Door Group, a unit of the physical security and fire safety product manufacturer Assa Abloy Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is calling for higher standards of fire door inspections, after concerns were raised surrounding fire safety in healthcare environments.
According to results from the NHS’ 2019/20 Estates Return Information Collection (ERIC), a mandatory collection for all NHS trusts including ambulance trusts, the number of fires recorded and the number of people sustaining injuries from fires in NHS trusts across England have gone up. Some 1,560 fires were recorded in the 2019/2020 period, and there were 46 injuries, an increase of over 35pc when compared with 2018/2019.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that healthcare undertake risk assessments to identify the general fire precautions needed to safeguard occupants in case of fire, including their safe means of escape. As the arm of Assa Abloy says, fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building, and regular inspections are essential to fully ensure health and safety measures are met. Healthcare buildings can present highly specific requirements for fire doorsets, with particularly varied laws and building regulations surrounding fire doors in hospitals.
Lee Cook, Door Group Business Development Manager for Repair, Service and Maintenance, says: “As part of our commitment to fire door safety in hospitals, Door Group provide a fully comprehensive inspection which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.
“Following inspections, we then offer detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements, with the knowledge that identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance can be lifesaving. If any issues do occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors to a regular maintenance program. Door Group inspectors are BRE-certified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all necessary standards and regulations.”
Brian Sofley, Managing Director for Door Group, adds: “The figures we’re seeing regarding fires and injuries from fires in the healthcare sector are a great cause for concern. Hospitals should be a safe and secure environment for staff and patients, without worries around fire safety. Door Group is committed to making hospitals and other healthcare institutions across the UK fire protected. With regular and thorough inspections, we can ensure the compliance and performance of fire doorsets to improve overall fire safety within the sector.”
