Fire doors are a critical component of passive fire protection, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the appointed “responsible person”, such as a property manager, must ensure fire doors are properly maintained and inspected regularly to ensure they function correctly in an emergency.
Failure to comply with regulations comes at a heavy price. Over the years we have witnessed a number of devastating events, such as Grenfell Tower, which emphasise the importance of getting protection right in the first place to better safeguard property tenants. Non-compliance can also result in damage to reputation, fines and penalties, and enforcement via the fire authorities.
The insurance perspective and benefits of cover
Most insurance policies contain conditions or warranties requiring fire safety systems, including fire doors, to be regularly inspected and maintained. As a condition of warranty of cover, insurers will expect these inspections to be completed by competent persons and properly documented. In the event of a fire-related claim, insurers would require evidence of regular inspections and confirmation that any identified defects have been remedied. You need to understand and follow any conditions or warranties set by your insurers, as failure to do so could result in them refusing to pay out if you need to make a claim.
If sufficient measures have been carried out prior to a claim, the following benefits could arise:
· Preferential insurance terms – Provided that the fire risk assessment has been carried out to a recognised standard, it will demonstrate a compliance and reassure the underwriter that fire safety is taken seriously.
· Potential premium reductions – Similar to the above, if the underwriter can see that fire safety is well managed, it may affect the premium.
· Claim process simplification and Coverage conditions satisfaction – Use of a competent assessor, and a recognised format such as PAS 79, should ensure sufficient detail and make it easier to verify a claim.
What does a good assessment look like?
Conducted by qualified professionals – Experience alone is not enough. Use assessors that have recognised qualifications and understand all elements of building management.
Follows PAS 79 methodology – PAS 79 is a recognised practice and comprehensive framework for assessing all aspects of fire safety management.
Property specific, not generic – Considers the specific characteristics of each property, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Clear, prioritised recommendations – The action plan needs to be easily understood, detailing who’s going to do what and when.
Includes photographic evidence – An assessment shouldn’t just identify issues, it should also demonstrate good practice. Photographic evidence is a good backup in the event of missing paperwork.
Regularly reviewed and updated – This should be done at least annually, or when a significant change occurs.
Protect your people, take action today
A thorough, up-to-date inspection will not only demonstrate your care as a property manager, but bring peace of mind to tenants as well. So, if it’s been more than a year since your last assessment, or something significant has changed since then, it’s important to take action now.
