Fire Safety Basics: Fire Doors

Fire safety is a paramount concern in both residential and commercial establishments. It encompasses a variety of measures designed to prevent fire outbreaks and mitigate the damage should one occur.

One crucial aspect of fire safety is the installation and proper use of fire doors. Engineers design fire doors to withstand fire, acting as a barrier to prevent the spread of flames and smoke between rooms.

They play a crucial role in protecting the building's occupants. They allow more time for evacuation and emergency response.

The efficacy of fire doors hinges on adherence to specified regulations and standards from the manufacturing stage through to installation and maintenance.

What Do Fire Doors Do?

Fire doors serve as an integral component in fire safety systems. They provide a barrier against the spread of fire and smoke within a building.

Designers and engineers build fire doors to resist fire for a specified period. This timeframe ranges from 30 to 120 minutes+, depending on the design and the materials used.

By compartmentalising fire, they provide occupants with more time to evacuate safely and can help protect property from extensive fire damage.

What Are Fire Doors Made Of?

The materials utilised in its construction significantly affect the effectiveness of a fire door. Manufacturers choose these materials based on their ability to withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Here are some common materials used in the construction of fire doors:

• Steel: Known for its high resistance to heat and structural integrity.
• Gypsum: A fire-resistant material that can withstand high temperatures.
• Vermiculite Boards: These boards have good insulation properties and can resist fire for extended periods.
• Timber: When treated with fire-retardant chemicals, timber can also serve as a suitable material for fire doors.
• Glass: Special fire-rated glass can withstand high temperatures without breaking for a specific period.

Each material or combination of materials contributes to the door’s fire-resistance rating, which is crucial for its effectiveness in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

While the core construct is often a solid timber frame adorned with fire-resistant glass, other materials may also constitute its makeup. The mandate requires the incorporated glass to endure heat for 60 minutes without succumbing to melting.

Around the periphery of the door, an intumescent seal finds its place. Engineered to swell beyond its original size when temperatures soar above 200°C, this seal nullifies the gaps between the frame and the door, acting as a barrier to fire and smoke.

Locking mechanisms on fire doors entail a duo of types: the deadbolt and the latch, each playing a part in securing the door during a fire event.

Types of Fire Door

The design of a fire door can vary to fit different architectural needs and standards. Some common types include:

• Single Doors: Standard single leaf fire doors suitable for most openings.
• Double Doors: Comprised of two leaves, useful for wider openings and providing greater accessibility.
• Sliding Doors: Ideal for areas with limited space, sliding fire doors retract horizontally.
• Flush Doors: These doors have a flat surface, blending seamlessly with the surrounding architecture while providing necessary fire protection.
• Glazed Fire Doors: Incorporate fire-resistant glass to allow visibility while maintaining fire protection standards.

Each type of fire door serves a specific purpose and is suited for different building designs and requirements. Understanding the various types of fire doors and their construction materials is crucial for ensuring effective fire safety in any building.

How To Install a Fire Door

The first step towards ensuring the effectiveness of a fire door is its proper installation. Certified professionals should handle the installation process to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. A professional installation service will provide the following:

• The correct orientation and fitting of the door within the frame.
• Properly installed intumescent seals around the edges to prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
• All components, such as hinges, locks, and closers, are correctly positioned and fastened.
• Verify that the door swings freely and closes securely without any obstructions.

Fire Door Maintenance

Routine fire door maintenance is a pivotal aspect to ensure that a fire door remains functional and effective in providing a barrier against fire and smoke over time.

Maintenance checks are essential to identify and rectify any issues that could compromise the door’s integrity and performance. Maintenance should include:

• Inspecting the door’s structure for any damage or wear that could compromise its integrity.
• Checking the functionality of all components, including locks, hinges, and seals.
• Ensuring that the door closer is functioning correctly and that the door shuts securely.
• Replacing worn or damaged components as necessary.

Fire Door Inspections

Alongside fire door maintenance, fire doors should have regular inspections and testing to continue to comply with safety standards. Testing procedures include:

• Conducting a visual inspection to check for any obvious signs of wear or damage.
• Engaging a professional to perform a thorough examination and testing according to local fire safety standards.
• Checking the operation of the door, including its closure and the functionality of all components.
• Documenting the results of each test, including any repairs or replacements made, to maintain a record of compliance.
• Scheduling regular testing intervals, as per local regulations, to ensure ongoing compliance and functionality.

Proper Usage of Fire Doors

As we've learnt in this article, fire doors stand as a crucial line of defence in a building's fire safety infrastructure, acting as a physical barrier to the advance of fire and smoke between different compartments of a structure.

Their effectiveness, however, is deeply rooted in their proper usage. Be sure to follow the advice below:

• Keep Them Closed: Fire doors should remain closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. When not in use, these doors should always be kept closed and never be propped open.
• Automatic Closures: Where available, installing automatic closures can ensure that fire doors are closed immediately after use, maintaining the integrity of fire compartments within the building.
• Clear Access: Ensure that the area around fire doors is kept clear of obstructions as it is essential for them to operate correctly and for individuals to pass through them safely during evacuations.

Fire Door Signage

Clear and understandable fire door signage is crucial to aid in evacuation and emergency response. It is also a regulation within UK law. Here are some guidelines:

• Signage Indicating Fire Doors: Signs should clearly indicate which doors are fire doors. This helps occupants and emergency responders to identify them quickly during an emergency.
• Evacuation Directions: Signage should also provide clear directions for evacuation, guiding individuals to the nearest exits and safe areas outside the building.
• Emergency Instructions: Including instructions on how to operate the fire door if it has special operating instructions, and what to do in case of a fire can be beneficial for occupants unfamiliar with the building.

What Next?

Fire doors embody a fundamental component in the architecture of fire safety within a building. Their primary role is to act as a robust barrier against the deadly onslaught of fire and smoke, effectively compartmentalising the building into safer zones.

This, in turn, provides precious additional time for occupants to evacuate and allows emergency responders a secure pathway to carry out their duties. The effectiveness of fire doors, however, is intricately tied to their correct usage, regular maintenance, and compliance with established safety standards.

The journey towards a safer living and working environment begins with recognizing and acting upon the responsibility of maintaining fire doors to the highest standards.

Building managers, owners, and occupants should ensure that the fire doors in their premises are up to standard, well-maintained, and ready to perform their life-saving functions when called upon.

Investing time and resources in regular inspections, adhering to installation guidelines, and educating occupants on the proper use of fire doors are steps that go a long way in bolstering the fire safety infrastructure of any building.