Third-party certification is key to achieving fire door traceability and enabling all original documents relating to the door’s manufacture to be sourced. This provides proof of compliance with regulations.
The fire door label
When a product is manufactured or modified by a BWF Fire Door Alliance member, a fire door label, with a unique number, is placed on the top of the door. The purpose of this number is to allow for full traceability of the door by the fire door manufacturer or Licensed processor as well as any certifications related to its specification and production records. The primary label will also show the fire door rating for its minimum tested burn performance (e.g. FD30 for minimum 30 minutes).
This allows the original fire door certificate and specification to be sourced, enabling on-site checks to be carried out against the door’s original standards. If any components need replacing, the documents will also outline the parts compatible with the original certification and test requirements to ensure compliance to the original specification is maintained.
Dependent upon the certification scheme used, the fire door may also have a system of plugs in the back edge of the door to identify its performance criteria.
Under Building Regulation 38 and/or the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO or FSO), proof of compliance of fire doors can be requested. For this reason, the specification should be adhered to and only compatible components used, otherwise challenges can arise.