Pro Installer January 2025 - Issue 142 | Page 22

Skills
22 | JANUARY 2025

Skills

Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk

New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published

A comprehensively revised Code of Practice for the selection of building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers ( GAI ) and the Door & Hardware Federation ( DHF ).
This new edition , issue No . 5 , is the first revision in more than a decade , and represents a significant update and consolidation of previous guidelines to reflect the very latest legislative requirements and best practices in the industry .
It provides an essential reference and resource for a broad spectrum of construction industry professionals including architects , building control officers , fire officers , responsible persons , duty holders , manufacturers , specifiers , and suppliers of building hardware and fire doors .
GAI technical manager Douglas Masterson said : “ While the Code is advisory , it is designed to provide
robust guidance that aligns with the latest legal standards . While compliance with the Code does not confer immunity from legal , local authority or insurance requirements , it will significantly enhance the safety and reliability of fire-resisting and escape door assemblies .”
The Code addresses a wide range of legislative requirements , including :
• Construction Products Regulations in both the EU and UK .
• Building Regulations throughout the UK and Ireland , including the Building Regulations 2010 ( England & Wales ), Building ( Scotland ) Regulations 2004 , Building Regulations ( Northern Ireland ) 2012 , and Building Regulations 1997-2021 ( Ireland ).
• Workplace Fire Safety Legislation across the UK and Ireland , such as the Regulatory Reform ( Fire Safety ) Order 2005 .
• Equality Legislation applicable in Great Britain , Northern Ireland , and the Republic of Ireland .
Additionally , the Code considers third-party certification schemes and declarations of conformity with relevant standards , ensuring that the guidance provided is both comprehensive and up to date .
The Code applies to building hardware used on timber fire doors with up to two hours of fire resistance and steel fire doors with up to four hours of fire resistance .
The hardware items covered are categorised into essential items necessary for the successful operation of the doors ( such as pivots and hinges , door closing devices , latch or locks , intumescent and smoke seals , and panic bolts ), and optional ( non-essential ) items that could potentially cause door failure if not properly selected or installed .
As a part of this revision there are several new sections relating to electric locking and access
control , which are of increasing importance in the world of building hardware .
Issue 5 of the Code replaces the previous issue 4 , as well as all previous codes of practice published by both the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers
( now DHF ) and the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers , all of which have been withdrawn to ensure that professionals are working with the most current and relevant information .
www . firecode . org . uk

GQA-ACCREDITED RESPONSIBLE PERSONS COURSE TO ADDRESS KNOWLEDGE GAPS IN FIRE SAFETY LEGISLATION

Fire Door Maintenance , part of UAP Ltd , a leading provider of fire door safety courses , is proud to announce the launch of its new ‘ Responsible Persons ’ course , accredited by GQA .
The course is designed to support the responsible person in both residential and commercial buildings , addressing the widespread issue of poor understanding of fire safety legislation and legal duties . With significant gaps in knowledge in the industry as highlighted by several reports over the past few years , this course has been developed to help the responsible person grasp the complexities of the regulations they are required to follow , and their duties under fire safety laws . The course covers key legislation , including the Fire Safety Order 2005 , Fire Safety Act 2021 , and Fire Safety Regulations 2022 , ensuring that participants fully understand their legal obligations in maintaining fire safety compliance .
The course can be attended in-person at FDM — the UK ’ s first fire door training academy in Bury , Greater Manchester . It provides the necessary knowledge to ensure compliance with fire safety legislation and the proper management of fire safety risks .
It is fully accredited by GQA , an awarding body known for its high standards in the industry . Upon successful completion , participants will earn an accredited course certificate , demonstrating their competence in fire safety management and legal compliance .
Nicola John , Managing Director at FDM by UAP Ltd , said “ The course is a direct response to the recurring feedback that the responsible person in an organisation often struggles to interpret and act on fire safety legislation . By delivering clear and comprehensive training , FDM aims to close the loop on information sharing within the fire safety industry , ensuring that a company ’ s responsible person is empowered to carry out their duties confidently and competently .”
www . fdmltd . co . uk