Fire & Equality Compliance Hacks for Building Managers and Installers

How Building Managers & Installers Can Stay Out of Trouble and Fully Protected

Fire door rules have changed. Accessibility expectations have not. As a building manager, contractor or installer, you're now responsible for ensuring that every door in your care protects lives, meets regulations—and includes everyone.

If your fire door installation fails a fire audit or excludes disabled users, the consequences are on you.

At Poole Waite, we help you get it right—first time, every time. Here are the top compliance hacks that will keep you fire-safe, inclusive, and legally bulletproof.

Only Use Fully Tested & Classified Fire Doors

From 2 March 2025, BS 476 Parts 6 & 7 (reaction-to-fire tests) are no longer valid in England. You must use materials classified to EN 13501-1 for reaction-to-fire.

However, for fire resistance (such as fire doors), BS 476-22 remains valid until 2 September 2029. After that, only fire doors tested to EN 1634-1 and classified under EN 13501-2 will comply.

Fire Hack:

• Now: You can specify fire doors tested to either BS 476-22 or EN 1634-1.

• From 2 September 2029: Only EN 1634-1 tested and EN 13501-2 classified fire doors will be accepted.

• To futureproof your projects, we recommend using EN 1634-1 tested and EN 13501-2 classified doorsets today.

• Always check for UKCA marks and traceable certification.

• Never substitute hardware or components unless they’re part of the certified system.

Poole Waite Advantage:

We supply fire doors that are fully tested, third-party certified, and documented for both today’s rules and tomorrow’s requirements—so you’re always a step ahead.

Fire Doors Must Also Be Accessible

Under the Equality Act 2010 and Approved Document M, fire doors must support inclusive use—for all building users.

Equality Hack:

• Opening force: ≤ 30N initial, ≤ 22.5N sustained.

• Use D-handles positioned 900–1050 mm from finished floor level.

• Fit vision panels correctly sized and placed for clear line of sight.

• Install hold-open or delayed-action closers where accessibility is essential.

Poole Waite Advantage:

We supply doorsets that are tested for both fire performance and accessibility—keeping you compliant from both directions.

3. Install to BS 8214 — and Make It Usable

Installation affects both life safety and usability. Get the spec and fitting wrong, and you’re exposed.

Combined Hack:

• Follow BS 8214: the Code of Practice for fire door assemblies.

• Use delay-action or powered closers in accessible areas.

• Ensure flush thresholds or ramps where required.

• Install all components as tested and certified—no part swapping.

Poole Waite Advantage:

We provide clear install guidance and train your teams for full compliance—from frame to handle.

4. Track, Inspect, and Record — Fire and Access

Inspections now require proof of both fire resistance and accessibility. Failing either could invalidate your compliance.

Hack:

• Use checklists that include fire and access features (e.g. handle height, closer force).

• Log all inspections digitally and maintain service records.

• Store proof of certification, corrective actions, and hardware integrity.

Poole Waite Advantage:

Our templates and inspection tools help you document and prove total compliance—for both fire officers and access auditors.

Final Word for Building Managers & Installers

Your fire doors must now be:

• EN 13501-1 classified (reaction-to-fire – mandatory now)

• EN 1634-1 tested and EN 13501-2 classified (fire resistance – mandatory from 2029)

• Accessible under Approved Document M and Equality Act 2010

• Properly installed and documented under BS 8214 and Building Reg 38

At Poole Waite, we keep your teams protected—on fire safety, on equality, and on every door you're responsible for.