Just like any other fire safety measure in place, fire doors need to be routinely inspected to ensure they are in good working order. Fire doors help slow down and stop the spread of fire and fumes throughout a building; therefore, if they are faulty, the effects could be devastating and fatal.
All commercial buildings should have a fire risk assessment. A risk assessor should always look at any fire doors in the building and determine any problems. The risk assessor will notify any apparent problems, such as cracks in the door or breaks in the seal, but they will not give an in-depth look. This is where a fire door survey differs. What sets a survey apart from a risk assessment?
What Is a Fire Door Survey?
Since the Grenfell Tower disaster, the realisation that many commercial and residential buildings do not have the correct, safe, legal fire safety requirements has entered the public eye. Fire door surveys are crucial, amongst other checks. Fire doors stop the spread of fire and the fumes throughout a building, giving residents time to evacuate, along with preventing the fire from destroying the building.
Fire door surveys are a process where all fire doors in a building are check vigorously, ensuring they are working to the best possible standard. Having routine surveys completed could make a massive difference in the case of an emergency.
What Is The Law Around Fire Door Surveys?
Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) makes it a legal requirement that fire doors are correctly installed and maintained to be fit for purpose. Recent changes in legal requirements have shifted the responsibility of fire safety of a building from the fire authorities to whoever has day-to-day control of the premise.
What Is Checked in a Fire Door Survey?
● Door frame
● Door Seal
● Hinges
● Self-closing devices
● Glazing
● Signage
● Gaps around the door
● Locks
● Handles
● Intumescent strips
● Hold-open devices
After all the above has been checked, a full report will be provided detailing the condition of each door. If there are any problems, the surveyor will point this out, and the door will need to be repaired or replaced.
Surveyors must complete fire door surveys fast but to a high standard; they must be completed as quickly as possible as fire doors need to be out of order for the smallest amount of time possible.
Who Can Complete a Fire Door Survey?
Surveys should always be completed by professionals. Any businesses under the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) are legally allowed to complete fire door surveys. Having this certification shows that a company is competent, and you can trust they will complete the process to the required standard.
What Can I Do to Check my Fire Doors In Between Official Surveys?
You can inspect your fire doors yourself in between surveys to ensure they are meeting required standards. Check that all signage is still up and visible. Open and close the doors to ensure they are closing correctly. Take a look at the door frame and check for any signs of wear or corrosion. If you notice anything that doesn’t look right, get in touch with a professional for advice about fire door repair and replacement.
How Do I Book a Fire Door Survey?
If you need to book a survey for your building, contact us at London Fire Solutions. Call us on 0207 237 0958 or send us an e-mail for a speedy reply. We complete surveys in a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, healthcare and leisure.
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