A Brief Guide to Updated Fire Door Safety Regulations

From the 23rd January 2023, the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 became a legal requirement for landlords and responsible parties. The regulations affect all multi-occupied premises residential premises in England with storeys over 11 metres in height. Read on to inform yourself on the updated fire door safety regulations, and find out where you can source reliable fire doors.



What are the updated fire door safety regulations?

The new legislation states that:

●     Responsible person(s) must undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts.

●     Responsible person(s) must undertake – on a best endeavour basis – annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common parts.

The regulations will also require responsible persons to provide residents of all multi-occupied residential buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises (that have common parts) information on the importance of fire doors to a building’s fire safety.

Minimum requirements for inspections of fire doors

The minimum requirement is for the responsible person to undertake an inspection of the doors to identify any obvious damage or issues. Checks to consider include:

●     If there have been any alterations or damage to a door’s glazing apertures or air transfer grille

●     If there are any gaps around the door frame and the seals and hinges are fitted correctly

●     That the door closer shuts the door

●     That the door closes correctly around the whole frame

●     That there is no visible damage (either deliberate or from wear and tear) to the door or door closer

What about buildings below 11 metres?

You will still need to have general fire precautions in place in any building covered by the Fire Safety Order, regardless of height.

The Fire Safety Act 2012 states that any building with two or more sets of domestic premises is within the scope of the Fire Safety Order. The responsible person(s) for residential buildings below 11 metres in height must put in place general fire precautions in these buildings. This responsibility includes ensuring that all fire doors, including flat entrance doors, are capable of providing adequate protection and ensuring all residents are given information on fire doors.

Building owners and responsible persons need to ensure they are compliant with the new fire door regulations. It is crucial that responsible persons carry out the required checks and provide residents with relevant information to help maintain the building's fire safety.

At Thoroughbred Industrial Doors, the industrial door company you can count on, we produce custom-made fire resistant doors so that the tight fit maximises your fire resistance. We’re a leading supplier of industrial doors, from industrial sliding doors to electric garage doors, so get in touch today to find out how we can help you.