In the wake of tragic events like the Grenfell Tower fire, the importance of properly functioning fire doors cannot be overstated. Fire doors play a crucial role in containing fires and protecting lives, but only if they are correctly installed and maintained.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of identifying and inspecting the key components of a fire rated door, ensuring your building remains safe and compliant with UK regulations.
A fire rated door is a specially designed door that can withstand fire for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours. These doors are crucial in compartmentalising buildings, slowing the spread of fire and smoke, and providing safe evacuation routes. Bradbury Group’s fire rated steel doors offer protection for up to 240 minutes, providing industry-leading safety for various applications.
Regular inspection of fire doors is essential to ensure they will perform as intended in the event of a fire. Even the highest quality fire doors can become compromised through daily use, improper maintenance, or damage. By conducting thorough and frequent inspections, you can identify and address any issues before they become critical failures.
In the UK, the responsibility for fire door inspections falls to the ‘Responsible Person’ as defined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This could be the building owner, landlord, or occupier in commercial properties. In shared premises, multiple Responsible Persons may need to collaborate to ensure compliance.
Fire doors should be inspected at least every six months. However, in high-traffic areas or buildings with increased fire risks, more frequent inspections (every three months) are recommended. It’s advisable to employ a registered FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) inspector for professional assessments.
Look for a label or plug on the top or side of the door. This certification should indicate the door’s fire rating (e.g., FD30 for 30 minutes of fire resistance). Bradbury Group’s fire doors are Certifire accredited, ensuring they meet stringent fire safety standards.
Open the door fully and let it close on its own. It should close smoothly into the frame without sticking on the floor or frame, and without slamming. The door should also close fully when opened to about 5cm.
The gap between the door leaf and frame should be 2-4mm. The gap between the bottom of the door and the floor should be less than 10mm when closed. If you can see light under the door, the gap is likely too large.
Check that the frame is firmly attached to the wall and free from any visible damage or warping.
Fire doors must have intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat. Ensure these seals are in place, well-attached, continuous around the frame, and free from damage.
Fire doors require a minimum of three hinges. Check that all hinges are firmly fixed with all screws in place, free from metal fragments and oil leakage.
The door closer should be securely attached and adjusted to close the door fully into the frame without slamming.
If the door is fitted with hold-open devices, test them weekly to ensure they release the door when the fire alarm sounds.
Inspect the entire door for any signs of damage, including cracks in glazed sections.
If fitted, the latch should hold the door in place without rattling, and the handle should operate smoothly.
If any problems are identified during the inspection, they should be addressed immediately. Minor issues may be resolved in-house, but significant problems should be handled by qualified professionals. Remember, a compromised fire door is not just a compliance issue—it’s a serious safety risk.
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of fire doors. This includes:
By following these guidelines and maintaining vigilance, you can significantly enhance the fire safety of your building and protect lives in the event of an emergency.
When it comes to fire safety, compromise is not an option. Bradbury Group’s range of fire rated steel doors offers industry-leading protection, with ratings of up to 240 minutes. Our doors are Certifire accredited and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring your building remains safe and compliant.
Don’t leave your fire safety to chance. Contact Bradbury Group today to discuss how our fire rated steel doors can enhance the safety of your building. Our expert team is ready to provide tailored solutions that meet your specific needs and exceed your expectations.
