BS 476: Why It’s Being Phased Out Under the Building Safety Act

BS 476: Why It’s Being Phased Out Under the Building Safety Act

Fire safety regulations in the UK are undergoing a major overhaul, with older standards like BS 476 being phased out in favor of the BS EN 13501 classification system. This shift, driven by the Building Safety Act 2022, aims to enhance fire safety by adopting stricter, internationally recognized testing methods.

For fire door maintenance in London, compliance with updated fire safety regulations is now more important than ever. Many professionals rely on BM TRADA certification to ensure their fire doors meet the latest standards. But what does the transition away from BS 476 mean for fire door compliance? Let’s explore.

What is BS 476?

BS 476 has long been used in the UK to assess the fire resistance of building materials, including fire doors, walls, ceilings, and structural elements. Specifically, BS 476 Part 22 tests the ability of fire doors to withstand fire for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes (FD30, FD60, etc.).

However, as fire safety standards evolve, the UK is transitioning to BS EN 13501, which provides a more comprehensive evaluation of fire performance, including smoke control and combustibility.

Why is BS 476 Being Phased Out?

1. Stronger Compliance with International Standards

• BS EN 13501 aligns the UK with European and global fire testing methods, ensuring better consistency and comparability.

• This shift is particularly relevant for fire door maintenance in London, where compliance with the latest regulations is crucial for landlords and building managers.

2. More Detailed Fire Performance Testing

• BS EN 13501 goes beyond basic fire resistance and assesses:

• Smoke production (critical for evacuation safety)

• Flaming droplets (which can spread fires faster)

• Insulation performance (heat transfer prevention)

• This ensures that fire doors provide more than just fire resistance—they also limit smoke spread and heat transfer, improving overall safety.

3. Higher Accountability Under the Building Safety Act

• The Building Safety Act 2022 introduces stricter obligations for building owners, landlords, and developers to ensure fire doors meet current regulations.

• BM TRADA-certified fire doors already comply with BS EN 13501, making them a preferred choice for professionals ensuring compliance.

4. Lessons from Grenfell and Other Fire Incidents

• Investigations after Grenfell Tower revealed flaws in fire testing and certification processes.

• BS 476 was deemed outdated, particularly in assessing the real-world fire performance of cladding and fire doors.

• The shift to BS EN 13501 ensures more reliable testing and reduces fire risks.

What This Means for Fire Door Compliance

With BS 476 being phased out, businesses and property managers must ensure their fire doors meet BS EN 13501-2 standards. Here’s what that entails:

✅ Fire Doors Must Meet New Classification Standards

• Fire doors will no longer just be labeled as FD30 or FD60 under BS 476.

• BS EN 13501-2 introduces additional classifications based on:

• Fire resistance (E) – How well the door prevents fire spread.

• Smoke control (S) – How well the door limits smoke leakage.

• Thermal insulation (I) – How well the door prevents heat transfer.

✅ Fire Door Maintenance in London: Ensuring Compliance

• For building owners and facilities managers, regular fire door inspections and maintenance are now a legal requirement under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

• In London, where high-rise buildings are common, ensuring fire doors are compliant and well-maintained is critical to safety.

✅ BM TRADA Certification: The Gold Standard for Fire Doors

• BM TRADA-certified fire doors already comply with BS EN 13501-2, making them the best choice for new installations and replacements.

• If your building still relies on BS 476-tested doors, consider replacing them with BM TRADA-certified fire doors to future-proof your compliance.

Fire Door Maintenance: What You Need to Do Now

1. Inspect Your Fire Doors Regularly

• The Building Safety Act 2022 requires regular fire door inspections in residential buildings over 11m in height.

• Fire doors in common areas must be checked quarterly, and flat entrance doors must be checked annually.

2. Upgrade to BS EN 13501-Compliant Fire Doors

• If your building still has BS 476-certified fire doors, consult a BM TRADA-certified supplier to upgrade.

• This ensures compliance with the latest regulations and improves safety.

3. Work with Certified Fire Door Maintenance Providers in London

• Partner with specialists in fire door maintenance in London who can ensure doors are:

• Properly installed and maintained

• Compliant with BS EN 13501-2

• Regularly inspected and repaired if needed

Final Thoughts

The phasing out of BS 476 is part of a larger effort to improve fire safety in UK buildings. With the Building Safety Act 2022 in force, building owners and fire safety professionals must prioritize compliance with BS EN 13501-2 to ensure fire doors offer the highest level of protection.

For fire door maintenance in London, working with BM TRADA-certified providers is the best way to stay compliant and keep your building safe.

Need help with fire door maintenance in London?

Contact a BM TRADA-certified fire door specialist to ensure your building meets the latest safety regulations.