FIRE SAFETY
Fire Door Safety – Handy Hardware Checklist
Louise Frost from Door Controls Direct takes us through key fire door ironmongery checks , to help keep all facilities safe and secure .
» FIRE DOORS AREN ’ T INSTALLED FOR privacy , for air management , or even to restrict or control access . They ’ re life safety measures .
The correct specification , installation , and maintenance of these life-saving barriers needs to be a top priority .
With a continued national and regional focus on passive fire safety , we ’ ve compiled a quick checklist to make sure that the fire rated doors you oversee are compliant , and that they stay that way .
1 . HINGES
A minimum of three CE marked hinges must be used to hang a single leaf fire rated door . All fixings must be present and suitably tightened . There should be no sign of oil leakage or metal fragments .
2 . DOOR CLOSERS
On “ keep shut ” fire doors , a controlled closing device tested to BS EN 1154 is crucial . Check it is CE marked . Install closers at a minimum power size EN 3 . The arm must be securely fixed to the closer body and frame . All fixings must be present and secure .
‘ They ’ re life safety measures .’
3 . HOLD OPEN DEVICES
The link to the fire alarm must be tested to ensure the door releases . Look for wear . If it is a separate door holder , not an electromagnetic door closer with hold open function , check it is securely fixed .
4 . LOCKS & LATCHES
If required , they must be fitted with intumescent protection . They must be correctly installed and easy to use to ensure operational safety . Check for poorly fitting latches , and any signs of wear .
5 . DOOR FURNITURE
Check that items are appropriately fixed and that all bolts and screws are tightly in place . When released , the handle should readily return to its horizontal position . Doors must correctly latch into the frame after each and every use .
6 . INTUMESCENT SEALS
Intumescent strip plays a vital part in stopping the transfer of smoke and expands when exposed to heat to seal gaps . Seals should not show any signs of wear and must be well attached . They need to form a continuous seal around the frame – no gaps or breaks .
7 . EMERGENCY EXIT HARDWARE Emergency exit devices must be CE marked , have the correct accreditation , and be tested regularly . Products are tested together to ensure compliance with applicable regulations so ensure all components fitted have been tested together , this includes outside access devices .
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SEPTEMBER 2024
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