We frequently receive enquiries from clients seeking our opinion on the accuracy of their fire door inspections. The fact that we're asked for a second opinion indicates some doubts about the reliability of the results.

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Typically, these reports consist of extensive spreadsheets filled with standard phrases, often culminating in a stark "FAIL" marking for many doors. Consequently, we're facing a situation where a significant proportion of fire doors have been deemed non-compliant; surely a huge life safety risk?

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Before delving into the specifics, our questions revolve around the fire risk assessment's stance on these failed doors. If they haven't been addressed in the assessment, we're left wondering whether all the doors have indeed failed since the last evaluation—a scenario that seems improbable—or if they've been marked as failures solely based on the inspector's discretion.

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In such a dilemma, where does a conscientious building manager turn? Occasionally, the fire door inspector can connect them with service providers capable of carrying out necessary remedial actions at a reduced rate, or even their own company might offer assistance—a stroke of luck indeed!!

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Tom Welland, Director at Peak said:
 

The recent mandate under the Fire Safety England Regulations for more frequent fire door inspections has resulted in a surge in demand and a rise in newly qualified fire door assessors. While this influx isn't inherently negative, it's crucial to acknowledge that after brief training, these assessors are primarily equipped with basic knowledge of woodworking and ironmongery.

They often have limited understanding of building design, the spread of fire and human behaviour. 

Based on the reports I've reviewed, it appears that they often lack thorough assessment in their surveys. Given that the majority of doors being reviewed are not new installations, we cannot apply the same stringent standards as we would to freshly installed doors in a development project.
 

While we meticulously collect data on ironmongery, gaps, seals, and glazing, it's imperative that the industry refrains from overselling advice based on minor compliance issues such as a missing label. We have to interpret the data based on the circumstances of the case. 
 

BS476 serves as the benchmark for fire doors. Compliance with this standard indicates that all components meet relevant standards and that the entire doorset has undergone fire resistance testing.
 

In an ideal scenario, every door would boast perfect installation and display relevant test evidence. However, reality dictates otherwise. Hence, as professionals, it's incumbent upon us to leverage our experience, guidance, and judgement to assess a door's suitability.
 

Our evaluation aims to determine if the door can effectively facilitate escape routes. We're not merely conducting a binary audit against British Standards, as adherence to a standard doesn't equate to legal compliance. For doors lacking test house certification, we have the option to classify them as notional/nominal fire doors—a permissible practice.
 

It's irresponsible for fire door inspectors to fail a fire door solely based on an audit against British Standards intended for fire door installations. Our role is to guide and advise clients, offering actionable plans for remedial actions and affordable upgrade programs based on each door's risk assessment.
 

Should you wish to discuss the findings of your fire door report or seek guidance on implementing an estate-wide program efficiently, our fire door team is at your disposal for a comprehensive consultation.