Introduction: Haydon A4 Metal Fire Document Box and its key features
Haydon HAY‑DOCBOX‑FR — A4 Metal Fire Document Box (Red)is a compact, purpose-built storage solution designed to keep essential fire-safety paperwork visible, organised and secure. With a bright red powder‑coated finish, a lockable closure (typically supplied with two keys) and a wall‑mountable design, this document box is engineered for locations where fire documentation must be immediately accessible — for example, next to fire alarm panels, in plant rooms or inside communal escape-route cupboards. At 314 × 250 × 68 mm (W × H × D), it accepts standard A4 paperwork including evacuation plans, certificates and maintenance records.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The Haydon A4 Fire Document Box combines practical dimensions, robust construction and safety-focused aesthetics. Below is a breakdown of the product’s main specifications and the benefits they deliver:
- Material: Powder‑coated metal— The steel construction with a durable powder coat gives the box mechanical strength and a hard-wearing finish that resists scuffs in busy utility areas. Metal construction increases longevity compared with thin plastic alternatives and helps the unit maintain a professional appearance over time.
- Colour / finish: Red (fire‑safety variant)— The high‑visibility red colour conforms to common visual conventions for fire equipment, making the box easy to locate during inspections or emergencies. The red finish also signals the box’s intended purpose, helping staff and visitors quickly identify where critical documentation is stored.
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 314 × 250 × 68 mm— Sized to hold A4 documents neatly without folding, the compact footprint makes the box suitable for a wide range of mounting locations without occupying excessive wall space.
- Lockable closure; keys supplied— Typically supplied with two keys, the lockable design helps prevent unauthorised access or tampering with important certificates and records. It’s particularly useful in multi‑occupancy buildings or where third‑party contractors need restricted access.
- Wall‑mountable with pre‑drilled fixings— Pre‑drilled mounting holes speed installation and help ensure a secure fit to most wall types when appropriate fixings are used. The mounting configuration positions documents within easy reach of responsible personnel and emergency responders.
- Intended document size: A4— Specifically dimensioned for A4 paperwork so evacuation plans, inspection certificates and service logs fit cleanly and are protected from loss or damage.
- Manufacturer & model— Manufactured by Haydon (Haydon Marketing) and listed under HAY‑DOCBOX‑FR (EN85863 / ITM004968 on some supplier listings). GTIN/EAN: 5060766781938 for procurement and inventory tracking.
Benefits at a glance:improved visibility of fire documentation, secure storage through a lockable closure, robust metal construction for durability, space‑efficient A4 capacity, and simplified installation owing to pre‑drilled mounting points.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Haydon A4 Fire Document Box is designed for practical deployment in a variety of built environments. Typical use cases include:
- Fire alarm panels and control rooms— Mount the box next to alarm panels so engineers and site managers can quickly access wiring diagrams, system certificates and maintenance logs during servicing or troubleshooting.
- Entrance to escape routes and stairwells— Installing the box near escape-route access points ensures evacuation plans and route‑specific instructions are visible to occupants and responders.
- Facilities management and communal service cupboards— Building managers can centralise fire safety paperwork for quick audits and handovers with contractors.
- Contractor use— Where outside contractors visit multiple sites, the lockable design protects documentation between visits while keeping papers ready for the next service.
- Multi‑occupancy buildings— In flats, offices or retail units where several parties share common services, the box provides a clearly identifiable and secure place for shared fire‑safety records.
Because the box is compact and unobtrusive, it’s also suitable for retrofitting into existing locations where space is limited but documentation visibility is required.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting a document box for fire-safety paperwork, key considerations include material, security, size, visibility and price. Here’s how the Haydon A4 Fire Document Box compares to common alternatives:
- Haydon metal vs plastic document boxes— Metal boxes such as the Haydon HAY‑DOCBOX‑FR generally offer superior durability and a more authoritative appearance than plastic alternatives. Plastic boxes are lighter and sometimes cheaper, but they can warp, scratch or discolour over time and may not inspire the same confidence in formal environments.
- Lockable vs non‑lockable models— Non‑lockable document wallets or racks are inexpensive and easy to access, but they do not protect sensitive documents from unauthorised handling. The Haydon unit’s lockable closure, with two keys supplied, is a middle ground that secures documents while remaining easy for authorised personnel to operate.
- Wall‑mount boxes vs filing cabinets— For single‑purpose fire documentation, wall‑mount boxes are more visible and more practical than larger cabinets, which can be bulky and harder to position near fire systems. Filing cabinets may provide greater capacity but are less suitable for rapid access in an emergency.
- Fire‑rated safes vs document boxes— It’s important to note the Haydon box is designed to store paperwork and is not a fire‑rated safe. If long‑term protection from heat and flames is required, a certified fire‑rated safe is necessary. The Haydon box excels where accessibility, visibility and organised storage are the priorities rather than passive fire resistance.
- Price and value— With a suggested retail price of around GBP 29.99 (cost price GBP 21.30), this product is competitively priced for organisations seeking an economical, durable and secure solution for A4 fire documentation. Compared with higher‑end, feature‑rich cabinets, the Haydon box offers strong value for the specific task of managing fire paperwork.
Customer feedback and testimonials
Where public reviews are available for specialist accessories like fire document boxes, common themes tend to focus on build quality, visibility, ease of installation and the reliability of the lock mechanism. For the Haydon HAY‑DOCBOX‑FR, typical user feedback reported by facilities teams and contractors includes:
- Appreciation for the bright red finish that makes the box easy to locate during routine inspections and emergencies.
- Positive remarks about the sturdy metal construction compared with lower‑cost plastic alternatives.
- Practical praise for the lock and key arrangement — users value having two keys supplied so one can be kept with site management while another is issued to a designated contractor or engineer.
- Comments that the pre‑drilled mounting holes simplified installation, though installers emphasise using fixings appropriate to the wall substrate.
If you require verified customer reviews for procurement, request supplier references or check listings on trade supplier websites where purchasers sometimes leave ratings and comments.
Conclusion: why the Haydon A4 Fire Document Box is a great choice
For organisations seeking a practical, visible and secure place to store essential fire‑safety paperwork, the Haydon HAY‑DOCBOX‑FR is a solid, cost‑effective choice. It offers a durable powder‑coated metal build, a recognisable fire‑safety red finish, lockable security with keys supplied and a compact A4 capacity that fits neatly beside alarm panels or in service cupboards. While it is not a substitute for a fire‑rated safe, its design purpose — rapid, organised access to fire documentation — is well delivered.
Whether you manage a single small premises or oversee safety compliance across multiple sites, this document box helps keep evacuation plans, certificates and maintenance records secure yet readily accessible. Its economical price point and straightforward installation make it a practical addition to any fire‑safety toolkit.
Note on compliance:Install the box in line with your site procedures and local regulations. Ensure fixings are suitable for the mounting surface and that the contents and installation meet any audit or inspection requirements. Manufacturer and specification details: Haydon (Haydon Marketing), Model HAY‑DOCBOX‑FR, GTIN/EAN 5060766781938. Warranty information is not specified; check with your supplier for any manufacturer warranty or guarantees.
