163 out of 164 fire doors not compliant says Door Group MD Brian Sofley
Door Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is calling for urgent action to improve fire door standards in educational environments.
This follows new Home Office figures showing a concerning lack of fire safety systems in UK schools, colleges, and universities.
Between the financial year 2022/23, 673 educational buildings in the United Kingdom were affected by fires.
Additionally, 627 of these establishments did not have a fire safety system in place.
Fire doors are essential for safety in buildings, and regular inspections are crucial to meet health and safety measures.
The importance of compliant fire doors
Educational institutions face high traffic levels, leading to misuse and functional issues with doors, resulting in non-compliance.
Door Group emphasises the need for enhanced fire door standards to protect students, educators, and staff.
Robust fire door systems are vital for containing fires, limiting their spread, and ensuring safe evacuations during emergencies.
Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group, highlighted the importance of comprehensive fire safety measures: “Through our fire door inspections service, our BRE qualified engineers have found the level of compliancy in schools to be extremely low.
“In one school, for example, we inspected 164 fire doors and reported that 163 were not fire compliant.”
Fire safety statistics and concerns
Fire Rescue Services attended over 622,000 incidents in the year ending March 2023, a 7.8% increase from the previous year.
Alarmingly, over 1,000 school buildings are believed to contain combustible materials similar to those used in Grenfell, including 923 school buildings and 80 university buildings.
Brian Sofley stated: “The concerning presence of fires in schools stresses the necessity for comprehensive fire safety measures with a holistic approach.
“It’s not just about specifying compliant solutions, they need to be managed correctly with regular inspections and maintenance.
“This information should be accurately recorded, in line with the ‘Golden Thread’ approach outlined in the Building Safety Act.”
Door Group’s commitment to fire safety
Door Group is dedicated to raising the standard of fire door safety in schools, offering comprehensive inspections every three, four, six, or twelve months.
Following inspections, Door Group provides detailed reports with advice and recommendations for necessary improvements to ensure safety and product performance.
If any issues are identified, a tailored repair proposal is issued, which can include replacement doors or a regular maintenance program.
Door Group inspectors, who are BRE-certified, ensure that all fire doors inspected meet necessary standards and regulations.
As reported by Briton, the company has launched a new exit hardware catalogue, providing specifiers and trade professionals with a comprehensive guide and product selection resource.
The 28-page catalogue features Briton’s flagship range of panic and emergency exit hardware systems, including detailed product specifications, EN classifications, and certified application information.
The new catalogue also offers a first look at the updated Briton 370 Series.
This series includes high-performance, Certifire-approved exit hardware devices designed to ensure immediate escape without compromising building security.
Comprehensive details for ease of specification
Briton has compiled extensive technical details, product illustrations, spare parts, and fixing kits into the new catalogue to support customers throughout the specification process.
The catalogue includes valuable advice and tools, such as detailed safety and compliance information and a practical three-step product selector guide.
These features are designed to simplify product selection and enhance fire door safety standards across the built environment.
Sue Corrick, product marketing manager at Allegion UK, commented: “We’re proud to announce the launch of our new exit hardware catalogue as we aim to support customers in making informed decisions with Briton products.
“The new catalogue is our most clear and concise yet and has been carefully designed to provide customers with accessible information on Briton’s latest range of dependable exit hardware solutions, including the newly updated Briton 370 Series.”
Addressing evolving fire safety standards
Briton’s new catalogue comes at a time when fire safety standards are evolving.
The company is dedicated to raising awareness and developing knowledge on the critical components of fire door safety.
According to Sue Corrick: “As our customers face evolving fire safety standards, Briton remains dedicated to raising awareness and developing knowledge on the vital components of fire door safety.
“Our new exit hardware catalogue extends its use as an invaluable guide and specification resource for specifiers and trade professionals.
“By including detailed illustrations, specification tools and fixing kits alongside our products, we aim to simplify exit hardware specification and offer true peace of mind in the process.”
Geofire expands fire safety product manufacturing to Bangalore
Geofire has announced the relocation of the manufacturing of several key fire safety products to its British Engines Group facility in Bangalore, India.
The products that will now be produced at the SG India facility include the Type 87 Doormouse, Type 59 Conquest, and the Agrippa acoustic fire door holder.
