Fire safety is a top priority for businesses, with stringent fire safety regulations in place to protect lives and property. Fire protection strategies are a must; however, this begins with the initial fire door installation.
Above all, fire-certified doors contain fire and smoke, slowing their spread to provide a safe evacuation route for occupants. Simply put building regulations are your legal framework as well as your responsibility to ensure workplace safety.
Bridge Door Systems have put this guide together to firstly identify the importance of internal fire doors. This is along with the certification process and how businesses can meet building compliance standards to improve fire protection.
What Are Fire Doors and Why Are They Essential?
Fire doors are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a set period. This is typically either 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60). Therefore, these doors are constructed from fire-resistant materials ensure safe evacuation routes remain accessible during an emergency.
Types of Fire Doors for Businesses:
- Internal Fire Doors – Used inside buildings to compartmentalise fire, thus reduces the spread of flames and toxic smoke.
- Commercial Fire Doors – Installed in business premises to meet fire safety regulations and so protect key areas.
- Emergency Exit Doors – Make quick escape with an easy to navigate route in the event of a fire.
- Fire Escape Doors – Installed in designated exit points to facilitate evacuation and meet building compliance standards.
Regardless of type, all fire doors must meet strict fire-rated door specifications and require correct installation to function effectively.
Key Considerations for Fire Door Installation
Proper fire door installation is essential to ensure maximum fire resistance and compliance with safety regulations. A poorly installed fire door will fail prematurely, so will put lives and property at risk at all times.
Selecting the Right Fire Door
Business owners should select doors with the correct fire rating based on the initial fire risk assessment. Fire-rated doors are classified based on how long they can withstand fire. For instance, FD30 and FD60, which are the most common options.
Ensuring Proper Frame and Door Leaf Fitting
Above all, install your new fire doors within fire-resistant frames. Be aware of this, as gaps allow fire and smoke to pass through. The recommended clearance between the door and frame should not exceed 3mm along the sides and top.
Installing Intumescent and Smoke Seals
Fire certified doors are fitted with intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat. As a result, this will seal gaps and prevent fire from spreading. Smoke seals are also essential to stop toxic fumes from travelling through a building.
Using Fire-Rated Hardware
All components, such as hinges, locks, handles, and door closers, must have a fire rating. Using non-compliant fittings can cause the fire door to fail prematurely.
Ensuring Self-Closing Mechanisms Are Fitted
Fire doors must be self-closing to ensure they are never left open unintentionally. Emergency exit doors and fire escape doors should also be easy to operate while maintaining fire resistance. A qualified installer will ensure correct fitting, and that the door performs as required in a fire situation.
Fire Door Certification and Building Compliance
All commercial fire doors must be certified and regularly maintained to meet building compliance and safety standards. So, fire certified doors undergo rigorous testing to guarantee they can withstand fire and smoke for the designated duration.
Fire Door Certification
Certified fire doors will have a label or plug indicating compliance with British Standards, such as:
- BS 476-22 – Fire resistance testing for door assemblies.
- BS EN 1634-1 – European standard for fire door performance.
Third-Party Accreditation
Independent bodies test and certify many fire-rated doors, for example:
- BM TRADA Q-Mark
- Certifire
- BSI Kitemark
Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections keep fire doors effective in providing fire protection. Checks should include:
- Make sure the door remains closed fully, so it is completely secure
- Check for damage to the seals, frame, and hinges
- Ensure no one wedges fire-rated doors open.
- Ensure certification labels remain both visible and intact
Legal Responsibilities for Business Owners
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses must appoint a responsible person to oversee fire safety. In fact, this includes the installation of both internal fire doors and commercial fire doors. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, for example fines or prosecution.
Common Fire Door Compliance Mistakes
- Wedge-Propping Fire Doors Open – This renders the fire door ineffective in preventing fire and smoke spread.
- Damaged or Missing Intumescent Seals –Fire and smoke can travel quickly, so will endanger lives without functional seals.
- Incorrectly Installed or Worn Hinges – Standard door hinges are not heat-resistant and will thus fail under extreme temperatures.
- Failure to Conduct Routine Inspections – Fire-rated doors should be checked every six months, so they remain in working condition.
- Using Non-Compliant Hardware – Only fire-rated components should be used in fire door installation to maintain effectiveness.
Conclusion
Fire doors are the most critical component of fire safety, so provides essential protection against fire and smoke spread. Bridge Door Systems specialise in fire certified doors, so contact us for professional support on installation and maintenance.