Evolving fire door testing standards - Revision history

BWF at 10:47, 16 November 2025

2025-11-16T10:47:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:47, 16 November 2025
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	For more information and guidance visit [http://www.bwf.org.uk www.bwf.org.uk]		For more information and guidance visit [http://www.bwf.org.uk www.bwf.org.uk]

−	--[[User:~~The_British_Woodworking_Federation~~\|~~The British Woodworking Federation~~]]	+	--[[User:BWF\|BWF]]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Editor at 11:18, 14 November 2025

2025-11-14T11:18:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:18, 14 November 2025
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−	[[File:~~Helen Hewitt~~ - ~~CEO BWF and testing 1000~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Helen_Hewitt_-_CEO_BWF_and_testing_1000.jpg\|link=File:Helen_Hewitt_-_CEO_BWF_and_testing_1000.jpg]]

	= Evolving test standards by Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =		= Evolving test standards by Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =

Editor at 10:38, 14 November 2025

2025-11-14T10:38:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:38, 14 November 2025
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		+	[[File:Helen Hewitt - CEO BWF and testing 1000.jpg]]
		+
	= Evolving test standards by Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =		= Evolving test standards by Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =

Editor at 20:49, 12 November 2025

2025-11-12T20:49:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:49, 12 November 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	= Evolving ~~testing~~ standards. Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =	+	= Evolving test standards by Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =

	The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system for the classification of fire doors based on testing to BS 476-22 will no longer be accepted as evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations in England. From autumn 2029, only fire doors tested and classified in accordance with the European system (BS EN 13501-2) will be recognised as having the required performance.		The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system for the classification of fire doors based on testing to BS 476-22 will no longer be accepted as evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations in England. From autumn 2029, only fire doors tested and classified in accordance with the European system (BS EN 13501-2) will be recognised as having the required performance.

Editor at 20:48, 12 November 2025

2025-11-12T20:48:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:48, 12 November 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	Evolving ~~fire door~~ testing standards~~<br />~~	+	= Evolving testing standards. Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation =
−	Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation	+

	The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system for the classification of fire doors based on testing to BS 476-22 will no longer be accepted as evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations in England. From autumn 2029, only fire doors tested and classified in accordance with the European system (BS EN 13501-2) will be recognised as having the required performance.		The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system for the classification of fire doors based on testing to BS 476-22 will no longer be accepted as evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations in England. From autumn 2029, only fire doors tested and classified in accordance with the European system (BS EN 13501-2) will be recognised as having the required performance.
Line 11:		Line 10:
	# Fire doors installed before that date will be fit for purpose, provided they are subject to appropriate inspection and maintenance.		# Fire doors installed before that date will be fit for purpose, provided they are subject to appropriate inspection and maintenance.

−	The broader context	+	= The broader context =

	The Government’s decision to move to a single classification system stems from a recommendation in the report, “Research into Construction Product Standards and Testing,” that there should be only one testing standard for fire doors. This report also supported recommendations made in the Hackitt Review calling for greater consistency, traceability and transparency in building safety regulation and testing following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.		The Government’s decision to move to a single classification system stems from a recommendation in the report, “Research into Construction Product Standards and Testing,” that there should be only one testing standard for fire doors. This report also supported recommendations made in the Hackitt Review calling for greater consistency, traceability and transparency in building safety regulation and testing following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Line 21:		Line 20:
	These challenges led to concerns surrounding reliability, which contributed to the decision to move towards a single, testing framework.		These challenges led to concerns surrounding reliability, which contributed to the decision to move towards a single, testing framework.

−	Timber fire door performance	+	= Timber fire door performance =

	Government testing conducted by MHCLG after Grenfell confirmed that timber fire doors performed consistently and reliably, passing the 30-minute fire resistance test in both directions.		Government testing conducted by MHCLG after Grenfell confirmed that timber fire doors performed consistently and reliably, passing the 30-minute fire resistance test in both directions.
Line 29:		Line 28:
	This robust evidence should provide reassurance to those specifying, maintaining and inspecting fire doors that timber fire doors tested to BS 476-22 are safe and will be compliant for installations up to the transition deadline.		This robust evidence should provide reassurance to those specifying, maintaining and inspecting fire doors that timber fire doors tested to BS 476-22 are safe and will be compliant for installations up to the transition deadline.

