FIRE DOORS
Maintaining comprehensive records arms healthcare FMs with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding fire door repairs, replacements, or upgrades. Moreover, they simplify regulatory compliance and make audits and inspections more straightforward.
What to look for in a professional partner FMs already have vast operational responsibilities, so it can feel overwhelming to know that something as onerous as fire safety is among them. 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 right standards and identify where repairs or replacements are required. When sourcing professional third-party
fire door support, there are several critical areas of expertise to look out for: A one-stop shop: Choose 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. Industry standards: Ensure your fire door partner complies with industry standards and their fire doors are certified and compliant with industry regulations. All fire door sets should be fully certified within the BM Trada Q Mark Fire Doorset Manufacturer’s Scheme. Inspection: Routine inspections are
delivering cost-effective and more sustainable solutions for long-term maintenance. Repairing fire doors can cost as little as
a third as a complete replacement whilst still being fully certified and operational. Certified maintenance teams are well- versed in industry-approved repair techniques, essential for restoring damaged fire doors to compliance and functionality. They can identify hidden issues and implement solutions that go beyond initial inspector assessments. In the world of healthcare estate management, where budgets are scrutinised and safety is paramount, certified repairs represent a prudent investment. They extend the lifespan of fire doors and bolster healthcare facilities’ overall fire safety and compliance. Partnering with the right fire door
maintenance team can ensure that replacement is always the last resort, but sometimes, a repair isn’t possible, and a fire door replacement is deemed necessary. Fire doors typically warrant
replacement when the damage level surpasses the repair’s cost-effectiveness. This may occur when the material cost,
IFHE DIGEST 2025
labour cost, or both make it commercially unviable to continue repairing the doorset. Extensive damage, such as irreparable warping or structural compromise, may signal the need for replacement. Specialist fire door teams can advise or
provide certified replacement doorsets that meet or exceed the original specifications. It is also essential to bear in mind that replacing individual components can jeopardise the doorset’s certification and functionality.
Maintaining records and documentation
Maintaining clear and thorough records by tracking fire door inspections and documenting maintenance activities is crucial to remaining compliant. Traceability ensures FMs fulfil regulatory requirements and adhere to industry best practices. The absence of proper documentation
can have dire consequences. Fire doors lacking formal records or traceability to substantiate their initial certification level may be considered suspect and can become classified as ‘nominal doorsets’, devoid of the crucial evidence that they can effectively fulfil their role in the event of a fire.
necessary to identify wear and tear, damage, or signs of non-compliance. Ensure your fire door partner has the expertise to conduct inspections and provide reports and guidance on passive fire safety and how to maintain it. Inspectors must meet the standards of the accreditation body BM Trada. Repairs and replacements: Timely
repairs and replacements are essential to ensure there are no gaps in safety or compliance and that fire doors are there to protect in an emergency. Experts should also keep you informed of product innovations and any changes to regulatory standards. Essential paperwork: You are legally
required to keep comprehensive records of maintenance activities, including dates, actions taken, and certifications. A fire door partner will ensure all the proper documentation is in place. Remaining fire door compliant is not
just the law – it is a matter of ethics. By understanding regulations and staying informed about updates, healthcare FMs can arm themselves with the knowledge required to manage fire door compliance confidently in medical settings. This, coupled with collaboration with fire safety specialists, will ensure that keeping buildings and their users safe doesn’t become a burning issue.
IFHE 43
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