There is a legal requirement for manufacturers of fire doors to demonstrate the ability of their products to resist the passage and spread of fire. However, their fire resistance capabilities can be seriously compromised without an ongoing maintenance programme.
The safety and security of the building and its occupants can be seriously jeopardised if fire doors are not properly maintained and kept in good order with a regular and appropriate maintenance regime.
The onus is on the building owner/employer/occupier to ensure that the maintenance routine is carried out correctly.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 Section 17 stipulates that all fire protection systems and elements of fire compartmentation should be subject to routine inspection and maintenance to ensure that they are in good working order.
In order to comply with Section 17, fire door maintenance is a key requirement for every business and establishment to which the Order applies.
In the event of a fire, a well maintained and fully operational fire door will prevent the spread of fire and smoke allowing occupants time to escape safely from the building.
