Is there a legal requirement to retrofit CE marked hinges to existing fire doors?

[Guest Peter]

I own a flat in a purpose built 5 storey, 9 flats block built in 2004. Following a fire survey we have been advised that all 20 fire doors are in good condition but need new intumescent strips and replacement hinges (no standard information on existing hinges). All hinges are identical. All hinges are substantial and in good condition. I am a director of the management committee and have a joint responsibility for the safety of the building. My view and that of some of my fellow directors is that this expense is unreasonable and unnecessary.  The building needs other essential work and we regard replacement hinges as a low priority and low level of risk. Do we have to replace the hinges in the short term?

[AnthonyB]

No, if the original hinges approved at the time of installation are in good order and the correct rating for the weight for the door they should be fine - CE marking on new products is not retrospective. Sadly poorly trained risk assessors and unscrupulous fire door companies are costing leaseholders lots of money on things that add no fire real safety advantage.

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

As Anthony has said, Construction Product Regulations are not applied retrospectively. There is no requirement to replace existing hinges because they don't have a CE or UKCA mark. Current building regulations (Approved Document B Appendix C) require that: