Is the door as it currently stands "as supplied" (i.e. as certified at time of fitting) or has someone after installation fitted a device to the glass?

If "as supplied" then the FRA is incorrect to assert the panel must be clear.

If a retrofit film this should be removable.

Worst case you may need a replacement door to resolve the issue (or a replacement assessor).

Frosted glass would not obscure the appearance of flame and smoke on the other side of the door unlike a solid panel with no glass.

thankyou ! i havent been out to see this yet but could it be possible that something was left on the glass when installed ? i would have thought that being the case , the staff on site would have been able to remove it. They decsribe it as a 'cover' on the glass 

Originally Posted by: MJ Wigan

could it be possible that something was left on the glass when installed ?

It may be protective film but you would expect a competent installer to remove shipping materials.

Conversley the door could have been ordered with frosted/obscured glass.

For information, fire rated glazing must have proof of assessment and testing, be CE Marked according to EN1279-5, must be installed right way round i.e.one side withstand exposure to fire the other side preventing flames and hot gases penetratingthe unprotected side.

A permanent stamp on the glass indicating name of the manufacturer/supplier, the name of the glass product, performance rating.  The stamp must be visible after installing.

More can be found on IFSEC INSIDER.

Although I agree with Messay in principle, all the previous comments appear to be based on the door actually being required to be a fire door to meet the requirements of the fire strategy / achieve maximum travel distances and not just a door that has been installed as a fire door and signed as such but is not required to be such..

Clearly, if the door doesn't need to be a fire door, just take the sign off it and leave it as it is. But, if it is required to be a fire door (and therefore true risk is present) then it should meet all the requirements for a fire door. If you are unsure if it needs to be a fire door, get competent advice to make that determination.

Kate,

It’s not quite that simple. Many fire risk assessors operate on the principle that if a door is marked as a fire door, it must meet the required fire door standards—even if it does not actually need to be a fire door. This is also a common approach taken by the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) during their inspections.

In practice, it is quite common to see doors labelled as fire doors when, in reality, they may not be required to be. During most refurbishments involving door replacements or re-installations, fire door sets are often used by default. When fire doors are required, they are fully installed with the necessary fire safety components (e.g. cold smoke seals and intumescent strips). However, when they are not required to be fire doors, they are installed without these components. Despite this, they frequently end up with ‘Fire Door’ signage affixed to them.

Fire risk assessors tend to focus on identifying doors that should be fire doors but are not, rather than questioning whether doors marked as fire doors actually need to be.

Firesafety is quite right.

Fire Risk Assessors are not fire door inspectors. They may spot obvious issues, but they are not expected to assess every fire door.

For that reason BAFE insist that where fire doors are installed that all FRAs record the level of 'formal inspection of fire doors by a competent person' undertaken, and if they are not done that a recommendation be put in place that they are subject to these inspections at a suitable frequency (normally at least 6 monthly). This is more than the 'visual check' that is also required.

Edited by user 24 February 2025 12:46:46(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

The 6-monthly check requirement for fire doors is typically a best practice recommendation found in guidance documents, but it is not explicitly mandated in the primary legal framework like the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or the Building Regulations (Part B). However, it is widely adopted as part of fire safety management, especially for ensuring that fire doors are kept in good working order.

The 6-month interval is generally derived from a combination of industry standards, insurance requirements, and general fire safety practices. Here’s a breakdown of where this guidance comes from:

1. British Standards:

• BS 8214: This British Standard is related to the installation and maintenance of fire doors. While it doesn’t explicitly mandate a 6-month inspection, it emphasises the importance of regular inspections to ensure that fire doors remain effective. It’s often interpreted that regular checks should occur at intervals that ensure the doors are operating properly, and many in the industry follow a 6-month cycle as a safe and reasonable approach.

2. Fire Risk Assessment Recommendations:

• Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must conduct a fire risk assessment and ensure that fire doors are maintained. Many fire risk assessors recommend that fire doors be inspected at least every 6 months as part of the broader fire safety plan. This period allows enough time to identify wear and tear, damage, or faults that might compromise their function.

3. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022:

• The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require certain premises, such as high-rise residential buildings, to have their fire doors inspected annually. While this is a minimum requirement for high-rise buildings, some fire safety professionals recommend more frequent checks (every 6 months) for added safety and to ensure the doors are functioning correctly.

4. Industry Practice:

• Many fire door manufacturers and fire safety consultants recommend regular inspections at 6-month intervals, particularly in high-use or high-risk environments (e.g., hospitals, care homes, and office buildings). This is based on the understanding that regular checks are necessary to catch potential issues, such as damage to seals, hinges, or door closers, which may prevent the door from functioning as intended in the event of a fire.

5. Insurance Industry Guidance:

• Some insurance policies may require that fire doors are inspected and maintained on a regular basis, often recommending a 6-month inspection schedule to reduce the risk of fire spread and ensure compliance with safety standards.

