The Importance of Fire Doors and Fire-Resisting Doors

In the realm of fire safety, fire doors and fire-resisting doors play a vital role in protecting lives and property. These essential components are designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke, providing critical time for occupants to evacuate safely and for emergency services to respond.

What Are Fire Doors and Fire-Resisting Doors?

Fire doors are specially constructed to withstand fire for a specified period, usually between 30 and 120 minutes. They are equipped with fire-resistant materials and components, such as intumescent seals, which expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and preventing the spread of smoke. Additionally, they often include self-closing devices that ensure the door shuts after use.

Fire-resisting doors serve a similar purpose but are typically part of a larger fire-resistant barrier, working alongside fire-resistant walls and ceilings to create protective zones, limiting the spread of fire within a building.

While it could be argued that every door provides some level of fire resistance, certified fire doors must undergo rigorous testing and comply with British Standards BS 476 Part 22 or BS EN 1634 Part 1, ensuring they offer the necessary level of fire resistance.

Legal Requirements and Maintenance

Maintaining fire doors in good working order is a legal requirement under Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO). The relevant provision states:

"17.—(1) Where necessary to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the responsible person must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment, and devices... are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair." [emphasis added]

In addition, Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 requires responsible persons for multi-occupied residential buildings with storeys over 11 metres in height to undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in common parts and annual checks of flat entrance doors that lead onto common parts.

Why Maintenance is Crucial?

Proper maintenance ensures that fire doors and fire-resisting doors function as intended during a fire, providing essential protection and compliance with fire safety laws in England.

Regular checks and maintenance not only enhance safety but also demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

We offer services for checking and surveying Fire Doors doors for landlords, business owners, and those with safety responsibilities. Our Team of former experts can assist with ensuring your fire doors meet legal requirements and are in good working order.

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