Fire Door Safety Week


Fire door compliance: Beyond stock condition surveys – what Facility Managers need to know


Jim Kerr, Managing Director of Door Data Systems


MANAGING EXISTING FIRE DOORS When it comes to fi re door management, starting with stock condition surveys might seem like the obvious choice. However, as a Facility Manager or Responsible Person, it’s crucial to ensure that the advice you’re receiving is accurate. But is a stock condition survey really the best starting point? I suggest that understanding fi re safety requirements and engaging with a reputable Fire Risk Assessor should be your fi rst step. Legislation doesn’t require every fi re door to


meet the latest codes, but it does mandate that systems of maintenance are in place and that work is carried out by a Competent Person. In fact, as a Responsible Person, you’re strongly encouraged to work with competent professionals. T erefore, assembling a skilled team and clearly defi ning roles and responsibilities should be your fi rst priority.


WHAT DOES COMPETENCY REALLY MEAN? Competency isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Consider the following when assessing potential team members: •


Skills: What specifi c skills does the individual possess?


• Knowledge: Where did they acquire their knowledge, and how extensive is it?


•


Experience: How much experience do they have, and in what contexts? You might even present them with sample scenarios to gauge their problem-solving abilities.


UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF A FIRE DOOR INSPECTOR A Fire Door Inspector’s job is to evaluate the condition of a door and assign it a risk level based on its current state. It’s important to note that this risk level applies to the door itself and should not be


38 | HMMAugust/September 2024 | www.housingmmonline.co.uk HMM08_Door Data_FPADV.indd 1


confused with the building’s overall risk assessment, though their fi ndings will certainly infl uence it. Keep in mind that a Fire Door Inspector is not a designer. Unless qualifi ed, they shouldn’t specify which doors to use. Instead, it’s up to the Responsible Person(s) to review the inspection report and obtain quotes for repairs, maintenance, or replacements. T is decision should be made in conjunction with the Risk Assessor’s fi ndings.


ENGAGING CONTRACTORS: AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS When hiring contractors, a common mistake is to engage only those with third-party certifi cation. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations of these schemes. For example, some schemes may not recognise repairs that others do. Ask yourself: • Can the door be repaired to its original state and function as intended?


• Is the repair practical, or should new doors be considered?


Remember: Installing a new door constitutes a design change, which must be documented and is oſt en notifi able.


NEW DOORS: INSTALLATION AND CERTIFICATION For new doors, third-party certifi cation schemes require that installation guides are provided with each door. Without these guides, the margin for error increases signifi cantly. To manage a building’s fi re doors throughout its lifecycle, Fire Certifi cation is essential. T e Field of Application or Global Assessment will give critical information for building owners and managers, making it imperative that this documentation is easily traceable to each door.


Beware of the misconception that a fi re door


inspector will sign off on installation work. T e responsibility for installation lies with the company and individuals who perform the job. While a door may be inspected as a fi nal check during handover, the inspector cannot be held accountable for the installation.


COMPLIANCE, EVIDENCE, AND TRACKING Managing fi re doors eff ectively involves maintaining comprehensive records from manufacturing through installation to ongoing inspections and maintenance. Door Data Systems off ers leading soſt ware that allows each trade to contribute to a door’s history, ensuring detailed records are kept. T e system simplifi es reporting, speeds up maintenance, and reduces the need for multiple site visits by engineers. With a centralised dashboard, Facility Managers


can access key data, schedule work, appoint contractors, monitor door status, export reports, and integrate with existing asset management systems. Designed to deliver ongoing benefi ts, Door Data Systems helps reduce costs, improve standards, and support continued education and improvement in fi re safety. Standard features incorporating voice recognition


for onsite reporting, adding parts and door details ensures comprehensive regulatory reports. Offl ine working and API integration provides ease of use for fi eld operatives and facility management.


For further support and guidance on fi re door management, contact Jim Kerr, Managing Director of Door Data Systems.


Jim.kerr@doordatasystems.co.uk 03301 330679 www.doordatasystems.co.uk


15/08/2024 14:53


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