An essential safety feature of any premises, when it comes to passive fire protection, the importance of fire door maintenance can’t be overstated. Fire doors play a crucial role in emergencies, and ensuring they work flawlessly is vital for protecting lives and property.
Keeping a fire door in operable and safe condition requires regular check-ups. Experts suggest these fire door inspections should happen at least every six months. For newly occupied buildings, more frequent checks are advised in the first year. And if a fire door gets a lot of use, it’s a good idea to inspect it more often, perhaps weekly or monthly. This proactive approach helps catch and fix any issues that could compromise how the door works.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 lay out responsibilities for those overseeing buildings over 11 meters tall. They recommend checking fire doors in individual homes at least once a year and communal areas every three months. These checks cover everything, including making sure self-closing devices are working properly. Not adhering to these rules could lead to legal trouble.
Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 outlines what’s legally required for fire-resistant and escape doors. To be fit for purpose, these doors must be installed correctly and regularly maintained. This rule, often called the FSO, covers all buildings except homes. It’s a shift in responsibility for fire safety from authorities to those running the day-to-day operations of a place.
Frequent use can subtly change both a fire door and its surroundings. Even these small changes can seriously affect how well a door works in a fire. That’s why having someone qualified regularly check for and fix any issues is crucial. It keeps fire doors reliable and ready to protect a building in case of emergency.
Ultimately, regular fire door maintenance is key to keeping a building safe from fires. Focusing on following local rules, building owners need to prioritise regular checks and maintenance. This not only keeps things legal but, more importantly, it keeps people and property safe. Choosing a trusted organisation like Cobra for fire door installation and maintenance is an investment in peace of mind and safety.
Get in touch now to discuss your requirements with the fire door maintenance professionals at Cobra today.
