Responsible persons for residential and management companies are being urged to prepare themselves for upcoming changes to The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, with regards to Fire Door maintenance.
From 22 January 2023, there will be new legal requirements for all multi-occupied residential buildings in England with stories over 11 meters in height. This includes undertaking quarterly checks of all fire doors, and self-closing devices in the common areas.
New regulations
There will also be a new expectation to carry out annual checks “on a best endeavor basis” of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead to a building’s common areas.
According to the Government guidance notes, “The regulations will require responsible persons to provide to 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.”
Importance of fire doors
And this new legislation takes it to the next level to ensure regular monitoring practices are in place"
Says Phil Bryant, Amthal Head of Strategic Accounts, “The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 highlighted the essential role that fire doors play in preventing or inhibiting the spread of smoke and toxic gases, and in preserving the effective compartmentation of buildings."
“With the introduction of the Fire Safety Act 2021, flat entrance doors were confirmed as being in the scope of the Fire Safety Order. And this new legislation, as part of a raft of new measures, now takes it to the next level to ensure regular monitoring practices are in place and prioritized “on a best endeavor basis.”
Door checks
With severe penalties highlighted for non-compliance, Amthal has trained fire door specialists that can ensure checks are made in strict accordance with the new regulations.
Amthal tests the complete door assembly, including frame, seals, hardware, panels, as well as the door leaves themselves, constantly checking for any defects. These tests can be carried out as part of regular maintenance schedules to ensure minimum disruption for residents.
Fire safe accommodations
Phil concludes, “There may be minimum requirements but here at Amhal, we believe we have a duty of care to our customers, and to all residents to ensure they are fully informed and live in accommodation that is fire safe."
"This may exceed expectations for the new regulations but comes for us as a standard service to ensure we are doing all we can to ‘protect what’s precious.”