−	Specifying fire doors today	+	= Specifying fire doors today =

	Until September 2029, both the national (BS 476-22) and European (BS EN 13501-2) systems will be valid, with products tested under either system being able to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations.		Until September 2029, both the national (BS 476-22) and European (BS EN 13501-2) systems will be valid, with products tested under either system being able to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations.
Line 35:		Line 34:
	While preparations are made for the transition, the BWF and the BWF Fire Door Alliance are supporting the industry by providing guidance, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring consistent messaging across the supply chain. The BWF is also working with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the European Standards Body (CEN) to help shape future testing frameworks.		While preparations are made for the transition, the BWF and the BWF Fire Door Alliance are supporting the industry by providing guidance, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring consistent messaging across the supply chain. The BWF is also working with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the European Standards Body (CEN) to help shape future testing frameworks.

−	Preparing for the transition	+	= Preparing for the transition =

	With the 2029 deadline approaching, specifiers, contractors and building owners should begin working with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that the fire door style, function and performance options that they wish to use will be available with the new classifications.		With the 2029 deadline approaching, specifiers, contractors and building owners should begin working with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that the fire door style, function and performance options that they wish to use will be available with the new classifications.
Line 47:		Line 46:
	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

−	~~<ul>~~	+	* A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets.
−	~~<li><p>A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets.</p>~~	+	* Automatic release mechanism.
−	~~<p>Automatic release mechanism.</p>~~	+	* Door energy rating.
−	~~<p>BWF Fire Door Alliance</p>~~	+	* Doors.
−	~~<p>Door energy rating.</p>~~	+	* Ensuring safety through sufficient fire specification.
−	~~<p>Doors.</p>~~	+	* Grenfell fire door investigation.
−	~~<p>Fire damper.</p>~~	+	* Fire compartment.
−	~~<p>Fire detection and alarm system.</p>~~	+	* Fire damper.
−	~~<p>Fire door.</p>~~	+	* Fire detection and alarm systems.
−	~~<p>Fire Doors (DG 524).</p>~~	+	* Fire door.
−	~~<p>Fire Door Fitting Checklist for Lever Lock Doors</p>~~	+	* Fire Door Fitting Checklist for Lever Lock Doors.
−	~~<p>Fire door inspection scheme (FDIS)</p>~~	+	* Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
−	~~<p>Fire door inspector</p>~~	+	* Fire door inspector.
−	~~<p>Fire Door Safety Week.</p>~~	+	* Fire Door Safety Week.
−	~~<p>Fire protection engineering.</p>~~	+	* Fire Doors (DG 524).
−	~~<p>Free-swing door closer.</p>~~	+	* Fire doors fail inspections.
−	~~<p>Grenfell fire door investigation</p>~~	+	* Fire doorset.
−	~~<p>Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86)</p>~~	+	* Fire doors in buildings.
−	~~<p>New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published</p>~~	+	* Fire in buildings.
−	~~<p>Self-closing fire door</p>~~	+	* Fire protection engineering.
−	~~<p>The British Woodworking Federation BWF.</p></li>~~	+	* Fire resistance.
−	~~<li></li>~~	+	* Free-swing door closer.
−	~~<li>~~A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets.~~</li>~~	+	* Fire Door Safety Week.
−	~~<li>~~Automatic release mechanism.~~</li>~~	+	* Fire protection engineering.
−	~~<li><p>~~Door energy rating.~~</p></li>~~	+	* Free-swing door closer.
−	~~<li>~~Doors.~~</li>~~	+	* Grenfell fire door investigation
−	~~<li>~~Ensuring safety through sufficient fire specification.~~</li>~~	+	* Hold-open device.
−	~~<li>~~Grenfell fire door investigation.~~</li>~~	+	* Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86).
−	~~<li>~~Fire compartment.~~</li>~~	+	* Intumescent strip.
−	~~<li>~~Fire damper.~~</li>~~	+	* Means of escape.
−	~~<li>~~Fire detection and alarm systems.~~</li>~~	+	* New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published
−	~~<li>~~Fire door.~~</li>~~	+	* Place of safety.
−	~~<li>~~Fire Door Fitting Checklist for Lever Lock Doors.~~</li>~~	+	* Protected door.
−	~~<li>~~Fire Door Inspection Scheme.~~</li>~~	+	* Protected escape route.
−	~~<li>~~Fire door inspector.~~</li>~~	+	* Self-closing fire door.
−	~~<li>~~Fire Door Safety Week.~~</li>~~	+	* Shutter.
−	~~<li>~~Fire Doors (DG 524).~~</li>~~	+	* Smoke control door.
−	~~<li>~~Fire doors fail inspections.~~</li>~~	+	* The British Woodworking Federation BWF.
−	~~<li>~~Fire doorset.~~</li>~~	+	* The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
−	~~<li>~~Fire doors in buildings.~~</li>~~	+	* Types of door.
−	~~<li>~~Fire in buildings.~~</li>~~	+	* Self-closing device.
−	~~<li>~~Fire protection engineering.~~</li>~~	+	* Width of doors stairs and escape routes.
−	~~<li>~~Fire resistance.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Free-swing door closer.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li><p>~~Fire Door Safety Week.~~</p>~~	+
−	~~<p>~~Fire protection engineering.~~</p>~~	+
−	~~<p>~~Free-swing door closer.~~</p></li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Hold-open device.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86).~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Intumescent strip.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Means of escape.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Place of safety.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Protected door.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Protected escape route.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Shutter.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Smoke control door.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~The British Woodworking Federation BWF.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Types of door.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Self-closing device.~~</li>~~	+
−	~~<li>~~Width of doors stairs and escape routes.~~</li></ul>~~	+

