If a fire door is wrongly assembled or wrongly installed, it might as well just be a standard door. Building inspectors must be aware of the importance of using the right components and of checking the installation when signing-off the fire safety of a building. You have a responsibility in ensuring the installation is safe.

Recent changes to Approved Document B now support using certificated products such as fire doors as proof of compliance with the relevant standards. ADB also states that 'any test evidence used to substantiate the fire resistance rating of a door should be carefully checked to ensure that it provides adequate compliance and is applicable to the complete installed assembly. Small differences in details such as glazing apertures, intumescent strips, door frames and ironmongery etc., may significantly affect the rating.'

Third party certificated fire doors carry detailed instructions on which components are required for each door and to what configurations the door is tested. They include the frame dimensions and suitable materials for each door. Components for fire doors may differ within a door manufacturer's range depending on the test evidence he has for that type of door. ALWAYS ensure that the installer has followed these instructions. Not doing so may negate the certificate.