58 SAFETY & SECURITY


FIRE DOOR SAFETY MUST BE DESIGNED IN, BUILT IN, AND MAINTAINED ACROSS THE DEVELOMENT’S LIFE a smooth transition.


WHAT THIS MEANS FOR HOUSEBUILDERS Compliance with the latest standards and regulations is essential, but the implications for housebuilders go beyond this with the Building Safety Act placing far greater scrutiny on product performance, accountability, competence of installers and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Developers must now demonstrate not only that the products specifi ed are compliant but also provide vital information via the ‘golden thread’ to enable them to remain so throughout the building’s lifecycle – particularly for high-rise properties and buildings with shared spaces.


should look at incorporating dedicated storage and charging facilities with fi re safety measures in order to give homeowners peace of mind.


TRANSITION TO EN 13501-2 Alongside emerging risks, the fi re door sector is moving toward a shift in fi re door regulatory standards that will impact all those responsible for fi re doors. In 2029, the UK will transition from the current British Standard (BS 476-22) to the European classifi cation for fi re resistance testing (EN 13501-2). This change stems directly from recommendations in the Hackitt Review and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and represents a step forward in aligning UK practice with European standards. For housebuilders and specifi ers today, the key compliance question is whether doors tested to the outgoing British


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Standard will remain valid. The answer is yes – fi re doors tested to BS 476-22 remain fully compliant beyond 2029, provided they are correctly installed and maintained by a competent person. In fact, the robust performance of timber fi re doors tested to BS 476-22 is well established based on the results of Government testing to demonstrate fi re resistance times on the 30-minute requirement. The results found that timber fi re doors from BWF Fire Door Alliance members, tested to BS 476-22, regularly exceed the 30-minute fi re resistance requirement, with an average of 46 minutes achieved.


While there is currently no need to } take action, it is important to begin planning. Housebuilders and developers should begin engaging with their supply chains as early dialogue with manufacturers and suppliers will ensure }


There are several key areas to consider, starting with fi re door specifi cation. Fire doors that are third party certifi ed and supported by credible industry schemes such as the BWF Fire Door Alliance demonstrate robust proof of performance. However, correct installation is equally critical. Fire doors must be fi tted by competent fi re door installers, as a poor installation or onsite alterations can lead to a high performing fi re door not being fi t for purpose. Finally, responsibility does not end with the completion and sale of the property. Under the Building Safety Act, a comprehensive handover must be factored in, with essential building and product information passed onto the responsible persons. This is crucial as it will help ensure they’re able to maintain the fi re safety of the building as well as any third party certifi cations or warranties of key building components.


FOCUS ON FIRE DOOR SAFETY Fire door safety must be designed in, built in, and maintained across the life of a development. For housebuilders, this means viewing fi re doors not just as a regulatory requirement, but as a life saving safeguard for the people who will live in the homes when developments are complete. By leveraging fi re doors with robust evidence of performance, working with skilled and competent installers, and planning now for future standards, housebuilders can deliver homes that are safe, resilient and future ready.


Helen Hewitt is chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation (BWF)


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