Angus has been involved in developing and writing British and International Fire & Safety standards since the mid-1980s. The list of standards that he has participated in is impressive and includes BS5839-1, BS8629, EN54-18 and ISO7240-2. Angus utilises his extensive experience to provide an authoritative perspective on the key issues that affect the Fire & Security Industry today.
Fire doors are an important element of a fire safety strategy. Used correctly, they stop fires from spreading through a building, giving people time to escape and the Brigade time to attend and potentially save your premises.
Why do you need a fire door inspection?
Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) makes it a legal requirement to ensure that fire-resisting doors and escape doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained for them to be fit for purpose. Certain buildings such as high-rise buildings may need an additional fire door inspection.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 makes it a legal requirement from 23 January 2023 for responsible persons for all multi-occupied residential buildings in England with storeys over 11 metres in height to:
- undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts
- undertake annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common parts.
The regulations will also require responsible persons to provide to residents of all multi-occupied residential buildings with information on the importance of fire doors to a building’s fire safety.
What is included in a Fire Door Inspection?
Door leaf and frame
The door and frame must remain square and should not be able to distort between the stiles, top and frame. The gaps must not be greater than those specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions. This is also true for the meeting stiles of double doors. If the door leaves have minor surface damage, then these can be repaired. However, if there are any major defects in either the door leaves or the frame, they should be replaced by a certificated manufacturer and installer.
Glazed apertures
If the glass is cracked or broken, then it must be replaced immediately. This operation should only be carried out by a trained and competent individual, with a good working knowledge of the specific materials and glazing system required. If it is not replaced then in the event of a fire, the smoke and gases will travel through the glass, which means that the fire door will not last its fire rating. The glazing itself must be fire rated to the same standard as the door.
Intumescent fire and smoke seals
If seals have been badly fitted or are damaged, then they must be replaced with the same type that was originally specified. If the smoke seals must be replaced, then they should be fitted in one continuous length if possible. If fixed piecemeal, they could potentially leak at the joints. You must remember that loose smoke seals left flapping can damage a fire door beyond repair.
Closing and opening devices
With a self-closing device, the self-closer must close the door within the rebate of the frame to ensure that the door is correctly closed. We will look to check that the door closes fully, overcoming any latch or seal. Check that mechanical hold-open devices have not been fitted. Hold-open devices on fire doors should be electro-magnetic and connected directly to the fire detection and fire alarm system so that they can be released automatically if there is a fire. If fitted, make sure that any electro-magnetic hold-open device is operating correctly and releases immediately when power is removed. Doors with hold-open devices need to be checked daily.
All ironmongery
Make sure that all fixings are secure. Some hinges, closer arms and locks might require lubrication. Remember, where required you must replace components like-for-like, according to the original specification
- Hinges – Check that there is no visible wear. Any dark marks or stains around the hinge knuckle could indicate wear and impending failure, meaning the hinges should be replaced as soon as possible.
- Locks and lever handles – Check that the levers fully return to the horizontal after use and that the latch bolt is engaging smoothly and completely into the strike. Wipe any metal dust deposits off the latch bolt and strike plate. Adjust, lubricate or replace as required.
Mandatory safety signs
BS5499-4:2013 lays down standards for the size and siting of Fire Door Safety Signs. Signs should be fitted on all non-domestic fire doors and be visible at eye level.
If these have been tampered with or removed, they should be replaced.
Cleaning
Fire doors are finished with a variety of facings which require different methods of cleaning. The manufacturer’s instructions will give full details. This may be the only way to identify the door as a fire door without additional paperwork.
Got a question about Fire Doors? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today.
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems, and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000891999
Following the recommendations of BS5839 Part 1 2017 (Fire Alarm British Standard), it is a mandatory requirement to have an up to date, clear and accurate Fire Alarm Zone Chart adjacent to your Fire Alarm Control Panel and any repeater panels you have in your premises.
The purpose of the Zone Chart is to assist persons responding to an alarm to quickly identify the specific location in the building and to help the Fire Brigade understand the building layout before they enter.
When the Fire Alarm System is installed, the building is divided into Fire Zones. Any Manual Call Point (Red Box) or Fire Detector that is fitted will trigger a particular zone when activated.
The Zone Chart shows the division of each zone area with a ‘You are Here’ arrow to identify the position of the Fire Alarm Panel. The view of the building should be orientated in relation to the Fire Alarm Panel position to minimise confusion.
What is involved in producing a Zone Chart?
- Hard copy
- Or preferably AutoCAD (dwg) format
You have a legal duty of care to dispose of waste legitimately and safely via a licensed waste carrier. Failure to do so can result in prosecution, even if you have outsourced the disposal to a third party.
The Fixfire® Extinguisher Recycling Process is your reassurance that any Fire Extinguishers we remove from your premises have been disposed of in a safe and legal manner. 97% of each processed Fire Extinguisher is recycled.
Our contracted Extinguisher Recycling Unit (ERU) is a dedicated facility offering a service for the safe processing and recycling/disposal of fire extinguishers. The facility operates closely with the local Water Authority and the Environment Agency to develop safe, efficient and environmentally friendly processes, ensuring that ISO14001 certification is upheld.
Got a question about Fire Extinguisher Disposal? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
False Fire Alarms remain a huge concern within the education sector- interrupting already carefully scheduled, planned and well-prepared lessons or even causing major disruption and distress to exams.
Clearly, these false alarms cause significant inconvenience and disruption to students, staff, and visitors. They compromise everyone’s safety in the school and present a significant risk to the local community since the Fire Brigade will prioritise the school over other emergency callouts.
Solutions you should consider:
The first and most straightforward way is to use anti-tamper products.
Fixfire® supplies a wide range of solutions designed to protect Fire Alarm Devices from inadvertent damage or deliberate misuse/vandalism.
Products include:
- Local plastic cover flaps which attach directly to manual call points.
- The stopper consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate cover, frame and spacer that retrofits over a break glass call point. When lifted to operate the break glass unit, its optional battery powered integral sounder emits a piercing 96dB (at 1m). Immediate attention is drawn to the area and a prankster will either run or be caught!
- A range of steel web stoppers designed to protect fire detectors and warning devices. They are constructed from heavy-duty galvanised steel rod which is plastic-coated for durability and external use.
- A range of polycarbonate enclosures are available for the protection of devices such as fire alarm control panels and associated control equipment. The enclosures combine tough rugged construction with stylish design and offer excellent protection with a key lock for authorised access.
We also provide anti-tamper devices for fire extinguishers and associated products.
KeyCall® is a patented anti-ligature Fire Alarm and Access Control call point. It is designed to use the same key as the doors, providing simple operation for staff whilst eliminating nuisance activations by service-users.
KeyCall® has been developed by Fixfire® specifically for approved applications where standard versions would be vulnerable to abuse.
It is one of the best solutions for SEN schools and it is also compatible with a wide range of Conventional and Addressable Fire Alarm Systems.
Got a question about False Fire Alarms? Need Fire Safety Compliance advice? Get in touch today!
For over 45 years, Fixfire® has been providing quality products, systems and services for Life & Property Protection. Whatever your requirement, please call our Compliance Team for expert advice and a refreshingly different approach.
Freephone 08000 891999
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