Your Guide to the New Fire Door Regulations (Fire Safety Regulations 2022), which came into Force in 2023

Fire safety is an essential aspect of building regulations, and the effective implementation of fire door measures plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of smoke, toxic gases, and fire. New regulations have been introduced to enhance fire safety standards in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. 

Starting from January 23rd, 2023, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 became a legal requirement for landlords and responsible parties. These regulations will impact all multi-occupied residential premises in England with storeys exceeding 11 meters in height.

Understanding the Importance of Fire Doors

The Phase 1 report following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry highlighted the significance of fire doors in preserving effective compartmentation within buildings and preventing the spread of smoke and toxic gases. Unfortunately, the fire doors in Grenfell Tower failed to function as intended due to damage and disrepair, resulting in tragic consequences. Consequently, the Inquiry’s findings have significantly changed fire door regulations.

New Fire Door Regulations Explained

Under the new Fire Safety Regulations 2022, several essential requirements have been outlined to enhance fire door safety:

1. Quarterly Checks for Fire Doors in Common Parts: Responsible individuals must conduct quarterly checks on all fire doors in the common areas, including self-closing devices.

1. Annual Checks for Flat Entrance Doors: On a best endeavour basis, responsible parties are required to perform annual checks on all flat entrance doors that open into a building’s common parts, including self-closing devices.

1. Informing Residents about Fire Doors: Responsible parties must provide residents in multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises (with common parts) information regarding the importance of fire doors for a building’s fire safety.

Understanding the “Best Endeavor Basis”

The term “best endeavour basis” refers to the responsibility of the responsible person(s) to determine the most effective approach to engage residents and gain access to annual checks on flat entrance doors. For instance, liaising with residents and agreeing on a specific date for safety checks can be one approach. However, gaining access may not always be straightforward, as different residents may have different preferences or circumstances. Hence, it is crucial to communicate the importance of fire safety while tailoring the messaging to individual needs.

At FRA Wizard, we provide comprehensive fire safety risk assessment solutions, including fire door compliance.

Minimum Requirements for Fire Door Inspections

Responsible parties must undertake inspections to identify any visible damage or issues with fire doors. The minimum requirements for inspections include the following:

1. Checking for alterations or damage to a door’s glazing apertures or air transfer grilles.

1. Ensuring there are no gaps around the door frame and that seals and hinges are correctly fitted.

1. Verifying that the door closer functions correctly, ensuring the door shuts properly.

1. Confirming that the door closes correctly into the entire frame.

1. Checking for any visible damage to the door or door closer, whether intentional or resulting from wear and tear.

If any problems are identified during the initial inspections, more detailed assessments may be necessary, including an examination of self-closing devices. In such cases, enlisting the help of specialists can ensure that fire doors meet and maintain compliance.

Regulations for Buildings Below 11 Meters

It is important to note that general fire precautions must still be in place for buildings covered by the Fire Safety Order, irrespective of their height. According to the Fire Safety Act 2012, any building with two or more sets of domestic premises falls under the scope of the Fire Safety Order. Responsible individuals for residential buildings below 11 meters in height must implement general fire precautions, ensuring that all fire doors, including flat entrance doors, offer adequate protection. Additionally, residents should be provided with comprehensive information regarding fire doors and their importance.

FRA Wizard: Ensuring Compliance

In conclusion, the implementation of the new Fire Safety Regulations 2022 brings forth crucial changes in fire door requirements to enhance overall fire safety. With the aim of preventing the spread of smoke, toxic gases, and fire, these regulations became a legal obligation for landlords and responsible parties on January 23rd, 2023. The Grenfell Tower tragedy served as a wake-up call, emphasising the importance of practical fire doors and highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

To ensure compliance, responsible parties must conduct inspections to identify any visible damage or issues with fire doors. This includes checking glazing apertures, air transfer grilles, door frames, seals, hinges, and the functionality of door closers. In cases where further assessments or repairs are required, consulting specialists can ensure that fire doors meet the necessary compliance standards.

By adhering to the new fire door regulations, we can collectively work towards safer living environments, preventing the tragic consequences that can result from compromised fire safety measures.

FRA Wizard’s Fire safety software ensures compliance with the new fire door regulations introduced in January 2023. Our streamlined solution captures real-time data and generates detailed reports. With intuitive features, FRA Wizard identifies non-compliance and enables prompt corrective actions, reducing fire-related risks and penalties. Stay compliant, enhance fire safety, and gain peace of mind with FRA Wizard’s fire safety software.