−	[[Category:~~Articles_needing_more_work~~]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:DCN_Research,_Development_and_Innovation]] [[Category:DCN_Specification]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Editor at 20:32, 12 November 2025

2025-11-12T20:32:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 12 November 2025
Line 45:		Line 45:
	--[[User:The_British_Woodworking_Federation\|The British Woodworking Federation]]		--[[User:The_British_Woodworking_Federation\|The British Woodworking Federation]]

−	[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =
		+
		+	<ul>
		+	<li><p>A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets.</p>
		+	<p>Automatic release mechanism.</p>
		+	<p>BWF Fire Door Alliance</p>
		+	<p>Door energy rating.</p>
		+	<p>Doors.</p>
		+	<p>Fire damper.</p>
		+	<p>Fire detection and alarm system.</p>
		+	<p>Fire door.</p>
		+	<p>Fire Doors (DG 524).</p>
		+	<p>Fire Door Fitting Checklist for Lever Lock Doors</p>
		+	<p>Fire door inspection scheme (FDIS)</p>
		+	<p>Fire door inspector</p>
		+	<p>Fire Door Safety Week.</p>
		+	<p>Fire protection engineering.</p>
		+	<p>Free-swing door closer.</p>
		+	<p>Grenfell fire door investigation</p>
		+	<p>Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86)</p>
		+	<p>New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware published</p>
		+	<p>Self-closing fire door</p>
		+	<p>The British Woodworking Federation BWF.</p></li>
		+	<li></li>
		+	<li>A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets.</li>
		+	<li>Automatic release mechanism.</li>
		+	<li><p>Door energy rating.</p></li>
		+	<li>Doors.</li>
		+	<li>Ensuring safety through sufficient fire specification.</li>
		+	<li>Grenfell fire door investigation.</li>
		+	<li>Fire compartment.</li>
		+	<li>Fire damper.</li>
		+	<li>Fire detection and alarm systems.</li>
		+	<li>Fire door.</li>
		+	<li>Fire Door Fitting Checklist for Lever Lock Doors.</li>
		+	<li>Fire Door Inspection Scheme.</li>
		+	<li>Fire door inspector.</li>
		+	<li>Fire Door Safety Week.</li>
		+	<li>Fire Doors (DG 524).</li>
		+	<li>Fire doors fail inspections.</li>
		+	<li>Fire doorset.</li>
		+	<li>Fire doors in buildings.</li>
		+	<li>Fire in buildings.</li>
		+	<li>Fire protection engineering.</li>
		+	<li>Fire resistance.</li>
		+	<li>Free-swing door closer.</li>
		+	<li><p>Fire Door Safety Week.</p>
		+	<p>Fire protection engineering.</p>
		+	<p>Free-swing door closer.</p></li>
		+	<li>Hold-open device.</li>
		+	<li>Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86).</li>
		+	<li>Intumescent strip.</li>
		+	<li>Means of escape.</li>
		+	<li>Place of safety.</li>
		+	<li>Protected door.</li>
		+	<li>Protected escape route.</li>
		+	<li>Shutter.</li>
		+	<li>Smoke control door.</li>
		+	<li>The British Woodworking Federation BWF.</li>
		+	<li>The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.</li>
		+	<li>Types of door.</li>
		+	<li>Self-closing device.</li>
		+	<li>Width of doors stairs and escape routes.</li></ul>
		+
		+	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]] [[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

