Regular Inspections of Flat Entrance Doors

[Suttonfire]

I do the same with flat entrance doors within the scope of an FRA inspection, and also recommend that the RP is proactive in ensuring that self closers and the condition of all flat entrance doors is inspected.

I would like to establish whether this approach is likely to be considered reasonable within the scope of an FRA by the enforcing authority, or whether the assessor would now be expected to go beyond that.

I would also like to be able to give clear advice to RPs as to what is expected of them in terms of the requirement to inspect ALL flat entrance doors to comply to the Act and how often. I have seen various news articles etc mentioning every 3 months and then annual inspections, but have not seen anything further since the Act came into being. Is it a case of waiting for guidance etc to now be produced on the back of the Act?

[AnthonyB]

It's looking that way, particularly as the guidance will be more binding than before. Most of the Act isn't operational yet so there is time to bring in the guides.

[colin todd]

And cracking guides they will be, Tony.

[alfire]

A potential client has asked me to price for some FRA work in, mostly, general needs blocks. I have previously done work for them and the price was calculated on the block height and number of stairs/common areas under the 'common roof'.

This is quite straightforward, but they now say that they have been 'told' by the fire service that they must have an FRA for each common area. I have, of course, said they can have what they want but wonder how others approach this?

[AnthonyB]

I'm guessing that that each staircase and the flats off it are self contained and don't allow access between the different stairs?

I'd be asking how they were 'told' by the fire service, verbal or NoD.

I've encountered FRS that have been happy with a single report as long as the contents are suitable and sufficient and it's clear which areas points to relate to, especially where the build, layout and fire precautions are the same.

It's case by case for me depending on layout and build. If they want to split it up that's fine, but it costs more as there is more admin times in creating multiple reports.

[alfire]

Hi Tony,
The blocks are indeed as you describe.

I have spoken with others and all agree that, as one could make a case for either scenario, price per stair and make sure you cover the extra costs involved. It does make pricing easier as its a simple base price, plus a set amount per additional floor.

As regards this particular situation the client is the local authority housing provider-LA- and, they say, they receive advice from the fire service-FS-who are also part of the same LA.

I think there is a feeling that they must go along with whatever the FS advise however, when I question them along the lines you mention the responses are the vague "we have been told" and this is made worse by their inability to differentiate between what they must do and what others would like them to do.
Allan

[Dinnertime Dave]

I've done it both ways.

The HA I worked for had separate assessments purely because each block had its own unique property reference number to allow costs to be put against the relevant block.

I've also put two separate but attached blocks on one assessment.

[PGtips]

Hey all - are we any further forward with the official number of times these blessed doors need to be "inspected"...and is it now def just the closing action that needs checking each time? Ive got some peeps demanding qtly inspections for common are doors and 6 monthly for resi doors now....getting  a little out of hand if you ask me...

[AnthonyB]

No, as the secondary legislation & statutory guidance is still in preparation. It's anyone's guess at the moment!

[PGtips]

Ah thanks Anthony - I'll head back to the land of fog.