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The performance and reliability of fire doors can be undone by inaccurate hardware installation . Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explains the significance of installer competence and how responsible persons should approach fire door hardware fittings to ensure lives aren ’ t put at risk .
For a building to be considered fire safe , it must have functioning fire doors . A crucial element of passive fire protection , fire doors are recognised as a legal requirement in non-domestic properties and houses in multiple occupation ( HMOs ), and as such , careful attention is frequently placed on standardised testing , specification and ongoing maintenance . Perhaps less understood is the importance of accurate door hardware installation . Certified fire doors are tested with - and are reliant on - several components , including hinges , locks , latches and door closers for example . Though , where ironmongery products must be CE or UKCA marked , Certifire accredited and tested under separate standards , there is less regulatory emphasis placed on fire door installation specifically .
Should hardware be improperly or inaccurately fitted to a fire door , its fire resistant capabilities become compromised , leaving a building and its occupants at risk . Without functional hardware components , a fire door is rendered useless and with onus being placed on responsible persons , decision makers simply can ’ t afford to neglect any stage of fire door safety - including installation .
Competence and collaboration
Installation remains a pain point for the fire safety industry . Evidence suggests that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fire door failure , and despite a wave of regulatory framework updates in other areas , there still remains a level of ambiguity towards the proficiency required for fitting fire door hardware .
As per the Fire Safety ( England ) Regulations 2022 : fire door guidance , it is assumed that responsible persons possess
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evidence that the design , specification and installation of a fire door is adequate for its location . Section 6.7 of the legislation expands on installation further , stating that upon inspection , if there is any doubt that a fire-resistant flat entrance door has been replaced , the resident will need to confirm that the new fire door has been ‘ installed by a competent person ’.
It ’ s clear then that fire door installation is a critical aspect of our built environment , yet , there is currently no legal requirement for fire door installers to possess a specific qualification or accreditation . For some , this presents a misconception that fire doors and their hardware can be installed by anyone - after all , how is ‘ competence ’ defined ? But in doing so , decision makers are often risking fire safety compliance as a result , with unskilled individuals using incorrect fixing methods and stripping certified fire doors of their FD rating in the process .
Where Phase 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 looks to make it easier for enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance , responsible persons are urged to seek trusted , professional help when unsure - in the same way they would rely on qualified persons to assess and install a gas boiler for example . Certified professionals can demonstrate the right skills , knowledge and experience when installing fire door systems and will remove any questions surrounding competence and compliance .
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Reducing the gaps
During installation , decision makers must also look to follow manufacturer guidelines and fitting instructions . Door hardware products are often unique to the manufacturer , with distinctive components , fittings and fixing points , and as a result they should never be approached as like for like installation projects .
Fire door integrity is frequently compromised by alignment issues and improper installation methods as a result of this knowledge gap . In many cases , an appropriately specified and perfectly operational door closer device can be found ineffective , solely as a result of poor installation . Consequently , a fire door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position , leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fire to pass through in an emergency situation . With this in mind , it ’ s important for responsible persons to plan ahead , appreciating that door hardware installation is a specialised task .
To further raise fire safety standards and improve installation accuracy , there ’ s a wealth of information and detailed walkthroughs made available from conscious manufacturers in the form of installation templates , product datasheets and video guides . Guidance can usually be found online , with product packaging , or can be requested directly from the manufacturer , and is designed to support installers
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throughout a project whilst also reducing installation time and enhancing the life of the installed hardware . Product information and installation guidance can also be useful post-installation . Where a responsible person is required to perform ongoing checks and regular maintenance periods as part of their obligations , some fixing instructions may assist in scenarios when hardware adjustments are required .
Fire door hardware installation is neither the first nor final step of fire door safety , but in an evolving regulatory landscape , where we ’ re seeing a cultural shift in fire safety accountability , responsible persons would be remiss to undervalue the significance of accurate hardware installation . Ultimately , when it comes to fire safety compliance , competence and education go hand in hand .
www . allegion . com
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