Fire & Equality Compliance Hacks for Architects and Specifiers

How Architects & Specifiers Can Stay Safe (and Ahead) Without Looking Over Their Shoulder

Updated July 2025

As of 2025, designing for compliance is about more than just fire safety. You’re now equally accountable for creating buildings that protect life, legal integrity, and access for all.

The fire door regulations have changed. The Equality Act 2010 remains in force. And you need to meet both—seamlessly and without excuses.

This guide gives you the fast, practical compliance hacks to keep every design safe, inclusive, and legally covered—backed by Poole Waite’s expertise in protecting architects and specifiers from downstream trouble.

1. Fire Door Testing & Classification: What Changes in 2025 and 2029

From 2 March 2025, BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 (reaction-to-fire tests) are no longer accepted in England. Only EN 13501-1 classifications (Euroclass system) are valid for reaction-to-fire performance.

However, BS 476 Part 22—used for testing fire resistance in doorsets—remains valid until 2 September 2029. After that, all fire doors must be tested to EN 1634-1 and classified to EN 13501-2.

Fire Hack:

• Until 2 September 2029: You may specify doors tested to BS 476-22 or EN 1634-1.

• After 2 September 2029: Only EN 1634-1 tested and EN 13501-2 classified fire doors will comply.

• Always choose UKCA-marked, EN-tested, and third-party certified doorsets to futureproof your projects.

• Ensure correct clearances: 2–4 mm gaps at the sides/top, and ≤10 mm at the threshold.

• Do not substitute any components unless specifically listed in the certification.

Poole Waite Advantage:

We provide fully compliant EN and BS fire doorsets with all required markings—plus design coordination to ensure your specification passes audit.

2. Design for Accessibility with Fire in Mind

Every fire door must also meet Approved Document M and the Equality Act 2010, especially in residential and public access buildings.

Equality Hack:

• Specify low opening forces, D-shaped handles, and compliant vision panels on accessible routes.

• Use BS EN 1154 certified closers that balance usability with fire resistance.

• Consider powered openers with delay features where appropriate for ease of access.

Poole Waite Advantage:

We supply door closers and ironmongery that meet both fire safety and accessibility standards, so you don’t need to choose between the two.

3. Installation Starts at Design

Correct installation depends on correct detailing. Your drawings must support compliant fit and clear instructions.

Hack:

• Reference BS 8214 for installation standards.

• Specify accessible yet durable and fire-rated ironmongery.

• Detail closers, hinges, locks, and vision panels that work across fire and equality requirements.

Poole Waite Advantage:

Our technical team helps you create compliant, ready-to-tender door schedules covering fire, access, and functional requirements.

4. Document Everything — Digitally

You're now expected to provide detailed documentation under Building Reg 38, BS 9991, and the Equality Act 2010.

Hack:

• Include access statements alongside your fire strategy.

• Use Poole Waite’s digital O&M packs with certification, schedules, and traceability.

• Ensure every doorset is traceable, certified, and location-tagged.

Poole Waite Advantage:

We deliver plug-and-play documentation that supports both fire compliance and inclusive access—ready for your final handover.

Final Word for Architects & Specifiers

Your fire doors must now be:

• BS EN-certified (reaction-to-fire now, fire resistance by 2029)

• Approved Document M compliant

• Digitally documented

• Designed for inclusive use

Poole Waite makes sure you're protected—on fire safety, on equality law, and on every spec you sign off.

Need advice or compliant schedules?

Get in touch and we’ll help you design smarter, safer, and more inclusively—without looking over your shoulder.