Risks to Residential Flats from Changes to Fire Doors

23rd July 2014

Fire Risk Assessments in blocks of flats are highlighting a potential fire safety problem for tenants, landlords and managing agents.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order became law in 2006. This introduced a legal requirement to carry out fire risk assessments within the common parts of residential blocks of flats.

Many blocks that have been standing for over 20 years have been subject to minor changes and refurbishments as time has gone by as a result of general wear and tear or for general cosmetic enhancements.

Purpose built residential blocks which were built to the standards of the day are generally still considered to be acceptable in terms of fire integrity. Where this is the case, often minor improvements may be required and no real concerns apply.

However, where individual flat owners have replaced the entrance door to their flat, they and the managing agents of the block may be unaware of the effect this may have on the overall fire safety of the block and its residents.

The S2 Partnership’s expert fire safety team have put together a briefing note to highlight the full extent of the issue and potential solutions for managing agents, landlords and owners. Please download the briefing note here.

For further advice or guidance on this and other fire safety issues, please contact our specialist fire safety team.  The S2 Partnership has a dedicated team of fire safety experts, providing fire risk assessments, training, guidance, fire engineering and fire safety management systems to a range of organisations to meet legal obligations. The S2 Partnership works with clients to develop robust fire safety solutions, providing just the right support to each individual business to protect lives, buildings and businesses. For further information, please contact us.