Fire doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in the event of a fire. This keeps the escape route clear for longer and the fire department can work more effectively. Fire doors are mandatory in many buildings, such as hospitals, schools, office buildings or industrial plants.
They must be regularly maintained and checked to ensure that they perform their function reliably in an emergency.
Who is allowed to test fire doors?
According to the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR A1.7), fire doors may only be inspected by so-called competent persons. But what exactly does that mean?
Only competent persons in accordance with ASR A1.7 may test fire doors. These persons require special training that imparts theoretical knowledge of fire protection regulations and technical requirements. They must also be able to demonstrate practical experience in the maintenance and testing of fire doors.
Completion of the training is confirmed by a certificate of competence, which must be regularly renewed through refresher courses.
Why can't everyone test fire doors?
The testing of fire doors requires in-depth knowledge of fire protection, mechanics and legal requirements. It is not enough to have a general technical qualification - the inspection must be carried out by people who are familiar with the specific requirements of fire doors. Otherwise, defects could be overlooked, which could have fatal consequences in the event of a fire.
Fire doors are safety-relevant components that save lives in an emergency. Improper installation, incorrect maintenance or faulty testing can result in the door not working in the event of a fire. For this reason, the legal requirements stipulate that only qualified persons may carry out these tests.