HARDWARE & SECURITY
Certification : “ A label or similar marking can often be found towards the top or side of the door and will confirm the fire door is genuine and certified . All ironmongery components , including locks , latches , closers and hinges must also be UKCA / CE marked and compatible with the door leaf ’ s certification .”
Apertures : “ More often than not , fire doors are tested as solid doors and without any glazing panels or air transfer grilles . It ’ s important to ensure there are no apertures , holes or breaks in the surface of the door or frame . Decision makers are also reminded that altering the door will make certification void .”
Gaps and seals : “ Gaps around the fire door should be no greater than 3mm , and this must remain consistent around the whole frame . Intumescent strips must also be fitted at the top and sides of the door and show no signs of wear as this may negate the door ’ s ability to compartmentalise smoke and fire . Additionally , check for CE or BS EN 1935 marked hinges , which must be firmly fixed and without missing screws .”
Door closers : “ When it comes to door closers , it ’ s vital to check that your door hardware is fully functioning and will close the door onto the latch from any standing position . The door must fully engage with the frame from any opening angle , and it ’ s recommended that users check this by letting go of the door from 75mm through to the closed position . It ’ s also important to review any hold-open devices to ensure they aren ’ t working against the door ’ s self-closing devices , as fire doors must not be wedged open in any scenario .”
Operation : “ Testing the operation of the full door assembly is essential - from handles and closers to hinges and seals .
If the door is not operating effectively , is closing incorrectly on any of its sides , or there is any doubt towards hardware certification and reliability , responsible persons must identify the problem before arranging and managing professional maintenance as soon as possible . Because when it comes to fire safety , there ’ s simply no time to stand still .”
How Allegion UK can Help
Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection , installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware . For post-installation and maintenance support , Allegion ’ s simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation , a guide to the EN classification system and a safety checklist . There ’ s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion ’ s general guide to service and maintenance for free .
www . allegion . com
https :// www . gov . uk / government / statistics / fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-march-2023 / fire-and-rescue-incident-statistics-england-year-ending-march- 2023 #:~: text = In % 20the % 20year % 20ending % 20March % 202023 % 2C % 20there % 20were % 2013 % 2C550 % 20other , with % 205 % 20years % 20ago % 20 ( 15 % 2C616 ) | https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / ce-marking | https :// laidlaw . co . uk / architectural-ironmongery / standards-legislation / 02-hinges-bs-en-1935 / | https :// www . legislation . gov . uk / uksi / 2005 / 1541 / article / 17 #:~: text =—( 1 )% 20Where % 20necessary % 20in , including % 20any % 20enactment % 20repealed % 20or | https :// www . legislation . gov . uk / uksi / 2005 / 1541 / contents / made
NOVEMBER 2023
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