How to Check Fire Doors - The 5 Step Check

How to Check Fire Doors
Fiona guides us through the 5 step check for fire door safety created by the BWF.
A fire door acts just as any other door in normal service, but in a fire it takes on a critical role - to save lives and protect property. It does this by holding back the spread of fire and smoke through a building for a designated period, giving time for building occupants to escape.
Fire doors can easily become damaged when they are in regular use; and just like other life safety devices, such as fire extinguishers and alarms, fire doors and final escape doors need regular, stringent inspection, maintenance or replacement to ensure that they will perform as intended in the event of a fire.
Operating across the UK, Lorient offers a professional and expert fire door inspection service. Lorient’s inspectors are fully qualified under the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS); and have been assessed by Warringtonfire, an independent third party.

[@darrenshaw4305]

As well as the door labelling the fire stopping between frame and wall is equally important the fire won’t stop at the door.

[@kelvinpell4571]

Also check the wall the door is in. No point of a 30 minute door in a 10 minute wall.

[@kevinbright3080]

Does a fire door door handle assembly have to latch into the door frame when fully closed.

[@Lorientuk]

In order to avoid any potential early failure in event of a fire, yes. If the door hasn't latched, then there is a possibility it's not in line with the frame and may reduce the performance of the intumescent seals. Even though many manufacturers test doors unlatched, relying on this would need knowledge of the specific doorsets test evidence.

[@jamesdonohue5843]

@@Lorientuk the doors are subject to some serious heat then blasted with a fire hose for testing, unlatched it would be flailing and failing. Does have to be self closing and positively latching.

[@mackellyman5642]

Did you forget to mention ball-bearing hinges?

[@jamesdonohue5843]

ball bearing hinges are for higher traffic not fire ratings. The hinges have the be steel and have a ul stamped on, screws have to be steel as well.

[@mackellyman5642]

Best to look up NFPA....@@jamesdonohue5843

[@darrentaylor4879]

You forgot to mention the hinges , they need to be compliant too

[@Lorientuk]

of course - this is a basic 5 step check that anyone can do. We of course reccomend seeking professional inspections regulary.

[@papax-ray7541]

Does anyone know where it states within acts and/or regulations that the door must be latched when closing.

[@jamesdonohue5843]

nfpa80

[@pairintasee4877]

I working in the pub our fire door is used very often staff and customers,
Can we leave it open when we pub is open? We can keep shut when we’re close?

[@SofiLouF]

There's a couple of different options you could look at to manage this, but the Landlord really should have a fire risk assessment in place to determine the best solution for the door and wider property.

[@kevinwootton3245]

Roughly how long does it take to inspection a fire door with correct paper work?

[@stephenbrandon4460]

Could be weeks ....depends on how competent the clients are!

[@StephenStephen-h2x]

Does the 3mm apply at the base of the door

[@jamesdonohue5843]

no that is 3/4" max

[@darrentaylor4879]

The base of the door is 8mm maximum and should have a drop down seal fitted

[@darrenshaw4305]

Max 10mm from any manufacturer a drop down seal is only required if it’s a smoke control door.

[@simonsimonturner]

Please can I have 2 fire door jam tester

[@Lorientuk]

Hi Simon, thanks for getting in touch - please could you email your address to [e-mail] and we can pop some in the post. Thanks

[@RMMaryport]

Why is she shaking that door closer like that, that isnt inspecting it. You wouldnt open the door and start shaking by the handle would you?

[@enochpowelghost]

YOu are checking wear on the cam and brackets, you also check for damper oil leaks.

[@RMMaryport]

@@enochpowelghost cam and brackets?