Guidance on fire door testing (WG 009/2018): further information

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WGC 009 2018 – Further information September 2018

Advice on the testing and classification of Fire Doorsets

This advice sets out how composite fire doorsets should be tested and classified. It includes actions for Manufacturers, Building Control Bodies, test laboratories and certification bodies.

Introduction and previous advice

1.The on-going investigation by UK Government has revealed further potential composite fire door failings within the industry.

2.On 7 August 2018 Welsh Ministers wrote to Building Control Bodies alerting them to the need to check the performance of fire resisting doorsets to ensure that the requirements of building regulations are met. The circular can be found here:

https://gov.wales/docs/desh/publications/180807building-regulations-circular-009- 2018-en.pdf

3.We are taking steps to clarify this circular given systemic issues which have so far been identified by the UK Government in the composite door industry only. This advice, therefore, provides further detail to Building Control Bodies, test laboratories and suppliers of the particular importance of testing composite doors on both sides and confirms that this advice applies to composite doors only.

4.UK Government are continuing investigations across the broader fire door market and action in response to those investigations will be taken as appropriate.

Evaluating doorsets and assurance of performance

Existing guidance

5.Fire Resisting Doorsets currently on sale in the UK will have been tested in accordance with either BS 476-22 or EN1634-1 standards. Both standards acknowledge that it may not always be necessary to carry out tests from both sides of a door set. Clause 13.4 of EN 1634-1 states when it may be appropriate to test on one side. In Annex C of the guidance sets out the rationale for these rules and specifically excludes composite doors by stating that:

“Doorsets made from other1 or composite materials are specifically excluded from this annex as there is not sufficient evidence of their behaviour in fire to be able to provide guidance on the weakest side against fire attack.”

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6.Welsh Minister’s view is that Clause 13.4 of EN 1634-1 represents the best available advice on this matter and it should be followed regardless of whether the doorset is being classified to BS 476-22 or EN 1634-1.

Action to be taken

We strongly recommend the following actions to confirm that the appropriate tests have been applied to composite doors:

7.Designers and specifiers –seek assurance and evidence from their suppliers that the products they are specifying meet the appropriate standards.

8.Building Control Bodies – Should satisfy themselves that products being used on a project under their supervision meet the appropriate standards. Where there is any doubt, or where the doorsets are particularly critical then they should request and review the test reports and not necessarily rely on manufacturer’s literature.

9.Test laboratories and Certification Schemes – Should take note of this advice and ensure that their documentation clearly shows the nature of testing that has been used in order to support any classification and justification of the test methodology that has been used.

ENQUIRIES

All enquiries on matters covered by this Circular should be addressed to:

Building Regulations

Welsh Government

1st Floor, North

Rhydycar

Merthyr Tydfil

CF48 1UZ

Tel: 03000 628144

E-mail: enquiries.brconstruction@gov.wales

Yours faithfully

Francois Samuel

Head of Building Regulations Policy Planning Directorate

Welsh Government