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Fire Door Inspection
Fire Door Inspection and testing is a statutory legal requirement for businesses in the UK. Minimise risk and maximise fire safety by arranging your regular three to six month Fire Door checks with a Churches Fire & Security plan. Rest assured our visual inspections are always carried out by certified and trained technicians.
Essential Fire Doors For Your Building
What Is A Fire Door Inspection?
A Fire Door Inspection is a detailed visual check of each Fire Door in a premises, to confirm it will work as designed in the event of a fire.
Fire Door Inspection Requirements & Regulations
In order to comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Door maintenance is a key requirement for every business and establishment to which the order applies.
In the event of a fire, when used as part of the passive fire protection of the building, a well maintained and fully operational Fire Door will help prevent the spread of fire and smoke between separate compartments of a structure and enable occupants to escape safely from the building.
A key contributor towards a safe work environment, Fire Doors can be used to separate escape routes from hazards aiding in the emergency evacuation process, by providing valuable time for escape.
Fire Door Inspection Checklist
Our visual inspections are recorded against the simple Churches Fire & Security ten-point checklist:
1. Are your Fire Doors certificated (label or plug)?
2. Are the gaps between the leaf and frame 3mm (+/- 1mm)?
3. Are the intumescent/cold smoke seals damaged or missing?
4. Are the hinges all firmly fixed with no screws missing?
5. Do all handles and panic hardware operate correctly?
6. Are the doors able to close in a controlled manner and are they free from obstruction?
7. Do door selectors operate correctly?
8. Is the glass secure in the frame?
9. Do the doors display the correct signage and is it legible?
10. Have your doors been inspected by a trained industry professional?
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Fire Door Info
Image Source: British Woodworking Federation
Fire Door Safety Week
Every year, the British Woodworking Federation, the BWF Fire Door Alliance and Fire Door Inspection Scheme highlight the vital importance of regular inspection with Fire Door Safety Week.
Objectives of the week are to raise awareness of the role of Fire Doors, educate the public on correct installation, operation and maintenance and to encourage people to report suspected damage or faults on any Fire Door they come across.
There are 5 things identified to check for when examining Fire Doors.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fire Door Safety
What Are The Benefits Of A Fire Door?
Ultimately the benefit of implementing Fire Doors on your premises is fire protection – preventing the spread of fire and smoke within the building. Fire Doors provide a means of escape during an emergency, enabling occupants to vacate safely. Their robust construction and fire-resistance offer protection and give people valuable time to exit the premises. Fire Doors are built to withstand high temperatures and remain operational during a fire. Their sturdy construction ensures long-term reliability and performance, offering peace of mind to businesses and building occupants.
In addition to being a legal obligation, most (if not, all) insurance policies require businesses to have adequate fire safety measures in place – including Fire Doors.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
In most commercial properties, Fire Doors should be inspected at least every six months, as recommended by BS 9999, with monthly checks carried out in-house between visits.
In multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 stipulate that checks of communal Fire Doors must be completed quarterly, with flat entrance Doors checked annually. Fire Doors in high-traffic areas may need checking more often.
What Is Included In A Visual Fire Door Inspection?
Visual Fire Door Inspections consist of extensive checks of each individual Fire Door component. Inspections should be completed by a certified fire safety technician who is able to carefully assess each of the key components for faults, damage or wear.
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.
Who Can Inspect Fire Doors?
Fire Door should be inspected by a competent person with the required training, knowledge and experience to find faults and determine whether a Door is fit for purpose.
Using a certified inspector from Churches Fire & Security provides confidence and a clear audit trail for your company Fire Risk Assessment.
What Do The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 Mean For Fire Doors?
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 were introduced following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 Report. These regulations apply to multi-occupied residential buildings.
In buildings over 11 metres, the communal Fire Doors must be checked every quarter, with flat entrance doors ideally inspected annually. Residents must be provided with information relating to the importance of Fire Door safety.
What Are Common Fire Door Failures?
The most common failures we find are excessive gaps between the door and frame, damaged doors, frames and seals, faulty self-closers and Fire Doors being propped open. These failures can result in the Door failing to contain smoke and fire, so faults must be reported and repaired as soon as possible.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Fire Door?
The lifespan of a typical Fire Door depends on the treatment and servicing of it. Typically, we would expect a Fire Door to last up to 20 years.
Let's Discuss Your Fire Safety
Protect your business, staff, customers and assets with Churches Fire & Security safety solutions. Expertise from start to finish and we are fully compliant, ensuring you’re covered.
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