Zutec, a top provider of construction and property management software in the UK and Ireland, has launched its advanced Fire Door Audits solution. This new digital tool is designed to help Asset Owners effectively manage fire door inspections, simplify compliance with safety regulations, and enhance fire risk management.
Under Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, introduced under Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order), building owners and managing agents are required to conduct regular fire door inspections in residential buildings exceeding 11 metres in height. The ‘Responsible Person’ must ensure that visual checks of communal fire doors are performed quarterly, while flat entrance doors must be assessed annually. Due to the sheer volume of inspections required, keeping accurate records and maintaining compliance across large property portfolios presents a considerable challenge.
Built to simplify and streamline the process, Zutec’s digital fire door audits solution replaces outdated, paper-based methods of inspections with templated checklists, photographic evidence and automated tracking that delivers comprehensive documentation, real-time reporting, and a clear audit trail of inspection information on all doors.
Fire door audits can be easily captured across buildings and units from the Zutec mobile app on or offline. This takes the pain out of the process, enabling inspectors to scan QR codes for historical information, assess door installations, mechanical components, and overall performance. Assessments and status can be provided to key stakeholders for consistent risk management that helps Asset Owners meet regulatory compliance across a portfolio.
“Traditional methods of fire door audits can be time-consuming, prone to error, and inconsistent, often leading to missed inspections, lost records, and delayed corrective actions. Without the right process, fire doors either don’t get checked or continue to fail safety standards, putting asset owners at risk of severe consequences, including legal and financial implications,” commented Emily Hopson-Hill, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer at Zutec.
Zutec’s pre-set, in-app checklists and forms, including alignment with BS 8214, guide assessors through inspections where information is synced in the Zutec Cloud for a single record of outcomes, and any issues can be identified and rectified to reduce risk. Photographic evidence can be taken and stored to show door suitability, communicate findings, recommend improvements, and ensure doors are always well maintained and fit for purpose.
With an easy-to-navigate dashboard Asset Owners get a single source truth to track and mange every fire door inspection, as well as report on and share information with owners/investors, regulators, residents, and fire services to demonstrate compliance. Additionally, Zutec’s asset register validates each property, providing an inventory of fire doors and assessments in one place. This makes it easy to understand the status of inspections, identify risks from damaged doors, and see how they are being or will be repaired and maintained to keep building occupants safe.
“At a time when asset owners are becoming increasingly accountable for safety, Zutec’s Fire Door Audits solution is designed to ease the burden of periodic fire door checks, providing a proactive, traceable approach to accurate and timely inspection management. This reduces risks, helps address potential issues quickly and effectively, and avoids non-compliance with the latest regulation,” continued Hopson-Hill.
The Fire Door Audits solution is designed for various sectors, including Build-to-Rent (BTR), Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), and Housing Associations, supporting compliance and safety management across different property types. To speak to one of our experts or request a demo, contact [email protected].