This strategic move aims to leverage the identical CNC capability and cutting tool technology of the 7,000 square feet Indian facility, ensuring rigorous quality control measures comparable to those in the UK.
Both the UK and Indian facilities have been audited and approved by Bureau Veritas for ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 standards and Warrington Fire for the EN1155 FPC.
All products will also carry the CE mark specific to the SG India manufacturing facility.
Details of relocated product manufacturing
Geofire’s Type 87 Doormouse is a door holder designed to prevent doors from slamming shut during fire incidents, facilitating safe evacuation by holding doors open securely.
The Type 59 Conquest fire door holder combines functionality with aesthetics, providing reliable fire door control while maintaining an unobtrusive appearance.
The Agrippa acoustic fire door holder uses innovative technology to hold fire doors open legally and safely.
These products will be manufactured in the new Bangalore facility, ensuring consistency in quality and adherence to international standards.
Commitment to transparency and compliance
In the coming months, Geofire will adapt the labelling requirements to reflect the change in the Country-of-Origin.
This adjustment aims to ensure transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.
The SG India facility’s adoption of the same technology and quality control measures as the UK facility underscores Geofire’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards across its global operations.
Enhancing global presence through strategic relocation
Geofire’s expansion to India not only bolsters its global presence but also demonstrates its dedication to delivering reliable fire safety solutions worldwide.
The new facility is expected to play a significant role in the company’s ongoing success.
IFSJ comment
Geofire’s strategic decision to relocate part of its production to Bangalore is a noteworthy development in the fire safety industry.
This move aligns with the broader trend of companies leveraging global facilities to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain consistent product quality.
The identical technological capabilities and quality control measures in the Indian facility ensure that the fire safety products manufactured there will meet the same standards as those produced in the UK.
This is particularly important for products like the Type 87 Doormouse and the Agrippa acoustic fire door holder, which play crucial roles in ensuring safety during fire incidents.
Richard Kowalski, Technical Manager for Doors at Stairways Midland, discusses the critical gaps in fire door installation and the urgent need for regulation
Is it time fire door installation became a regulated profession? Richard Kowalski, Technical Manager for Doors at Stairways Midlands, an expert in his field with more than 25 years’ experience and a member of the British Woodworking Federation Council, sets out his argument.
Fire doors are a carefully engineered fire safety device required by law in many circumstances to help safeguard life in the event of the fire. It is not enough that they are compliant in themselves – to work effectively, it is essential they are fitted correctly. Yet, there is no formal qualification required to be able to fit a fire door, and the profession remains unregulated. Kowalski is among the leading figures in the sector calling for that to change.
What is the status quo?
While there is no mandatory qualification needed to install a fire door a level of expertise and competency is required: the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) sets out that fire doors should be installed by a “competent person” however a question mark remains over ‘what competency means in this context,’ explains Kowalski.
There are voluntary third-party certification schemes for installation contractors such FIRAS run by Q-Mark for example, or Certifire certification. Adds Kowalski: “These schemes mean that the installation company has to have processes and procedures in place – they need to be ISO certificated, attending training courses, inspected both on site and within their offices and in their processes, and know how a fire door works.
“The trouble is each scheme is run differently. The schemes are not mandatory, and they can be very expensive to both be a member of and to manage.
“There is a real mixed bag out there, with some contractors having have achieved this high standard, and others who think finding a course online makes them a competent person – especially, in my experience, when it comes to small residential developments outside of big cities.
“A gas engineer couldn’t install a boiler legally unless they are registered with Gas Safe, with all the requirements and training that entails. Yet any joiner can turn up on site and install a fire door. The implications for safety can be just as serious.”
Leaving the door open for mistakes
While there are examples of good practice, without proper regulation, the door is left open for serious mistakes, believes Kowalski: “While awareness has improved, we are still turning up on sites and seeing big gaps around doors, doors in the wrong openings or the use of the wrong mastic, because the installer doesn’t know to check the fire certificate and look at the minimum and maximum gaps for that product to make sure it is compatible with that specific door set.
“With the new regulatory requirements around ongoing inspection and maintenance of fire doors, we are seeing a number of projects from the past ten years revisited – uncovering fire doors that were never installed correctly and would never have been viable or compliant, which goes to show the extent of this problem.
