The potentially fatal consequences of specifying uncertified fire doors are highlighted in a hard-hitting new film developed to highlight the benefits of only specifying doors certified under the BWF-CERTIFIRE scheme.
Door safety in firing line
The scheme was established in 1996 by the British Woodworking Federation and Warrington Certification and, says the BWF, around 75-80% of all UK-sold fire doors are now certified. Certification involves extensive UKASaccredited testing to ensure not only that a fire door’s central “leaf” will withstand fire for at least 30 minutes, but that all components, from closers, hinges and seals, to glazing panels, also offer the necessary fire protection. Speaking at the launch of the 10-minute film, “Fire Doors... It’s your responsibility”, BWF CEO Richard Lambert explained that it had been decided to produce and distribute it free to organisations including hospitals, schools and offices, as well as contractors, sub-contractors and door component manufacturers, following publication of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order) 2005, under which Trusts must nominate “responsible” persons for fire safety and reduce all fire risks “as far as practicably possible”. The film, featuring a commentary by ITV “London’s Burning” star Sean Blowers, demonstrates the effects of fire on two identical-looking doors, one BWFCERTIFIRE- certified, and the other not. While the uncertified door begins allowing smoke and flame through in around 13 minutes, the certified doorset withstands both for an additional 25 minutes. The grimly realistic footage, some shot at the Fire Service College training centre in Gloucestershire, also shows the (simulated) catastrophic effects of fire doors’ failure to perform adequately on a building and its occupants. Richard Lambert said: “Most health estates managers know their team’s fire safety obligations but, with so many different responsibilities, there may be occasions when, for instance, old, worn fire doors are not repaired or replaced as promptly as they should be. Alongside specifying and installing correctly, properly maintaining doors is vital. While buying a complete BWF-CERTIFIRE doorset should provide reassurance, organisations configuring doorsets from different components must be certain that every part meets the required standards.” The film is viewable online at: www.bwf.org.uk/firedoors. For a free DVD copy call: 0870 458 6939 or e-mail: firedoors@bwf.org.uk