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with common failures often identifi ed as the result of incorrect specifi cation, poor installation and inadequate maintenance. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety)
Order 2005 states that fi re doors should be installed by a ‘competent person’, yet the demand for competency extends beyond installation alone. Specifi ers, maintenance professionals and responsible persons must all demonstrate capability past general awareness. In fact, individual competence is defi ned as possessing the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours (also referenced as SKEB), as outlined in The Building Safety Act, BS 8670-1:2024. The Building Safety Act also stresses the importance of transparency, whereby those involved in building design and the management of high risk buildings must refer to the ‘Golden Thread of Information’ as part of their duties. Following years of legislative reform, there is a higher expectation for clear product documentation, with greater transparency able to support more informed decision making. For this, the ‘Golden Thread’ acts a single source of truth, providing clear, accessible and accurate records of buildings and the systems used within them. Further emphasis is being placed on product information through the Construction Products Reform Green Paper and the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI). These initiatives focus on how manufacturers communicate product information and aim to eliminate misleading claims by ensuring performance data is clear, verifi able and up to date. The emergence of Digital Product Passports (DPP) – expected to become a legal requirement for CE marking – will strengthen this approach further and, when implemented, will enable stakeholders to access product performance records and testing data in real time. Converting theory into practice These evolving standards send a clear message: both competence and transparency must be embedded into every stage of the decision-making process. Professionals across the supply chain must demonstrate that fi re door assemblies meet the required standards, and in doing so, it is critical to recognise that these two principles go hand in hand. From specifi cation and installation
to inspection and maintenance, even the most capable individual is limited
without access to accurate information. Equally, comprehensive product data holds little value if it is not understood or properly applied. In line with the SKEB framework, continuous learning and professional development are essential, with ongoing training helping to ensure that individuals maintain and enhance their capabilities as industry standards, products and regulations continue to evolve. Manufacturers also play a pivotal role in advancing the relationship between competence and transparency. Many conscious manufacturers are investing in end-to-end product support, including detailed technical literature, installation guidance and training resources. These eff orts are helping to build awareness and skills in key areas, whilst assuring capability and raising industry benchmarks. The implementation of digital tools is making information more accessible too, and is equipping professionals with the means to specify, install and maintain fi re door safety products with confi dence. In practice, professionals are encouraged
to review fi re door hardware specifi cation, installation and maintenance as specialised tasks. During installation, for example, installers must look to follow manufacturer guidelines and fi tting instructions, which should be supplied with all third-party certifi ed fi re doors and hardware. Similarly, competent fi re door assessors must ensure that the entire assembly is fi t for purpose, reviewing certifi cation, door integrity, glazing, gaps, seals, hinges and closing mechanisms in the process. When a fi re door is not operating as intended, it is essential to seek out expert advice where required, ensuring maintenance is carried out both quickly and professionally. With this in mind, reliable fi re door
systems should always be supplied with comprehensive product information, including performance records, third-party certifi cation, technical product data
sheets and installation guidelines. Transparent, accurate construction product information verifi es whether a system complies with necessary standards, and by combining this with the development of SKEB, professionals are making the right steps toward eff ectively managing fi re door safety across the built environment. The relationship between competence and transparency is about more than compliance, however. By following both principles, professionals will be equipped with the right knowledge and are supported by reliable information, fostering a much-needed culture of trust. Ultimately, this integrated approach may contain the key to raising fi re door safety standards and delivering a safer built environment for all.
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