Front door fire safety inspections – your questions answered
We understand that residents may have questions about the ongoing front door inspections taking place around East Village. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries.
Why is the inspection of my front door necessary?
Your front door plays an important role in the building’s fire safety. It is designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, helping to protect you, your neighbours and the emergency services in the event of a fire.
The inspection is to check that the door remains in good working order and continues to perform as intended. This includes checking that:
- The door closes fully and securely
- The self-closing device works correctly
- Intumescent strips are in place and effective
- Hinges, frames and other components are in suitable condition
These checks are a normal and important part of maintaining building safety.
Why are inspections taking place now?
We appreciate that some residents may feel there has been limited visible repair work in recent years.
Previous findings form part of a wider and more complex programme of works. This involves technical design reviews, legal considerations and ensuring that any works undertaken are appropriate, compliant and carried out safely. That wider programme remains ongoing.
In the meantime, these inspections are important because they:
- Check whether doors have deteriorated or changed over time
- Identify any new or minor issues that can be addressed more quickly
- Ensure doors continue to provide effective fire protection while longer-term solutions are progressed
Regular inspections help us stay on top of safety and ensure that urgent matters can be dealt with promptly.
Can I rearrange the inspection time?
If the scheduled time is not convenient, you can request for the inspection to be carried out within a specific time window on the day your block is being inspected.
Where access cannot be gained during the scheduled programme, a follow-up period will be arranged to revisit properties that were unavailable at the original appointment.
Details of how to request a change will be included in your inspection notification.
Can I refuse to allow the inspection?
We would strongly encourage all residents to allow access.
Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, there is a shared responsibility to ensure that fire doors are properly maintained. Front entrance doors form part of the building’s overall fire safety strategy.
If access is refused, we will need to follow up separately, as we have a legal duty to ensure that fire safety measures across the building are effective.
Our priority is always to work cooperatively with residents to arrange access in a way that is reasonable and convenient.
What has happened to the front door repair programme consulted on in 2024?
The issues identified during earlier reviews form part of a wider and more complex programme of works.
This programme involves detailed design checks, technical assessments and legal processes to ensure that any proposed works are correct, compliant and in the best long-term interests of residents. That work is still ongoing.
We will provide further updates as soon as there is more clarity on the next stages.
What work is likely as a result of the inspection?
The inspections may find some issues with fire doors which have a straightforward fix, such as:
- Adjustments to door closers
- Replacement or repair of seals
- Minor hardware adjustments
If more significant issues are identified, these will be reviewed as part of the wider programme of works. Any larger repairs or potential replacements would be carefully planned, with clear communication provided to residents before any work begins.
The purpose of the inspection is to understand the current condition of each door so that safety can be maintained and the right works prioritised at the right time.
Are you also checking doors in corridors and shared areas?
Yes. Fire doors in communal corridors and shared areas are also subject to regular inspection and maintenance as part of the building’s wider fire safety management.
These are inspected separately as part of EVML’s ongoing compliance programme.
How is my personal data being handled?
To arrange and carry out the inspections, we have shared limited and necessary information with the contractors undertaking the work.
All contractors are required to follow strict data protection procedures and operate in full compliance with UK GDPR requirements.
We only share information that is essential for carrying out the inspections safely and efficiently. This is done because the work is necessary to protect the safety of you, your household and your neighbours.
