Fire Door Inspection Myths
In late 2019, we busted some of the biggest FIRE DOOR MYTHS we see during our day-to-day work. And while we debunked a few fire door inspection myths, there are STILL many more out there.
In addition, the general public widely believe these fire door inspection myths. This can have dire consequences for people and businesses. So here we are, once again, to set the record straight on some of the biggest fire door inspection myths in our industry!
Fire Door Inspection Myth – ANYONE can inspect a fire door.
WRONG
Fire doors are complex component systems subject to numerous British and European standards in relation to manufacture, certification AND installation. Unless you are familiar with all these standards and criteria and understand how the components should perform you may easily miss crucial defects.
The RESPONSIBLE PERSON or DUTY HOLDER has a legal duty to ensure that only competent people are used to maintain their fire doors.
Our governments and fire services state that the best way to ensure that someone is competent is by third party, independent certification.
Fire Door Inspection Myth – A certificated fire door doesn’t need inspected.
WRONG
Fire doors come in for some pretty heavy bashing during their lives, especially in places like schools or hospitals. Like any other moving, mechanical component system – no matter how well made or assembled/installed – they need regular maintenance to ensure all the components are working correctly and tolerances remain within limits.
The law states that you have to maintain fire doors to ensure they remain compliant and functional. If yours haven’t been maintained by a competent person you should have them inspected by a certified inspector immediately.
We don’t think twice about having our cars MOT tested to ensure they are safe, so why not our fire doors?
Fire Door Inspection Myth – A door isn’t really going to stop a fire anyway, is it?
WRONG
Fire doors are an essential barrier between rooms that prevent fires from spreading. By slowing a fire down, it gives people within the building the valuable time they need to escape.
Inspectors test fire doors in rigorous, live fire testing before giving them a certificate. This proves that they DO resist fire. Therefore, as long as they are installed correctly and regularly inspected & maintained they WILL stop a fire from spreading.
Fire doors are a hugely important part of a building’s fire strategy and you should never overlook them.
Did any of these Fire Door Myths fool you?
If so, you should get in touch and we can discuss your circumstances and advise you.