Allegion UK commentary links building safety to digital fire door data

by Featured NewsFire DoorsIndustry CommentSafety

Building safety and digital fire door information

Allegion UK has published commentary from Sue Corrick on how digital information is being used in building safety, including how fire door hardware can act as a source of recorded data.

The commentary argues that improving the structure, quality and usability of digital handover information is central to meeting Regulation 38 and Golden Thread requirements.

Standardised, accessible asset data is presented as a way to support hardware specification, installation and maintenance across the supply chain.

It suggests that even highly mechanical components such as fire door closers can contribute to a more data-centred approach to compliance and building operation.

Certification, records and what data is used for

Corrick’s commentary sets out how testing and certification data for fire doors and their hardware components has often been inconsistent, missing or unverified.

Much of this information has historically been held in disconnected paperwork systems.

The piece states that test evidence should clearly show classifications, limitations and compatibility between components such as door closers, hinges and leaf assemblies.

Assessment reports should be transparent, retrievable and directly linked to a manufacturer’s products.

Digital record keeping is described as increasingly necessary for duty-holders who are responsible for products remaining reliable and suitable across a project’s lifecycle.

The Building Safety Act is said to have increased attention on competency and traceable, accessible product information.

The Golden Thread of Information is described as a legal requirement under the Act and a framework for creating, maintaining and accessing verified product data.

The commentary also references government proposals for a centralised library for construction products to expand regulatory coverage and support decision-making.

Inspection data from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) is cited as showing that care and maintenance issues are present in 54% of fire door inspections.

The piece gives examples of how door closer information can be embedded with the product itself, including video installation guides accessed via QR codes and safety critical data available through the Golden Thread.

Corrick said: “Fire door safety will always remain a technical discipline, but in an age where information can be accessed instantly from our fingertips, even a mechanical fire door closer has a digital voice.”

Allegion UK: keeping compliant with fire safety regulations

by Passive

Ensuring compliance when it comes to fire safety isn’t just limited to checking a fire door and its operation. Of course, this is an integral cog in the wider fire safety clockwork, but there’s much more to it than just that, Allegion UK’s Karen Trigg explains.

Keeping staff or employees in-the-know about any evacuation plans could help to save lives – this isn’t just making sure everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire, it’s about educating employees about all workplace fire safety features, like how to use fire extinguishers and ensuring escape routes are kept clear of any potential fire hazards.

Here are some of the most common fire safety threats and what you can do to avoid them.

Fire Doors

Ensuring fire doors are properly maintained will help to contain a fire and buy precious time during an emergency evacuation. Checking a fire door is operating correctly is quick and easy, so there’s no excuse for letting standards split.

Not only are there simple checks to follow with the fire door itself, but employees should also be trained on the improper use of fire doors.

This means steering clear of wedging fire doors open. Not only does this pose legal threats, but it also renders fire doors obsolete. After-all, their primary use is to close in the event of a fire to reduce the spread of fire and smoke.

What’s more, fire doors are often placed in areas that will protect lives and property, such as doors accessing exit corridors or escape routes, so it’s imperative that they aid free passage.

Correctly installed hardware

Potential fire hazards can be avoided and controlled if the door hardware is installed correctly from the outset. This starts with a building’s installer or fitter. When installing door hardware, it’s important to ensure that you’re using either an approved or accredited installer.

The person fitting should be fully trained, as hardware that is installed incorrectly will not function properly, and can be more susceptible to damage and accidents.

Appropriate staff training

According to comparethemarket.com, 54% of people in the UK wouldn’t know what to do in the event of a fire.

History reveals that if the appropriate fire safety plans aren’t in place during a fire, businesses could be faced with severe repercussions. For starters, they’ll have to deal with a large fine on account of breaching regulations.

Then comes the added weight of a fractured reputation, followed by the burden of rebuilding a damaged property and the additional costs that come with that, too.

Not to mention that taking simple measures could be the difference between life and death – the sort of responsibility business owners wouldn’t want hanging over them.

All in all; it’s safe to say that implementing the basic necessary precautions is something every business should be doing. This starts with ensuring staff and employees are up-to-date with fire safety training.

Not only will they be clear of an evacuation plan, but it will also tune employees into how to spot fire doors and door hardware that aren’t working properly. For example, if a member of staff comes across a faulty door closer, they’ll know to report the finding to the appropriate person to get it sorted.

Keeping compliant with Fire Safety Regulations is a requirement for ensuring the utmost safety in any kind of environment. Don’t risk compliance when it comes to fire safety. Rest assured, peace of mind is better than leaving it to guess-work.

www.allegion.co.uk