By Freemasons for Freemasonry
Here to help you save money on your Masonic Buildings Insurance
Dear Member
Under the Regulatory Fire Safety Order 2005 you have a legal duty to check that your fire doors are correctly maintained. This order provides a framework for regulating fire safety in all non-domestic buildings and applies across England and Wales.
As property managers it is your duty to ensure that adequate fire safety training is in place to cover general fire awareness and to provide support for people in meeting their fire safety duties.
You also need to ensure that your property meets required standards. An inspection should be carried out by a suitably competent person and all aspects of the inspection should be recorded as you may need to evidence the inspection should you be unfortunate enough to suffer a fire at your property.
If you are not compliant you could be prosecuted.
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-fire-safety-your-responsibilities/fire-risk-assessments is a good place to start for initial guidance although you may wish to engage with your regional fire brigade for an expert assessment
One very important aspect concerns the regular inspection of fire doors you should look for the following:
Certification
Check that the components on the door exactly match those listed in the certification documents.
Gaps and Seals
Ensure that the gap between the door and the frame is between 2mm and 4mm at the top and sides and that the gap under the door is no more than 10mm between the door and the floor.
Check that the intumescent seals fitted around the door or frame are in good condition.
Hinges & Ironmongery
Check that there are at least three sets of securely fitted hinges and that all the screws are intact and of the same size. The hinge, door leaf, frame and all components such as locks and handles should have the same fire rating as the door and be free from visible damage.
Door closer
Check that the door closer in good condition and does not show signs of damage or disengagement. The door closer should close the door completely within twenty five seconds from any position.
Door and frame
Check that the fired door is free from visible damage and that ventilation grilles, door furniture or vision panels if added are in line with manufacturer’s instructions.
Signage
Fire doors should be clearly marked. Signage may be required on both sides of the door and should be in accordance with BS5499.
Retainers
Fire doors should never be tied, propped or wedged open. If evidence of this is found, it should be addressed through training and by fitting a legal device like a fire door retainer.
Jim Knight
Mutual Manager
13thOctober 2023
