» DOOR GROUP , A DIVIsion of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland , is calling for a higher calibre of fire door inspections this Fire Door Safety Week , after research found a third ( 32 %) of the British public would not report a problem with a fire door , putting lives at risk .

Shockingly , those asked believed that a fire door that was propped open with a wedge or a fire extinguisher was safe , and 15 % believed that keeping a fire door closed stops it performing , highlighting a lack of understanding around the role fire doors play in the event of a fire . What ’ s more , only 19 % of those responsible for the

specification , installation and maintenance of fire doors inspect their fire doors twice a year , 14 % inspect annually , while 3 % only inspect their fire doors when an issue has been reported . Four in five respondents say end clients do not require third-party certified fire doors to be specified .

However , nearly a third ( 30 %) of those responsible for fire door safety say they do not fully understand their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act .

Brian Sofley , Managing Director at Door Group , said : “ It is imperative that those responsible for the property ensure life safety products have

been independently verified , are regularly audited or certified and have been manufactured and installed by competent companies or individuals .

“ Suppliers and manufacturers also have a duty of care to their customers at each and every stage of a project , to offer a solution that is properly and unambiguously safeguarded by certification .”

As part of its commitment to fire door safety , Door Group provide a fully comprehensive

inspection which can be carried out every three , four , six or 12 months to suit specific requirements .

Following inspections , Door Group offers detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements , with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be lifesaving .

www . assaabloy . com

» THE LIGHTHOUSE Construction Industry Charity is pioneering an innovative programme designed to reintegrate prisoners into the workforce and help bridge the longstanding skills gap in the construction sector .

The pilot project at Cardiff Prison embraces the support of the Lighthouse Charity , GLA Group and Central Group to offer specialist skills training , soft skills development , and an exciting pathway into the roofing industry .

The GLA Group , renowned for its expertise in pitched and flat roofing courses , take on the role of mentor , delivering comprehensive training to prisoners with aspirations in the construction industry , Central Group , a roofing and cladding

contractor , will offer individuals who complete the training an opportunity to pursue a career in the construction industry upon their release

Andy Bird , Director of the GLA Group said , “ GLA realise that it ’ s not just about teaching people new practical skills to help them when they leave prison , it ’ s having the skills to

deal with the challenges we face on a daily basis that many of us take for granted but some cannot .”

Finally , the Lighthouse Charity will be offering a portfolio of self-paced e-learning modules that allow flexible learning and cover a diverse range of wellbeing topics , such as Banter vs Bullying , Resolving

Conflict , Managing Stress , and Understanding Anxiety , among others .

Sarah Bolton , Chief Operating Officer of the Lighthouse Charity , articulated the importance of this programme , “ Through this holistic partnership , we are able to deliver not just the essential vocational skills , we ’ re also ensuring easy access to vital soft skills training . Many ex-offenders could face societal prejudice and difficulties finding work . This programme will enhance their employability and empower individuals entering the sector to embark on a sustainable career , with the skills to overcome the daily challenges of life .”

www . lighthouseclub . org