Fire Door Surveys & Inspections

FAQ's

• I think I know what doors need to be repaired, why do I need a survey?

  A full fire door survey by a competent person will help you to identify the real problems with your fire doors, and how to rectify those particular issues in a compliant manner. Not only that, but you will then have an established asset list for the doors in your building to ensure you’re maintaining and checking the correct ones.

  Not all doors in a building need to be fire doors, we can offer advice to ensure you know where your fire doors need to be.

• My fire doors were passed by building control, surely they are compliant?

  While a building inspector may sign-off a building, they may not perform a full detailed inspection for each fire door on site. The building is signed off in principle and the responsibility for providing a safe building is with the responsible person – not the building inspector.

  All fire doors should meet the minimum requirements for structure, gaps, condition, seals/strips, and ironmongery (depending on where it is installed) and although they may have been passed when the building was signed off, that does not mean they are compliant today.

• What do you check as part of a fire door inspection?

  When we inspect our client’s fire doors we look at:

  • Door leaf
  • Door frame
  • Door closer (self-closing devices)
  • Hinges
  • Intumescent strips and cold smoke seals
  • Glazing
  • Locks and levers/handles
  • Fire safety signage
  • Hold open devices
  • Gaps around the doors and threshold gaps
  • Panic hardware devices for external final fire exit doors

  Our clients receive a detailed survey that clearly defines the condition of each door and our recommendations for which parts (if any) need to replaced.

• How do you know what fire doors to check?

  We will always request a fire strategy plan or compartmentation drawing for a property before commencing a survey. In the absence of this information, we take a risk-based life safety approach and use fire engineering judgement to determine the assumed lines of fire resistance based on building regulations or other relevant design code.

• Do you need the original door documentation/compliance certificates to determine whether a door is actually a fire door?

  Many fire doors do not come with original documentation, and it is difficult to identify the manufacturer. For some doors, a risk-based approach must be taken based on the professional judgement of the surveyor. If the door is of adequate thickness, weight and appears to have the tell-tale signs of a fire door then we will inspect it as such. Every aspect is checked in detail.

• How much does a fire door survey cost?

  Dependant on the size and location of the building, our fire door surveys can start from just £10 per door.

  Click here to obtain a quotation

  Our prices are competitive and there are no hidden costs. We offer an after-care service to all of our clients offering ongoing advice and meetings where necessary. We are VAT registered and charge VAT on all services.

• What else do I need to know about Fire Door Inspections?

  The Crucial Role of Fire Door Inspections in Building Safety

  Fire door inspections are a fundamental aspect of maintaining a safe building environment. These inspections ensure that all fire doors within a property adhere to the latest fire safety standards and regulations, such as those outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Regular fire door inspections are essential to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, safeguarding occupants and property.

  Ensuring Compliance Through Fire Door Inspections

  Fire door inspections are integral to achieving and maintaining fire safety compliance. Certified inspectors assess each fire door to verify its fire resistance rating and overall functionality. These inspections include a thorough examination of the door’s materials, hardware compliance, and installation. Identifying and rectifying any non-compliance issues during these inspections is vital to maintaining the safety and integrity of the building.

  What to Expect During a Fire Door Inspection

  During a fire door inspection, a qualified inspector will evaluate the door, its door frame, and associated hardware, including hinges, locks, and closers. The inspection ensures that all components work together to provide effective fire compartmentalization. The findings are documented in a comprehensive fire door inspection report detailing any necessary corrective actions to bring the doors up to standard.

  The Importance of Ongoing Fire Door Maintenance

  Fire door inspections are not a one-time event but a critical part of ongoing fire door maintenance. Regular inspections help identify wear and tear, potential breaches, and other issues that could compromise a door’s effectiveness. This proactive approach ensures that fire doors meet the required safety standards over time, vital to a building’s overall fire safety strategy.

  Comprehensive Fire Door Surveys and Their Connection to Inspections

  While fire door inspections are crucial for maintaining ongoing compliance, fire door surveys offer a broader overview of the fire doors within a building. These surveys assess the suitability and condition of all fire doors, providing a detailed overview that informs subsequent inspections and maintenance efforts.

  The Relationship Between Fire Door Surveys and Inspections

  Fire door surveys are often conducted as part of a more extensive fire risk assessment and serve as a precursor to more detailed fire door inspections. Surveys provide an initial evaluation of all fire doors in a building, identifying which doors need further inspection or maintenance. This process ensures that every door meets the necessary fire safety standards and is ready for a thorough inspection.

  Documenting Findings Through Fire Door Inspection Reports

  Both fire door surveys and inspections culminate in detailed reports. The fire door inspection report is particularly crucial as it outlines the compliance status of each door, notes any non-compliance issues, and recommends specific corrective actions. These reports are essential for maintaining accurate records and demonstrating compliance during

  Utilising Certified Inspectors for Accurate Assessments

  Engaging certified inspectors for fire door surveys and inspections ensures that all evaluations are thorough and accurate. These professionals are knowledgeable about current building regulations and fire safety codes, enabling them to identify potential hazards and recommend appropriate actions. Their expertise is invaluable in maintaining the safety and compliance of fire doors across any building.

  Integrating Fire Door Inspections into Your Fire Safety Strategy

  Fire door inspections should be a central component of any fire safety strategy. By integrating these inspections with broader fire safety measures, building owners can ensure comprehensive protection against fire hazards.

  The Role of Inspections in a Fire Risk Assessment

  Fire door inspections are a vital element of a complete fire risk assessment. While the risk assessment covers the overall fire safety of a building, the inspection focuses specifically on the functionality and compliance of fire doors. Together, these assessments provide a comprehensive view of a building’s fire safety measures, ensuring that all potential risks are addressed.

  Implementing Corrective Actions Following Inspections

  After a fire door inspection, acting on the recommendations outlined in the inspection report is crucial. Whether the solution involves fire door replacement or straightforward repairs, timely corrective actions are essential to maintaining fire safety compliance. Regular follow-up inspections and ongoing fire door maintenance are also necessary to ensure fire doors remain effective over time.

  The Long-Term Benefits of Regular Fire Door Inspections

  Regular fire door inspections provide long-term benefits by ensuring that all fire doors within a building continue to meet safety standards. This proactive approach helps prevent potential disasters and ensures that the building remains compliant with all relevant fire safety regulations. Building owners can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents by integrating these inspections into a broader fire safety strategy.