FIRE DOORS


design and specification of fire doors and the management of fire safety in healthcare buildings.


l NHS Fire Safety Management Protocol applicable to particular NHS Trusts.


It is important to note that fire door regulations are consistent across regions, but local interpretations of standards may vary. Seeking expert advice is recommended when specifying, installing, or maintaining fire safety measures such as fire doors, particularly in healthcare settings where the safety stakes are high.


What role do healthcare facilities managers play in making fire doors a priority? 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. According to 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. The definition of what is reasonably


practical is open to interpretation. Still, in the event of a fire, FMs listed as the Responsible Person must prove they


Seeking expert advice is recommended when specifying, installing, or maintaining fire doors


acted with due diligence. This highlights the importance of ensuring fire doors remain compliant. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines and even prosecution. The Fire Safety Order requires that fire


safety facilities and equipment, including fire doors, are monitored under ongoing maintenance plans and kept in efficient working order. It also states that ‘competent persons’ are appointed to support with risk assessments and preventative and protective measures. To be considered competent, that person must be sufficiently trained, experienced, and knowledgeable to assist the Responsible Person properly. The NHS Fire Safety Management


Protocol is in place to communicate regulations to healthcare FMs and contribute to the overall development of fire safety protocols as recommended within Health Technical Memorandum 05-01.


The six-point check Of all the passive fire protection measures in a building, fire doors receive the most use daily, making regular checks a must to ensure their upkeep and keep you on the right side of the law. To help, I would recommend using this


six-point checklist; however, remember that trained individuals should carry out full inspections and maintenance to ensure your doors remain fully compliant and safe.


1. Frame, seal, clearance and gaps Focus on the frame and seals of the doors. Check for any damage or signs of wear with the door sitting in the frame. The intumescent seals must be securely attached to the groove that runs along the door frame and continuously around the entire door set, as these play an integral part in the door’s effectiveness. These seals expand when subjected to heat, so clearance needs to be consistent around the door leaf and frame to ensure a tight seal in the event of a fire.


2. Latches and locks Check that all the latches, locks, and hinges are fully working and show no apparent signs of wear or anything that may hinder their operation during a fire.


3. Hold open devices Confirm that any hold-open devices, typically in a healthcare environment, function as intended. Check that they release and close the door in response to the alarm or any power loss.


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4. Glazing Ensure any glazing and vision panels are fully intact and show no signs of defects. Glazing integrity is vital in effectively containing smoke and fire.


5. Smooth operation Check tht the door swings in the proper direction and is not hindered by any obstruction which would stop it from closing properly. Doors should operate smoothly without catching or binding to maintain compliance.


6. Clear and present signage Signage is essential in guiding staff, visitors, and residents during emergencies. Can it be seen and read easily? Check that it’s in good condition, prominently displayed, and not covered by anything.


Spread the message of safety In addition to taking responsibility for checking doors themselves, healthcare FMs must communicate the importance of fire door safety with wider healthcare teams. There are five key lessons to promote to staff: l No Door Propping: Never prop open fire doors with wedges or furniture, as it compromises their ability to contain fire and smoke.


l Maintain Door Closers: Disengaging door closers disrupts the self-closing mechanism, reducing fire-resistant capabilities.


l Preserve Ironmongery: Avoid tampering with door hardware, as it compromises fire doorsets and their certification.


l Limit Attachments: Refrain from attaching leaflets, signs, hooks, or extra locks to fire doors, as these obstructions hinder their function unless advised by specialist doorset manufacturers or service teams.


l Prompt Issue Reporting: Immediately report loose ironmongery, doors that won’t close properly, failing strips, or damage to the appropriate authorities.


Determining whether to repair or replace When issues are identified, it is time to turn to professionals who can offer either a repair or complete replacement if necessary. These experts possess the knowledge and skills to perform certified repairs, ensuring fire doors are restored to their original integrity.


One of the main benefits of regular inspections and taking the repair-not- replace approach is avoiding expensive replacements, promoting safety and


IFHE DIGEST 2025


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