Everyone involved in the life of a fire door, from its specification to maintaining it in use, is responsible for protecting property and saving lives. But all too often we rely on the next person to do his job and get it right. So who is responsible?
The ‘Circle of Responsibility’ or the the critical chain of responsibility, ensures that everyone recognises what their role is. If you are in the circle or part of the chain – you have responsibilities for fire doors.
You have the power to prevent decisions which might be based on cost, rather than safety, being taken further down the line.
You have the choice either to use the cheapest option available or take the responsibility for ensuring the safety of the occupants and insist on certification by using third party accredited products.
Building contractors always feel the pressure to bring a job in, on, or under, budget. Choosing cheaper untested products may save your customer money, but if a fire breaks out it will cost far more in lives and property.
You bear the final responsibility for checking and assessing fire doors as part of the signing-off procedure for the building. The only way the fire door will work correctly and comply with its certificate is if it replicates the original test.
In line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order: 2005 you must ensure fire doors work correctly and are properly maintained.
Everyone must play their part in ensuring the continued safety of a building’s inhabitants, don’t be the one to break the critical chain of responsibility. For more information on The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order: 2005 download the Fact Card.