CITB and ASFP announce that the Competence Framework for Non-Timber, Non-Composite Fire-Resisting Doors, Shutters and Curtain Systems is now open for consultation on the CITB website
This framework is the culmination of several months of development work, shaped by the expertise and input of industry specialists from the door, shutter, curtain installation, maintenance and repair sectors, as well as representatives from passive fire protection.
The wider industry is now able to review the framework and share their feedback before it is finalised for publication. Your views are important in helping to ensure that the framework is practical, robust and reflective of industry needs.
To take part in the consultation, please access the framework here: https://www.citb.co.uk/delivering-training/standards-setting-body/competence- frameworks/search-competence-frameworks/non-timber-and-non-composite-fire- resisting-door-shutter-or-curtain-systems.
At the top of the consultation page, you will also find a link to provide your feedback. If you have any questions around the structure or process, please reach out to:
Don’t Forget Fire Door Inspection Duties
Responsible Persons for multi-occupied residential buildings in England continue to have legal duties under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 in relation to fire doors.
For buildings where the top storey is more than 11 metres above ground level, communal fire doors must be checked at least every three months, while flat entrance doors must be checked at least every 12 months on a best endeavours basis. Responsible Persons must also provide residents with information about the importance of fire doors and the need to report any defects.
Routine checks should identify obvious defects, such as damaged self- closing devices, excessive gaps, damaged glazing, or worn intumescent and smoke seals. Any faults that could affect performance should be addressed promptly. These checks are intended to maintain the condition of existing fire doors and do not replace the need for a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment.
Understanding Fire Door Testing Standards
The fire door testing landscape continues to evolve as European standards become more widely adopted across the industry.
Traditionally, fire doors in the UK have been tested to BS 476-22, with performance often described using familiar ratings such as FD30
and FD60. While BS 476-22 remains a recognised fire resistance test standard, interpretation of the test results has largely relied on expert assessment and voluntary third-party certification schemes.
Under the European framework, BS EN 13501-2 introduces a harmonised system for classifying fire performance. Based on testing to EN 1634-1, classifications such as E30 and E60 are increasingly
being used to define fire resistance performance and support extended application rules across the construction sector.
Government Update: New Guidance on Self-Certification Scheme Competence Requirements
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published new guidance setting out the mandatory technical competence requirements for individuals and organisations operating within self- certification schemes (previously known as competent person schemes).
The guidance outlines the minimum requirements expected of scheme operators and participants, helping to ensure consistent levels of competence across the construction sector.
This is the first publication of the guidance and may be of particular interest to organisations involved in building compliance, certification and competent person schemes.
Published 1 July 2026