Editor at 15:12, 12 November 2025

2025-11-12T15:12:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:12, 12 November 2025
Line 42:		Line 42:

	For more information and guidance visit [http://www.bwf.org.uk www.bwf.org.uk]		For more information and guidance visit [http://www.bwf.org.uk www.bwf.org.uk]
		+
		+	--[[User:The_British_Woodworking_Federation\|The British Woodworking Federation]]

	[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]		[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

The British Woodworking Federation: Created page with "Evolving fire door testing standards
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system ..."

2025-11-12T13:20:54Z

Created page with "Evolving fire door testing standards<br /> Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system ..."

New page

Evolving fire door testing standards<br />
Helen Hewitt, CEO of the British Woodworking Federation

The UK Government has confirmed that from September 2029, the national system for the classification of fire doors based on testing to BS 476-22 will no longer be accepted as evidence of compliance with the Building Regulations in England. From autumn 2029, only fire doors tested and classified in accordance with the European system (BS EN 13501-2) will be recognised as having the required performance.

This decision has raised understandable questions among specifiers, manufacturers, building owners and fire safety professionals about what the transition means in practice.

This article will explain the background to the change, clarifies what it means for those responsible for fire safety, and outlines the practical steps needed to prepare for the new classification system. Importantly, it will offer reassurance that:

# Fire doors classified under BS 476-22 will be accepted for installations up to September 2029.
# Fire doors installed before that date will be fit for purpose, provided they are subject to appropriate inspection and maintenance.

The broader context

The Government’s decision to move to a single classification system stems from a recommendation in the report, “Research into Construction Product Standards and Testing,” that there should be only one testing standard for fire doors. This report also supported recommendations made in the Hackitt Review calling for greater consistency, traceability and transparency in building safety regulation and testing following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

While much of the post-Grenfell scrutiny focused on the reaction-to-fire performance of external insulation and cladding systems, it also prompted a wider review of fire testing across the construction sector. Importantly, fire doors tested to BS 476-22 were found to meet the required safety standards and no concerns or issues concerning their performance were identified.

However, there were concerns raised about composite fire doors, which had claimed compliance with BS 476-22. Testing later found that these doors provided around 20 minutes of fire resistance instead of the required 30 minutes. This led to a deeper investigation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

These challenges led to concerns surrounding reliability, which contributed to the decision to move towards a single, testing framework.

Timber fire door performance

Government testing conducted by MHCLG after Grenfell confirmed that timber fire doors performed consistently and reliably, passing the 30-minute fire resistance test in both directions.

For doors supplied by BWF Fire Door Alliance members, the results were particularly strong. In fact, the average resistance time achieved by BWF Fire Door Alliance members in the BS 476-22 testing was 46 minutes - well above the required 30 minutes.

This robust evidence should provide reassurance to those specifying, maintaining and inspecting fire doors that timber fire doors tested to BS 476-22 are safe and will be compliant for installations up to the transition deadline.

Specifying fire doors today

Until September 2029, both the national (BS 476-22) and European (BS EN 13501-2) systems will be valid, with products tested under either system being able to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations.

While preparations are made for the transition, the BWF and the BWF Fire Door Alliance are supporting the industry by providing guidance, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring consistent messaging across the supply chain. The BWF is also working with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the European Standards Body (CEN) to help shape future testing frameworks.

Preparing for the transition

With the 2029 deadline approaching, specifiers, contractors and building owners should begin working with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that the fire door style, function and performance options that they wish to use will be available with the new classifications.

Preparation will ensure a smooth transition as the new classification system comes into effect. For now, construction professionals should be reassured that none of their existing, correctly installed and maintained fire doors will need to be replaced.

For more information and guidance visit [http://www.bwf.org.uk www.bwf.org.uk]

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]