Fire Safety with Comprehensive Fire Door Inspections and Reports
At Lyons Fire Safety (LFS), we specialise in providing robust fire door inspections, detailed documentation, and remedial works to meet fire safety standards. With the safety of people and properties as our top priority, our services are tailored to align with UK regulations, including Regulation 38 and BS 9999.
Our process ensures that all fire doors inspected meet the necessary criteria, helping clients achieve compliance and providing peace of mind. Read on to explore our inspection processes, documentation, and two recent case studies that highlight our expertise.
The Fire Door Inspection Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Fire doors are a vital part of any building’s fire safety measures. At LFS, we follow a rigorous inspection process to ensure each fire door is fit for purpose. Our process includes:
Initial Assessment
A thorough evaluation of the fire door’s installation history, current condition, and compliance with fire safety standards. If the door is a notional fire door, we assess its performance potential based on existing materials and gaps.
Documentation of Findings
Each inspection is accompanied by a detailed report outlining measurements, gaps (door-to-frame and frame-to-wall), intumescent seals, hardware functionality, and overall condition. For example, gaps are measured to meet the ideal tolerances of 2-4 mm
Identification of Defects
We highlight any areas requiring attention, such as missing smoke seals, improper gaps, or outdated hardware.
Recommendation for Remedial Work
Where necessary, we provide actionable recommendations to improve the fire door’s compliance. These include the installation of drop-down seals or upgrading hinges and locks.
Follow-Up Inspections
After remedial works, we re-inspect the fire doors to ensure compliance and update all documentation accordingly.
Detailed Reporting and Documentation
Our reports are comprehensive, ensuring traceability for every stage of the process. We include:
- Visual Evidence: Photos of pre- and post-inspection conditions.
- Technical Measurements: Gap measurements, seal compatibility, and hardware details.
- Compliance Notes: Confirmation of adherence to BS 9999 and Regulation 38 requirements.
- Live Data Links: Access to supporting documents, such as product datasheets and installation records.
This documentation is not only essential for building control sign-offs but also provides clients with a clear understanding of their fire safety status.
Fire Door Inspections for Camden’s Private Residential Properties
The Challenge: Enhancing Fire Safety in Older Residential Flats
In Camden, a three-storey residential property housing six privately owned flats underwent a fire risk assessment, which flagged urgent concerns regarding its fire safety measures. The property’s existing fire doors were outdated and failed to meet modern compliance standards. Key issues included:
- Lack of Fire Protection Measures: The doors were missing critical safety features, such as smoke seals and compliant gaps.
- No Installation History Records: Without the correct documentation, it was unclear whether the doors were even fire-rated, suggesting they were notional.
- Wide Gaps and Threshold Issues: Gaps between the doors and frames exceeded the acceptable tolerances of 2-4 mm, compromising fire containment.
Our Solution: Comprehensive Inspection and Remedial Actions
To address these challenges, LFS conducted a detailed inspection and implemented targeted solutions to improve compliance:
- Installed Drop-Down Seals: Added drop-down seals to close excessive threshold gaps, ensuring better containment of smoke and fire.
- Adjusted Door Gaps: Used precise measurements and adjustments to bring the gaps between doors and frames within the required tolerances.
- Thorough Documentation: Produced a detailed, photo-supported report highlighting pre-inspection deficiencies, post-remedial improvements, and compliance with BS 9999.
Did You Know? Lyons Fire Safety also assists joinery and fit-out companies in ensuring fire doors are correctly installed and maintained. Contact us to learn more about our partnerships.
Outcome: Improved Safety and Compliance
Following our intervention, the property now meets fire safety regulations, offering significantly enhanced protection for residents. The detailed report also ensures building management has a clear record of fire safety compliance, ready for future inspections or audits.
Ready to Protect Your Property?
Don’t wait until it’s too late—schedule a fire door inspection with LFS today and ensure your building complies with fire safety regulations. Contact us now at 0121 517 0562 or email david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk.
