Fire doors are designed to protect an opening with a fire-rated barrier. These doors are a key component of a building’s passive fire protection system. Interior fire doors help block or delay the spread of heat, smoke and flames through hallways, stairwells and between sections of the building. They are also installed in corridors passing through fire barrier walls. Exterior fire protection doors are heat resistant and allow quick egress from the building in case of an emergency. However, fire doors can only do their job when properly specified, installed, managed and maintained.
Identifying Fire Doors
To determine the FD rating of fire doors, the manufacturers have their fire doors assessed by an approved fire testing centre subjecting them to a test procedure as specified in BS 476-22:1987 or BS EN 1634-1:2014. Tests are made on complete fire door sets: ie. the fire door and door frame with all the requisite hardware (e.g. locks, latches, hinges, etc).
The most commonly specified integrity levels are:
FD30 – 30 minutes
FD60 – 60 minutes
FD90 – 90 minutes
FD120 – 120 minutes
Musts
Every fire door must have a current independently accredited test certificate. This proves the door's fire rating, test criteria, and manufacturing compliance. It also shows that the door's components meet strict performance and compliance standards. It also gives critical information about installation. Look for a label or plug on top (or occasionally on the side) of the door. Without a certification mark, you cannot be sure this really is a fire door.
Must Nots
Because fire doors are tested as a complete assembly, field modifications to fire doors are restricted. "For example, signs can only be installed on a fire door using adhesives. "They can't be installed with nails or screws. Also, kick plates may be installed, but with limitations." Integrity failure is deemed to occur when cracks or other openings develop through which flames or hot gases can pass or when flaming occurs on the unexposed face.
Fire Door Inspections
Fire doors are installed to protect your building and its occupants from specific hazards, as well as compartmentalise your building into specific fire areas. A fire door can often be the last barrier between you and a blaze that could end up saving your life,
Our fire door inspection service ensures that your fire doors will work properly in fire conditions. To discuss how we can assist you please contact Moving Designs Ltd on 0845 6432197.
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