What are the new Fire Door Regulations for 2023?

New fire safety guidance comes into force on 1st October 2023, and this applies to all building across the UK. New regulations also target fire doors.

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) makes a number of amendments to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) to improve fire safety in all buildings regulated by the FSO.

Phase 3 further strengthens fire safety in all FSO regulated premises by:

• Helping to improve cooperation and coordination between Responsible Persons (RPs)
• Increasing the requirements for recording and sharing fire safety information throughout a building’s lifespan
• Making it easier for authorities to take action against non-compliance
• Ensuing residents have access to information about fire safety in their building

Why are fire doors important?

Fire doors are an important part of any fire strategy, they minimise fires from spreading through a building, allowing people time to escape and the fire brigade time to attend and save life’s along with your property.

Here at Access Innovations, we can carry out fire door inspections and testing, to ensure you are fully compliant with all current fire safety regulations. We cover businesses and individuals across Birmingham, Coventry and the surrounding areas.

So if you own a large building, an office, warehouse, block of flats, or any building that has fire doors, ensure they are fully compliant with help from our team – contact us today to arrange an appointment.

What are the building regulations for fire doors in the UK?

All fire doors should meet fire safety standards, the door must be a minimum of FD30, offering at least 30 minutes fire resistance and tested in accordance to BS476: part 22 1987 or BS EN 1634 – 1 2000.

Every part of the fire door will need to offer 30 minutes of fire protection, parts include:

• Door
• Frame
• Self-closers
• Hinges
• Handles and locks
• Glazed panels
• Intumescent seals
• Signage
• Certification
• Retainers

Who is responsible?

Responsible people such as building owners and other persons having control of the premises such as building managers are required by law to make sure premises reach required standards of fire safety regulations 2022. Any breach of the regulations is a criminal offence.

What rooms need a fire door?

Fire doors must be used to form the compartmentation of your premises. Including all doorways leading to escape routes.

What are the necessary inspections for fire doors?

• The responsible person should be checking for obvious damage and disrepair. Checks should include:
• Each fire door closes correctly around its entire frame
• Gap size around the door frame. no more than 4mm, except at the bottom of the door
• Self-closing device is operating correctly
• Seals and hinges are correctly fitted
• No altercations have been made to the air transfer grille and or glazing aperture
• Visible damage to the door and self-closing device

What are the different types of fire doors?

• FD30 – 30 minutes of fire protection (44/45mm thick)
• FD60 – 60 minutes of fire protection (54mm thick)
• FD90 – 90 minutes of fire protection (64mm thick)
• FD120 – 120 minutes of fire protection (64mm thick)

Additional benefits of fire doors include added security, durability, quality, and extra soundproofing!

If you want more information on our fire door inspection and testing services, contact us for a quote, and to book an appointment today.