18. Inspection Flashcards
Why did the fire doors have insufficient fire integrity?
On inspection of the fire doors these were damaged and did not close properly. They did not have self closers and many were propped open. They had no intumescent seals. Large gaps and no signage
What did you recommend to improve the fire doors?
As the fire doors were damaged, the performance of the fire doors would likely be compromised. I recommended these were replaced in their entirety with new FD30 fire doors.
Did you follow or use any guidance?
Yes, the Building Regulations Approved Document B and Fire Safety Regulations 2022.
Did you use any British Standards?
Yes, BS8214 for specifying, installing and maintenance of fire doors.
BS9999 the fire safety code of practice for building design, management and use.
BS EN 13501 Highlights that all doors have been tested and achieve the minimum performance specification for safety.
BS5499 Fire Doors should be marked with a ‘Fire Door keep shut’ signage
What fire resistant requirements for fire doors in schools?
Fire Doors must be at least FD30 (capable of withstanding smoke and fire for at least 30 mins). These should be located in all corridors. Any corridor in excess of 12 meters should have a fire door.
Does the school use any additional guidance?
Yes, Building Bulletin 100 ‘Design for Fire Safety in Schools’
How often should a fire door be checked?
Dependent on the level and frequency of use. In schools these should be every 6 months by a competent person.
What is a competent person?
Defined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 as someone who has sufficient knowledge, skills, experience and relevant qualifications to conduct the task.
What are the most common fire door issues?
Inoperable fire exits
Non compliant internal fire doors
Locked, blocked or bolted final exit doors
Door mechanisms not closing effectively
Locks fitted that affected fire resistance
What are the requirements of a fire door?
To comply with safety standards in BS EN 13501 and Approved Document B.
They must have:
-Appropriate intrumescent seals. Recommended is 15 x 4mm as noted in British Woodworking Federation (BWF)
-Gaps between door and frame must not exceed 3mm unless non-smoke conditions in which this is 10mm
What is the thickness of a fire door?
44mm thickness
Did you carry out any risk assessments prior to completing the inspection at Colchester Institute and if so, what did you include?
Risk Assessments - How do you assess risk?
1) Identify the hazard
2) Decide who might be harmed
3) Evaluate risk and decide precautions
4) Record findings and implement them
5) Advise those affected of the outcome of the risk assessment to minimise and eliminate risk
What is a dynamic risk assessment?
The situation may change on the day including risks, hazards and potential consequences. Re-evaluate the risks.
- Is the activity still safe to continue?
-Are the appropriate control measures in place?
What is the general guide of a risk assessment matrix?
Assuming the score goes up to 10.
Any risk with an assessment value of 9 needs to be eliminated or reduced
Risk assessment of values 4 to 6 also need to be reduced
Risk assessment of values of 2 and 3 can have control measures implemented
A risk assessment value of 1 is not considered to be significant
