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Building owners and accountable persons:
Fire door responsibility

At FireChecked, we specialize in providing comprehensive fire door inspection surveys to help building owners and accountable persons meet their legal obligations. Below is a simplified outline of what building owners is required do according to UK law, focusing on the importance of regular fire door inspection surveys.

1

Conduct regular door surveys

Legal Requirement:
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety Act 2021, building owners are legally required to ensure that all fire doors are fit for purpose and properly maintained.

Actions Required:
  • Schedule Regular Surveys: Arrange for professional fire door surveys at least every six months, or more frequently if specified by legislation or risk assessments.

  • Use Qualified Professionals: Engage certified fire door inspectors, like those at FireChecked Ltd who are knowledgeable about current regulations and standards.

2

The assessment components

Inspections should include a thorough review of:
  • Door Frames: Check for warping, damage, or gaps.
  • Hinges: Ensure they are securely fixed and in good condition.
  • Seals: Inspect both cold smoke and intumescent seals for wear or damage.
  • Glazing: Verify that any glass panels are fire-rated and intact.
  • Self-Closing Devices: Test that the door closes fully and latches securely without manual assistance.
  • Gaps: Measure the gaps around the door to ensure they meet the required standards (usually 4mm)

3

Maintain detailed records

Keep a log of all inspections, including:

  • The date and time of the inspection.
  • The name of the inspector.
  • Detailed findings, including any faults or areas of concern.
  • Actions taken to address issues

These records are essential for compliance and can serve as evidence during audits or investigations, The Golden Thread.

4

Promptly address identified issues

Any defects or non-compliance issues should be rectified immediately. For example:

  • Replace damaged seals or hinges.
  • Adjust or repair self-closing devices.
  • Replace doors that no longer meet fire safety standards.

Delays in addressing issues can compromise the safety of the building and its occupants.

5

Educate occupants and staff

Provide training sessions or informational materials to ensure everyone understands:

  • The importance of fire doors in containing fire and smoke.
  • Proper usage, such as not propping doors open or obstructing their operation.
  • How to report any damage or faults they notice.

Engaging occupants and staff fosters a culture of safety and ensures cooperation during inspections and repairs.

5

Educate occupants and staff

Provide training sessions or informational materials to ensure everyone understands:

  • The importance of fire doors in containing fire and smoke.
  • Proper usage, such as not propping doors open or obstructing their operation.
  • How to report any damage or faults they notice.

Engaging occupants and staff fosters a culture of safety and ensures cooperation during inspections and repairs.


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