Fire door regulations you should know

Why do we have fire door specifications?

Fire doors are designed to stop the spread of fires and are tested against the elements when they’re made. Fire doors have a few crucial safety features and can be the difference between life and death.

In 2008, there were 451 fatalities in the UK resulting from fire. 42% of deaths were related to smoke inhalation and 1 in 12 fires spread to other rooms in the building. Fire doors have two important functions:

• They form a barrier to stop the spread of fire when closed
• They offer a way to escape when opened

Because of how important they are, they need to meet certain specifications during regular inspections to ensure they’re working properly.

What is the British standard for fire doors?

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 requires regular checks to ensure that self-closing devices on fire doors function correctly. The fire doors themselves, such as flat entrance doors, should be in good condition and repair.

Responsible individuals, including building owners and others with control of the premises, must comply with the regulations as of 23/01/2000.

Any breach of the regulations is a criminal offence. Especially if the breach places individuals at risk of death or serious injury in the event of a fire.

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require responsible persons for all multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres tall in England to:

• undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts
• undertake annual checks of all flat entrance doors (including self-closing devices) that lead onto a building’s common areas
• provide their residents with information on the importance of fire doors to a building’s fire safety.

Recent research has shown that a lack of reporting faulty fire doors can put lives at risk during a fire. It’s crucial that checks are taken regularly and reports of broken doors are dealt with in good time.

Who should install fire doors?

Technically, anyone can install a fire door. However, the person installing it must understand the regulations and standards. Door fitters and joiners are likely to be the most experienced at this task and will have the necessary skills.

A qualified professional with training in installing fire doors will ensure that it’s fitted correctly. There are several qualifications that a fitter can hold that will make them competent at fitting fire doors correctly.

What qualifications do you need to install a fire door?

To be able to install a fire door safely and to the right standards, there is training you can do. This training may include:

• Fire Door Installation Training
• Fire Door Maintenance Training
• Fire Door Inspection Training
• Third-Party Certification

Achieving these qualifications could help you to expand your business. Our free guide to growing your trade business has even more ideas:

Fire door installation regulations you should follow

The most common categories of fire doors are FD30 and FD60, which offer 30 and 60 minutes of fire protection. However, the fire-stopping capabilities of a fire door are impeded if not properly installed.

Fire doors must be built with fire-resistant hinges, an automatic door closer, and intumescent seals around the door. They must also meet certain requirements for frames, signage, and even gap widths.

Fire door installation is regulated by several standards and regulations, including:

• The Building Regulations:The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B covers the installation of fire doors in England and Wales. This document outlines the minimum requirements for fire doors in various types of buildings.
• BS 8214:2016:This British Standard provides guidance on the installation and maintenance of timber-based fire doors in buildings.
• BS 9999:2017: This British Standard provides guidance on fire safety in the construction, management, and use of buildings.
• BS EN 1634-1:2014:This British Standard provides guidance on fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies.
• BS 476 part 22:1987: This is the definitive British Standard for determining the fire resistance of non-load-bearing elements of construction.

To help installers, here’s a quick guide to the particulars of fire door installation and what to look out for:

What are the regulations for fire door signage?

Green and white “Fire Exit” signs should be used to mark any escape route through a building. They should be used along the route, but not directly on doors, to ensure they’re continuously pointing in the correct direction.

Fire doors should have a blue “Fire Door Keep Shut” sign on both sides. If using double doors, both doors will require signs on both sides. If your fire door automatically closes and opens, there is a version of the sign that states that.

What are fire door height regulations?

Fire doors adhere to standard door heights. However, they do have specific width requirements depending on the number of people in the building:

1. For 60 people, it should be 750mm wide
2. For 100 people, 850mm wide
3. For 220 people, 1050mm wide
4. For more than 220 people, it should be 5mm per person

What are the regulations on fire door locks?

Fire doors must never be locked when a building is occupied. There must never be an obstruction to the route of escape for people in the building.

What are the regulations on fire door gap widths?

Regulations specify that there must be a gap of between 2mm-4mm around or between doors. 3mm gaps allow you to fit intumescent strips to block smoke and flames from passing through.

What are the regulations on fire door frames?

You should purchase and install a certified fire door frame instead of using a standard frame. You can also buy fire doors and frames together to make your fitting job easier. All hinges used in a fire door must be fire-resistant, with a recommended three hinges per door. Insufficient hinges can harm the fire safety of your door.

Join Checkatrade!

Perhaps the best way to get your skills out there is by joining Checkatrade. But don’t just take our word for it.

As a Checkatrade member, you’ll be visible to thousands of property owners requiring fire door fittings every year. You’ll also benefit from the ‘tick people trust,’ to help you to win more of the jobs you quote for.