Fire Door Servicing

Fire door servicing is a critical maintenance process to ensure that fire doors in a building are fully functional and compliant with safety regulations. It involves regular inspections and maintenance tasks to verify that fire doors can effectively prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Servicing includes checking door seals, hinges, locks, and other components to ensure they work as intended. Regular fire door servicing is vital for the safety of occupants and property during a fire.

Fire doors are crucial in a building limits the fire and smoke spread, providing a safe escape route. Fire doors are designed to withstand high temperatures and smoke, protecting the user’s lives and the integrity of the building.

Fire doors should be serviced regularly to ensure their reliability. The specific frequency may vary based on local regulations and the door’s usage, but a general guideline is an annual inspection. More frequent checks may be necessary for high-traffic areas (ie. Cinemas, theatres, etc) , buildings with public care (ie. Hospitals and clinics), or where there is a high risk of fire.

Qualified professionals with fire safety and maintenance expertise should do fire door servicing. It’s crucial to hire certified technicians or companies experienced in inspecting, testing, and maintaining fire doors. Their knowledge ensures fire doors comply with safety standards and function effectively in emergencies.

During fire door servicing, several key components are inspected, including:

1. Door and frame condition.
2. Door seals and gaskets.
3. Hinges and hardware.
4. Latching and closing mechanisms.
5. Vision panels or glazing.
6. Signs and labels.
Overall functionality and alignment.

A thorough examination of these components ensures the fire door’s reliability in containing and preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Minor damages to fire doors can often be repaired during servicing, but consulting with a qualified professional is essential. They can assess the extent of damage and determine whether repairs can restore the door’s fire-resistant properties. If the damage is extensive or compromises safety, replacement may be necessary to ensure the door’s effectiveness in an emergency.

The fire resistance performance of a fire door is determined through rigorous testing according to industry standards. It is based on the door’s ability to withstand fire and heat for a specified period of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Over time, the fire rating can degrade due to wear, damage, or improper maintenance. Regular servicing is essential to maintain the door’s intended fire rating.

Fire door servicing primarily applies to commercial and public buildings requiring fire-rated doors to meet safety requirements for building regulation compliance. Residential doors typically do not have the same fire-rated specifications. However, some residential doors, such as those in multi-family dwellings, may need fire door servicing to comply with local regulations or enhance safety measures.

Common issues uncovered during fire door servicing include:
• Damaged or missing door seals.
• Misaligned doors.
• Malfunctioning latching mechanisms.
• Damaged hinges.
• Improper clearance gaps.
• Missing signage.
• Obstructed vision panels.
• Frame installation or fire lining non-compliants.
Identifying and addressing these issues is essential to ensure fire doors effectively contain fire and smoke.

Yes. Labelling fire doors with their fire rating during servicing is essential as it helps occupants and maintenance personnel identify the door’s intended fire resistance duration, ensuring proper use and maintenance.

If a fire door fails inspection during servicing, it is imperative to take corrective action promptly. Repairs or replacements may be necessary to restore the door’s fire resistance and compliance. Failure to address deficiencies can jeopardize safety and regulatory compliance, potentially leading to serious consequences in the event of a fire.

Yes. Fire doors can often be upgraded during servicing to meet higher fire resistance standards. It may involve retrofitting the door with improved components like fire-rated glass or seals. Consult a qualified professional to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of upgrading fire doors to enhance safety and compliance.