The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is reinforcing its Certifire Fire Door and Doorset Scheme with the launch of a campaign to highlight the importance of using compatible components when installing fire doors.
The campaign, which will cost about £50,000 this year, involves advertising, direct mail and the distribution of updated Certifire brochures. It is aimed at construction professionals, regulators and builders, contractors and merchants.
The initiative follows BWF research which found 70% of builders’ merchants were unaware fire door components must be compatible with the tested door design. About 75% thought any components, such as hinges, seals and ironmongery, were suitable to be sold with any fire doors.
The launch, held at the federation’s London offices, included a display of fire doors and components which BWF officers had bought in a mystery shopper exercise.
BWF director Richard Lambert said next year’s marketing budget would be based around the campaign.
He said: “I am certain that the vast majority of merchants have no idea that they could potentially be held liable if they sell a fire door which then fails because the components are not compatible. They need to be aware of this.”
BWF technical manager John Hedgecock said the safest solution was to buy complete, pre-assembled doorsets from a Certifire manufacturer.
The BWF is already addressing the problem through its Approved Fire Door Centres. It plans to add a further 75 outlets this year, taking the total to more than 100.
