The Importance of Fire Door Surveys

Fires can be devastating, causing significant damage to property and potentially putting lives at risk. In many buildings, fire doors are one of the most critical components of fire protection systems. They are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, allowing occupants to evacuate safely and minimising damage to the property. However, fire doors can only perform their intended function if they are properly maintained and inspected regularly.
Facilities managers play a crucial role in ensuring that the fire doors on their premises are regularly inspected. Here are some of the reasons why fire door inspections are essential:

Compliance with Regulations
There are various regulations and standards that govern the design, installation, and maintenance of fire doors. In the UK, fire doors must comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations and the Fire Safety Order. Regular fire door inspections are necessary to ensure that these doors meet the relevant standards and that they are functioning correctly.

Preventing the Spread of Fire and Smoke
Fire doors are designed to contain fires and prevent them from spreading throughout a building. If a fire door is damaged, it may not function as intended, allowing fire and smoke to spread quickly. Regular fire door inspections can identify any damage or defects that may compromise the effectiveness of fire doors, allowing them to be repaired or replaced as needed.

Protecting Property and Assets
In addition to protecting people, fire doors also play a critical role in protecting property and assets. If a fire is allowed to spread unchecked, it can cause significant damage to buildings and their contents. Fire doors can help to contain fires and limit the damage, but only if they are properly maintained and inspected.

Reducing Liability and Insurance Costs
If a fire occurs on a property, the owner or occupier may be held liable for any damage or injuries that result. Regular fire door inspections can help to reduce the risk of fires and limit the potential liability of facilities managers. In addition, insurance companies may require regular fire door inspections as a condition of coverage, and failure to comply with these requirements can result in higher insurance costs.

Peace of Mind
Facilities managers have a duty of care to their occupants, and regular fire door inspections can provide peace of mind that they are taking all necessary steps to protect their building and its occupants. Fire doors that are properly maintained and inspected can help to ensure that occupants have a safe means of escape in the event of a fire, and that the property is protected from damage.

Conclusion
Facilities managers must ensure that the fire doors on their premises are regularly inspected to comply with regulations, prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protect property and assets, reduce liability and insurance costs, and provide peace of mind. Regular fire door inspections are essential for ensuring that fire doors are functioning correctly and that they can provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire. Failure to conduct regular fire door inspections can have serious consequences, both in terms of potential damage to property and the risk to life. By prioritising regular fire door inspections, facilities managers can help to ensure the safety of their occupants and protect their property from the devastating effects of fire.