Evolving fire door testing standards

[edit] 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.

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:

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

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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 www.bwf.org.uk

--BWF

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