UNSCRUPULOUS contractors are putting building occupants at risk by installing bogus fire doors and pocketing the difference in cost between them and the real thing, according to the Door and Shutter Manufacturers Association (DSMA).

DSMA technical officer Derek Smith said: The evidence weve compiled shows that some doors and shutters are being supplied under false pretences its claimed theyre fire doors when in fact they are not.

He added that this was not due to ignorance and that the DSMA had found examples where products installed as fire doors and shutters had never been tested and would never pass the test.

Mr Smith said that such cases had been found in all types of building from domestic to large scale industrial. Installers, contractors and in some cases building owners face prosecution if these bogus doors and shutters are found. Building owners may also find that their building insurance is invalid.

Various industry representatives including the DSMA and the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB), which represents insurance companies, are meeting to work out a strategy for getting the message to purchasers and suppliers.

Product information can be found here http://www.enfielddoors.co.uk/