Fire doors – the essential facts
Fire doors comprise one of the most fundamental elements of a building’s passive fire protection, acting as the first line of defence in a fire
Fire doors provide those vital minutes for occupants to evacuate a building safely and they control the spread of the fire and smoke to allow for an easier and safer escape route.
But what are the key facts to keep in mind when it comes to fire doors? Here’s a brief overview.
What is the importance of a fire door in a building?
Ultimately, fire doors are important because they protect the lives of building users and emergency service personnel in the event of a fire. By limiting the fire’s spread, they provide an escape route free from smoke, gases, and flames for a reasonable period of time.
It is crucial to ensure that fire doors are fitted in all non-domestic properties, residential flats, and multi-occupancy houses in the UK, because failure to do so can result in serious repercussions for all parties, including substantial fines and even prison.
How do I know what hardware can be used on a fire door?
All the hardware fitted on a fire doorset should be fire-rated. To meet the necessary standards, a fire doorset must pass one or a series of standardised tests, as well as being correctly certified and rated to withstand fire for a set period of time. This testing should be conducted by an accredited independent testing body, in accordance with the relevant British or European standards.
What options are there for holding open a fire door?
While fire doors should not be held open, there are some situations when this is acceptable, such as a busy hospital or hotel corridor, when a Hold-open or Free-swing door closer (linked to the fire alarm system) is used. This is because they will ensure the door closes in the event of the fire alarm being triggered.
What products require intumescent protection?
Intumescent seals form an essential element of a fire door performance and should be installed either around the door or around the inside of the door frame in continuous strips, not pieces. Mortisced Hardware items like locks and hinges or concealed door closers would also generally require intumescent kits.
How are fire doors maintained?
Fire doorsets should be viewed as a continuous investment into fire safety, and therefore it’s an essential legal requirement that their own tailored maintenance programme is in place to help identify potential issues before they become so serious as to compromise safety. There are many accredited schemes that give training for both the inspection and maintenance of Fire Doors and their associated hardware.
Common faults include missing fire or smoke seals, unsuitable hinges, and damage to the door itself. All of these can seriously affect the door’s ability to protect people in a fire.
How can I check if the hardware on my door is suitable for a fire door?
A fire door is only as strong as its parts, so it’s vital to make sure that the ironmongery included meets all the necessary fire safety standards. This includes checking that:
- The door closer always returns to its fully closed position
- The hinges are strong enough to carry the door mass
- The intumescent seals are in good condition and fit the full length of a door, while being secure in the groove
Periodic checks should be carried out on fire doors at least every six months, and even more regularly on a high-traffic door. A record of inspection and maintenance should also be kept, and those responsible for a site should encourage other staff to report any issues.
