Raising standards in fire safety

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and BRE (the Building Research Establishment) have joined forces in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of fire doors and to help advance standards in their design, manufacture and installation.

When properly built, installed and maintained, fire doors can save lives and protect property. However, fire doors across the UK are often badly fitted, non-compliant, left propped open or damaged and, as a result, could be putting millions of lives at stake.

BRE is supporting the Fire Door Safety Week (FDSW) campaign and the BWF to develop a series of emotive and educational fire door safety films, which highlight the potentially devastating effects of fire and smoke.

Debbie Smith, managing director at the BRE Global, said: “Fire safety within the design of a building is of critical importance and fire doors are an integral part of that. We at BRE are passionate about driving forward building safety and we are continually working with our stakeholders from across the built environment, such as the BWF and the Fire Door Alliance, to help improve technical knowledge and understanding to help deliver safer buildings for all.

“We fully support Fire Door Safety Week and encourage industry to get involved in helping to raise awareness of the critical role of fire doors and the need for improved industry standards and practice. The need for good installation and ongoing inspection and maintenance of fire doors is not well understood outside of the industry and this must change.”

The newly formed Fire Door Alliance sees companies certifying product under the BWF Certifire process continuing unabated, while those currently using the Q-Mark scheme are now able to join the alliance and work with the wider sector to effect much needed change.