IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products to the trade, has launched a new fire door safety checklist to equip trade professionals and landlords with all the knowledge they need when carrying out safety checks on fire doors in housing association properties.
The detailed checklist provides tradespeople with top tips to consider when they have been tasked with installing or maintaining a fire door within social housing and residential properties. From intumescent seals to hinges, locks, latches and door closers, the handy guide covers all of the essential components that are required to make a fire door fully operational and therefore compliant and legal within buildings that have high footfall, such as apartment blocks.
With too many fire doors still being propped open illegally using unsafe equipment, the guide also focuses on the importance of installing and maintaining safe fire door holders, such as those in the Dorgard range, which are accepted for use by fire authorities.
By asking a series of questions, the easy to use checklist helps tradespeople to understand what they should check for to guarantee the door and its accompanying hardware will work properly.
Martin Smith, product manager at IronmongeryDirect, said: ‘Over 3 million new fire doors are bought and installed every year to protect against fires and ultimately save lives. However not all are installed or maintained properly.
“IronmongeryDirect is continually developing ways to support its customers which is why we have created this checklist to ensure trade professionals know exactly what they need to look for to ensure a fire door works correctly in the event of a fire. From choosing the best hardware components right through to ongoing aftercare, all aspects need to be given considerable thought.
“It is also vital that housing associations take the time to ensure they are complying with fire safety laws and that they bring in tradespeople on a regular basis to carry out these essential checks. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations highlighted by the checklist not only puts people’s lives at risk, but can lead to prosecution and fines for the people responsible for the installation or maintenance of a fire door, so it’s important to get it right.
“With so many factors to bear in mind, this tool has been designed to help make the job much easier for all of those who are responsible for fire safety in social housing.”