Accurate Installation and Fire Door Compliance

Karen Trigg of Allegion UK explores the critical relationship between hardware installation and fire door compliance and why competence remains essential in ensuring lives aren’t put at risk.

Functional fire doors are a cornerstone of passive fire protection and are recognised as a legal requirement in non-domestic properties and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). For a building to be considered fire safe, its fire doors must be operational, and as such, careful attention is frequently placed on standardised testing, specification and ongoing maintenance.

Perhaps less understood is the link between accurate door hardware installation and fire safety compliance, explains Karen Trigg of Allegion UK: “Certified fire doors are tested with - and are reliant on - a range of hardware components, including hinges, locks, latches and door closers. Whilst ironmongery products must be CE or UKCA marked, Certifire accredited and tested under separate standards, there is less regulatory emphasis placed on the installation process.

“Should hardware be improperly or inaccurately fitted to a door, its fire resistant capabilities become compromised, leaving a building and its occupants at risk. Yet, installation remains a pain point for the fire safety industry. Evidence suggests that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fire door failure, and despite a wave of regulatory framework updates in other areas, there remains a level of ambiguity towards the proficiency required for fitting fire door hardware.

“As per the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: fire door guidance, it is assumed that responsible persons must possess evidence that the design, specification and installation of a fire door is adequate for its location. The guidance also states that upon inspection, if there is any doubt that a fire-resistant flat entrance door has been replaced, the resident may be asked to confirm that the new fire door has been ‘installed by a competent person’.

“It’s clear then that fire door installation is significant to fire door performance and a critical aspect of our built environment. Yet, there remains no legal requirement for installers to possess a mandatory qualification or accreditation when performing installation. This presents a misconception that fire doors and their hardware can be installed by anyone - after all, how is ‘competence’ defined? In reality, duty holders are risking compliance, with unskilled individuals using incorrect fixing methods and stripping certified fire doors of their FD rating in the process.”

Reducing the gaps

The introduction and ongoing implementation of phase 3 of the Building Safety Act 2022 has strengthened the ability of enforcement authorities to act against non-compliance. With greater emphasis placed on meeting standards throughout the lifecycle of fire doors, responsible persons are urged to seek trusted, professional help when unsure about hardware installation. Karen expands:

“Duty holders should seek professional support when installing fire door hardware, in the same way they would rely on qualified persons to assess and install a gas boiler for example. Certified professionals can demonstrate the right skills, knowledge and experience when installing fire door systems, effectively removing any questions surrounding competence and compliance.

“During installation, it is also best practice to follow manufacturer guidelines and fitting instructions. Door hardware products are often unique to the manufacturer, with distinctive components, fittings and fixing points, and as a result should never be approached as like for like installation projects. Fire door integrity is frequently compromised by alignment issues and improper installation methods as a result of this knowledge gap.

“In many cases, an appropriately specified and perfectly operational fire door closer can be found ineffective, solely as a result of poor installation. Consequently, a fire door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position, leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fire to pass through in an emergency situation. It’s important to plan ahead and appreciate that door hardware installation is a specialised task.

“To improve the accuracy of installations, there’s a wealth of information and detailed walkthroughs made available from conscious manufacturers in the form of fitting templates, product datasheets and video guides. Guidance can usually be found online, with product packaging, or can be requested directly and is designed to support installers throughout a project whilst reducing installation time and enhancing the life of the installed hardware. Product information and installation guidance can also be useful post-installation. Where a responsible person is required to perform ongoing checks and regular maintenance periods as part of their obligations, some fixing instruction may assist in scenarios when hardware adjustments are required.

“Fire door hardware installation is neither the first nor final step of fire door safety, but it is a fundamental one. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, we’re seeing a cultural shift in fire safety accountability, and responsible persons would be remiss to undervalue the significance of accurate hardware installation. Ultimately, when it comes to fire door safety compliance, a combination of competence and education is essential.”

The support that Allegion UK can provide

Allegion UK works closely with reputable bodies such as the GAI, BWF-FDA and DHF and as a conscious member of the supply chain is committed to supporting customers throughout product specification and the necessary installation and maintenance procedures thereafter. Allegion has a wealth of customer support resources, including its newly downloadable ‘Fire Door Hardware Maintenance and Installation Logbook’ which has been designed to address common issues in these areas whilst offering accessible installation guidance and comprehensive maintenance walkthroughs for each critical element of fire door hardware. 

www.allegion.com

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