(As seen in Glass & Glazing Products Magazine, Oct 2025)

Paul Williams, Commercial Director at steel door manufacturer Robust UK, looks at the factors to consider when choosing doorsets for security-rated fire exits and escape routes.

“With around 76% of burglars gaining access through doors, fire exits can represent a potential security vulnerability, as they are primarily designed for quick exit rather than resistance to forced entry. To mitigate this risk, fire escape doors should be equipped with security-rated hardware and robust doorsets that enhance safety while preventing unauthorised access. Careful consideration is essential when choosing fire exit doors, ensuring they can withstand both emergency use and potential security threats.

Key considerations when selecting fire escape doors

Fire exits can often be fire rated, ensuring the door can withstand intense heat long enough to allow everyone to evacuate safely. Building regulations require fire doors to have a minimum rating of FD30 (30 minutes of fire resistance), with higher ratings such as FD60 or FD90 available for enhanced protection.

Steel has become the preferred material for fire exit doors due to its exceptional strength, durability and resilience. Steel doors maintain their structural integrity under extreme heat and offer superior impact resistance, and doorsets with this feature undergo additional performance testing to ensure they maintain their structural integrity under fire conditions.

Accessibility and security

Ease of operation is essential in an emergency. Fire exit doors must open easily from the inside, typically via panic bars or push-release mechanisms, to allow safe evacuation. However, this functionality must be paired with strong security to prevent unauthorised entry.

Effective door security involves more than just high-quality locks. The complete doorset, including the door leaf, frame, hardware and access control integration, must be considered as one system. In the UK, the minimum standard for security doors is PAS 24 or LPS 1175 SR1. For glazed doors, the glass must comply with EN 356 burglary resistance standards. Type-approved solutions often feature multipoint locking (MPL) systems and other advanced components that enhance overall door performance.

Investing in secure fire exits is not just an operational necessity; it’s a strategic investment in overall building protection. The cost of implementing robust security measures is far outweighed by the potential losses from break-ins, liability claims or reputational damage.

As a steel door manufacturer, Robust offer steel fire escape doors that ensure easy exit while providing high resistance against forced entry. Their steel door solutions feature an exclusive hardware solution by specialist door hardware manufacturer and fellow Secured by Design member HOPPE (UK), which has been successfully tested on PAS 24 certified doors and is fully compatible with Robust’s SECUR-DOR 2.1, a certified security door, providing enhanced security for very little extra cost.

A new standard for fire escapes

Fire escape doors are evolving, with today’s designs offering far more than just an escape route integrating fire protection, security and modern designs. With robust security in mind, modern fire exits provide greater peace of mind by reducing potential security risks and enhancing overall building protection.”

You can find out more about Robust and their Secured by Design accredited products on their dedicated member page.

About Robust UK

Robust is the UK's leading manufacturer of steel door solutions supplying the industrial, public and commercial sectors. With over 40 years of industry expertise, Robust specialises in delivering high-quality, bespoke steel door products tailored to meet the demands of every project, including comprehensive third party certified fire-rated and security rated options.

In 2019, Robust UK joined the Novoferm Group, Europe's largest provider of door systems and part of the Sanwa Group, a world-leading manufacturer of entrance systems. This strategic partnership has strengthened Robust UK’s capabilities and expanded its reach within the global market, whilst maintaining the company's commitment to innovation and quality that has defined its reputation for over two decades.

Operating from its facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, Robust UK continues to lead the industry in developing solutions that address real-world challenges faced by businesses requiring reliable, secure door systems.