07 Jul UK survey finds almost a third of those responsible for fire doors don’t understand the responsibility
A worrying statistic has been revealed in a UK survey highlighting that almost a third of those responsible for fire door safety don’t understand their responsibilities.
The data was revealed by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Fire Door Alliance surveyed 1,000 people with responsibility for fire door specification, installation, and maintenance. The data also showed that almost one in ten (8%) were unaware of how new laws will affect how fire doors are specified.
The survey did also show a positive trend as a result of new legislation which indicated that more than half of respondents said they would now ask for more information on product traceability and seek more proof of performance.
Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF Fire Door Alliance, said: “Our findings clearly show that while the new legislation appears to have had a positive initial impact, there is still some work to be done in disseminating the detail, and building an understanding of how compliance with the law can be met. This must be made an urgent priority for all those responsible for fire safety.”
The research was published in a new report as part of the BWF Fire Door Alliance’s Be Certain, Be Certified campaign exploring understanding and attitudes towards third-party certification of fire doors. While, encouragingly, more than half (55%) of fire doors that respondents had responsibility for are third-party certified, 80% said that end clients, such as building owners and managers, do not require third-party certification.
Helen Hewitt added: “Third-party certification provides robust proof of performance and traceability of a fire door’s components, its manufacture and journey through the supply chain. Despite this, there is still no mandatory requirement under Building Regulations for the use of third-party certified fire doors, despite the essential role fire doors play in protecting building occupants from the spread of smoke and fire.
“Our latest report, which we’re proud to launch as part of our Be Certain, Be Certified campaign, calls for those ultimately responsible for building fire safety to specify third-party certified fire doors as a requirement throughout all UK buildings. Not only will this raise the standard of fire door safety but crucially, it will help protect lives.”