Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 107 THE door industry journal winter 2023 Doorsets, Fire Doors, Safety & Security And, when asked to rate their confidence in understanding their professional responsibility regarding fire safety compliance, on average only 37% of respondents stated that they were ‘Very Confident’. Confidence was highest amongst specifiers (48% Very Confident) and procurement professionals (44%), compared to landlords and property managers (36%) and contractors (26%). Although it’s positive to see that key decisionmakers are confident in their knowledge when it comes to compliance, this will fall short if professionals further down the supply chain don’t share the same level of understanding. From the point of manufacture to procurement, installation, tenant liaison and aftercare, there must be a shared responsibility approach throughout the entire supply chain in order to achieve a standard of compliance that guarantees every fire door performs and protects as intended. Guiding the way to compliance While more robust regulations are a positive step forward for fire door compliance, our research also highlighted a demand for additional guidance relating to the current legislation. More than half (64%) of respondents thought that there should be more guidance made available, with more than three-quarters (78%) of specifiers calling for additional information. The survey showed that greater clarity is also needed, with a third of contractors, landlords and property managers feeling that current guidance is not easy to understand. And, of those surveyed, more than a third (35%) said that the biggest challenge to ensuring good fire safety compliance is a ‘lack of clarity or understanding around whose responsibility fire safety is in the supply chain’, and almost a quarter (23%) said it was ‘confusing guidance on fire safety legislation’. These findings clearly indicate that we must urgently address the gaps in understanding around fire door regulation to ensure that the process following manufacture is fully compliant. Knowledge is key At JELD-WEN, we understand that keeping abreast of the evolving professional responsibilities and legislation relating to fire safety is a challenge. That’s why we’ve recently launched a new Continuing Professional Development (CPD) resource to support the industry’s understanding of doorsets and how to improve fire safety standards. ‘Five things to look for in fire doorsets to improve long-term fire safety’ is designed to equip housing sector professionals with further knowledge, outlining key areas of importance when procuring and using fire doorsets. To deliver better and safer outcomes, stakeholders throughout the fire door supply chain must work together to improve industry understanding. By equipping themselves with the knowledge and expertise they need to ensure good and effective fire safety, housing sector professionals can navigate the changing landscape of fire safety legislation with confidence. Only then will they be able to not only meet current compliance, but exceed it. For more information about the company and its products, visit www.jeld-wen.com 1One Poll survey of 450 respondents, conducted 12-18 September 2023.
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