New fire door safety guidance launched for local authorities

Local authorities and housing associations can now access free guidance on self-closing devices for fire doors.

The GAI has launched a new door closer safety checklist in line with building safety advice issued by the UK Government for building owners.

Photo credit: Em-B Solutions

The new GAI 10 Point Checklist is designed to assist landlords and building owners as they carry out checks. It includes details on how to carry out initial visual inspections and operational checks to ensure self-closing devices will perform as expected in the event of a fire.

It highlights factors that could impact on a fire door’s ability to perform properly such as a damaged or leaking door closer. It also provides recommendations on the safe operation and maintenance of fire doors.

Douglas Masterson, technical manager of the GAI, said:

“We hope to assist those involved in the routine maintenance of door closing devices by providing them with the information they need in an easy-to-use and accessible format to ensure that this potentially lifesaving fire door hardware is in working order and up to standard.

“If at any point local authorities and housing associations are unsure or have any technical queries, they should reach out to a Registered Architectural Ironmonger (RegAI) for guidance on the next steps to take.”

The Door Closer 10 Point Checklist is available to download from the GAI website.

Social landlords can also download the Specifiers Guide for Fire and Escape Doors for further information on fire door hardware.

The Specifier’s Guide to Ironmongery for Fire and Escape Doors emphasises the critical role of fire and escape doors and the importance of correctly specified architectural ironmongery. It explains different types of fire and escape doors and details the corresponding essential ironmongery, seals and signage including the standards to which they must adhere.