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Everitt38039  
#1 Posted : 23 January 2012 18:09:06(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Everitt38039

Hello all! We have had a insurance review and a request... "Periodic inspections of the doors must be made, with a view to maintaining the integrity of the division and satisfactory operation of the doors". We have done this and dug a bigger hole! Some doors have smoke seals, some do not, etc, we have a corridor that separates the warehouse from the offices with fire doors both sides, with no sleeping arrangements and a "all out in two minuets" with a modern fire system. My suggestion is to get a carpenter in and make all the doors FD30 with intumescent strips as their are multiple routes for escape. My questions are, is this inspection a insurance or statute requirement? Is the FD30 plan acceptable? Any advice please. Richard.
stevie40  
#2 Posted : 24 January 2012 11:23:41(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
stevie40

Do you know what angle the insurer was coming from. Let me explain.

If it was your property insurer, they would be looking at protection of the building and the continuity of the business. These surveys will be looking at heavy duty fire resisting doors and shutters, those capable of resisting fire for 2 hours or more. Usually found in workshops, factory floors and warehouse spaces, although not so common in newer buildings.

If it was your liability insurer, they would have been looking at protection of employees and public. Did the surveyor comment on site or see something to cause concern? Satisfactory operation would mean ensuring self closing mechanisms would work and the doors hadn't warped.

As for the basis of your question, if it is the liability angle they are considering, then the ability to show you have carried out a thorough fire risk assessment and the existing control measures work should keep your insurers happy.
Everitt38039  
#3 Posted : 24 January 2012 11:41:42(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Everitt38039

I would say "liability" all door are shut, however on inspection some are a bit gappy, some are marked "fire door" some are not, they are all solid wood doors with wired glass pannels.

They were happy with the fire risk assessment and given 90 days to fix the door inspection program.
firesafety101  
#4 Posted : 24 January 2012 12:17:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101

First you need to establish which are fire doors, do you have a fire certificate left over from previous fire regs. if so it will indicate the fire compartments?

You can look for fire doors by using a mirror to look at the top of each door, fire doors will have a metal plate indicating its certification. Once you know which are the fire doors check the seals, hingrs, closing devices and frame, look above the frame (suspended ceiling etc. to ensure the compartment extends to the top. Check the handles are correct and not drilled right through the door.

Glazing, just because its wired isn't necessarily fire resisting. Look for the markings on the glass. If laminated should be BSEN 14449 with name of manufacturer and 30E or E30. If wired should be BSEN 572 the name and 30E or E30.

If not a fire compartment then no use for a fire door.

No sleeping risk so FD30 should be OK but the separation from warehouse I would recommend FD60.

Your Carpenter needs to be certified in dealing with fire doors.

Mr.Flibble  
#5 Posted : 25 January 2012 13:59:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Mr.Flibble

I would imagine that they are making reference to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - PART 2 Article 17 which covers maintenance of all facilities and equipment provided under the Order as I have also been asked this question before (by an auditor)
Ken Slack  
#6 Posted : 25 January 2012 16:13:02(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ken Slack

It may just be that they want to see a formal procedure in place for the review and maintenance of fire protection i.e. Weekly alarms tests, monthly em light tests, monthly checks on fire doors etc etc..
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