Did you know in January 2023, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into effect with new requirements for Fire Doors in multi-occupied residential buildings. Why we have put together this blog is to provide an overview of the changes and explain the new requirements in detail.
For further information on wider Fire Safety legislation updates, contact Deal Handyman Limited our Fire office will be able to help.
Updated Fire Door Regulations for Multi-Occupied Residential Buildings
The new regulations apply to multi-occupied residential buildings in England with storeys over 11 meters in height. The responsible persons are required to undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors in the common parts and annually check the flat entrance doors that lead onto the building's common parts.
Quarterly checks of fire doors in common parts
Qualified UKFDT Approved persons are required to undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors (including self-closing devices) in the common parts of the building. The purpose of these checks is to ensure that the fire doors are in good working order and can provide adequate protection in case of a fire.
Annual checks of flat entrance doors
The responsible persons are required to carry out an annual check of all flat entrance doors that lead onto the building's common parts. This check will involve inspecting the self-closing devices and making sure they are functioning correctly. The responsible persons will need to gain access to each flat to carry out this check.
Qualified UKFDT Approved persons denied access to the flat, they must provide documentation of the efforts undertaken to carry out this requirement. This means that the responsible person will need to work with residents to agree on a date for the inspection. If the residents do not cooperate, the responsible person must provide evidence of the correspondence seeking permission to access the flat.
Additional Requirement to Provide Information to Residents
Qualified UKFDT Approved persons are also required to provide residents with information on the importance of fire doors to the building's fire safety. This information should include the importance of keeping fire doors always closed, avoiding tampering with fire doors and self-closing devices, and reporting any faults or damage as soon as they occur. Residents should receive this information when they move in and once a year thereafter.
Buildings below 11 meters in height
For residential buildings below 11 meters in height, the responsible persons still have a duty to put in place general fire precautions, including ensuring that all fire doors in the building are up to standard. Qualified UKFDT Approved persons are also required to provide residents with relevant information on fire doors.
Building owners and Qualified UKFDT Approved persons need to ensure they are compliant with the new fire door regulations. The regulations aim to ensure that all fire doors in multi-occupied residential buildings are in good working order and can provide adequate protection in case of a fire. It is important that responsible Qualified UKFDT Approved persons carry out the required checks and provide residents with relevant information to help maintain the building's fire safety.
To help you get up to date with the new legislation, contact Deal Handyman Limited to arrange a visit.
