New figures from NHS Digital 1 show there were a shocking 1,372 fires recorded by NHS trusts in 2022 / 23 . This was a significant increase of over 18 % from the previous year , and the equivalent of almost four fires a day across the NHS .

In response to this news , ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is emphasising the utmost importance of correct fire door specification , installation , and ongoing maintenance with inspections .

Brian Sofley , Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland Door Group , explains : “ The Regulatory Reform ( Fire Safety ) Order 2005 requires healthcare organisations undertake risk assessments to identify the general fire precautions needed to safeguard occupants in case of fire , including their safe means of escape .

“ Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building , and their correct specification and installation

are vital to ensure a complaint solution and protect lives . But the responsibility doesn ’ t stop there - regular inspections are essential to fully ensure health and safety measures are met .

“ Healthcare buildings can present highly specific requirements for fire doorsets , with particularly varied legislation and building regulations surrounding fire doors in hospitals . But with fire protection systems failing time and time again , more needs to be done .”

BIM-enabled door specification

To aid compliant fire door specification in hospitals , ASSA ABLOY ’ s Openings Studio™ BIM application integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door , frame and hardware schedules and specifications .

This enables seamless extraction of door design intent and all relevant interfaces to assist the development of complete door requirements that meet building regulations . Product information , performance data and budget information are captured within the BIM design environment .

Through real time , collaborative working , these designs can be validated for compliance , functional performance , and aesthetics . They are presented as 3D views that can be fully re-integrated into the overall project design .

With linked internal systems , ASSA ABLOY use this final schedule of information to manufacture the complete doorset solution including the leaf , frame , and all specified hardware .

The Openings Studio™ mobile app can also directly access this data for use during the door installation process , ensuring full validity of the finished product prior to project completion .

The app also offers an easy to use ‘ check box ’ system to carry out and capture detailed inspections based on the specific details of each door included in the schedule .

This report validates if a door has remained compliant , or identifies what elements need to be corrected or replaced to return the product to the standard required

, providing full traceability and ownership of all changes at all stages .

Fire door inspection schedules

As part of its commitment to fire door safety in hospitals , Door Group , a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions , also provides fully comprehensive inspections which can be carried out every three , four , six or 12 months to suit specific requirements .

Following inspections , detailed reports are provided 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 .

If any issues do occur , a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors to a regular maintenance program . Door Group inspectors are BRE-certified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all necessary standards and regulations .

Brian adds : “ These new figures are extremely concerning - hospitals should be a safe and secure environment for staff and patients , and concerns around fire safety should not have to cross their minds .

“ We are committed to helping hospitals and other healthcare organisations across the UK ensure fire protection across their estates . From door specification and installation to regular and thorough inspections , we can ensure the ongoing compliance and performance of fire doorsets to improve overall fire safety within the sector .”

www . assaabloy . com