Thousands of residents to receive new fire safety doors

10,000 fire doors will be installed across the Westminster as part of a new council safety campaign. 

Fire Door Safety Week (21-25 September 2020) is an annual campaign designed to engage and educate building users of the critical role of fire doors. 

As an official supporter, we are raising awareness and working hard to ensure all our homes are safe and secure. To achieve this, about 10,000 fire doors are being replaced as part of our investment to improve resident safety and reduce fire risks.

Fire safety doors are checked regularly as part of our fire risk assessment programme and over the next few years, the majority of tenants living in flats, of buildings six storeys and higher, will have their fire doors replaced or upgraded following resident engagement and education about the necessity of this work, and the benefits they will enjoy.

This will provide additional protection and ensure the doors meet current building regulations which state that certain front doors must provide 30 minutes’ fire and smoke protection, as well as having adequate self-closing devices fitted. The work is being undertaken in order of priority, based on fire risk assessments.

It is important to note that residents are at no immediate risk in the meantime and whilst these improvements are carried out and they should rest assured that we will be ensuring leaseholder doors are to standard as well.

To encourage leaseholders to take action and ensure their front doors meet current building regulations, we have reduced alterations fees by 75% and also partnered with our contractors Axis, Morgan Sindall and United Living to offer great value options, so leaseholders can easily opt-in to have their door replaced whilst we are onsite fitting new doors to tenanted properties. 

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: 

“Making sure our residents have a safe and secure home, including reducing the risk from fire, is a top priority for us. Installing fire doors is just one important part of our work to reassure our residents that their home is a safe and secure place to live.”  

This Fire Door Safety Week we are asking residents to remember these simple fire door safety rules: 

1. If you think anything is wrong with a fire door, report it 
2. When you go to bed, shut your doors just in case
3. In the event of fire, make sure all fire doors are closed to prevent the movement of smoke

Residents will receive information about the fire safety doors replacement and upgrade programme. Visit our dedicated fire doors page for more information and to check if your building’s fire safety doors are due for replacement.

Our health and safety experts are available by contacting us to assist with questions and can arrange home visits to inspect fire doors by appointment.