In the UK, certifications are normally handed out by the government or an independent body, proving that fire doors must meet strict regulations. Certifications are essential for fire door compliance, in this guide we’ll be exploring what BM Trada accreditation is, and why it is important.
Sentry Doors offers a wide choice of certified doors. Explore our fire door certification page to stay up-to-date on the various certificates and accreditations we proudly display on our products.
Why are Accreditations Important?
Building owners and managers are responsible for ensuring the property is implemented with fire doors that are installed and maintained sufficiently. Here are reasons why the certifications displayed on fire doors are so important:
Compliance
A key aspect of recent regulatory change is maintaining a straightforward fire door audit trial. With certification, it serves as a form of compliance and is required to be included in the safety documentation and maintained during a building’s lifecycle.
Liability
When determining who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the occupants and property, you must be aware that the building owner and manager are responsible. If the fire doors failed to do their job in an emergency, because they were either not installed or maintained properly, the owners may have to cover the damage/injuries.
To ensure your fire doors are compliant and up to date with the safety standards, visit our fire door testing page.
Safety
Fire doors are very important for a building’s compartmentation strategy. By being properly maintained and installed, they help contain the spread of fire and smoke in the case of an emergency.
What is a BM Trada Certification?
BM Trada is an accreditation program that guarantees fire doors meet the required safety and performance standards. The certification ensures that the fire door has been successfully tested against the containment of smoke and fire and that it can protect escape routes.
The process of gaining the accreditation involves rigorous third-party testing and auditing. This then provides building managers/owners confidence in knowing their doors are secure and tested optimally.
What is a BM Trada Fire Door?
Expanding slightly from above, a BM Trada Fire Door is a fire-resistant fire door that has been tested and accredited by BM Trada, who are accredited by UKAS. These fire doors typically withstand the spread of fire and smoke for up to 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the select product.
Sentry Doors offers a range of BM Trada compliant FD30 and FD60 fire doors, available at your request.
Why is the BM Trada Fire Door Accreditation Important?
BM Trada accreditation is important, as it ensures that fire doors meet strict safety standards, protecting the property in the event of a fire. Certified fire doors are tested for their ability to contain fire and smoke, helping to prevent the spread of flames and allowing safe evacuation.
This certification also confirms that the doors have been manufactured, installed, and maintained to the highest quality, giving building owners, contractors, and occupants confidence that they are meeting legal fire safety requirements.
How to gain a BM Trada Accreditation for your Fire Doors
There is a process in place for you to have your fire doors audited and tested by BM Trada, it goes as follows:
- Evaluation. Submit your fire doors for evaluation, and then they will inspect certain aspects of the door, such as the materials, design, and construction.
- Testing. The doors are then subject to various testing methods under BS 476 or EN 1634 standards. This testing will prove whether the door’s capabilities of maintaining the spread of fire and smoke are optimal.
- FPC Audit. BM Trada will require you to have a quality management system in place. This is so auditors can inspect your facilities and make sure the production quality is up to the required standard.
- Plugging. If successful, then the fire door must be labelled using plugs, which include details of the certification and maintain traceability records.
Contact Sentry Doors for Fire Doors Today
For a range of quality fire doors that will protect you and your property, Sentry Doors are your go-to choice. With a focus on compliance and standards, our products are designed to meet industry standards whilst also supplying a range of styles and specifications for our fire doors.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your specific fire protection needs. Our team is happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Q mark scheme?
The Q mark scheme is an accreditation program operated by BM Trada. It is designed to ensure the performance and safety of various products and services, such as fire doors. The goal of this scheme is to encourage best practices in the construction and timber industries and is one of the most meticulous certification processes around.
What are the legal requirements for a fire door?
The legal requirements for fire doors vary by jurisdiction, however, they must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. Fire doors need to be installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and relevant standards, such as those outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes or the International Building Code (IBC).
They must be regularly inspected, maintained, and tested to ensure they function correctly in the event of a fire. This includes ensuring proper sealing, hardware, and closing mechanisms.
What certification is required for fire doors?
Fire doors must meet specific certification standards to ensure they provide adequate protection in case of a fire. In the UK, for example, fire doors are typically required to comply with the British Standard BS 476-22 or the European Standard EN 1634-1, which assess fire resistance.
