Fire Doors and the Law. Having the correct level of competence to carry out works on fire doors and escape doors. By Neil Ashdown FDIS manager

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1 Fire Doors and the Law Having the correct level of competence to carry out works on fire doors and escape doors. By Neil Ashdown FDIS manager

2 Fire Doors and the Law In this presentation we will cover.. The role of a fire door (and escape door) Building operators legal obligations How the law applies to Fire Doors Understanding competence Where to go from here CPD session on Fire Doors and Escape Doors Q&A s

3 The role of a Fire Door A fire door is different to an escape door Most buildings have compartmentalisation Walls, floors and ceilings (effective separation) The fire door becomes part of the wall (when its closed) Restricts passage of fire and smoke for a time period in accordance with the test Enables safe escape by protecting escape routes Helps to protect assets elsewhere in the building

4 The role of a Fire Door Commonly fire doors are rated FD30 and FD60 Most also provide cold smoke protection (s) Most made from timber products Passive fire safety device Life & Asset Protection

5 The role of a Fire Door Fire doors are extremely effective in holding back fire and smoke They do save lives and protect buildings from further damage BUT in order to do so they must be installed and maintained correctly. Many are not! Common faults are: Doors not self closing correctly Large gaps between door and frame/floor Damaged seals Incorrect or damaged glazing Poor installation and repairs

6 The role of a Fire Door A survey of FDIS Fire Door Inspectors findings 61% had faulty or missing fire seals or smoke seals 33% didn t have correct signage eg. Fire Door Keep Shut or Fire Door Keep Locked Then there s: hinges, perimeter gaps, threshold gap, glazing and more.

7 The role of a Fire Door

8 The role of a Fire Door A word about Escape Doors.. Not usually a fire resisting door (but could be). Usually the final exit door used in an emergency to reach place of safety. Two types 1) Emergency Escape. An escape door usually in a workplace. Occupants know how to use it. 2) Panic Escape. An escape door in a place where public may be present.

9 Building Operators Legal Obligations In 2005 a new piece of fire safety legislation was introduced. It is called Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and came into force in It is enforced by Fire & Rescue Services and applies to England and Wales. The RR(FS)O or Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises other than inside peoples private homes. Building operators have a legal duty to comply and must appoint a Responsible Person.

10 Building Operators Legal Obligations

11 Building Operators Legal Obligations

12 Building Operators Legal Obligations

13 How the law applies to Fire Doors The Responsible Person must comply with the Fire Safety Order. Remember Article 4 meaning of general fire precautions :

14 How the Law applies to Fire Doors The Responsible Person must comply with Article 17. suitable maintenance regime to ensure relevant equipment is kept in an efficient state The Responsible Person must comply with Article 18. appoint one or more competent persons to assist in undertaking preventive and protective measures

15 How the Law applies to Fire Doors

16 How the Law applies to Fire Doors

17 Understanding Competence Article 18 of the Fire Safety Order says the Responsible Person must appoint a Competent Person as necessary to comply with the law. The law makes reference to the Competent Person as Someone with sufficient training and experience, qualifications and knowledge to be able to implement fire safety measures (some or all) in a building

18 Understanding Competence When it comes to Fire Doors and Escape Doors the Competent Person should be able to demonstrate that he or she is suitably qualified to inspect, advise on, install, maintain or repair them. These types of doors are unlike normal doors and there are standards and regulations that cover products, components and installation.

19 Understanding Competence Fire Doors are different to normal doors. They must be fire performance tested You cannot assume that all fire doors are the same You cannot assume that all door hardware is suitable for fire doors

20 Where to go from here Regular inspection of Fire Doors and Escape Doors as part of your Fire Risk Assessment Use Competent Persons to inspect, advise on, install, maintain and repair Fire/Escape Doors BS 9999 : 2008 Code of practice for fire safety in design and management of buildings BS 8214 : 2008 Code of practice for fire door assemblies

21 Where to go from here

61 Fire Door Inspection Scheme Emergency and Panic Escape Doors

The terms hazard and risk are often used, which we define as the following:

The terms hazard and risk are often used, which we define as the following: Fire Safety Last updated in October 2010 This information sheet aims to give safety reps a basic understanding of fire safety and fire risk assessments under the current law. More detailed information