As per UK law, fire doors are a legal requirement for non-domestic properties, including commercial and public buildings. This includes shops, offices, restaurants and more. Fire doors are also required in some residential properties, such as apartment blocks and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs).
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order of 2005 mandates that building operators appoint a Responsible Person to oversee all aspects of a property’s fire safety compliance, including the installation and maintenance of fire doors.
The specification of fire doors varies widely, and the requirements for any specific property can depend on its usage. A comprehensive fire door risk assessment will help determine the risks and assist Responsible Persons in deciding where fire doors should be installed and to what specification.
Fire doors are not only required to be installed but also to be maintained and serviced regularly to check for any faults that may impair their function in the event of an emergency. The responsibility for this also falls to the Responsible Person.
What is the law regarding my property?
New commercial or public property
New commercial or public buildings need to meet a minimum standard of construction as per the Building Regulations Approved Documents. Fire doors are an integral part of these regulations, though the specific nature of the doors required and their placement will vary depending on where you are in the UK.
Existing commercial or public property
In the case of existing commercial or public buildings, the Regulatory Reform Order 2005 applies to a wide range of structures, including public spaces, places of employment and even vehicles. Article 17 specifies that the Responsible Person is accountable for ensuring that fire doors are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and that they are maintained in an efficient state, working order and good repair.
Flats, apartments, and HMOs
Residential properties are regulated slightly differently from other buildings and are governed by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. For all properties over 11 meters in height, a Responsible Person must check all fire doors in communal areas at least every three months and must check every entrance door once per year.
If you are a building operator, familiarising yourself with the law regarding fire doors is paramount to your continued compliance and the safety of your building’s occupants. Fortunately, the team at Cobra is on hand to support you with your fire door or passive fire protection requirements.
To discover how we can support you, contact Cobra’s professional team today.
