ALL ABOUT THE DOOR 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 .
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 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 .
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https :// www . gov . uk / government / publications / fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-fire-door-guidance / fire-safety-england-regulations-2022-fire-door-guidance #:~: text = Fire % 20Doors % 20 are % 20crucial % 20in , by % 20the % 20Fire % 20Safety % 20Order . | https :// briton . co . uk / en / news / 2024 _ news / briton _ marks _ 25 _ years _ of _ accurate _ installation . html #:~: text = For % 2025 % 20 years % 2C % 20Briton ’ s % 20unique , standards % 20across % 20the % 20built % 20environment . | https :// briton . co . uk / en / news / 2024 _ news / adjusting _ as _ required _ door _ closers _ explained . html
JUNE 2024
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Issue Takeover locksmithjournal . co . uk