Golden Thread in Action: At Lyons Fire Safety, we integrate the “Golden Thread” theory into all our fire door services. This means we maintain precise, digital records throughout the lifecycle of your fire doors, ensuring compliance and enabling efficient management.
Supporting a Large Interior Fit-Out Project in Birmingham
The Challenge: Ensuring Fire Door Compliance in a Major Development
A prominent interior fit-out contractor in Birmingham enlisted LFS to oversee fire safety for a large-scale commercial project. The project, involving multiple fire doors, required meticulous documentation to satisfy building control under Regulation 38. The main challenges included:
- Partition Formation: Correct alignment of walls and door frames to ensure fire containment zones were compliant with regulations.
- Frame-to-Wall Gaps: Recording precise measurements and selecting appropriate sealing products to meet safety standards.
- Complete Documentation: Preparing a comprehensive handover package detailing compliance at every stage of the project.
Our Solution: Fire Safety From Start to Finish
LFS worked closely with the contractor throughout the project lifecycle to ensure every fire safety aspect was accounted for:
- Expert Inspections: Our team meticulously checked each door frame’s alignment and fire rating, documenting any issues along the way.
- Product Recommendations: Based on gap measurements, we specified and installed the correct fire sealing products, ensuring compliance.
- Comprehensive Handover Documentation: Delivered detailed reports, including gap measurements, installed materials, and photo evidence. This package was designed to meet the rigorous standards of Regulation 38.
Did You Know? Lyons Fire Safety also assists joinery and fit-out companies in ensuring fire doors are correctly installed and maintained. Contact us to learn more about our partnerships.
Outcome: Flawless Building Control Sign-Off
Thanks to our involvement, the project achieved smooth building control sign-off, ensuring it was handed over to the client with full compliance. Our attention to detail and transparent reporting highlighted our commitment to quality control and traceability.
Need Expert Fire Safety Documentation?
Whether you’re managing a new build or a retrofit project, our expertise in fire door compliance can ensure your project meets regulatory standards. Call 0121 517 0562 or email david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk to discuss your needs today.
Get in Touch for Expert Fire Safety Services
Take the first step in protecting your property and the people within it. Contact Lyons Fire Safety to book a fire door inspection today. Our friendly team is here to support you in achieving full compliance with fire safety regulations.
Lyons Fire Safety is here to help you meet fire safety regulations and protect what matters most. To schedule a fire door survey or risk assessment, contact us today:
Phone: 0121 517 0562
Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk
Why Choose LFS for Fire Door Inspections?
- Expertise: Our team is trained to identify and rectify fire safety issues efficiently.
- Compliance Assurance: We adhere strictly to UK regulations.
- Comprehensive Reports: Our detailed documentation provides peace of mind and facilitates regulatory approvals.
- Customised Solutions: From notional door assessments to modern compliance upgrades, we tailor our services to your needs.
FAQs
What is a fire door inspection?
A fire door inspection assesses the condition and performance of fire doors, ensuring they meet safety standards like BS 9999.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Fire doors should be inspected every six months or more frequently in high-risk environments.
What is a notional fire door?
A notional fire door offers some fire protection but may not meet modern standards. We assess its performance during inspections.
What are acceptable gap tolerances for fire doors?
The ideal gap is 2-4 mm along the sides and top, with the threshold gap at 3 mm or less.
What is Regulation 38?
Regulation 38 ensures fire safety information is handed over to building owners or occupants upon project completion.
What happens if my fire doors fail an inspection?
We provide a detailed report outlining the issues and recommendations for remedial works.
Do I need new fire doors if my current ones fail compliance?
Not necessarily. In many cases, remedial works, such as installing seals or adjusting gaps, can bring doors up to standard.
Can LFS assist with building control sign-offs?
Yes. Our detailed reports and documentation are designed to meet building control requirements.