Managing Existing Fire Doors
When it comes to fire door management, starting with stock condition surveys might seem like the obvious choice. However, as a Facility Manager or Responsible Person, it’s crucial to ensure that the advice you’re receiving is accurate. But is a stock condition survey really the best starting point? I suggest that understanding fire safety requirements and engaging with a reputable Fire Risk Assessor should be your first step.
Legislation doesn’t require every fire door to meet the latest codes, but it does mandate that systems of maintenance are in place and that work is carried out by a Competent Person. In fact, as a Responsible Person, you’re strongly encouraged to work with competent professionals. Therefore, assembling a skilled team and clearly defining roles and responsibilities should be your first priority.
What Does Competency Really Mean?
Competency isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Consider the following when assessing potential team members:
Skills: What specific skills does the individual possess?
Knowledge: Where did they acquire their knowledge, and how extensive is it?
Experience: How much experience do they have, and in what contexts?
You might even present them with sample scenarios to gauge their problem-solving abilities.
Understanding the Role of a Fire Door Inspector
A Fire Door Inspector’s job is to evaluate the condition of a door and assign it a risk level based on its current state. It’s important to note that this risk level applies to the door itself and should not be confused with the building’s overall risk assessment, though their findings will certainly influence it.
Keep in mind that a Fire Door Inspector is not a designer. Unless qualified, they shouldn’t specify which doors to use. Instead, it’s up to the Responsible Person(s) to review the inspection report and obtain quotes for repairs, maintenance, or replacements. This decision should be made in conjunction with the Risk Assessor’s findings.
Engaging Contractors: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
When hiring contractors, a common mistake is to engage only those with third-party certification. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations of these schemes. For example, some schemes may not recognise repairs that others do.
Ask yourself:
Can the door be repaired to its original state and function as intended?
Is the repair practical, or should new doors be considered?
Remember: Installing a new door constitutes a design change, which must be documented and is often notifiable.
New Doors: Installation and Certification
For new doors, third-party certification schemes require that installation guides are provided with each door. Without these guides, the margin for error increases significantly. To manage a building’s fire doors throughout its lifecycle, Fire Certification is essential. The Field of Application or Global Assessment will give critical information for building owners and managers, making it imperative that this documentation is easily traceable to each door.
Beware of the misconception that a fire door inspector will sign off on installation work. The responsibility for installation lies with the company and individuals who perform the job. While a door may be inspected as a final check during handover, the inspector cannot be held accountable for the installation.
Compliance, Evidence, and Tracking
Managing fire doors effectively involves maintaining comprehensive records from manufacturing through installation to ongoing inspections and maintenance. Door Data Systems offers leading software that allows each trade to contribute to a door’s history, ensuring detailed records are kept. The system simplifies reporting, speeds up maintenance, and reduces the need for multiple site visits by engineers
With a centralised dashboard, Facility Managers can access key data, schedule work, appoint contractors, monitor door status, export reports, and integrate with existing asset management systems. Designed to deliver ongoing benefits, Door Data Systems helps reduce costs, improve standards, and support continued education and improvement in fire safety.
Standard features incorporating voice recognition for onsite reporting, adding parts and door details ensures comprehensive regulatory reports. Offline working and API integration provides ease of use for field operatives and facility management.
For further support and guidance on fire door management, contact Jim Kerr, Managing Director of Door Data Systems, at Jim.kerr(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)doordatasystems.co.uk or 03301 330679.