Door Safety
Facility and Occupational Safety
How Proper Use Helps Protect People, Spaces and Operations
Did you know there are several types of doors across campus—each designed with a specific safety purpose? From labs to offices to fire-rated corridors, doors play an important role in protecting people, spaces and operations.
Why It Matters
Doors are a critical part of building safety and security systems. When they don’t function properly, they can compromise protection measures such as fire containment, air pressure control and access security.
If you notice a door that is not working as intended, such as closing too quickly, not latching or being difficult to open or close, please submit a work order to have it repaired. Addressing these issues promptly helps ensure doors perform as designed.
Understanding Door Types
Lab Doors
Laboratory doors must remain closed at all times. These spaces are designed to maintain negative pressure relative to surrounding areas, helping prevent hazardous contaminants from escaping the lab. Doors should never be propped open.
Office Doors
Office doors provide privacy and general security for workspaces. While more routine in function, they should still be maintained to ensure proper operation and safety.
Fire Doors
Fire doors are specially rated to resist fire and smoke, forming a key part of a building’s passive fire protection system. These doors must remain closed and should never be propped open, as doing so can allow fire and smoke to spread more rapidly during an emergency.
Contact
Environmental Health and Safety
facoccsafety@groups.purdue.edu
765-494-6371