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Lyons Fire Safety Fire Door Inspections – A Rigorous and Detailed Process

We’re committed to ensuring the highest standards of fire safety. Our UK fire door inspections are not just a routine check, but a comprehensive process that leaves no stone unturned.

Our process is meticulous, with a keen focus on every detail. We scrutinise and evaluate every aspect of your building’s fire safety measures, from the construction of the doors to the effectiveness of the seals. Our inspections are designed to identify any potential weaknesses and provide actionable recommendations to enhance your building’s fire safety.

With that said, let’s take in-depth look at how we conduct our inspections. With Lyons Fire Safety, you can rest assured that your fire safety measures are in capable hands.

How we Conduct a Fire Door Inspection

At Lyons Fire Safety, our UK fire door inspections begin long before we step foot on your premises. Our pre-inspection information gathering process is a crucial first step that sets the stage for a thorough and accurate inspection.

We start by engaging in a detailed conversation with the client, seeking to understand the unique aspects of the building in question. This includes obtaining the building’s fire strategy, floor plans, date of construction, and details of any major refurbishments. This information not only helps us build a comprehensive picture of the building’s history but also allows us to determine which fire regulations would have been applicable when the doors were installed. This approach ensures our inspections are grounded in the context of each building’s unique characteristics and history.

In addition to this, we request door manufacturer documentation, proof of purchase, and ironmongery data sheets, if available. These documents provide us with valuable insights into the door’s design, materials, and fire resistance capabilities. They form an integral part of our inspection process, enabling us to complete a full, detailed survey that aligns with the British Standards Institution’s guidelines for fire door inspections (BS 9999:2017).

By combining our professional expertise with a rigorous pre-inspection process, we ensure that our fire door inspections in the UK are thorough, accurate, and tailored to the specific needs of each building.

Pre-Inspection Checklist for UK Fire Door Inspections

Door Specifications

We start by gathering specific details about the door. This includes:  

We ensure that the dimensions of the door are correctly recorded.

The type of door, whether it’s a single leaf or double, can affect its fire resistance capabilities.

We check if the door is glazed, record glass type size and beading used. These distinctions can influence the door’s fire rating.

The material of the door’s core and its finish can significantly impact its fire resistance.

Fire Safety Certifications

Next, we look at the door’s fire safety certifications:

We identify the certificating body and the door’s fire rating, and label number. This information is crucial in understanding the door’s fire resistance capabilities.

We note the audit body reference, whether it’s BM TRADA, IFC, or BWF. This helps us verify the door’s compliance with fire safety standards.

Door Features and Fittings

We also gather information about the door’s features and fittings:

We check the door’s action; whether it opens smoothly, and is closing correctly. Moreover, we check for any obstructions such as the door catch on the flooring, and whether it is latching correctly. These checks are important as neglecting them can affect the fire door’s effectiveness in preventing the spread of fire.

The position of these seals, which expand when exposed to heat, is crucial for the door’s fire resistance. We identify the type of intumescent seals used and review its data sheets – recording size and location. Importantly, different types of intumescent seals offer varying levels of fire resistance – so it’s imperative we carry out these checks.

We note any items milled or recessed into the door or frame, as these can affect the door’s integrity.

We compile a full list of all ironmongery used on the door and attach supporting evidence where possible. The type and quality of ironmongery can impact the door’s fire safety performance.

By breaking down the information sourcing process into these sections, we can ensure a thorough and detailed pre-inspection process, setting the stage for a comprehensive fire safety inspection.

Detailed Fire Door Inspection: The Survey

At LFS, we carry out our surveys using the Fire DNA software –  This ensures compliance with Regulation 38.

Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations 2010 requires that, for relevant buildings or changes of use, the person carrying out building work must provide fire safety information to the responsible person, pertaining to design, construction, and relevant equipment, to facilitate safe operation and maintenance.

Not only does it assist with compliance, but it helps streamline the documentation. FireDNA software utilises “Golden Thread” technology, providing a comprehensive record of fire door installation, maintenance, and inspection activities, enhancing accountability and safety.

You can read more on “golden thread” technology and our use of the FireDNA software here, on our dedicated page

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the various stages of the actual inspection process – after pre-inspection has been completed:

Door and Frame Inspection

We begin by examining the door for any signs of previous repairs. We also inspect the vision panel for any damage and check for fire-rated markings, which indicate the door’s fire resistance level.

The frame assembly is another crucial component that we inspect. We ensure its correctly fixed back and free from defects. We also verify its correct width and thickness, as these dimensions can significantly impact the door’s fire resistance. Any fire-rated markings on the frame are noted as they provide valuable information about the frame’s fire resistance.

fire door inspection - carried out by LFS. Door Frame inspection.

Surrounding Construction Inspection

Where possible, we inspect the surrounding construction to ensure it matches the same fire rating as the door. This is important because the effectiveness of a fire door can be compromised if it’s installed in a wall or partition that doesn’t have the same fire resistance. Often, supporting evidence is required to confirm the fire rating of the surrounding construction.

We record all gaps from the wall to the frame and check the materials/products used to fire protect these gaps. This is only done on an intrusive survey, as it involves a more detailed examination of the door assembly.

Door Functionality and Hardware Inspection

We also check the door’s opening and closing function, as a fire door must close properly to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The frame leaf smoke and intumescent seals, which expand in the event of a fire, are inspected, and threshold seals are checked where applicable.

The hinges are checked to ensure they are fit for purpose, and any fire ratings are recorded. CE marks, which ensure hinges are manufactured to the British standard BS EN 1935: 2002, are verified.

The lockset is tested to BS EN 12209, and the door closer is tested to BS EN 1154. These standards ensure that the door hardware is suitable for use on fire doors.

Finally, we check for appropriate signage. Clear and correct signage is crucial in a fire situation as it helps occupants navigate to safety.

Fire Safety in London Student Accommodation – Fire Door Inspections

If you’re looking for more information on what we can do for you, take a look at our recent project focusing on fire safety in London student accommodation. Facing challenges in finding efficient solutions, a leading contractor sought our expertise in inspecting and certifying fire doors.

Leveraging our experience, and our use of the FireDNA mobile App, we swiftly identified and replaced 20% of doors to meet standards within a week. For more details on this successful project, visit the original page.

London student accommodation fire safety - dorm room fire exit and signage. Fire Door Ratings. Fire Compartmentation.

Post-Inspection Report

After every survey, we provide a clear report. Any failed items are explained, and remedial advice is given. This ensures that you have a comprehensive understanding of your building’s fire safety status and any areas that need improvement.

By choosing Lyons Fire Safety for UK fire door inspections, you’re choosing a service that prioritises safety, thoroughness, and compliance with all relevant regulations and legislation. We’re committed to helping you ensure your building is as safe as possible.

Need UK Fire Door Inspections? Contact Us: Lyons Fire Safety

Ensuring fire safety is not just a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility. At LFS, we understand the critical role that fire doors play in creating safe environments for employees, visitors, and the public. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive fire door inspections tailored to your specific needs and challenges.

Whether you require a detailed fire door inspection, need assistance with implementing safety measures, or compliance with building regulations, we are here to help. We also handle fire door maintenance, and installations. Don’t compromise on safety—contact Lyons Fire Safety today. Ensure your premises’ fire doors are up to standard and protected from the devastating effects of fire.

Phone: 0121 517 0562

Email: david@lyonsfiresafety.co.uk

Lyons Fire Safety: Your Trusted Partner for ensuring compliance with UK fire safety laws and regulations through comprehensive fire door inspections.