Ensuring Fire Safety in Camden’s Private Residential Properties
Fire safety compliance is a pressing concern for all property owners, especially in London’s densely populated areas like Camden. Recent updates in fire safety regulations have made it even more critical for properties to meet strict fire safety requirements. Property owners are required to ensure all aspects of their buildings, including doors, are compliant with the latest standards.
This case focuses on a fire risk assessment conducted at a private residential building in Camden, London, where inadequate fire doors posed a significant safety concern.
The Challenge
The property, which spans three floors and serves six privately owned flats, had recently undergone a fire risk assessment. Based on the findings, it was recommended that all fire doors be inspected by a competent professional. Fire doors are a critical safety feature in any building, providing a barrier that slows the spread of fire and smoke, allowing occupants to evacuate safely.
Upon our inspection, several key issues came to light. The doors lacked basic fire protection measures, and without detailed records or history of the doors’ installation, it was difficult to ascertain whether they were notional fire doors (doors that provide some level of fire protection despite not meeting modern standards). Our assessment indicated that these doors would not perform adequately in the event of a fire.
Visual Signs of Non-Compliance
In reference to the images of the property, the door frames and locking mechanisms show potential areas of concern:
- The first image depicts a door frame with improper sealing. Gaps around the doorframe are visible, which compromises the door’s ability to contain fire and smoke. Fire doors must have intumescent seals around the frame to ensure that, under heat, the seals expand and block the passage of smoke and flames.
- The second image shows a section of a door latch that appears substandard. If this door serves as a fire exit, the absence of proper fire-rated hardware raises serious concerns. All components of a fire door, including the latches, must meet fire safety standards to ensure full functionality during an emergency.
- The third image depicts a Yale lock, which is not fire-rated. The lock should be replaced with a fire-rated locking system to maintain compliance with fire door regulations.
Take a look at our recent page – Common Issues and Problems with Fire Doors: Identification, Prevention, and Solutions – to understand more about how LFS can aid you resolving fire door issues and problems.
The Solution
Our team at Lyons Fire Safety knew that immediate action was required to bring this property into compliance. With our extensive experience in fire door inspections and remedial work, we began by conducting a comprehensive review of all the fire doors on the premises.
Fire Door Inspection
During the inspection, we confirmed that the existing doors and frames did not meet the necessary fire resistance requirements. Given the substantial gaps around the doorframes (as shown in the images) and the lack of fire-rated hardware, the existing setup posed a significant risk.
The presence of non-fire-rated components, including the Yale lock, indicated that these doors would not provide adequate protection in a fire emergency.
Replacing Fire Doors and Frames
After discussing our findings with the property manager and the flat owners, we recommended replacing the doors and frames entirely. This was the most cost-effective and reliable way to ensure full compliance with modern fire safety standards. Installing certified fire doors provided 100% certainty in the performance of these essential safety components.
We oversaw the installation of new fire doors, ensuring that all frames were correctly sealed with intumescent strips and the hardware was updated to fire-rated specifications. This not only increased the overall safety of the property but also ensured the doors could perform as designed in the event of a fire.
Swift, Disruption-Free Installation
We worked closely with the property owners to minimise disruption, especially considering the building was fully occupied. Our team completed the installation efficiently, ensuring that the residents could continue their day-to-day activities without major inconvenience.
Ensuring Long-Term Compliance
Once the installation was complete, we provided a tailored maintenance plan for the property to ensure long-term compliance. Fire doors require periodic inspections to maintain their integrity, and our detailed maintenance schedule outlined all the necessary checks and actions needed to keep the doors in optimal condition.
The Importance of Regular Fire Risk Assessments
This case highlights the importance of conducting regular fire risk assessments in private residential buildings. A fire risk assessment is critical for identifying hazards and ensuring that the necessary safety measures are in place. In this instance, the assessment revealed significant shortcomings in the fire door installations, which could have had catastrophic consequences in an emergency.
By engaging experts like us, at Lyons Fire Safety, property owners can be confident that their buildings meet all safety regulations and provide the highest level of protection for their residents.
Ongoing Support from Lyons Fire Safety
At Lyons Fire Safety, we are committed to supporting our clients not just during the project but long after it is completed. We are always available to offer advice and guidance, ensuring that our clients remain compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.
Our team of experienced inspectors can carry out thorough fire risk assessments and provide the solutions needed to keep your property safe and compliant. Using the latest technology and methods, we ensure that every part of your fire safety system is inspected, evaluated, and improved where necessary.
Get Expert Fire Risk Assessments and Solutions Today
If you need a fire risk assessment or fire door inspection, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Lyons Fire Safety. Our nationwide team is ready to provide a comprehensive service, ensuring your property is fully compliant with fire safety regulations.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements or request a customised quote.
Contact Us:
Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk
We are happy to answer any questions you may have or provide guidance on improving fire safety at your property.