Frequently Asked Questions

Industry guidance recommends a full professional inspection at least every 12 months. However, visual checks should be carried out more frequently (monthly is ideal) to identify obvious damage or obstructions. High-risk buildings or those with vulnerable occupants may require more frequent inspections.

The Golden Thread is a requirement under the Building Safety Act 2022 for higher-risk buildings. It refers to the accurate, up-to-date information that tracks a building's fire safety from design through occupation and throughout its lifecycle. This includes fire door specifications, inspection records, maintenance history, and certification documentation.

The "Responsible Person" under the Fire Safety Order 2005 holds legal accountability. This is typically the building owner, landlord, or managing agent. They must ensure fire doors are maintained, inspected, and documented. Failure to meet these obligations can result in unlimited fines and, in serious cases, imprisonment.

FD30 doors provide 30 minutes of fire resistance, while FD60 doors provide 60 minutes. The required rating depends on the door's location, building size, and fire risk assessment. FD30 is commonly used in residential buildings, while FD60 is often required in larger commercial properties or high-risk areas like plant rooms.

No. Fire doors must only use hinges that have been tested and certified as fire-rated. These are typically CE marked and tested to BS EN 1937. Using non-certified hinges can compromise the door's fire performance and invalidate certification. We only use certified hardware in all our work.

Consequences can include enforcement notices from the Fire Service, fines up to unlimited amounts, prohibition notices stopping building operations, and criminal prosecution for responsible persons. Beyond legal consequences, a fire incident with non-compliant doors can result in loss of life, insurance claim denials, and severe reputational damage.