For Building Safety Managers overseeing multiple social housing sites, selecting and managing competent contractors for fire door repairs is crucial. With the Building Safety Act 2022 raising accountability standards, the consequences of using unqualified contractors can be severe—both financially and legally.
Understanding Competency Requirements
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and subsequent legislation mandate that anyone working on fire doors must be demonstrably competent. This means contractors must have:
- Relevant third-party accreditations
- Specific fire door repair qualifications
- Documented experience in social housing environments
- Understanding of current building safety regulations
The Hidden Risks of Unqualified Contractors
Using unqualified contractors might seem cost-effective initially, but the risks are substantial:
- Invalidated fire door certification
- Non-compliant repairs leading to safety breaches
- Legal liability under the Building Safety Act
- Increased costs from remedial works
- Compromised resident safety
Building a Reliable Contractor Network
Verification and Vetting
Start by establishing a robust verification process:
- Check third-party certifications (like BM TRADA)
- Review past work in similar social housing settings
- Verify insurance coverage and liability protection
- Assess health and safety records
- Evaluate quality assurance processes
Setting Clear Standards
Establish detailed specifications for:
- Required response times
- Quality standards for repairs
- Documentation requirements
- Communication protocols
- Compliance reporting
Managing Multi-Site Operations
Coordinating contractors across multiple sites requires systematic approaches:
- Centralised booking and scheduling systems
- Standardised repair specifications
- Consistent quality control processes
- Clear communication channels
- Regular performance reviews
Technology’s Role in Contractor Management
Modern contractor management relies heavily on digital tools:
- Real-time job tracking
- Digital documentation of repairs
- QR-coded door identification
- Automated compliance reporting
- Performance analytics
Quality Assurance Framework
Implement a structured quality control process:
- Pre-work competency checks
- On-site supervision protocols
- Post-repair inspections
- Regular audits
- Resident feedback collection
Neo, part of PTSG’s Fire Solutions division, employs only qualified fire door specialists working under third-party accreditation. Our directly employed teams ensure consistent quality across all sites, while the Bolster software provides comprehensive tracking of all repair works. We understand the complexity of managing fire door maintenance across multiple social housing sites and offer complete accountability for all works performed.
Ready to enhance your contractor management strategy? Download our guide Maintaining Compliant Fire Doors Across Multiple Sites: The Power of a Repairs-First Approach or contact us for a free consultation about your fire door maintenance needs.