In summary, while the 6-month check isn't a strict legal requirement under UK law, it is a widely accepted industry standard to ensure fire doors are adequately maintained. It's considered an appropriate interval to ensure that fire doors continue to function properly, minimising fire risks in the event of an emergency.

What is Involved in Fire Door Checks?

Fire door checks should be comprehensive, focusing on all the key components that ensure the door’s functionality and fire resistance. Here are the key aspects that should be inspected during these checks:

1. Door Leaf Condition:

   • Surface damage: Check for any signs of damage to the door leaf, such as cracks, dents, or burns, which could compromise its fire resistance.
   • Intact seals: Inspect the door for the presence of fire-resistant seals around the perimeter. These seals should be intact and free from damage or wear.

2. Door Frame:

   • Ensure that the door frame is securely fixed and not showing signs of wear or damage.
   • Check for gaps between the door and frame that could allow smoke or fire to pass through.
   • Inspect the frame for any damage to the fire-resistant material (if applicable).

3. Hinges and Fittings:

   • Verify that hinges are intact, free from damage, and that the door operates smoothly.
   • Check that all locks, latches, and handles are functioning correctly and are in good condition. In some cases, fire doors may have self-closing mechanisms, which must be checked to ensure they work properly.
   • Panic bars or other emergency hardware should operate smoothly and be free of obstructions.

4. Door Closing Mechanism:

   • Check the door closer: Ensure that the self-closing mechanism works as intended and that the door closes fully without any gaps. The door should close from any open position and latch securely.
   • Adjustments: Ensure the closing speed and force are appropriate for fire doors, especially in high-traffic areas.

5. Smoke Seals and Intumescent Strips:

   • Check for the presence and condition of smoke seals and intumescent strips. These seals expand when exposed to heat, sealing any gaps between the door and frame and preventing the passage of smoke and fire.
   • Ensure that there are no visible gaps or signs of wear.

6. Glazing:

   • If the fire door has glazing (windows or vision panels), inspect these to ensure the glass is fire-resistant and in good condition, with no cracks or damage. The glazing should be sealed and intact, ensuring no gaps are left where smoke or fire could penetrate.

7. Gap Testing:

   • Ensure that the gaps between the door and frame, and the door and the floor, are within the specified limits. The gap between the bottom of the door and the floor should generally not exceed 4mm.

8. Signs and Labels:

   • Ensure that the door is clearly marked with the appropriate fire door signage and fire-resistance rating (e.g., FD30, FD60, FD90), which indicates the fire resistance level (e.g., 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes).
   • Labels should be legible, and signs should be visible to users, indicating the door is a fire door and should not be propped open.

9. Prohibited Items:

   • Ensure that no obstructions (such as furniture or storage) are blocking the door or its operation. The fire door should be able to swing freely and close properly.

Standards for Fire Door Checks

Fire door inspections should be carried out against a range of relevant standards and guidelines. These standards provide the framework for how fire doors should be tested, installed, and maintained.

1. BS 8214:2016 – Code of Practice for Fire Door Installation and Maintenance:

   • This British Standard provides guidance on the installation and maintenance of fire doors, outlining how to check the functionality and condition of the fire doors regularly. It includes specific requirements for the inspection of door leaves, seals, hinges, and closers.

2. BS 9999:2017 – Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Buildings:

   • This standard provides guidance on fire safety management, including fire door inspections. It helps determine the frequency and scope of checks, as well as the general principles for fire door installation and maintenance.

3. Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005:

   • Although the Fire Safety Order doesn’t explicitly list the requirements for fire door checks, it does require that fire doors be part of the overall fire safety risk assessment and that they are properly maintained. Regular inspections should be carried out to ensure compliance.

4. Building Regulations (Part B: Fire Safety):

   • Part B provides technical guidance regarding the design, construction, and maintenance of fire doors. It sets out requirements for fire resistance ratings, door assemblies, and installation methods.

5. Manufacturer’s Specifications:

   • Fire doors should be checked according to the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance. This includes specific recommendations for checking and adjusting door closers, seals, and hardware.

6. Fire Door Safety Week:

   • This initiative, led by the Fire Door Safety Coalition, encourages building owners and occupiers to take a more proactive approach to fire door safety, offering useful information on how to carry out basic checks and identify potential issues with fire doors.

Documenting Inspections

It’s important to keep records of all fire door inspections. Documentation should include:

• The date of the inspection.
• The condition of each door and any issues found.
• Actions taken or maintenance performed to remedy any problems.
• Any recommendations for future inspections or repairs.

Regular inspections should be carried out by a competent person, trained in fire safety, and familiar with the relevant standards and regulations. Where appropriate, inspections should be conducted by specialists or fire safety professionals who can ensure compliance with the fire safety regulations and standards.