Schools are busy places, and fire door maintenance and replacement isn’t something that can be deferred indefinitely. It’s a legal requirement and a safety-critical responsibility, but when managed properly, it doesn’t have to cause significant disruption. Here’s how we approach it at A&H Hargreaves.
Why fire doors matter in schools
Fire doors are tested, certified barriers designed to contain smoke and flames, maintain escape routes, and give occupants time to evacuate safely. Gap tolerances, intumescent seals, hardware, and self-closing mechanisms all work together as a system – if any element fails, the door may not perform when it’s needed.
Under Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, whoever has day-to-day control of a building is legally responsible for ensuring fire doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained. For schools, that typically means the headteacher, governing body, or Academy Trust. Authorities have the power to prosecute and, in some cases, close buildings where breaches are found.
Fire doors should be checked at least every six months – more frequently for high-traffic doors.
Planning the work around school operations
Effective fire door projects begin well before anyone picks up a tool. A&H Hargreaves’ approach includes:
- Scheduling around the academic calendar – most larger projects are completed during holidays; half-terms and Easter are used for smaller phases
- Phased installation – where term-time work is necessary, we plan in zones to keep the rest of the building fully operational
- Early engagement with the facilities team – site managers know which routes are critical and when the quietest windows are; we work around that knowledge
- Risk assessment before work begins – covering access, temporary fire safety arrangements while doors are out of position, and building-specific conditions
What to look for in a fire door risk assessment
Your fire door risk assessment should cover a detailed survey of each existing fire door, assessing the door leaf, frame, hardware, intumescent seals, closers, and surrounding structure. This identifies what can be retained with maintenance, what requires full replacement, and whether frames need attention. It also produces the documentation the responsible person needs to demonstrate they’ve acted on the findings. We recommend this is carried out by an approved surveyor.
The challenges of working in active schools
Fire door replacement in a busy school is not straightforward.
- Timetables don’t pause – exams, assemblies, and the ordinary rhythm of the school week all place real constraints on when and where work can happen
- Older buildings present complications – many Lancashire schools have been extended and adapted over decades; non-standard frames and unexpected structural conditions require experience to handle correctly
- Safety, speed, and compliance must be balanced simultaneously – cutting corners on any of these creates problems; our FIRAS certification means we’re used to holding all three together
- Multiple stakeholders are involved – schools, academy trusts, responsible persons, and compliance officers all have legitimate interests; clear communication throughout keeps projects on track
Why public sector experience matters
A&H Hargreaves has worked with schools, academy trusts, and public sector organisations across Lancashire for decades. We hold Lancashire County Council Approved Contractor status and understand the operational pressures estates teams face – budget cycles, compliance deadlines, and the reality that school-day disruption has consequences beyond inconvenience.
We manage safeguarding requirements on site, maintain clear documentation throughout, and deliver compliance-focused outcomes without making the process harder than it needs to be.
Certification and compliance documentation
Once installation is complete, we carry out post-installation inspection to confirm every door set meets the required standard, in line with FIRAS certification standards. We then provide full certification and compliance documentation, giving schools the evidence they need for audit and inspection purposes and a baseline record for future maintenance.
FIRAS certification provides independent verification that our installation processes meet the required standards. It’s one of the most straightforward ways for a school or local authority to demonstrate due diligence in fire safety procurement.
Long-term benefits
Getting fire door replacement right delivers more than immediate compliance:
- Improved safety for students, staff, and visitors
- Reduced reactive maintenance and fewer urgent call-outs
- Greater confidence during inspections and audits
- Long-lasting fire protection backed by proper documentation
Compliant fire doors, without the disruption
Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in any school building. Replacing them doesn’t have to be chaotic or disruptive, but it does require a contractor who understands how schools work.
At A&H Hargreaves, we offer full-service support from initial survey through to installation and certification, with high-quality certified installation carried out by our qualified joiners. We manage the entire process, planned around your school’s schedule, and take responsibility for the outcome throughout.
If your school has fire doors that need replacing, assessing for compliance, or maintaining, don’t wait for a problem to be flagged in an inspection. Get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Important Safety Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered as specific professional advice. This content does not constitute legal, regulatory, or technical advice for your specific circumstances. Always consult qualified fire safety professionals, FIRAS-certified installers, and relevant authorities before making decisions about fire door specification, installation, or maintenance. Building owners and responsible persons should seek expert guidance to ensure compliance with current fire safety legislation and building regulations applicable to their specific situation. Whilst we take care to ensure accuracy, A&H Hargreaves (Rossendale) Ltd cannot accept liability for actions taken based solely on information contained in this article.