, boarding introduces far more risk than protection.
For commercial, industrial, and public sector sites, the decision to board up an exit door can result in serious compliance failures, compromise safety, and expose businesses to legal and insurance consequences.
Below is a breakdown of the key risks associated with boarding up exit doors, even temporarily.
1. Fire Safety Non-Compliance
- Exit doors must remain operable at all times under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Boarding up an exit obstructs escape routes, creating a life safety hazard.
- If the boarded door is part of a designated fire escape route, it directly violates legislation, exposing the “responsible person” to fines, enforcement notices, or prosecution.
2. Legal and Regulatory Risk:
- Local authorities or fire services may issue prohibition or enforcement notices if a site is found to have obstructed or boarded escape doors.
- Non-compliance may result in criminal charges, especially if harm occurs during an emergency.
- Repeat offences can affect licensing or insurance accreditation.
3. Insurance Implications:
- Insurance providers typically require premises to maintain safe and compliant access and egress at all times.
- Boarding up a fire exit could be considered negligence, leading to denied claims for theft, fire, or injury during the affected period.
- May also trigger premium increases or additional site risk assessments.
4. Security Vulnerability:
- While boarding may offer a basic physical barrier, it is often seen as a temporary, lower-security measure.
- Weakens deterrent effect compared to a steel security door.
- Opportunists may target boarded premises, assuming the site is vulnerable or unoccupied.
5. Operational Disruption:
- Depending on the layout of the site, losing an exit door (even temporarily) can cause:
- Restricted movement for staff or deliveries
- Reduced fire zone separation
- Delays to reopening or production
- Can also trigger negative findings during audits, inspections, or contractor site checks.
6. Reputational Impact:
- For client-facing or public sector organisations, boarding can create a perception of poor risk management or insufficient maintenance protocols.
- May lead to scrutiny from landlords, clients, or health & safety consultants.
In the event of door damage, response time matters — but so does the method. Quick fixes like boarding may restore a physical barrier, but they fail to meet the legal, safety, and operational standards required in most commercial environments.
Temp-Dor: A Safer Alternative to Boarding Up
Temp-Dor is a purpose-built, temporary steel doorset designed specifically for commercial, industrial, and public sector settings. It was developed by BGS and Robust UK and is deployed exclusively by BGS as part of our national 24/7 emergency response.
Where doors have been damaged due to forced entry, accidental impact, or are awaiting replacement, Temp-Dor provides a secure and fully compliant stopgap.
Key Benefits of Temp-Dor:
- Fully compliant with emergency escape regulations (BS EN 179)
- Adjustable frame to suit openings from 875mm to 1095mm
- Fast installation with modular design and minimal disruption
- Steel construction for enhanced security and weather resistance
- Non-handed design for flexible on-site fitment
- Rental-based model (no need for capital purchase)
- Same-day nationwide deployment through BGS’s 24/7 call-out service
Contact the BGS team today to find out more about the product or to arrange the rapid deployment of Temp-Dor at your site. Call us on 08009178583, email us, or request a call-back by filling in the online contact form.
