Fire door regulations have evolved significantly in recent years. This guide explains current requirements and how to ensure your premises remain compliant.
The Regulatory Framework
Fire doors in the UK must comply with several overlapping regulations:
- Building Regulations Approved Document B - - Sets out fire safety requirements for new buildings
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - - Requires responsible persons to maintain fire safety measures
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 - - Additional requirements following Grenfell
Fire Door Ratings Explained
Fire doors are rated by the time they can resist fire:
- FD30 - - 30 minutes fire resistance (most common for internal doors)
- FD60 - - 60 minutes fire resistance
- FD90 - - 90 minutes fire resistance
- FD120 - - 120 minutes fire resistance (typically for high-risk areas)
The rating refers to the complete door assembly, not just the door leaf. Frames, seals, and ironmongery all affect the overall rating.
Testing and Certification
All fire doors should be tested to BS 476-22 or the European EN 1634-1 standard. Look for third-party certification from bodies like BM TRADA, Warrington, or Exova. A fire door without proper certification offers no guarantee of performance.
Maintenance Requirements
Fire doors must be maintained to retain their fire rating. Common issues that compromise performance include:
- Damaged intumescent seals
- Gaps greater than 3mm around the door
- Missing or damaged glazing
- Incorrect or missing self-closing devices
- Wedges or props holding doors open
What Building Owners Should Do
1. Audit your fire doors - Know what you have and where
2. Check certification - Verify all doors have appropriate certification
3. Establish inspection schedules - Fire doors should be inspected regularly
4. Keep records - Document all inspections and remedial work
5. Plan replacements - Budget for replacing non-compliant doors
How Sentinel Can Help
We supply, install, and maintain fire-rated roller shutters and doors. Our team can survey your premises, identify compliance gaps, and provide certified replacements where needed. All installations come with comprehensive documentation for your fire safety records.
