THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS
Ensuring fire doors are up to standard is a valuable task that should not be underestimated. In order to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire door installation and maintenance is a key requirement for every business to which the Order applies.
To ensure fire doors will perform as intended in the event of a fire, regular inspections should be undertaken. Six-monthly inspections are recommended by BS 9999, consisting of extensive checks of each individual component. Inspections must be completed by a certified fire safety technician, who is able to stringently assess each of the key components for damage, faults, or wear.
If there are alterations to the fire door or its surroundings, including the frame, hinges, locks, latches or door closers, this could alter the door’s performance. If you identify any problems with your fire doors, act immediately. Do not postpone fixing issues, as this could have untold consequences should a fire occur.
VISUAL INSPECTIONS
It’s important that additional weekly visual inspections are also made, to check for any potential problems.
To help with your visual inspections, you can download our FREE ten-point checklist, which gives an overview of what to consider when inspecting your company’s fire doors.
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It’s good practice to keep a maintenance log of all checks carried out on fire doors, by yourself and by competent technicians. A sufficiently documented system of regular maintenance to all elements of a fire doors is fundamental to the long-term fire safety of a building.
These records should be kept up-to-date and be readily available if required.
WHAT IS COVERED DURING A FIRE DOOR INSPECTION?
Fire door inspections consist of extensive checks of each individual fire door component. Churches Fire & Security visual fire door inspections begin by focusing on the door’s structural integrity, assessing the door leaf, door frame, self-closer, door hinges, door selector, locks and handles, panic hardware, apertures and glazing.
The visual inspection also inspects passive protection features surrounding the door such as intumescent door strips and cold smoke seals. The gaps between the door and frame and the threshold gaps are measured. In addition, fire safety signage is checked for clarity and compliance, in line with current regulations.
If it’s been six months or more since your fire doors were last checked, or if you want to discuss fire doors and the impact they can have on your business, please contact Churches Fire & Security.
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