Fire Door Maintenance Overview
When the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 came into force over in England and Wales it transferred the responsibility for Fire Safety from the fire authorities to whoever has day-to-day responsibility for the premises. The responsible person must ensure they take steps to reduce the risk from fire for those contained within the building and consider how to contain a fire should one break out.
Fire doors and all passive fire protection elements within the building play a part in the fire safety of a building and therefore in reducing risk to those within, so properly maintained doors form an essential element of the fire safety plan for every building.
Properly located and secured fire doors, prevent the passage of sound, smoke and fire, thus helping to meet the demands of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Fire Door Maintenance Checklist
Fire Door & Fire Door Frame
The fire door and fire door frame must remain square. The gaps must not be greater than those specified in the manufacturers’ installation instructions. If the door leaves have minor surface damage, then these can be repaired. However, if there are any major defects in either the door leaves or the frame, they must be replaced.
Glazed Apertures
If the glass is cracked or broken in the fire door aperture, then it must be replaced, if broken glass is left, in the event of a fire the smoke and gases will travel through the glass, which means that the fire door will not last its fire rating.
Intumescent fire and smoke seals
If intumescent seals have been badly fitted or are damaged, if any defects are found the seals must be replaced with the same type that was originally specified and ideally in one continuous length.
Closing & opening Devices
With a self-closing device, the door should be fully opened for testing and it should close without binding on the floor. The door should also close overcoming any latches or seals from being when only opened a small amount. It is also necessary to check the that the doors close within a given time frame, i.e. 10 secs from door being open at 90 degrees. Ensure that doors are not being wedged open.
There are also several checks that have to be done regarding ‘door hold opening devices, i.e. Where the door hold open device is in relation to the self closing device. If you are in any doubt whatsoever, then please contact us for a fire door inspection.
Fixings & Components
Make sure that all fixings are secure. Some hinges, closer arms and locks might require lubrication. Please remember all components should be fitted according to the original specification and if you are unsure about any of the components fitted to you doors, then again, please call us and we’ll be happy to complete a fire door inspection for you.
• Fire Door Hinges: There should be NO signs of wear on any hinges. Any dark marks or stains around the hinge could indicate wear and impending failure, these need to be replaced as soon as possible.
• Fire Door Locks and Lever Handles: Levers fully return to the horizontal after use and that the latch is engaging smoothly and completely.
Mandatory Signs
BS5499 lays down standards for the size and siting of Fire Door Safety Signs. Signs should be fitted on all non-domestic fire doors and be visible at eye level If these have been tampered with or removed, they must be replaced.
We offer full Fire Door Maintenance Services for your building, however, if you have any fears and think that you would benefit from a Fire Door Inspection, please contact us and we’ll be happy to visit you and carry out a 34 point industry specific fire door inspection report for you.
