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Can ’ t stand the heat ?
Are you specifying the correct closers for metal fire doors ?
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SPECIFYING A DOOR CLOSER for a metal fire door has historically been fairly straightforward ; a specifier will look for documentation to see if a door closer is certified and how long it is rated for . However , a recent revision to certification to help improve safety means that this process has become more detailed – and it could catch specifiers out if they are not aware .
While many door closers are stated as being approved for metal fire doors , in a number of cases this only applies to insulated metal fire doors . And with around 8 out of 10 metal fire doors sold in the UK being the non-insulated type , this means many door closers are not fit for purpose – with potentially disastrous results .
‘ We believe many door closers could have been incorrectly specified for noninsulated metals fire doors , which could pose a real danger to lives in the event of a fire ’
Non-insulated metal fire doors provide certified fire resistance for integrity only , protecting against the passage of fire and smoke . However , as the name implies , these fire doors are not certified for insulation and so cannot protect against the passage of heat . This becomes an issue for a door closer that is filled with a mineral or semi-synthetic mixed oil , as it can actually ignite when it reaches a high enough temperature . While UNION door closers are filled with an inert glycol oil which will not ignite , other brands of door closers use a flammable oil and thus their correct use should be carefully checked .
Certifire , the testing organisation , has recently revised its certification to more accurately state the type of metal fire door a door closer is approved for use . But with so many installers and specifiers unaware of this risk , UNION is urgently calling on installers and property owners to check any door closers fitted to non-insulated metal fire doors are suitable .
Simon Gibbs , Business development Manager at UNION , explains , “ This is a hugely serious issue that all specifiers and installers need to be aware of . We believe many door closers could have been incorrectly specified for non-insulated metals fire doors , which could pose a real danger to lives in the event of a fire . Certifire has taken a proactive stance on this matter and updated the certification documents to give a specifier or installer more detailed information .
“ Professionals can overcome this issue by following three simple steps . First of all , check all relevant Certifire documentation and make sure
UNION RetroV is certified for use on non-insulated metal fire doors .
this has been updated for any recent amendments . Next , check whether the documentation includes details on the type of fire doors that the door closer has been tested on . Finally , where metal fire doors are covered , are there any restrictions on the type of fire door ? By following these steps you can discover if you have any issues to resolve with your door closers .”
‘ many door closers are not fit for purpose – with potentially disastrous results ’
If you are concerned about a door closer fitted to a metal fire door and would like advice , UNION is offering help and guidance via its customer services helpline on 0845 223 2124 .
With fire safety regulations facing continual tightening , this is a potentially important change that could affect a large number of metal fire doors . It ’ s vital you check any metal fire doors in a building and confirm if the door closer is compatible .
Anyone worried that they may have a door closer that is not safe can also call 0845 2232124 for more information and advice .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | MAR / APR 2018 Sponsored by Lockex 2018 - Security & Fire Safety