In the event of a fire, your buildings fire doors will not perform as intended unless all essential hardware has been correctly specified, installed and maintained.
A fire door is not just the door leaf. It is a complete assembly comprising:
- The frame
- Intumescent fire and smoke seals
- Glazing
- Signage
- Door Hardware - such as hinges, door closers, locks and latches
When it comes to door hardware, the Responsible Person should consider the following:
Hinges:
- Fire doors must be hung on a minimum of 3 fire certified hinges
- Hinges must comply to BS EN 1935 and be CE / UKCA marked with a fire identification stamp clearly visible
- Hinges must be securely held in place with appropriately sized screws
- Rising butt or spring hinges are NOT permitted for use on fire doors
- There should be no sign of metal fragments, or oil leakage, these indicators point to worn hinges that will not perform as required and need to be replaced
Locks and Latches:
- Locks and latches must be fitted with intumescent protection to maintain the integrity of the fire door
- Latch should hold the door firmly in place without rattling
- Latch/deadbolt should engage fully into the strike plate
- Latch bolts or strike plates with metal dust deposits indicate wear and tear and should be replaced
Door Closers:
- All fire doors, except those to locked cupboards and service ducts should be fitted with a fire door closer
- Fire door closers must be capable of closing the door from any angle of opening and strong enough to overcome the resistance of any latch or seal
- Door closers should close the door in no longer than 20 seconds
- Door closers must confirm to BS EN 1154 and/or BS EN 1155 and be UKCA / CE marked
- Fire doors can be fitted with Concealed, Overhead or Floor Mounted door closers
- Concealed closers are fitted within the door leaf and frame and use a spring to close the door. It must be fitted with the correct intumescent material
- Overhead door closers are fixed to the face of the door or frame and close the door from a fully open position
- Floor spring closers are mounted into the floor screed to close the door
- Electromagnetic fire door closers hold a fire door in the open position with an electrically powered magnet. Linked to the buildings fire alarm system, when the alarm is activated, the door automatically closes
- Door closers must be free from damage and not leaking oil
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