Essential Checklist for Landlords: How to Ensure Fire Resistance Compliance of Front Entrance Doors

Introduction:

In the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017, fire safety has rightly taken centre stage in discussions surrounding both low rise and high rise apartment blocks. As responsible landlords, it is our utmost duty to prioritise the safety and well-being of our tenants.

One critical aspect of fire safety lies in the front entrance doors to individual flats within a block of flats. These doors play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and ensuring the safety of residents.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive checklist for landlords to inspect front entrance doors, ensuring they meet all legislative requirements for fire resistance. By following this checklist, you can take proactive measures to minimise risks and protect your tenants from potential fire hazards.

Remembering the Grenfell Tower disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when fire safety is compromised. By being diligent and thorough in our assessments, we can contribute to a safer environment for everyone.

Join us as we go through each checklist point, discussing what you should look for during your inspections to ensure that front entrance doors meet the legislative requirements for fire resistance. By following these guidelines, we can work together to enhance fire safety measures and provide peace of mind to both you and your and tenants.

Remember, fire safety is not a choice; it is an obligation that we must fulfill. Together, let's prioritise the well-being of our communities and make our residential buildings safer places to call home.

Checklist for Landlords: Inspection of Front Entrance Doors for Fire Resistance Compliance

Door Material:

* Ensure the door is made of wood or metal.

* PVCu doors are not accepted as fire doors.

Door Construction:

* Tap or knock on the door.

* It should have a solid construction, not sounding hollow.

Letterbox:

* Check the letterbox.

* It should be a self-contained unit, not just a hole in the door with flaps.

* The letterbox should be made of metal, not PVCu.

Door Thickness:

* Measure the width of the door (thin edge).

* The door must have a minimum thickness of 44mm (4.4cm).

* If the door has panelled sections, ensure the timber panels are not thinner than the surrounding parts.

Hinges:

* Check for three hinges fitted on the door.

* The hinges should bear the CE mark.

Certification Markings:

* Look for a coloured plug, label, or markings on the door.

* These may indicate certification by TRADA's Q-Mark Scheme or BWF's Certifire scheme.

Glazed Panels:

* If the door has glazed panels:

* Verify that the glass is either Georgian wired or has special fire-resistant glazing.

* Look for an etched mark indicating compliance with "BS476:22."

Door Frame:

* Check for a 25mm door stop fitted around the door frame.

* There should be no visible gaps between the door stop and the closed door.

Intumescent Strip or Smoke Seal:

* Inspect the door or door frame for the presence of an intumescent strip or smoke seal.

* These ensure fire and smoke resistance.

* Intumescent strips may be visible as plastic seals that swell up with heat.

* Smoke seals often appear as brushes attached to the door or frame edges.

Self-Closing Mechanism:

* Verify that the door is self-closing.

* It should shut automatically when released.

* Fire doors require either an overhead door closer or a jamb closer.

By conducting a thorough inspection according to this checklist, you can ensure that the front entrance door to your flat meets all legislative requirements for fire resistance.

Note: The checklist provided in this article serves as a general guideline. It is always advisable to consult local fire safety regulations and seek professional advice to ensure full compliance with specific requirements in your region.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult with relevant authorities and professionals for specific guidance related to fire safety regulations and compliance in your area.

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