Fire safety presents unique challenges for those managing healthcare environments.
From 2022 to 2023, NHS Trusts across the UK recorded 1,372 fires – an average of four daily fires across healthcare estates and a significant 18% increase from the previous year.
Fire doors play a vital role when the worst happens—they help contain the spread of a fire and keep patients, visitors, and staff safe. Here, Jim Lovett, strategic development director at fire door manufacture, installation, and maintenance business doorassure, explains what it means to be fire door compliant in the healthcare sector and how proper specialist support improves fire door longevity.
Raise the alarm
Alarmingly, an average of 85% of fire doors inspected in the UK fail. In the NHS, the percentages are likely higher due to the ageing estate, maintenance challenges, a lack of funding and high levels of footfall. Our inspectors have surveyed fire doors across multiple NHS facilities and found the failure rate to be as high as 100%.
This presents serious concerns for patient, staff and visitor safety and suggests that those with estate responsibility need more education about regulations and why regular fire door inspection and maintenance are critical.
What are the rules?
UK Fire Door Regulations for healthcare facilities are set out within building regulations (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and building standards in Scotland.
The standards and certifications that relate to fire door safety are:
1 – BS 9999: This standard provides recommendations and guidance about the design, management and use of buildings to achieve acceptable levels of fire safety.
2 – BS 8214: This is concerned with the safe installation of fire doors, not their testing. However, it relies on other testing standards to specify which doors and other parts of door assemblies must be used.
3 – British Standard BS 476: Part 22: This assesses fire resistance performance as a foundation for evaluating fire doors. It examines factors like insulation and integrity during fire exposure.
4 – BS EN 1634 and BS EN 1363: These European standards harmonise fire testing methods across member states, measuring fire resistance, smoke leakage, and thermal insulation.
5 – Health Technical Memoranda, including HTM58 and HTM05-01: These set recommendations and guidance for designing and specifying fire doors and managing fire safety in healthcare buildings.
6 – NHS Fire Safety Management Protocol, for particular Trusts.
What to look for
While it may not be realistic for healthcare FMs to know the state of every door all the time, they should have the assurance of a BM Trada accredited partner who regularly inspects and maintains their doors. BM Trada is a gold-standard independent accreditation for best-practice material testing, inspection, and certification.
These professionals will be able to identify potential issues, carry out repairs and replacements as necessary, and ensure compliance. They focus on:
1 – Frame, seal, clearance and gaps: There should not be any damage or signs of wear to the door in the frame. The intumescent seals must be securely attached to the groove that runs along the door frame and continuously around the entire door set, as these play a vital role in the door’s effectiveness. These seals expand when subjected to heat, so clearance needs to be consistent around the door leaf and frame to ensure a tight seal in the event of a fire.
2 – Latches and locks: All latches, locks, and hinges must be in complete working order and show no signs of wear or anything that may hinder their operation during a fire.
3 – Hold-open devices: Wedging a fire door open is dangerous, but specialist fire door ‘hold-open’ devices can be used during normal day-to-day operations, improving ventilation and accessibility. Confirm that they function by releasing and closing the door in response to the alarm or any power loss.
4 – Glazing: Glazing and vision panels should be fully intact and show no signs of defects. This is crucial for effectively containing smoke and fire.
5 – Smooth operation: Doors should swing in the proper direction and not be hindered by anything that could stop them from closing correctly. Doors should open and close smoothly without catching or binding to remain compliant.
6 – Clear and present signage: Signage is essential to guide staff, visitors, and residents during emergencies. It should be easy to read, in good condition, prominently displayed, and not covered by anything.
Important lessons
75% of failed fire doors could be repaired – almost all of which could have been avoided if a regular maintenance programme had been in place. Only through regular fire door maintenance, repair and inspection can those with healthcare estate responsibility fulfil their legal obligations and keep staff, patients and visitors as safe as possible.
To learn more about doorassure, visit https://doorassure.co.uk/ or call 0161 480 8722.
With thanks to Jim Lovett, Strategy Director, doorassure, for sharing his insight with Hospital Hub.
