Don't let fire doors haunt you...
Worried about your fire doors? We’ve got the knowhow to keep those fears (and spread of fire) at bay.
About DoorSpectre
With over 40 years of experience with the manufacture and supply of timber and steel door sets to major projects in the construction industry, DoorSpectre offers insightful knowledge in respect to fire door performance and fire door surveys.
All the components that contribute to the performance of the fire door play a critical role in protecting buildings and the building users from the spread of smoke and fire.
Fire doors are one part of the building that moves after the project is completed. Their performance is a crucial part of life safety in the built environment.
Fire door inspections are a legal obligation for building owners or managers. Various government legislations refer to the duties of 'the responsible person' stating that fire doors should be inspected and properly maintained on a regular basis.
Obtaining a fire door inspection survey from a competent source will deliver the golden thread of information for reporting the necessary actions regarding the maintenance, repair, and (in some instances) the replacement of fire doors.
Comply with Fire Regulations
Failure to comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order Section 17 can have serious implications:
- Danger to building users and possible loss of life
- Danger for emergency services responding to a fire
- Prosecution resulting in a fine or imprisonment
- Property and assets not protected
- Withdrawal of liability insurance cover
- Risk to reputation
Stay safe with fire doors...
Discover our commercial and domestic fire door services.
Fire Door Inspections
Three types of fire door inspection are applicable as follows:
Visual Checks
These should be done by trained persons on a regular basis and any defects noted or minor adjustments carried out as part of the day-to-day maintenance programme
Functional Inspections
Functional inspections should be carried out in a reasonable time span depending on the type of building and frequency of usage. Annual inspections would be the norm for the majority of buildings. However buildings where people sleep would be classed as high risk, and in these instances more regular inspections will be necessary. A functional fire door inspection would examine the certification of the door set together with the hardware items that are essential for fire door performance.
Invasive Inspections
Invasive inspections are carried out if directed by a fire assessment or where a fire event has taken place and a full diagnostic report is required. Invasive inspections involve the removal of architraves so the gap behind the door frame can be inspected and morticed items removed from doors and frames to ensure that the installation of these items has been carried out in accordance with the door set manufacturer's fire test evidence.
Fire Door Inspection Report
The fire door inspection report is an evolving document. Updated on a planned and regular basis, it will give assurance that fire safety and the duties of the responsible person are being upheld.
Fire Door Awareness Training
In order for facilities or maintenance staff to be able to carry out the visual checks, some training in fire door awareness would be essential for the 'responsible person' to demonstrate that fire doors are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
Fire Door Specification Services
When a building needs replacement or new fire doors, the performance requirements of the fire door sets and the accompanying ironmongery should be specified exactly to ensure that the products supplied by the installer are fully compliant with each other and that they meet the needs of the building and its users. Matching finishes of new doors to the existing ones will ensure continuity. Ensuring the ironmongery items are both compliant with the door certification and also match existing fittings will also help to balance the appearance with old and new doors.
Extensions to master key systems can be added to the specifications, plus compliant access control solutions where required.
Architectural Ironmongery Consultancy
Getting the operation and function of doors can be a bit of a challenge.
There are many considerations to get right to make life easy for the building users, some of which are:
Safety
Protection from fire and other injuries, safe egress in emergencies
Privacy
Privacy is protected both visually and by transfer of sound
Security
Keep people out without inconvenience to legitimate users
Accessibility
Remove barriers to free access as per the Equality Act
Aesthetics
Add to the building's appeal, enhancing user experience
Be confident in your fire doors...
Whatever your needs are regarding the correct specification of doors and hardware, DoorSpectre can assist with solutions to all door operations from residential to government establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Golden Thread of Information?
The “golden thread” is a concept that came out of the Hackitt Report—an independent review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety set up in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster. Since its publication in 2018, the report has been a catalyst for discussions surrounding managing essential project information.
The golden thread of information is used in construction to refer to quality and up-to-date information records throughout the asset lifecycle. Under the golden thread, information and data are continuously gathered—from design to build to use.
Whether a new building is being occupied or there is an existing building, the information captured in the inspection reports is recorded electronically and shared with all relevant parties. The records will be kept up to date with planned maintenance noted plus recovery plans for door locations that are beyond repair.
How Do Our Fire Inspections Work?
DoorSpectre will asset tag each fire door as part of the inspection process and electronically record all data and findings for each location.
Once recorded, there will be an audit trail for each building showing the diligence of the responsible person in respect of fire door compliance and life safety.
What Are Some of the Regulations We Should Know?
For more details on the legislation we have referred to and continue to operate by, here are some relevant documents to refer to:
- BS9999 - Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings
- Approved Document B - Fire Safety
- Approved Document K – Protection from falling, collision and impact
- BS8214: 2018 Timber Based Fire Door Assemblies – Code of Practice
- Approved Document M – Access to and use of buildings
- BS8300 – Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment
- BS EN 1935:2002 – Single axis hinges
- BS EN 1634-1 Fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies
- BS EN 1154 – Controlled door closing devices
- BS EN 1155 - Electrically powered hold-open devices for swing doors
- BS EN 1158 – Door coordinator devices
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Don't let fire doors haunt you! Protect your home and business today by ensuring your fire doors are up to scratch.
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