WOBO Governor David Gibson emphasises the need for ongoing review and maintenance of buildings and building components throughout the life of the building.

Thousands of fire safety installations in the past two years have failed their inspections, according to the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS).

According to the certified inspector, over three-quarters (76%) of fire doors failed their tests in 2019 whilst 30% of fire doors across the country were condemned due to poor installation, with problems ranging from excessive gaps around the doors and the use of non-compatible foam.

It comes as the home office also revealed that over half a million fire-related incidents were recorded in 2020, with hundreds of fatalities resulting.

All non-domestic buildings are legally required to have several safety features implemented to reduce the effects of fires, such as alarms and doors. Fire doors work by stopping the spread of deadly smoke and fire; yet over three quarters of fire doors in 2019 failed inspections and were condemned as unfit for purpose.

Reasons for failure of these doors range from ‘excessive gaps’ that allow smoke to pass, to ‘poorly adjusted door closers’ that prevent the door from staying in its default closed position in order to hold back the spread of fire.

Director of Combined Fire Protection, Ellie McKay, says: “It’s staggering how many commercial landlords are still not compliant despite the recent changes in regulation. Putting aside the hefty fines they can incur; the graver concern is the potential loss of life that can happen when corners are cut.” Read more…

Three-quarters of fire doors in recent years have failed inspection