FIRE & ELECTRICAL SAFETY
It’s advisable to buy from a reputable manufacturer – ideally a specialist if you’re looking for dual-certified and custom doors. Third-party certification from organisations such as the International Fire Consultants Group (IFC) demonstrates that fire-rated doors are manufactured to a specified quality level and compliant with all latest fire legislation.
KNOW THE LAW Under both the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Building Regulations Approved Document B, all commercial buildings must have fire doors.
Fire safety law is evolving though, and since October 2023, high risk buildings (in excess of 18m in height and including two residential units) now have new rules - introduced in response to the Grenfell inquiry - regarding fire doors and their ongoing maintenance.
DON’T ‘FIT AND FORGET’ According to the Fire Door Inspection Scheme, three- quarters of fire doors inspected in 2021 in the UK did not meet required standards, putting building occupants at ‘significant risk’.
“HOME OFFICE FIGURES FOR FIRE AND RESCUE IN 2022/23 RECORDED 13,550 FIRES IN NON- DWELLINGS. OVER 10,000 OF THESE WERE ACCIDENTAL.”
Even minor damage to a door, its frame, intumescent seals, or glazing can affect its fire resistance. That’s why regular checks and maintenance are essential.
Inspections should be carried out on fire doors at least every six months in commercial properties (see BS999:2017), or more frequently in high-traffic areas. For buildings with two or more domestic premises over 11 metres tall, fire doors in communal areas should be checked every three months.
COMMON MISTAKES Other than obvious damage to a fire door, there are other potential issues health and safety teams should be aware of, including:
● Changes in circumstances since the fire door was fitted - is it still fit for purpose?
● Is the hardware fire safety approved? ● Are the paint, letterboxes and handles compliant? ● Have holes been drilled in the door (eg for hooks)? ● Are the right closers fitted? ● Are fire doors being propped open or chained shut?
It’s worth seeking advice from a specialist fire door company to ensure the correct doors are fitted in the premises you’re responsible for, so if the worst ever happens, there’s a robust backstop of protection for the people in the building, and its contents.
www.enfielddoors.co.uk x.com/TomorrowsHS 25
Image credit: Conamar
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