Fire Door Inspection

[Steve Jones]

I have a requirement for 150 to 200 fire doors to be inspected.  I would prefer to sub contract this to 'Fire door inspector' and get it done correctly, however the first response from my MD will be 'can we do it cheaper in-house'.

I would like to be able to quote some legislation or a British standard which states that the person has to be qualified, is this the case ?

His second response is likely to be 'what is the cost of getting someone internally qualified ? and who can this be done by?'

He is as tight as a ducks behind, thanks in advance !

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

Hi Steve,

There is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for employers (and other Responsible Persons) to: 

(a)take such general fire precautions as will ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of any of his employees; and

(b)in relation to relevant persons who are not his employees, take such general fire precautions as may reasonably be required in the circumstances of the case to ensure that the premises are safe.

Article 17 of The Order says they......must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises under this Order or, subject to paragraph (6), under any other enactment, including any enactment repealed or revoked by this Order, are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair and Article 18 of The Order says.....The responsible person must, subject to paragraphs (6) and (7), appoint one or more competent persons to assist him in undertaking the preventive and protective measures.   

Fire Doors and Escape doors are 'equipment and devices' and must be kept 'in an efficient state etc' (see above) therefore inspection must be part of the suitable maintenance regime. BS 9999 and BS 8214 recommend regular inspections of Fire Doors. You can find your nearest Certificated Fire Door Inspector at http://www.fdis.co.uk/inspector

Alternatively you could enrol on a suitable course at http://www.fdis.co.uk/qualify-with-fdis or https://www.bre.co.uk/news/New-dates-announced-for-fire-door-inspection-training-935.html or https://www.door-check.co.uk/training or https://www.firedoorscomplete.com/fire-door-training

My October blog at  https://www.firedoorscomplete.com/single-post/2017/10/12/Fire-Door-Monthly-Fire-door-law-the-competent-person-and-relevant-training talks about competence and training.

 

 

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

It may be useful to add that the HSE at http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/competentperson.htm defines Competent Person as.....someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly.