Keeping Fire at Bay

Fire doors work as part of a fire protection system within commercial, public, or residential housing developments where there are multiple residences (such as apartment blocs or flats) and where there is a legal requirement under building regulations.

Fire doors are specially designed doors that, when installed correctly, will provide either a 30-, 60-, 90, or 120 minute fire rating. These time periods are designed to allow staff, residents, or guests enough time to evacuate the premises safely.

The level of performance required for the doorset will depend on the situation in which it is being used and is linked to building regulation requirements. It is worth remembering that a doorset may have other performance requirements, such as security and acoustic performance, depending on its location and use within a building.

In any case, the doorset must be constructed in accordance with the supporting documentation based on the test evidence. Changing the specification of the doorset to meet specific end use requirements, such as adding incompatible security hardware, can completely undermine the fire performance of a doorset. 

ASG Property Services (Yorkshire) Ltd offer a comprehensive Fire Door installation service, and all work is carried out by our qualified engineers under the BM Trada Q-Mark Scheme.

Building owners are legally obligated to adhere to the requirements outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which covers the building’s fire safety provisions. Regular inspections of fire doors are required to keep the standard of fire safety in buildings, as stated in BS8214 (c.13) and BS9999 (Annex L).

It is a common occurrence that the performance of a buildings fire door(s) has been compromised by either damage, removal of ironmongery or changes to the door furniture, or just general wear and tear. This is especially present in high traffic buildings such as schools, offices, and hospitality. Meaning, in a fire situation the door may not hold back a fire or the spread of smoke. 

Without adequate protection this means that the lives of occupants within the building will be at risk.

Our surveys include all internal fire doors. Each door is checked thoroughly to make sure it meets the requirements defined by BM Trada under the Q-Mark Scheme and in compliance with building regulations. 

A Comprehensive report will be provided to the responsible person, highlighting any non-compliant doors.  And a subsequent maintenance or remediation quote will also be issued. 

With this information available, the responsible person can come up with an effective maintenance plan to maintain compliance.