Fire Door Inspections
Fire Door Legislation
Fire Doors are a critical part of the passive fire protection of a building, but their effectiveness is only as good as the door fabric. The routine inspection of fire doors is an important part of the quality of the passive fire protection of a building and it users. It is a legal requirement and is used to assist with insurance and fire audits, as well as offering the property manager peace of mind and the legal protection.
According to the applicable standards, how often do I need to have my fire doors inspected?
BS9999
Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings provides general recommendations and guidance for the design, management and use of buildings, ensuring effective fire protection for all people in and around buildings. Section V.6.2 states that all fire doors should be inspected every six months for a specified list of qualities.
BS8214
The code of practice for timber based fire door assemblies. Section 13.2.1 states that door leaves and door frames should be examined at six-monthly intervals for superficial damage, structural damage and deformation.
BS5588
Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings covers aspects of building use such as smoke control, places of assembly and ventilation among other fire related topics. Section L.6.2 states that fire doors should be inspected every 6 months.
Who can inspect fire doors?
Under BS8214, the six-monthly “Inspection and maintenance should be undertaken by a competent person” (Paragraph 13.1).
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) of Ireland defines a “competent person” as a “person who must have sufficient practical and theoretical knowledge from actual experience and professional training relevant to the particular workplace and work activity. “
In the case of fire doors and escape doors, the Competent Person may also answer to the law where their work is found not suitable or sufficient, or in the event of a fire event. They may also be required to provide documentary evidence of their relevant professional training as well as the log of the fire door inspections.