Fire doors training, regulation and competence discussed at UK ASFP TG10 meeting
Iain Hoey
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UK fire doors task group discusses training, myths and compliance
The Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) has reported that its Task Group 10 (TG10) met in May 2025 to discuss updates on fire doors, including training, regulation and industry collaboration.
The group’s fourth meeting addressed projects including a multi-volume Colour Book, a fire door podcast series, and upcoming guidance on nominal and notional fire doors.
According to the ASFP, attendees also examined training gaps and regulatory changes, especially those relating to the Building Safety Act and the Construction Products Reform Green Paper.
ASFP updates Colour Book and podcast plans
The ASFP stated that TG10 confirmed progress on Volume 1 of its Colour Book, which will address design, specification and planning.
The group decided to split the Colour Book into multiple volumes to better support competence frameworks. A draft of Volume 1 is expected by the end of July.
Attendees were asked to volunteer for editorial support and podcast contributions, with the TG10 podcast series seeking guest suggestions and topic input.
The association also said that a draft advisory note on nominal and notional fire doors is close to completion.
While TG10 does not endorse these terms, it noted the need to outline their risks and controls.
Shifting towards competence-led fire door safety
A central discussion, led by ASFP’s Kate Milford, addressed how the fire door sector is moving away from a compliance-based model towards a competence-focused approach.
The ASFP said this change was driven by post-Grenfell legislation including the Building Safety Act and supported by industry bodies such as the Industry Competence Committee and the Industry Competence Steering Group.
It also pointed to work by SLG12, chaired by ASFP’s David Marah, which seeks to unify fire protection knowledge across the sector.
TG10 acknowledged that installation and inspection training is well established, while areas like procurement and product selection remain underdeveloped.
Fire door training and the ASFP Competence Hub
TG10 discussed how competence is measured across fire door design, specification, procurement, installation and maintenance stages.
Members were encouraged to review internal competence records and use the ASFP Competence Hub as a resource.
The association said that feedback on training and pathways would be used to guide development of future resources.
Regulatory change and product testing discussed
The ASFP reported that TG10 reviewed proposals from the Construction Products Reform Green Paper, including the idea of digital product passports and stricter third-party certification.
The group also considered the regulatory treatment of internal versus external fire doors and the need for interpretable test data that protects proprietary information.
It was noted that oversight from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is increasing in the fire door and ironmongery sectors.
Next steps for TG10
TG10 will meet again in early July 2025, the ASFP said.
Members were encouraged to submit agenda items and provide feedback on projects such as the Colour Book and training initiatives.
The association is also considering a webinar series to support wider communication on these topics.
Fire doors training, regulation and competence discussed at UK ASFP TG10 meeting: Summary
The ASFP reported that TG10 met in May 2025.
TG10 reviewed progress on the Colour Book and podcast plans.
A draft advisory note on nominal and notional fire doors is being finalised.
Kate Milford led a discussion on competence-led safety approaches.
The ASFP said the Building Safety Act is influencing new frameworks.
SLG12, chaired by David Marah, is helping align sector knowledge.
TG10 highlighted training gaps in procurement and product selection.
Members were encouraged to engage with the ASFP Competence Hub.
The group discussed reforms to product testing and certification.
The Construction Products Reform Green Paper was reviewed.
TG10 noted increased OPSS attention to the fire door sector.
The next TG10 meeting is scheduled for early July 2025.
Feedback and agenda submissions were requested from members.
A webinar series is being explored by the ASFP communications team.