Research from the British Woodworking Federation shows that while recognition of its fire door & doorset scheme has increased, there is still too much ignorance of labelling and fitting instructions.
In spite of increased recognition of the BWF-Certifire fire door and doorset scheme, there is still a widespread lack of recognition of the labelling system among merchants, and too many staff unaware of fitting instructions, according to a survey by the British Woodworking Federation.
In response, the BWF has launched an advertising campaign intended to encourage merchants to join the the network of Approved Fire Door Centres, and for builders to buy fire doors from accredited branches.
A similar situation exists among manufacturers’ sales staff as far as fitting instructions are concerned, revealing the continuing need for education at this level.
“We never saw this as a quick-fix situation,” says BWF director Richard Lambert. “It’s always been a long term project as far as we are concerned.”
On a brighter note, builders and developers are showing an “encouraging” move towards recognising the need for complete fire door assemblies, in spite, says the BWF, of their historic suspicion of tighter controls and the recommendations enshrined in Approved Document B.
“The next priority as far as this market sector is concerned is for component compatibility for fire door assemblies to match the same level as doorsets,” says BWF fire door scheme manager, Samila Kularatne. “When that is achieved, this sector will be working much more in harmony with architects and specifiers who are already highly cogniscent of the benefits the BWF-Certifire Fire Door & Doorset Scheme is trying to bring to the industry and the public at large.”
Some 70 per cent of respondents to the survey would consider using a FIRAS accredited installer for new fire door installations. and there was a strong view that the use of certified FIRAS installers should be written into Building Regulations. There was also an increase – from 60 per cent to 80 per cent – of those saying that cutting apertures and glazing should be done under factory controlled conditions by accredited companies, rather than on site.
The BWF has also published the third in a series of information cards on ironmongery in fire doors. It says that it is imperative to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and specify the ironmongery indicated on them.
All fire doors in the scheme are tested as complete assemblies and meet the current Building Regulations recommendations. The manufacturers in the scheme enclose installation instructions with their products, which list compatible components including ironmongery.
The new card offers simple advice to specifiers, contractors and end users of fire doors, providing details on selecting ironmongery, maintenance of ironmongery and the BWF-Certifire Fire scheme. It also points out that ironmongery should carry CE marking to confirm that products meet the essential requirements of the Construction Products Directive.
The BWF says that when managers of buildings carry out their fire risk assessments, they should ensure that all fire doors are maintained correctly and that staff training is provided to ensure they are not wedged open. As well as saving the building, fire doors are designed to save lives and offer protection to the public and employees.