“We’ve even seen inspectors go in and pull off the architrave and find there was no mastic at all between the frame and the structural opening in any of the doors. You can have the best possible fire door which is 100% compliant – but fire will find the weakest point. In this case, they almost might as well have left it open!
Taking responsibility
New legislation also demands more from those specifying, installing and responsible for maintaining fire doors – there is a golden thread of responsibility for ensuring the door is compliant and safe.
Kowalski adds: “There is a misapprehension that installers don’t have responsibility once they’re off site – but they can be held liable for up to 30 years under changes to the Defective Premises Act brought in under Building Safety Act 2022 – and that applies to all dwellings.
“There is a lot for them to do, especially in the case of traditional hung doors. Installers have a responsibility for ensuring the door leaf is compliant and compatible with all the components, from the intumescent, to the ironmongery, to the closer, as well as getting the fitting right.
Unfortunately, there is “a massive education gap,” adds Kowalski: “Not just among joiners and installers, but also site managers, buyers, the housebuilders themselves. Everyone has responsibility to get this right, but it often comes down to NHBC or building control inspectors when they come on site to uncover the issues.
“As manufacturers we take our responsibility very seriously. We send out installation instructions with every order acknowledgement and at call off. Every door has a QR code which links to installation instructions, and we have luggage tags on the bottom of every door to make people aware that the undercut might need adjusting – again with a QR code linking to instructions. Our toolbox talks and training are also always available to joiners and contractors.
“It’s not enough to think ‘I’ve been a chippy for 25 years so I’m competent’, or ‘we’ve done it this way for years and never had a problem’. You might have been doing it wrong for years unfortunately.
“While this remains an unregulated profession, we are still going to see mistakes that mean fire doors fail inspection, or even worse, fail in the event of a fire and cost someone’s life.
“That is why it’s so important that we resolve this issue of competency in legislature and ensure that every fire door is fitted correctly first time.”
This article was originally published in the May 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.
Briton launches enhanced Accufit template for accurate installation
Briton, a specialist in door controls and exit hardware, has introduced an enhanced version of its popular self-adhesive Accufit template.
The newly updated template aims to aid in the easy and accurate installation of Briton’s trusted door closers.
For 25 years, Briton’s Accufit system has allowed installers to fit door closers quickly and accurately on the first attempt.
The self-adhesive templates are designed to be stuck to the door and frame, allowing all fixing points to be pre-drilled accurately, ensuring correct positioning in all applications.
New features of the Accufit template
The updated Accufit templates now include the fixing dimensions of the door closer and user-friendly images of the fixing application.
This additional illustrative guidance helps installers position the template accurately.
Fixing instructions have also been simplified, with the edge, face, and inside edge frame of the door clearly marked.
This enhancement aims to reduce installation time, improve fitting accuracy, and enhance the product’s longevity.
Briton’s goals for the updated templates
Briton aims to save installers time and eliminate uncertainties in door closer installation with the new Accufit templates.
This update helps ensure the closers function effectively and maintain fire safety integrity.
Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, said: “An appropriately specified, installed, and maintained door closer is a prerequisite when it comes to fire door safety.
Briton Accufit templates are designed to facilitate correct installation, and for 25 years they have been a proven support tool for installers.”
Availability and further information
The updated Accufit templates are now available with Briton 2003 and 2003V door closers.
The launch will expand across the Briton door closer range in the coming months.
Briton provides complete product information, certification, and fitting instructions on their website, where the updated Accufit templates are also available.
For more information about Briton, visit: www.briton.co.uk.
To find out more about Allegion UK, visit: www.allegion.co.uk.
IFSJ comment
Briton’s introduction of the enhanced Accufit template reflects the company’s commitment to improving installation efficiency and accuracy.
By simplifying the process and providing clear, user-friendly instructions, Briton aims to address common installation issues that can compromise door closer functionality and fire safety.
The inclusion of detailed fixing dimensions and illustrative guidance marks a significant step towards ensuring that door closers are correctly installed, aligning with the renewed focus on competency in the industry.
The updated templates are expected to support installers in meeting evolving fire safety standards.
As Briton celebrates 25 years of the Accufit system, the enhancements demonstrate the company’s dedication to supporting installers and enhancing product performance.
The availability of the updated templates online further underscores Briton’s commitment to accessibility and comprehensive support for their products.
ASSA ABLOY Door Group enhances global operations with new partnership
ASSA ABLOY Door Group has recently revealed a significant internal restructuring with the formation of the ASSA ABLOY EMEIA Door Business Segment.
