Common Questions About Fire Safety Services
As part of Hodgson-Group Ltd, Hodgson Fire is committed to providing clarity on your fire safety obligations across London and the South East.
FAQs
General & Service Area
Which areas does Hodgson Fire cover for its fire safety services?
We primarily serve customers across London and the South East of England, including all boroughs of Greater London, and the surrounding counties.
Is Hodgson Fire a certified and accredited provider?
Yes. As a division of Hodgson-Group Ltd, our services are delivered by certified, competent, and third-party accredited professionals, ensuring all work meets the relevant British Standards and UK legislation.
Fire Door Inspection and Maintenance
How often should fire doors be inspected?
The frequency depends on the building type and traffic. For compliance under the Fire Safety Order (FSO), we typically recommend inspections every six months. For high-traffic areas (e.g., student accommodation, hospitals), quarterly or even monthly inspections are advisable.
What regulations govern fire door inspection in the UK?
Inspections are primarily governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) and the newer Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA). We inspect to the standards set out in BS 8644-1 and recommend using the 5-point check framework (gaps, seals, hinges, closing device, and leaf condition).
What happens if a fire door fails inspection?
If a fire door fails, we document the defect immediately in a detailed report. We then recommend the necessary remedial maintenance required to restore the door to a safe and compliant standard, using only certified, compatible components.
Fire Door Installation
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Yes. We install new fire door sets (door leaf, frame, and ironmongery) that are fully certified (e.g., FD30, FD60) and correctly matched to the fire compartmentation strategy of the building.
Why is competent installation critical for a fire door?
A certified door leaf is useless if incorrectly installed. Issues like excessive frame gaps, insufficient fixings, or incompatible ironmongery will invalidate the fire rating. Our installers are certified to ensure the door set is fitted as a complete, tested unit.
Fire Stopping and Compartmentation
What is 'Fire Stopping' and why is it essential?
Fire stopping is the process of sealing any gaps or penetrations (for pipes, cables, or ducts) in fire-rated walls and floors to maintain the integrity of the building’s fire compartmentation. It prevents the passage of fire, smoke, and heat between different areas of the building.
When is fire stopping required?
It is required whenever a building service penetrates a fire-resistant structure. This work must be completed and certified to close all potential breaches, ensuring the ‘box’ of the fire compartment is fully sealed.
Do you provide documentary evidence for fire stopping works?
Absolutely. We provide a full audit trail including photographic evidence of the installation before and after sealing, the materials used, and a clear location reference, which is crucial for compliance and the Golden Thread of building information.
What third-party accreditation do your fire stopping specialists hold?
Our teams are trained and certified by recognised bodies and schemes, ensuring competency and adherence to best practices in the installation of passive fire protection systems.
Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs)
Who is responsible for conducting and maintaining a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA)?
The Responsible Person (RP) or Duty Holder for the building is legally responsible for ensuring a suitable and sufficient FRA is carried out and regularly reviewed under the FSO.
How often should an FRA be reviewed or updated?
While there’s no fixed expiry date, an FRA should be reviewed regularly (usually at least annually) and must be updated immediately following any significant changes to the building, occupancy, or fire safety systems.
Does the FRA cover the condition of fire doors and fire stopping?
Yes. The FRA assesses the entire passive and active fire protection system. It will specifically check the provision, suitability, and general condition of fire doors, fire stopping, and other compartmentation features.
What documentation do I receive after an FRA is completed by Hodgson Fire?
You receive a comprehensive, actionable report detailing all findings, identified hazards, recommended actions, and timescales for implementation, ensuring you have a clear roadmap to compliance.