New fire door safety guidance

Local authorities and housing associations can now access free guidance on self-closing devices for fire doors.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers’ (GAI) has launched a new door closer safety checklist in line with building safety advice issued by the UK government for building owners.

The new GAI 10 Point Checklist is designed to assist landlords and building owners as they carry out checks. It includes details on how to carry out initial visual inspections and operational checks to ensure self-closing devices will perform as expected in the event of a fire.

It highlights factors that could impact on a fire door’s ability to perform properly such as a damaged or leaking door closer. It also provides recommendations on the safe operation and maintenance of fire doors.

Douglas Masterson, technical manager of the GAI, said: “If at any point local authorities and housing associations are unsure or have any technical queries, they should reach out to a registered architectural ironmonger (RegAI) for guidance on the next steps to take.”

Social landlords can also download the Specifier’s Guide for Fire and Escape Doors for further information on fire door hardware.