This initiative consolidates the company’s door business units across Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa into a unified global division.
This restructuring aims to strengthen the company’s market position and focus on key objectives.
Brian Sofley, Managing Director of Door Group, expressed enthusiasm for the new opportunities presented by this alliance: “We are delighted to now be part of the ASSA ABLOY EMEIA Door Business Segment, and are excited about the new opportunities this union will offer us.”
Benefits of the new partnership
The partnership is set to deliver numerous benefits, including the introduction of innovative products designed to enhance the company’s competitive edge.
These products, which draw on advancements from other regions, are expected to be unveiled in the UK and Ireland in the forthcoming months.
Sofley also highlighted the advantages of the partnership: “One of the advantages we are keen to promote is the potential for us to tap into a wealth of groundbreaking products already available in other regions and bring them to the market in the UK and Ireland.”
Expanded customer service and support
The collaboration within the ASSA ABLOY EMEIA Door Business Segment will also enhance customer support services.
By leveraging resources across various divisions, Door Group aims to provide comprehensive solutions throughout the lifecycle of their products, from specification to installation and beyond.
“The ability to collaborate with other divisions within the ASSA ABLOY EMEIA Door Business Segment will not only help us serve our customers more effectively but also strengthen our brand and unique position in the marketplace,” Sofley added.
UK’s pioneering practical training centre for fire door industry inaugurated in Bury
FDM launches innovative training academy
Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) has unveiled the UK’s inaugural practical training centre dedicated to enhancing fire safety standards within the fire door industry.
Situated in Bury, Greater Manchester, the state-of-the-art, 3,000ft² Training Academy offers a unique combination of hands-on training with various fire doors and components, alongside classroom-based theoretical learning.
Accredited by GQA Qualifications, the Academy is set to roll out several courses, starting with a fire door inspector course.
This initiative aims to ensure compliance with current fire safety regulations and respond to the Hackitt report’s recommendations following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.
Comprehensive training for fire safety enhancement
The facility’s accreditation by GQA Qualifications underscores its commitment to providing specialist training that meets occupational standards.
Upon completing the courses, participants will be awarded a GQA skills card, signifying their proficiency in fire door safety.
Nicola John, with two decades of experience in the door manufacturing and construction industry and currently leading FDM, stressed the importance of practical training in fire door safety: “The Training Academy is the first to offer practical fire door training in the largest centre of its kind.
“The Hackitt report underlined the importance of the ‘golden thread’ and this is at the centre of our specialist training.
“Each course will underline how vital it is to source primary test evidence and the risk of changing or substituting components in a fire door.”
Fire door training centre responds to industry needs and safety regulations
The Academy’s curriculum also includes a variety of fire safety awareness courses intended for a broad audience, including merchants, architects, and facilities managers, among others.
This approach aims to raise safety standards and awareness of the latest legislation across the industry.
Dan Brown, strategic relationship manager at GQA Qualifications, highlighted the significance of the Academy’s launch: “The launch of FDM’s Training Academy is exceptionally timely, coinciding with a significant phase of introspection within the construction industry.
“This introspection, fuelled by the demands of the Building Safety Act 2022, aims to enhance overall quality, compliance, and competence following a series of tragic events resulting in devastating loss of life.”
The inauguration of the Training Academy was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Councillor Sandra Walmsley, Mayor of Bury, and Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, leader of Bury Council.
IFSJ comment
The establishment of the UK’s first practical fire door training centre by FDM represents a landmark development in fire safety education and practice.
The comprehensive range of courses offered, coupled with the facility’s focus on practical, hands-on learning, reflects a deep understanding of the complexities involved in fire door safety and maintenance.
By fostering a thorough grasp of the ‘golden thread’ of accountability and compliance, the Training Academy is poised to make a substantial contribution to raising safety standards across the fire door industry.
Moreover, the partnership with GQA Qualifications ensures that the training provided is both rigorous and accredited, offering tangible qualifications that underscore the importance of specialised skills in fire door inspection, maintenance, and installation.
As the industry continues to navigate the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape, initiatives like the FDM Training Academy are crucial in promoting a culture of safety, diligence, and continuous improvement.
One of the most common questions with regards to fire safety is where are fire doors required?
