Do's & Don'ts of Fire Doors

You have your brand new set of EVO30's or EVO60's, how do you make sure they are going to do their job?

So here are the do's and don'ts when it comes to making sure your fire doors fulfil their fire stopping potential.

1. Propping doors open

Fire doors being propped open is a big NO when it comes to fire safety. The purpose of fire doors is to prevent the spread of fire through the building, when propped open, the role is completely compromised. No matter the weather, no matter the level of access needed, fire doors must be kept shut. That's why we use door closers to ensure that they are sufficiently shut once someone has moved through.

For high traffic areas like corridors, sometimes electromagnetic door retainers can be installed. These retainers work in a manner that when a fire alarm is sounded, the magnets will instantly release to shut the doors. This way we can be sure that any potential fire within an area, cannot bypass.

2. Painting over door seals

BS8214:2008, The Code of Practice for Fire Door Assemblies; states: Painting of smoke seals or combined intumescent & smoke seals should be avoided. Painting over seals reduces their ability to conceal smoke from spreading. If the seals have been painted over they must be replaced immediately.

3. Modifications to the door

Adjustments such as trimming a door to fit the door frame better MUST be made in compliance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. This both preserves the fire doors performance and maintains the life safety features.

The same compliance rules apply to cutting holes in the door, which when done without sufficient care or knowledge, can eliminate the integrity. This may include installing a window, upgrading to electromechanical products, as well as adding electronic access control products that require a deadbolt where one had not been previously installed. Security professionals must be consulted they can then source certified materials and monitor the project to ensure that the level of security and code compliance are not compromised.

4. Door Signage

Fire door signage must not be covered up or removed. Without the signage occupants will not know the importance in which they are designed to compartmentalize a building and slow the spread of fire. They also provide opening instructions: Fire door signs often include instructions on how to open the door, such as "Push" or "Turn to Open." This is particularly important for non-standard doors or those with unusual opening mechanisms.