Agents and landlords reminded of importance of fire doors

This week those working in the Private Rented Sector are being reminded of the importance of fire doors in rental properties.

Fire Door Safety Week aims to engage and educate building owners and users on how to use fire doors properly.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), landlords are required to ensure that their properties and tenants are safe.

Landlords' responsibilities extend to the requirement for a fire risk assessment – which includes assessing fire doors – in all non-domestic buildings, including the common parts of flats and houses of multiple occupation.

In the event of a fire, a fire door keeps the fire and smoke trapped or contained for a defined period, allowing people more time to exit the property.

Fire Door Safety Week was founded by four organisations: The BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme, The Fire Door Inspection Scheme, the British Woodworking Federation and government campaign Fire Kills. 

The event's organisers say that they still hear from landlords who do not understand their responsibilities and tenants who are concerned about the fire doors in their rental property.

The organisations say that there are regular prosecutions and deaths that can be directly associated with poor fire door management.

"To make a difference, we all need to take responsibility and report signs of wear and tear and where fire doors are not being used properly," says Brandon Lewis MP, the former housing minister currently serving as fire minister. 

"I welcome the continued efforts of all of those involved in the campaign and am very pleased to lend my support.”

You can follow the campaign on Twitter using #FireDoorSafetyWeek and pledge your support here.