Fire safety is of paramount importance in any building or structure, and fire doors are an integral part of ensuring the safety and protection of occupants and property during a fire emergency.
These specialised doors are meticulously engineered to serve as barriers against the rapid spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases, effectively compartmentalising the building and providing valuable time for evacuation and firefighting efforts.
In this article we will answer questions such as where are fire doors required, why fire doors are needed, what materials are used in their construction, what regulations that govern their installation, what safety checks are needed to maintain their functionality and what their cost implications are.
Where are Fire Doors Required?
Where fire doors are required is one of the most common questions raised by new business owners.
They are required by law in all properties that are for business or non-domestic usage.
Fire doors are vital for fire safety
Fire doors play an essential role in various settings to enhance fire safety and protect occupants from the dangers of fire incidents.
They are strategically installed in a wide range of locations, including commercial buildings, residential buildings, industrial facilities, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
Commercial Buildings
Fire doors serve a critical role in securing escape routes during a fire emergency, providing occupants with a clear and safe path to evacuate the building.
In various commercial settings, such as offices, hotels, restaurants, and shops, fire doors are essential for ensuring the safety of employees, customers, and visitors.
These doors compartmentalise the building, containing the fire and allowing occupants to safely exit.
Similarly, in multi-occupancy residential buildings like apartments and care homes, fire doors play a crucial role in safeguarding residents.
By preventing the rapid spread of fire between units, fire doors provide precious time for evacuation and help minimise the impact of the fire on the entire building.
Industrial Facilities
Industrial facilities, including manufacturing plants, warehouses, and storage areas, require fire doors to protect both employees and valuable assets.
In these settings, the risk of fire can be significant due to the presence of flammable materials and machinery.
Fire doors play a crucial role in such environments by sectioning the building.
In the event of a fire, the fire doors act as barriers, containing the fire to a specific area and preventing its rapid spread.
This containment allows employees to safely evacuate the affected area and seek refuge in other fire-resistant compartments until help arrives.
By containing the fire, fire doors help to minimise damage to the facility, its contents, and the surrounding areas.
They also provide additional time for emergency responders to arrive and mitigate the situation.
This is vital in industrial settings where a rapid and uncontrolled fire could have catastrophic consequences for both human lives and business operations.
To achieve this, fire doors are strategically installed throughout the buildings.
In educational settings, fire doors are commonly found in corridors, classrooms, and assembly areas.
Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, must maintain a safe environment to protect patients and staff.
Fire doors are a critical component of fire safety in healthcare settings, ensuring that patients can be evacuated safely and that critical areas, such as operating rooms and patient wards, remain protected.
Where are Fire Doors Required in a House?
In most residential properties, fire doors are not required by law, however there are exceptions to this rule.
If the property is 3 stories or more, for example a block of flats, then a fire door is needed on every floor where a room connects onto the stairwell.
Also, if a garage connects directly to a property with access via a door, then the door must comply with fire safety regulations.
Some property owners install fire doors where not required by law, just to increase fire safety in the property.
If fire doors are installed in a house, then they are strategically placed in key areas to prevent fire spread:
Kitchen: Fire doors in the kitchen separate it from living spaces, containing potential fires.
Garage: Fire doors are crucial if the garage has direct access to living areas.
Basement: Fire doors may be necessary in the basement to protect escape routes and contain fires.
What Do Fire Doors Do?
Fire doors serve as essential components of passive fire protection measures, providing critical barriers to contain flames, smoke, and toxic gases in the event of a fire.
When a fire occurs, the proper functioning of fire doors can significantly impact the safety of building occupants and the overall integrity of the structure.
Fire doors can help stop fire spreading to other parts of buildings
One of the primary functions of fire doors is their ability to compartmentalise a building.
When closed, fire doors form a seal between different areas of the building, preventing the rapid spread of fire and smoke to other parts of the structure.
By containing the fire to its point of origin, fire doors effectively limit the extent of damage and provide occupants with valuable time to evacuate the building safely.
What are Fire Doors Made From?
Fire doors are made from various materials with excellent fire-resistant properties, ensuring that they can withstand high temperatures and intense heat.
Timber
Timber is a commonly used material for fire doors, valued for its aesthetic appeal and reliable fire protection.
Solid timber fire doors offer a classic and natural look, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings alike.
