Moratorium on sale of composite fire doors lifted

Lifting the moratorium has been agreed providing that the manufacturers can demonstrate primary test evidence illustrating that products have passed the required fire tests from both sides, with written confirmation from the test house confirming this result.

A director from the manufacturer must also confirm in writing that it will supply doors using only the exact same components as tested.

‘Hardware’ on fire doors such as letterboxes, peep holes and flat numbers can affect fire performance if modified from the original design.

Andrew Fowlds, chair of the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM), said: “The cost to the composite door industry during this period has been very heavy, with a number of casualties in terms of jobs and revenue.

“However, as long as all manufacturers of such products have completed bilateral testing in strict accordance with the building regulations, and provided the necessary written confirmation to their supplier, then supply may resume.”

“The task force set up by the ACDM to tackle this issue has spent a great deal of time and energy to bring this to the earliest possible conclusion.”

The ACDM will become the governing body for the composite door industry, leading the development, implementation and policing of standards while also promoting the use of composite doors.

In response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government the association will also compile a database of all fire door products tested by members, in addition to providing technical advice.

An MHCLG spokesperson said: “It was right that swift action was taken to remove the GRP door off the market.

“We are pleased the industry has taken steps to ensure their products meet the required standards to be sold on the UK market.

“Fire doors on sale in the UK must meet the safety requirements as set out in building regulation advice, and we are continuing to work with the industry and local authorities to make sure this is the case.”