Why fire door compliance is non-negotiable: common pitfalls and solutions

Fire door compliance isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about saving lives. Neglecting it puts lives, property, and businesses at risk.

Data from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) reveals a shocking statistic: in 2021, 75% of over 100,000 inspected fire doors failed to meet essential safety standards, posing significant risks to building occupants.

Neglecting compliance doesn’t just endanger lives—it can also lead to legal consequences, hefty fines, and reputational damage. This blog outlines common pitfalls and solutions to ensure fire door compliance, helping you safeguard lives while meeting stringent building regulations.

Understanding fire door standards and compliance

Fire doors are specially designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving valuable extra time to exit the building safely and aid emergency services. Fire compartmentation saves lives and limits destruction. To achieve this, fire doors must be constructed from fire-resistant materials and equipped with key components such as:

1.Fire-rated hinges

2.Intumescent seals

3.Self-closing mechanisms

Clear labelling and certification help determine and highlight compliant fire doors. An essential fire door certification is the British and European BS EN 1634 testing standard. This means certified products have undergone stringent testing to determine how long the door can withstand a fire attack. Compliance with these standards is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of occupants. For example, the UK’s Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order (2005) names responsible individuals, such as building owners or managers, who are responsible for implementing and maintaining fire safety precautions like high-performance fire doors.

Non-compliance isn’t an option. Beyond the risk of prosecution or fines, businesses face potential insurance denial and devastating loss of life in the event of a fire. In many cases, fire-related fatalities could have been avoided with appropriate safety measures.

Common pitfalls in fire door compliance

Incorrect installation

Fire doors need correct installation to function correctly, forming a robust barrier against the spread of fire and smoke. Even small misalignments or improper fittings can compromise their performance, creating gaps where smoke and flames can pass through. Key components such as hinges, intumescent seals, and closers must be correctly installed to ensure compliance. For instance, failing to place the door within a fire-resistant frame can limit its ability to withstand fire. Similarly, misaligned intumescent seals may not expand as required during a fire, leaving vulnerabilities that allow fire and smoke to spread.

Poor maintenance and damage

Over time, wear and tear can significantly impact the effectiveness of fire doors, compromising their ability to stop the spread of fire and smoke. Components such as seals, closers, and the door itself may suffer damage that hinders their functionality. For example, warped doors or faulty self-closing devices may lead to the door not closing fully, which is critical for containing fire and smoke. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure these components, particularly self-closing devices, are in good working order. Visible signs of damage, such as cracks in the door or frame, missing seals, or broken intumescent strips, must be addressed promptly to ensure the fire door continues to provide the necessary protection. Neglecting these issues could lead to non-compliance with fire safety regulations.

Non-compliant components

Each component of a fire door – hinges, handles, locks, and seals – must meet strict fire resistance standards to function properly in an emergency. Non-certified or poor-quality parts can fail, making the door ineffective in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Common issues arise when cheaper, uncertified components are used to cut costs or when damaged certified parts are replaced with non-compliant ones during repairs. This stops the door from performing as intended, potentially putting lives and property at risk.

Blocked or propped-open fire doors

Fire doors are designed to remain closed to create a barrier against the spread of fire and smoke. When propped open with wedges, furniture, or other objects, they are unable to do so. This not only stops the door from fulfilling its purpose but can also delay evacuations, putting occupants at risk. In busy environments like offices or schools, fire doors are often propped open for convenience, which is both dangerous and a violation of fire safety regulations. Additionally, obstructions such as furniture or equipment can prevent doors from closing fully, further diminishing their effectiveness during a fire. Ensuring fire doors are unobstructed and remain closed always is essential to maintaining safety and compliance with fire protection standards.

Lloyd Worrall’s solutions to ensure compliance

Certified Products

Choosing certified fire doors and components is the first step in ensuring compliance. Lloyd Worrall’s Interspec doorsets offer a wide range of fully certified fire doors, rigorously tested to meet British and European standards. These products are designed to perform in emergencies, giving building managers peace of mind.

Correct Installation

Proper installation is crucial. Fire doors must be installed by certified professionals who understand technical requirements and regulations. At Lloyd Worrall, our team of qualified engineers, and members of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), regularly provide best practice guidance and technical advice as part of our specification service.

Routine Inspections and Maintenance

Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to identify potential issues before they become hazards. We recommend routine checks by qualified professionals to:

1.Detect wear and tear on hinges, seals, and other components.

2.Repair damage to ensure doors remain compliant and functional.

Our team can guide you through maintenance best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.

Record Keeping for Accountability

Maintaining thorough documentation of inspections, maintenance, and repairs ensures compliance and provides proof during audits. Accurate records help track the condition of doors and prompt timely action when needed.

Innovating for the Future

As part of our continuous innovation, Lloyd Worrall is working on a groundbreaking solution to revolutionise fire door management. This system will simplify compliance tracking, improve documentation, and set a new standard in fire safety. Stay tuned for more details on how we’re setting a new standard in fire safety.

Make fire safety a priority

Ensuring fire door compliance is not just a regulatory requirement – it’s a moral obligation to protect lives and property. At Lloyd Worrall, we offer a wide range of certified fire door solutions, with extensive knowledge and experience, to guide clients to full compliance.

Don’t leave fire safety to chance. Contact us today to explore compliant fire door solutions and keep people and your business protected: https://www.lloydworrall.co.uk/contact/