Timber fire doors are available in various finishes and can be customised to complement the overall interior design of a space.
The thickness and quality of the timber used in the door’s construction determine its fire-resistant capabilities.
Steel
Steel fire doors are another widely used type of fire door, particularly in commercial and industrial settings.
Steel doors offer exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and locations with more stringent security requirements.
Steel fire doors are commonly found in industrial and commercial properties
Steel fire doors can be coated with fire-resistant materials to enhance their fire resistance, and they are often used in facilities where protection against fire and potential break-ins is paramount.
Composite
Composite fire doors are a versatile option that combines various materials to provide enhanced fire resistance and durability.
These doors typically feature a core made from fire-resistant materials, such as mineral wool or vermiculite boards, sandwiched between layers of other materials like timber, steel, or laminate.
The combination of different materials in composite fire doors creates a door that is both robust and capable of withstanding the effects of fire for an extended period.
These standards are designed to test and assess the fire resistance and integrity of fire doors, ensuring that they can withstand the impact of a fire and provide adequate protection to occupants and property.
Fire Rating
One of the essential aspects of fire door regulations is the fire rating.
Fire doors are rated based on their ability to withstand fire for a specific duration, usually indicated as 30, 60, or 90 minutes.
This fire rating determines how long the door can effectively contain the spread of fire, smoke, and heat, providing occupants with valuable time to evacuate safely and emergency responders to take action.
Integrity
In addition to fire resistance, fire doors must also maintain their structural integrity during a fire.
This means that they should prevent the passage of flames and smoke, forming a barrier that can effectively contain the fire to a specific area of the building.
The ability of fire doors to maintain their integrity is critical in preventing the rapid spread of fire, protecting other parts of the building and allowing a more controlled response to the emergency.
Self-Closing Mechanism
Another essential feature of fire doors is the self-closing mechanism.
Fire doors should automatically close and latch when not in use, ensuring that they are ready to act as a barrier in case of a fire.
This self-closing mechanism helps prevent the accidental propping open of fire doors, which could compromise their effectiveness during an emergency.
Labelling
To provide clear and easily accessible information, fire doors should have appropriate labelling.
The label on a fire door typically indicates its fire rating and compliance with safety standards.
This labelling helps building occupants and emergency responders quickly identify fire doors and understand their fire resistance capabilities.
How are Safety Checks on Fire Doors Carried Out?
A proper safety check on fire doors is essential to ensure their functionality during an emergency, and has to be done by someone trained in fire door inspections.
Here are some key steps to include in a fire door safety inspection:
Check Closers
Verify that the door closes smoothly and latches securely without any obstructions.
Proper functioning closers are crucial to ensure that the door can effectively close and seal off the area in case of a fire.
Inspect Seals
Ensure that intumescent seals around the door frame and perimeter are intact.
These seals expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier against the spread of flames and smoke.
Examine Hinges
Check for loose or damaged hinges that could affect the door’s performance.
Hinges should be in good condition and securely attached to the door and frame.
Look for Damage
Check for any cracks, holes, or damage that may compromise the door’s integrity.
Any damage to the door can weaken its ability to withstand fire and limit its effectiveness in containing flames and smoke.
Test Latching
Confirm that the latch engages correctly with the strike plate when the door is closed.
A properly functioning latch ensures that the door remains closed and prevents the passage of smoke and flames.
Evaluate Gap Sizes
Ensure that the gaps around the door are within the specified limits.
Properly sized gaps are essential for the door’s fire resistance, as excessive gaps can allow the passage of smoke and flames.
Regular fire door inspections are critical to maintaining their effectiveness in fire safety.
If any issues are identified during the safety check, prompt repairs or replacements should be made to ensure that the fire doors are ready to perform their vital role in protecting lives and property during a fire emergency.
Previously, inspections were conducted every six months to ensure compliance with fire door rules and regulations.
However, with the new regulations in place, there are updated inspection frequencies for different types of fire doors:
Communal Fire Doors
These will now be expected to undergo inspection every 3 months.
This increased frequency aims to enhance safety and ensure that communal areas are adequately protected.
Fire & Escape Doors (FEDs)
FEDs will be subject to inspection at least once a year.
This measure aims to maintain the integrity of escape routes and vital access points in buildings.
