HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING
FIRE DOOR COMPLIANCE: WHAT SHOULD FMs KNOW?
Stuart Wilkinson, Head of Technical Services from doorassure, explains what it means to be fire door compliant, the risks of failing to meet standards and how FMs can ensure the longevity of their fire doors with the proper specialist support.
Fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties, including commercial premises, public buildings, blocks of flats, and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs). Under the Fire Safety Act 2021 and Regulations 2022 – introduced to strengthen the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and Hatton Enquiry – strict regulations and guidelines govern the installation and performance of fire doors.
Under the regulations, building operators in England and Wales must appoint a ‘Responsible Person’ to manage all fire safety precautions, including fire doors. This role often falls to facilities managers, who are legally bound to reduce the risk of fire spreading within the premises and do what is 'reasonably practical' to ensure the safety of the people they are responsible for.
What is fire door compliance? Fire doors are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke between rooms or sections of a building, providing occupants with a safer environment and additional time to evacuate in the event of a fire. If specialist doors aren’t installed correctly, become damaged, or are left propped open, they will fail – putting property and even life at risk. Therefore, fire door compliance is essential for protecting buildings and users, especially in commercial and residential structures where occupants may not be familiar with a building layout. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal penalties and reputational damage.
Compliance with fire door regulations comprises several vital steps:
Professional manufacture – specialists must manufacture fire doors to ensure that doorsets are of the highest quality and are certified to meet stringent industry standards and regulations.
Expert installation – this must adhere to specific guidelines, such as using specialist fire-resistant materials and ensuring that doors fit correctly to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regular maintenance – this is vital for FMs to ensure fire doors continue to function correctly over time by checking the integrity of parts such as seals and hinges, as well as making any necessary repairs.
Periodic inspections – these must be carried out by certified professionals and are required to certify that fire doors meet the legal standards and retain their fire resistance capabilities.
With fire safety under the spotlight in the wake of the Grenfell disaster, it can feel overwhelming to manage something so significant. However, accredited third-party experts can relieve the pressure and ensure premises remain safe and compliant. They can work with you to ensure fire doors meet the correct standards and identify where repairs or replacements are required.
How can specialists support FMs? With compliance such a priority and budgets tight, FMs must do all they can to ensure the longevity of their fire doors – and this is where professional third-party support demonstrates its value. Seek a partner that can offer a full service, from design, manufacture and installation to ongoing inspection and maintenance, as this makes ongoing fire door compliance more straightforward. They must comply with industry standards, and their products should be certified and compliant with industry regulations – look out for the BM Trada Q Mark Fire Doorset Manufacturer’s Scheme.
Achieving longevity relies on routine inspections to identify wear and tear, damage, or signs of non-compliance. Your fire door partner can conduct inspections and provide reports and guidance on passive fire safety and how to maintain it. Timely repairs and replacements are also essential to ensure there are no gaps in safety or compliance and that fire doors are there to protect in an emergency.
Finally, experts should keep you informed of product innovations and any changes to regulatory standards. They will also ensure all the proper documentation is in place, as you are legally required to keep comprehensive records of maintenance activities, including dates, actions taken, and certifications. By understanding regulations and employing fire safety experts, FMs can confidently arm themselves with the knowledge required to manage fire door compliance.
www.doorassure.co.uk 36 | TOMORROW’S FM
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