A recent report from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) has revealed that 75% of fire doors inspected by approved inspectors in the UK failed to meet the required standard, putting lives at risk in the event of a fire. The data was based on more than 100,000 fire door inspections carried out in 2021, indicating that not much has improved since FDIS’ previous inspection data in 2019, which found that 76% of the fire doors inspected were condemned as not fit for purpose.
The most affected buildings were healthcare buildings, local authorities, housing associations, and private housing, which experience higher use and traffic compared to other building types. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance is crucial to ensure that the fire doors remain fit for purpose throughout their lifespan.
Common Reasons for Fire Door Inspection Failure
The most common reasons for inspection failure were excessive gaps between the door and the frame (77%), care and maintenance issues (54%), and issues over smoke sealing (37%). Improper installation accounted for almost a third (31%) of the failed inspections, meaning that those doors were never fit to perform the task of holding back fire and smoke.
The inspection data also revealed inspectors’ top three fire safety concerns as a lack of fire door maintenance, poor knowledge of fire safety responsibilities, and a limited understanding of the role fire doors play in keeping people safe by those responsible for building fire safety.
Building Safety Act Encourages More Proactive Approach to Fire Door Safety
FDIS noted that since the introduction of the Building Safety Act 2022, which replaced the Building Safety Bill, there has been an increase in demand for fire door inspections, with 77% of FDIS inspectors reporting a surge in inspections. This indicates the legislation’s importance in encouraging building owners and fire safety professionals to take a more proactive approach to fire door safety and maintenance.
Urgent Action Needed for Fire Door Maintenance and Inspection
FDIS warns that the vast majority of fire doors in the UK are failing inspections, and there is a tragedy waiting to happen. It is crucial that reputable and trained fire door inspectors, such as those approved by FDIS, carry out fire door inspections, and every building user should play a proactive role in reporting any faults to ensure they are quickly addressed to maintain the building’s safety.
Contact us today for a free quote for a Fire Risk Assessment to ensure your building is compliant.