Fire and Escape doors need regular inspections to ensure maximum protection against fire
These changes reflect a more proactive approach to fire safety, ensuring that fire doors are regularly checked and maintained to meet the highest safety standards.
Can Fire Doors Have Windows?
Fire doors are designed with the option of including vision panels that are equipped with fire-resistant glazing.
These vision panels offer the advantage of visibility between different areas, allowing natural light to pass through while maintaining fire safety regulations.
High-quality fire-rated glass can withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius, over seven times that of normal glass.
Moreover, it can maintain its integrity for over 60 minutes, effectively preventing the fire from spreading and providing ample time for evacuation and fire personnel to respond.
By following these regulations, property owners can strike a balance between safety and functionality, providing occupants with both fire protection and the convenience of visual communication within the building.
How Much Do Fire Doors Cost?
The cost of fire doors can vary significantly depending on several factors.
The primary determinants of the price include the material used, the fire rating of the door, its size, and any additional features it may have.
Here are some key factors that influence the cost of fire doors:
Material
Fire doors can be made from various materials, including timber, steel, and composite materials.
Each material has different characteristics and price points, with steel doors generally being more expensive than timber doors.
Fire Rating
Fire doors are assigned specific fire ratings, indicating the duration they can withstand exposure to fire.
Doors with higher fire ratings tend to be more expensive due to their increased fire resistance capabilities.
Size
The size of the fire door is another important factor in determining its cost.
Larger doors may require more materials and hardware, resulting in a higher price.
Additional Features
Some fire doors come with additional features, such as vision panels, glazing, or special hardware.
These features can add to the overall cost of the door.
The cost of a standard fire door can vary because of these factors, with a low-end fire door being rather low cost, to the upper end coming in with a price tag in the thousands.
However, it is essential to consider that investing in high-quality fire doors is a crucial aspect of ensuring fire safety in any building.
Fire doors play a critical role in preventing the spread of fire and protecting lives and property.
Therefore, it is recommended to prioritise the quality and compliance of fire doors over cost considerations to ensure the utmost safety and security in the event of a fire emergency.
Conclusion
Fire doors are indispensable components of fire safety measures, protecting lives and properties during emergencies.
Having an answer to the question of where are fire doors required, as well as their functions, materials, regulations, and safety checks is essential for creating a secure environment.
Whether in commercial buildings, residential properties, or industrial facilities, the proper installation and maintenance of fire doors contribute significantly to fire prevention and enhanced safety for occupants.
With new fire safety regulations around the corner and a renewed focus on responsible persons and coordination, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK discusses the significance of fire door hardware and why regular inspections and maintenance periods must remain high on the agenda.
Fire doors and their hardware are often the first line of defence in the event of a fire.
Working in tandem, they coexist as a core element of a building’s passive fire protection system, providing valuable protection and time for occupants to escape by compartmentalising the spread of smoke and fire in an emergency.
Such is their significance to fire safety, each component requires detailed engineering, third-party testing and critically, periods of ongoing inspection and maintenance.
While each stage of a fire door’s lifecycle is strictly regulated, fire door checks and maintenance falls under the remit of a building’s designated responsible person and is widely understood to be an area that has fallen under neglect.
As such, in January 2023, The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, under Regulation 10, made it a legal requirement for all responsible persons of multi-occupied residential buildings to conduct regular fire door checks within their premises.
And while it’s said that overall inspection levels are rising, with 68% of responsible persons now conducting fire door checks (or having them inspected by professionals) every month or every quarter, there’s still work to be done says Karen Trigg of Allegion UK: “In the 12-month period ending March 2023, fire and rescue services attended 178,737 fire incidents in England, a 17% increase compared with the previous 12 months.
“And when you consider the portion of fire door sets that remain overlooked, the numbers don’t make for good reading.
“Fire doors and their hardware play an invaluable role in the safety of our built environment, but there are considerable differences between a fire door that’s operating as intended and one that hasn’t been correctly specified, installed and maintained.
“When it comes to maintenance specifically, Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, states that responsible persons must ensure fire doors and their hardware are ‘subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair’.
“Even durable fire door hardware can become worn and tired in a high-footfall environment and may need repairing or replacing over time.
“A damaged or ineffective self-closing device for example, can limit the closing action of a fire door and prevent it from fully closing into the frame – rendering it useless in the event of a fire.
