Offices, Shops and Industrial Units

What is your responsibility?

Building owners, employers and operators have a responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to ensure that employees and users of their properties are safe.
Facilities should have a fire risk assessment and nominate a “responsible person” (this could be a management company or an individual) who has legal responsibility under the FSO and can be criminally prosecuted if they do not fulfil their duties. This covers a requirement upon the Responsible Person to demonstrate that in the event of danger, it must be possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as possible.
The state of Fire Doors falls within this responsibility and is given specific reference in the FSO.
Whilst this legislation has been in place for a number of years, we continue to hear of business owners who do not understand their responsibilities, regular prosecutions and sadly injuries and deaths that can directly be associated with bad Fire Door management. Of particular concern has been mixed use buildings where businesses and residents co-exist (e.g. flats above shops or restaurants).

A fire door ensures that should a fire break out, it can be contained in a “compartment”. This keeps the fire and smoke trapped for a defined period, allowing time for people to get out/to be rescued and make the fire easier to tackle.
It will not fulfil this function if damaged or propped open.

Signs that might indicate a fire door include things like a blue ‘Fire Door’ or ‘Keep Closed’ sign, door closers, intumescent or smoke seals around the edge of the door or the frame.
In blocks of flats, the external door to a flat invariably should be a Fire Door, this protects the common areas from spread of flame and smoke. Other locations will depend on the risk assessment and fire plan of the buildings, internal doors could well be fire doors depending on the size of the apartment and distance from the flat entrance door. You can find out more on the GOV.UK website.
All fire doors are fire rated. Some are FD30 (providing 30 minute protection), FD60 (60 minute protection) or higher. There is usually a certification mark (a label or plug) on top of the door if it is a Fire Door – you can find out more in the Best Practice Guide published by the BWF Fire Door Alliance.

Fire doors should be checked regularly, and the more they’re used the more frequently they should be checked.
Anyone can spot a dodgy fire door (do the 5 Step Check today). But if you have legal responsibility for fire safety, call in a professional.
Create a fire door maintenance checklist and schedule, and check all doors in your building.
Only ever replace damaged components with like-for-like. Check the fire certificate. A trained person should be responsible for this maintenance work.

Tips for building users

Make sure you check that fire doors are fit for purpose, do this 5 Step Fire Door Check.
Don’t wedge fire doors open and, in particular, keep fire doors closed at night.
Seen a dodgy fire door? Report it to your manager straight away, or to the maintenance department.
Refer them to the advice on this website.

Tips for building owners / managers

If you have had a Fire Risk Assessment, make sure doors were covered and the assessor is knowledgeable in this area.
When you do your regular check, identify and include the fire doors, do this 5 Step Fire Door Check.
If in doubt bring in a professional to carry out a survey.

You’ll find lots of advice on specifying and buying high quality, third-party certificated fire doors and doorsets from the BWF Fire Door Alliance knowledge centre.
Always use a reputable and competent supplier – many people claim to make fire doors, but only some have got a properly tested product that is proved to work in a fire.
Ask whether the product has been fire tested and demand to see the documentation that proves it (e.g. fire certificate or label).
It’s not just the door itself that matters. The frame and ironmongery is just as important – they all work together. Only buy exact compatible hardware and components.
Always ask for installation instructions and follow them to the letter.
Saving a few quid on fire doors isn’t worth it. Consider the cost of damage and loss of life if a fire breaks out. Stick to the specification at all times.

Fire doors are not ordinary doors. They’re a carefully engineered fire safety device. They must be fitted correctly by a competent installer – if you employ people who install fire doors, make sure they know what they’re doing.