There are a number of fire door regulations which apply to both new and existing buildings across the UK and they do vary depending on whether it is a new building or an existing building.
In the case of new buildings, or those which include alterations, extensions or change of use, the appropriate Building Regulations apply. Existing buildings, other than domestic properties, are governed by the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order: 2005 – otherwise known as the RRO or FSO.
You should also be take note of Regulation 38 of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) which links the Building Regulations to the RRO for those buildings to which the RRO applies.
Building Regulations are known as ‘Approved Documents’ and are available from the websites links that we have included below.
These documents are designed to help you meet the minimum standards required for construction in the UK.
Because fire doors are functional items and are necessary in all buildings and structures, all fire doors are required to meet a number of different regulations including areas such as; sound, accessibility, ventilation, thermal efficiency and safety glazing as well as fire safety.
Please click on the appropriate link below for a summary of ‘Approved Document’ regulations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland :
England and Wales – Approved Documents
Scottish Building Standards – Technical Handbooks
Northern Ireland – Technical Booklets
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 or FSO replaced over 70 pieces of fire safety law and came into force in 2006. The responsibility for fire risk assessment in all non-domestic buildings, including the common parts of flats and houses of multiple occupation, falls to the so-called ‘responsible person’.
Under the FSO, the responsible person must carry out a fire safety risk assessment and implement and maintain a fire management plan. Further information on what you need to do when carrying out a risk assessment is available here.
The law applies to you if you are:
Fire doors play a major role in the fire safety and protection of ALL buildings covered by the FSO and it is important that fire doors are inspected correctly and maintained in order to ensure compliance.
Failure to comply can place property and lives at risk and is likely to result in criminal prosecution, so if you need an expert to help point you in the right direction, please contact us.