“Although we’ve seen real development towards fire safety education in recent years, we must continue to drive forward the number of responsible persons conducting organised fire door checks and maintenance periods as part of their risk assessment duties.
“The introduction of updated guidance on 1st October 2023 aims to do this further, by improving the cooperation and coordination between responsible persons and rising the requirements associated with recording and sharing fire safety information during fire risk assessments.
“The update will also make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance.”
A stitch in time saves lives
As fire safety processes tighten, building owners and facility managers shouldn’t feel discouraged in their actions.
In fact, responsible persons are reminded that there’s no need to overcomplicate fire door inspections.
A simple visual assessment, conducted and recorded by a competent individual, could make the difference between compliance and a fire safety disaster.
Karen Trigg continues: “For responsible persons conducting checks, the first step of fire door safety is recognising each component of a fire door and the potential faults to look for when evaluating its condition.
“The British Woodworking Federation Group – in support of Fire Door Safety Week – shares regular and reliable advice on fire door safety; including a practical five step checklist that has been designed to support responsible persons during fire door assessments.
“The checklist works as a visual guide and covers the five key areas of a fire door – informing users on what to look out for, including:
Certification
“A label or similar marking can often be found towards the top or side of the door and will confirm the fire door is genuine and certified.
“All ironmongery components, including locks, latches, closers and hinges must also be UKCA/CE marked and compatible with the door leaf’s certification.”
Apertures
“More often than not, fire doors are tested as solid doors and without any glazing panels or air transfer grilles.
“It’s important to ensure there are no apertures, holes or breaks in the surface of the door or frame.
“Decision makers are also reminded that altering the door will make certification void.”
Gaps and seals
“Gaps around the fire door should be no greater than 3mm, and this must remain consistent around the whole frame.
“Intumescent strips must also be fitted at the top and sides of the door and show no signs of wear as this may negate the door’s ability to compartmentalise smoke and fire.
“Additionally, check for CE or BS EN 1935 marked hinges, which must be firmly fixed and without missing screws.”
Door closers
“When it comes to door closers, it’s vital to check that your door hardware is fully functioning and will close the door onto the latch from any standing position.
“The door must fully engage with the frame from any opening angle, and it’s recommended that users check this by letting go of the door from 75mm through to the closed position.
“It’s also important to review any hold-open devices to ensure they aren’t working against the door’s self-closing devices, as fire doors must not be wedged open in any scenario.”
Operation
“Testing the operation of the full door assembly is essential – from handles and closers to hinges and seals.
“If the door is not operating effectively, is closing incorrectly on any of its sides, or there is any doubt towards hardware certification and reliability, responsible persons must identify the problem before arranging and managing professional maintenance as soon as possible.
“Because when it comes to fire safety, there’s simply no time to stand still.”
Luminite, known for their expertise in PIR detection and wireless alert systems, has unveiled a battery-powered sounder.
Designed and manufactured in the UK, this new offering is aimed at boosting security by serving as an additional deterrent against intruders.
Sounder features: enhancing security for fire doors and more
The sounder is powered by four 1.5v batteries and can produce an alarm sound reaching up to 117 decibels.
It provides users with 32 distinct alarm sounds and comes with an accompanying beacon available in either red or blue colours.
Post-activation, a built-in adjustable timer ensures the sounder is silenced.
Moreover, this device can be integrated with any alarm system with volt free contacts. It can be utilised for panic alarms, fire door alarms, or even as a part of larger security setups like with the OCULi PIR Camera.
Graham Creek, Managing Director at Luminite, stated: “We constantly pursue innovations addressing challenges faced by installers, especially in locations where power might be an issue.
“The mere sight of cameras and PIRs isn’t always enough nowadays. By activating the LGSOUNDER immediately upon PIR triggering, intruders are instantly made aware of their detection.
“This immediate feedback helps reduce potential thefts and property damages.”
IFSJ Comment
The advancement of security solutions, particularly pertaining to fire doors, is always a noteworthy development in the safety sector.
Luminite’s introduction of a battery-powered sounder, with its array of features, represents a tangible step forward in deterring unauthorised entries.
With intruders increasingly undeterred by standard surveillance methods, this tool offers an added layer of protection.
Especially in locations where consistent power supply can be a concern, such innovations present effective solutions.
The integration ability with various alarm systems further adds to its versatility, making it a valuable addition for both residential and commercial premises.
