Brian Sofley, managing director at Assa Abloy Opening Solutions, said: “We understand the pressure the industry feels to deliver services faster than ever, at the lowest price point possible. However, this could potentially lead to specification errors with fire safety products, causing ongoing installation and maintenance issues.
“As fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building, the impact that this can have can be devasting, and in some instances mean the loss of life.
“That’s why we are looking to impart our extensive knowledge on this subject this Fire Door Safety Week, and ultimately help to make buildings safer now and in the future – aligning with the objectives of the Building Safety Act 2022, which we wholeheartedly support.”
As well as providing access around the property, fire doors are a part of the fire compartmentation requirement. New regulations being introduced to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order) contain a requirement for responsible persons in buildings above 11 metres in height to provide additional safety measures.
This includes providing occupants with fire safety instructions and information on the importance of fire doors. Responsible persons will also be required to undertake annual checks of entrance doors and quarterly checks of all fire doors in common parts.
Sofley added: “Our Fire Door Guide has been created to offer guidance on specifying, installing, maintaining and inspecting fire certified doorsets in residential and commercial buildings, and we hope that it can help raise industry standards and provide greater awareness.
“We pride ourselves on our end to end approach and being a helping hand at every stage of the journey. From fire door specification using BIM software Openings Studio, right through to installation and ongoing maintenance and inspections, our team is here to assist in every capacity.”
The Door Group, an Assa Abloy Opening Solutions UK & Ireland business unit, provides an inspection which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.
Following inspections, Door Group offers reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements, with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be lifesaving.
If any issues occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors to a regular maintenance program. Door Group inspectors are BRE-certified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all necessary standards and regulations.