ASSA ABLOY Door Group calls for higher quality fire door inspections

Shockingly, those questioned as part of the survey expressed the opinion that a fire door propped open with a wedge or a fire extinguisher is safe, while 15% of those individuals interviewed suggest that keeping a fire door closed prevents it from performing. This finding alone highlights a complete lack of understanding around the crucial role fire doors play in the event of a fire.

What’s more, only 19% of those responsible for the specification, installation and maintenance of fire doors inspect their fire doors twice a year. 14% inspect on an annual basis, while 3% only inspect their fire doors when an issue has been reported. Four-in-five respondents affirmed that end clients do not require third party certified fire doors to be specified.

Fire compartmentation

Brian Sofley, managing director at the Door Group, said: “Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building. They provide a critical part of the fire compartmentation requirement. Gross negligence when it comes to fire door safety can have serious and devastating implications.”

Sofley continued: “The general public’s lack of understanding around fire doors means that it’s even more vital for building and facilities managers to ensure compliance such that building occupants are protected. However, nearly one-third [30%, in fact] of those responsible for fire door safety say they do not fully understand their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022.”

Further, Sofley observed: “It’s imperative that those responsible for a given property ensure life safety products have been independently verified, that they are regularly audited or certified and have been manufactured and installed by competent companies or individuals.”

In conclusion, Sofley informed Fire Safety Matters: “Suppliers and manufacturers of fire doors also have a Duty of Care to their customers at each and every stage of a project. They simply must offer a solution that’s properly and unambiguously safeguarded by certification.”

Inspection regime

As part of its commitment to fire door safety, Door Group provides a fully comprehensive inspection process, which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.

Following on from those inspections, Door Group offers detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements, with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be life-saving.

If any issues do occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors right through to a regular maintenance programme.

Door Group inspectors are Building Research Establishment-certified and will ensure that any fire door systems inspected absolutely meet all of the necessary and current standards and regulations.

*Further information is available online at www.assaabloy.com/uk