The Locksmith Journal 99 August 2024 | Page 44

MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

Essential Summer Door Maintenance for Schools

Louise Frost is the Search Manager at Door Controls Direct . With a wealth of industry experience and a keen eye for detail , she discusses the importance of school door maintenance in ensuring safety , security , and compliance .
» WHETHER A FACILITY WAS EMPTY as an office Celebrations tub at Christmas or filled to the gunwales , summer is the time for essential maintenance before the new term .
Time is always ticking on the regular required checks , including life safety measures like fire door inspections . It ’ d be ideal to carry these out when a facility is unoccupied but that ’ s not always possible .
Fire door maintenance remains crucial for safety and security regardless of the time of year so , let us guide you through the essentials .
Understanding the Importance Regulatory Compliance
Regular maintenance ensures compliance with UK building and fire safety regulations . “ Responsible Persons ” have responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform ( Fire Safety ) Order 2005 ( RRO ) and the Fire Safety ( England ) Regulations 2022 .
Safety and Security Correctly specified , installed , and maintained doors provide passive fire safety measures in addition to security for all users , whether this is external access or fire compartmentation doors .
Common Pain Points in Door and Fire Door Maintenance
• Wear and Tear : Frequent use , or misuse , leads to common door hardware issues like loose hinges and worn seals . There could also be damage to doors and frames .
• Budget Constraints : What business doesn ’ t list finances as one of their top reasons why not everything that needs to be done gets done in the time frame they ’ d like . Budget limitations often delay necessary maintenance .
• Knowledge Gaps : Staff or contractors may not be aware of all compliance requirements or the latest safety standards . Education is one of the keys to effective and timely action .
• Time Constraints : Finding the time for comprehensive checks can be difficult . Add in planning works throughout the year , liaising with suppliers , contractors , and third parties can extend completion times .
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