New UK fire door inspection diploma launched by Fire Door Maintenance

Fire Door Maintenance has launched the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets in the UK.

As reported by Fire Door Maintenance, the qualification certifies that individuals have the skills and knowledge to carry out non-invasive inspections of fire-resistant doors.

The qualification was developed with awarding body GQA Qualifications and construction training provider National Skills Centre.

Practical training and assessment structure

The diploma is made up of 12 units and 313 guided learning hours.

According to Fire Door Maintenance, this represents eight additional units and 305 more guided learning hours than the next nearest equivalent.

Training is delivered through FDM’s practical training centre, where candidates inspect six different types of fire-resistant doors.

FDM said the centre is the first of its kind in the UK.

Assessment can be completed on site, or through practical and video evidence demonstrating real-world application of the training.

Compliance and industry legislation requirements

The course covers practical inspection procedures and associated legal requirements.

Topics include identifying different types of fire-resistant doors and components, understanding the responsibilities of a fire door inspector, and maintaining Continuing Professional Development.

Nicola John, Managing Director of Fire Door Maintenance, said: “By collaborating with the construction industry to create our new diploma, we’re providing holistic training and assessments that include all the topics fire door inspectors need to know — including legislation, which other courses and qualifications don’t cover.”

She added: “It’s very robust for two reasons: it needs to satisfy the 2022 Building Safety Act, and we need to raise industry safety standards.”

Industry collaboration and qualification impact

The diploma launch was marked at Fire Door Maintenance’s headquarters in Bury.

Attendees were shown around the training centre and given an overview of available qualifications.

Fire Door Maintenance reported that over 700 professionals have completed training at the centre since it opened.

Martin Sadler, External Quality Advisor and Technical Officer at GQA Qualifications, said: “The Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets is a new approach to how qualifications are delivered and assessed in the market, and it’s just what the industry needs.”

Debra Green, Business Owner of National Skills Centre, added: “This is the comprehensive qualification the construction industry was missing.

“With this diploma, we’re changing the culture around how we demonstrate competence for inspectors, which will create a safer, more knowledgeable construction workforce.”

GQA Level 3 Diploma in Fire Door Inspection launched in UK by Fire Door Maintenance: Summary

Fire Door Maintenance has launched the GQA Level 3 Diploma in Inspection of Fire Resistant Doorsets in the UK.

The 65-credit qualification includes 12 units and 313 guided learning hours.

It was developed with GQA Qualifications and the National Skills Centre.

Training takes place in FDM’s practical training centre, with assessments either on site or through submitted evidence.

The course content includes inspection of different fire door types, compliance with legislation and continued professional development.

Fire Door Maintenance said the training centre has taught over 700 professionals in its first 13 months.

Nicola John from FDM stated the qualification supports compliance with the 2022 Building Safety Act.

Martin Sadler from GQA and Debra Green from National Skills Centre commented on the diploma’s potential to raise competence in fire door inspection and enhance safety standards in construction.