How to check fire doors for compliance
Fire doors play a critical role in protecting buildings and their occupants in the event of a fire. In the UK, strict regulations govern the installation and maintenance of fire doors, and building owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their fire doors are compliant. However, compliance is not always straightforward, and it can be challenging for building owners and managers to know how to check fire doors for compliance. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on how to check fire doors for compliance in the UK.
What are Fire Doors?
Fire doors are specially designed doors that are constructed to withstand fire and smoke for a specific period, typically 30 or 60 minutes. They are an essential element of fire safety systems in buildings, and their primary purpose is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke from one area to another. Fire doors are typically installed in corridors, stairwells, and other areas that form part of the building’s escape route.
UK Regulations for Fire Doors
The UK has strict regulations governing the installation and maintenance of fire doors. Building owners and managers are legally responsible for ensuring that their fire doors comply with these regulations. The main regulations relating to fire doors in the UK are:
- Building Regulations 2010 – Part B (Fire Safety): This regulation sets out the minimum fire safety standards that buildings must meet, including the installation of fire doors.
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: This regulation places a legal duty on the “responsible person” for a building (usually the building owner or manager) to ensure that the building is safe from the risk of fire. This includes ensuring that fire doors are installed and maintained correctly.
- British Standards (BS): There are several British Standards relating to fire doors, including BS 8214:2016, which provides guidance on the installation of fire doors, and BS 476-22:1987, which sets out the fire resistance requirements for fire doors.
How to Check Fire Doors for Compliance
Checking fire doors for compliance is not simple and requires a detailed understanding of the regulations and standards. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to check fire doors for compliance in the UK:
Step 1: Check the Door Label
All fire doors should have a label that indicates the fire rating and other relevant information, such as the manufacturer’s name and the date of manufacture. The label should be easily visible and should not be tampered with or removed. Check that the label is present and that the information on the label is legible.
Step 2: Check the Door Frame
The door frame is essential to the fire door system and should be checked for compliance. The frame should be securely fixed to the wall and should not have any visible gaps or damage. Check that the frame is the correct size for the door and that it is made from a suitable material.
Step 3: Check the Door Seals
Fire doors should have intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, creating a barrier against fire and smoke. Check that the seals are in good condition and that they are correctly fitted. The seals should be continuous around the entire perimeter of the door, including the bottom.
Step 4: Check the Door Hinges
Fire doors should have three hinges capable of supporting the door’s weight and preventing it from warping or sagging. Check that the hinges are in good condition and that they are correctly fitted. The hinges should be securely fixed to the frame and the door and should not have any visible gaps or damage.
Step 5: Check the Door Closer
Fire doors should be fitted with a door closer that ensures that the door closes automatically in the event of a fire. Check that the closer is in good condition and that it is correctly fitted. The closer should be adjusted so the door closes fully and latches securely.
Step 6: Check the Door Glass
If the fire door has glass panels, the glass must be fire-resistant and capable of withstanding the heat generated by a fire. Check that the glass is correctly marked as fire-resistant and that it is not damaged or cracked. The glass should also be securely fixed to the door and should not be loose.
Step 7: Check for Gaps and Damage
Check the door and frame for any visible gaps or damage that could compromise the door’s fire resistance. The gaps around the edges of the door should not exceed 3mm, and any damage to the door or frame should be repaired promptly.
To check the gaps around the door, use a gap-checking tool. A gap-checking tool is a simple device that measures the gaps between the door and the frame. Check that the gaps are within the recommended limits. A gap-checking tool is essential for checking fire doors for compliance, as it precisely measures the gaps around the door.
Step 8: Conduct a Fire Risk Assessment
A fire risk assessment should be conducted regularly to identify potential fire hazards and ensure that fire doors are fit. The assessment should include checking that fire doors are properly maintained, that they close correctly, and that no obstructions could prevent them from closing in the event of a fire.
Conclusion
Ensuring that fire doors are compliant is critical to fire safety in buildings. Building owners and managers are legally responsible for ensuring that their fire doors meet the regulations and standards set out in the UK. Checking fire doors for compliance requires a detailed understanding of the regulations and standards and should be carried out regularly to ensure that fire doors are fit for purpose. By following the steps outlined in this article, building owners and managers can ensure that their fire doors are compliant and provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire.