A Fire Door should be regularly checked to ensure it is functioning correctly and is ready to use, ensuring compliance to Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with regular testing and maintenance.
They are a critical aspect of fire safety, and a correctly functioning Fire Door can slow the spread of fires and smoke to ensure that the exit routes of a building remain as safe for as long as possible.
What is a Fire Door Inspection?
Fire doors are an essential passive fire protection measure that slow the spread of fire and smoke within a building. Fire door inspections ensure that fires are functioning properly and meet the essential safety standards as outlined in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes it a legal requirement to ensure that fire doors are correctly installed and maintained to keep them operational.
How Do Our Fire Door Inspections Work?
Assessment
During this first step, our experts will assess which fire doors are fitted within your building as well as where they are placed. Key information for this step of the process is often found in the building plans, fire risk assessments, and fire strategy documentation. However, if none of this documentation is available then our assessment will allow us to build a list of fire door locations and installations ready for testing.
Testing
Fire Doors are subjected to continual use, making them susceptible to potential damage or faults. As a minimum, Fire Door testing should take place every six months. Depending on the use of the door, the amount of time between testing can drastically reduce as the higher the traffic of a door. Our qualified technicians will be able to diagnose any faults or issues that stop it from operating as intended. If any faults are discovered, it is essential that they are addressed in order to ensure the safety of the building’s occupants in the event of a fire.
Maintenance
If faults or damage are found, we can offer remedial works to help you ensure compliance. Some of the common faults and issues that may need remedial works are:
- Hinges
- Door Closing Devices
- Glazing
- Signage
- Threshold gaps
- Air transfer grills
What’s Included in a Fire Door Inspection?
Our fire door testing and services are both non-destructive and non-intrusive causing minimal disruption to your business’ day to day operations. Our inspections include visual check of every fire door. These checks include:
- Fire-resisting qualities of hinges and hardware.
- Condition, fit, and operation of hinges and hardware.
- Fire door signage.
- Hold-open devices.
- Fire door closing devices.
- Door set markings, such as British Woodworking Federation markings.
- Locks and latches.
- Vision panels, glazing, and suitability.
- Cold smoke seals.
- Intumescent strips.
- Door set thickness.
- Gaps between leaf and frame, including threshold.
- Fire door frame.
- Door leaf.
- Materials used in door set installation.
- Document and photograph defects, propose remedial actions.
Request A Call-back
Want to learn more about our grease extract system audits and inspections? Request a call-back from a member of our team by filling in the form!
Alternatively, give us a call on 0330 133 5290 or email us info@iaqservices.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should fire doors and dampers be tested?
It is recommended that fire doors and fire dampers are tested every 12 months as outlined by industry standard BS9999 and technical bulleting BESA VH001.
What is the purpose of a fire door?
The purpose of a fire door is to reduce the spread of a fire for a certain period of time in order to allow time for people to evacuate the building where the fire broke out. They are often strategically placed in order to prevent fire from spreading into escape routes for, typically, a minimum of 30 minutes.
How much do fire door inspections cost?
The cost of a fire door inspection can vary from building to building, depending on the available information among other factors). We can provide a transparent quote on a per door basis, however if this information is unknown then an investigation visit may be required.
Can I inspect fire doors myself?
There is no law stating that fire doors need to be inspected by a 3rd party expert. However, if a fire were to occur and a fire door failed then you would be required to provide evidence of competency for the person who completed the inspection. This evidence usually consists of training, experience, and accreditations.
Why arrange a fire door inspection?
It is essential that your fire doors and dampers are surveyed and tested annually in order to ensure compliance with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation makes it a requirement are installed correctly and are fully operational.
Find out more by contacting our team today!