Third-party certification also crucial to offer reassurance to residents in a post-Grenfell world
Fire doorsets used in housing association and other properties should be made offsite in factory conditions and be third-party audited in order to offer the safety reassurance residents were entitled to expect, according to a new guidance document.
The document, “A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets; a publication for housing associations, landlords, building owners and local authorities in England”, has been jointly produced by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), the Fire Industry Association and security group Secured by Design.
The three organisations said the guide was a response to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government’s implementation plan, Building a Safer Future, released at the end of December 2018.
That document was itself a response to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in which 72 residents lost their lives.
Making fire doorsets in factory conditions complemented by a third-party audit would “offer greater assurance on door performance and protect occupants, control the spread of fire and enable safer, easier escape in the event of an incident”, the three organisations said.
The DHF’s chief executive, Bob Perry, added that third-party certification of fire and security doorset manufacture, installation and maintenance was a critical part of the protection against fire ingress and unlawful entry.
“Such certification of manufacture, installation, maintenance and inspection of fire, smoke and security doors is something DHF has lobbied for tirelessly, as well as issues surrounding poorly or ill-fitting door closers. These form a vital part of fire safety.”
The document is specific to England and Wales, although Ian Moore, the FIA’s chief executive, said it contained useful information for Northern Ireland and Scotland.
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