When it comes to fire safety, one often overlooked, but crucial element, is the humble fire door. These unassuming barriers play a pivotal role in containing the spread of fire and smoke, allowing occupants valuable time to evacuate a building in a safe and timely manner.
To ensure that fire doors are up to the task, it's essential to conduct regular inspections. In this blog, we will explore the key components to look out for when inspecting fire doors to help you maintain a safe environment.
Let's take a look at what to look for when checking a fire door...
Fire Door Certification
The first thing to check is whether the fire door is properly certified. Fire doors must adhere to specific standards, typically labelled as fire resistance ratings. The certification label should indicate the door's fire rating and compliance with relevant regulations. Common certifications include UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards.
Mechanical Door Closer
Mechanical door closers are essential for ensuring that fire doors close automatically and securely after use. Inspect the closer to ensure it is in good working condition, closes the door fully and latches properly. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent issues with door closers.
Electro-Mechanical Hold Open Devices
Some fire doors are equipped with electro-mechanical hold open devices, which allow doors to remain open during normal operation but close automatically when a fire alarm is triggered. Verify that these devices are functioning correctly, and there are no signs of tampering or misuse.
Signage
Proper signage is crucial for fire safety. Look for clear and visible signs indicating that a door is a fire door. Additionally, check for signs designating whether the door should be kept closed or not propped open.
Intumescent Fire and Smoke Seals
Intumescent seals are designed to expand when exposed to heat, creating an effective barrier against smoke and flames. Inspect these seals for any damage, wear, or gaps. They should be intact and in good condition to perform their function effectively.
Gaps
Gaps around the edges of the door and between the door and frame can compromise the door's integrity. Use a gap gauge to measure these gaps, ensuring they comply with local building codes and fire safety standards. Any excessive gaps should be addressed promptly.
Door Frame
Examine the door frame for damage, warping, or any signs of wear and tear. The frame must be structurally sound to support the fire door properly. If there are issues, they should be repaired promptly to maintain the door's effectiveness.
Hinges
Check the hinges for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Hinges should be securely fastened to both the door and the frame. Make sure they allow the door to open and close smoothly without any obstructions.
Summary
In conclusion, regular inspections of fire doors are crucial for ensuring the safety of occupants in any building. Neglecting these inspections can lead to potentially catastrophic consequences in the event of a fire. By paying attention to fire door certification, mechanical components, signage, seals, gaps, door frames, and hinges, you can help maintain a secure environment and ensure that fire doors are ready to perform their life-saving role when needed most. Regular maintenance and inspections should be a top priority for any responsible building owner or manager to guarantee the highest level of fire safety possible.
If you require any support with keeping your fire doors safe all year round, get in contact with Protest Compliance Group's specialist fire safety division today!
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