Fire doors are designed to contain smoke and flames and can create an escape route for people to evacuate safely. By conducting regular inspections, any potential problems with the fire doors can be identified and fixed before they become a hazard. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of regular fire door inspections and why they should be an integral part of your building’s safety plan.
For professional support and guidance on fire door inspection, contact our experienced team at Eyton Solutions. We work with a wide range of clients from commercial and residential properties to ensure the safety of their buildings.
What are fire doors and why are they important?
Fire doors are a critical part of any building’s fire safety strategy. They are designed to keep smoke and flames from spreading through a building, keeping occupants safe in the event of a fire. Fire doors can also provide access and serve as an escape route for people to evacuate safely.
Fire doors components vary depending on the door, however, typically for timber door assemblies the essential common components are:
- Fire-rated door frame
- Fire-rated door leaf
- Intumescent strips/seals
- Fire-rated hinges (3 of)
- Fire-rated operating device (lock/latch and or handle)
- Fire-rated door closer
When these components are properly installed and maintained, they can help to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities in the event of a fire.
Fire doors should also be inspected and maintained every six months as per Annex I.6.2 of BS 9999, with flat entrance doors within buildings higher than 11m required to be inspected by law (Building Safety Act 2022). For buildings with a stay-put policy (even those below 11m), fire doors play such a vital role in compartmentation that those responsible could be liable for prosecution under the FSO 2005 if BS 9999 is not strictly adhered to.
Who can perform fire door inspections?
Fire door inspections should be conducted by a competent fire door surveyor. They will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to identify any potential issues that could compromise the integrity of your fire doors.
Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) certified professionals are the best people to conduct regular fire door inspections, as they have been rigorously tested and certified by a third-party organisation.
At Eyton Solutions, our team of fire safety consultants provide comprehensive, professional fire door inspections for both commercial and residential properties. All of our consultants are as a minimum DipFD-qualified with certificated inspectors included within our organisation, which means you can relax knowing that your building is safe and compliant with fire safety requirements.
Benefits of Regular Inspections
Regular fire door inspection benefits range from ensuring the safety of occupants to meeting legal requirements.
1) Protects against loss of life in the event of a fire
Fire doors are essential for containing smoke and flames, providing a safe escape route for people to evacuate. Regular fire door inspections ensure that the fire doors are in full working order and can be relied on in an emergency situation.
Incorrectly installed fire doors can put lives at risk, so it’s important to ensure that they are regularly inspected and maintained.
2) Helps maintain legal compliance
The Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 Article 17.1 requires for the safety of relevant persons in a building that facilities, equipment and devices provided for the purpose of fire safety are appropriately maintained and in good working order.
Regular inspections help to demonstrate this although the Responsible Person is free to choose their own path of compliance demonstration.
3) Prevents further damage
Regular inspections can identify any potential problems, such as warping or cracking before they become a hazard. By addressing these issues promptly, it prevents further damage to the fire door which could result in expensive repairs.
4) Quickly identifies faults
During an inspection, fire door inspectors will be able to quickly identify any faults with the fire doors, allowing for prompt repair or replacement if necessary. This helps to prevent accidents and ensures that the building remains safe at all times.
5) Ensures insurance compliance
Regular inspections help to ensure that the building meets all relevant insurance requirements. This can help to prevent claims from being rejected in the event of an accident or fire.
How To Ensure Fire Door Safety
Regular fire door inspections are essential for maintaining a safe and compliant building. Here are some tips on how to ensure fire door safety in your property
Seek qualified fire door inspectors
Seeking the help of qualified fire door inspectors is essential for ensuring that your building meets safety regulations. By working with a professional team, you can have peace of mind that all fire doors are in full working order and meet legal requirements.
Carry out regular inspections
It is also important to carry out regular inspections on fire doors to identify any potential issues. These should be done at least twice a year, and more frequently in areas that are prone to high levels of moisture or dust. Pay special attention to the door frame, hinges, seals and locks for any signs of wear or deterioration.
Ensure fire doors remain closed
Fire doors play an important role in containing fires and keeping them from spreading throughout the building. Therefore, it is essential that they are kept closed at all times except when someone is entering or exiting through them.
Be sure to provide proper signage indicating that the door must remain closed when not in use.
Keep records and take action
It’s important to keep detailed records of all inspections, repairs and replacements carried out on the fire doors. Competent inspectors will provide a comprehensive fire door inspection report to help you keep track of the condition of all fire doors in the building.
If any issues are identified during an inspection, it’s important to take immediate action to address these.
By following these tips and carrying out regular inspections, you can help to ensure that your building is safe and compliant at all times.
Conclusion
Regular fire door inspections are essential to ensure safety and compliance in a building. Qualified fire door inspectors should be sought out to help with this process, and regular inspections should be carried out at least twice a year.
It is important that the doors remain closed when not in use and that detailed records of all inspections, repairs and replacements are kept. By adhering to these procedures, you can help to keep your property safe from potential fires and protect those inside.
If you have any questions or concerns about your fire doors, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope it has been helpful in educating you on the importance of regular fire door inspections. Stay safe!
