Fire Door Inspection and Maintenance

Fire doors play a critical role in passive fire protection systems. They are designed to withstand fire for a certain period, typically rated for 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes or more, and can prevent the spread of fire and smoke between different compartments of a building. However, for fire doors to function effectively, they need to be regularly inspected and maintained. Here are a few technical reasons why fire doors require checking:

• **Door Leaf and Frame:** The door leaf (the actual door) and the door frame must be checked for any signs of damage or warping, as this could compromise the door's fire resistance.
  
  
• **Integrity of Seals:** Fire doors are fitted with intumescent seals around the edges that expand when subjected to heat, thus preventing the spread of fire and smoke. If these seals are damaged or missing, the door's fire resistance will be compromised.
  
  
• **Door Closers:** Fire doors should be self-closing to ensure they are always shut and can effectively prevent the spread of fire. If the door closer is broken or not adjusted correctly, the door may not close properly.
  
  
• **Gaps:** Gaps between the door and the frame should be within specified limits (usually up to 3mm). Larger gaps can allow fire and smoke to pass through.
  
  
• **Hardware:** Hinges, locks, latches, and any other hardware should also be checked. Damaged or missing hardware can prevent the door from functioning correctly.
  
  
• **Glazing and Vision Panels:** If the door has glazing or vision panels, these need to be fire-rated too. They should be securely fitted, with no signs of damage or cracking.
  
  
• **Door Operation:** The door should open and close smoothly, without sticking or binding. This is essential to ensure that it can be used for escape during a fire.
  
  
• **Signage:** Fire doors should also have the correct signage to identify them as fire doors and to ensure they are kept closed when not in use.

For fire doors to perform effectively in the event of a fire, regular inspections should be undertaken to ensure their structural integrity and functionality. Six-monthly inspections are recommended by BS 9999 in addition to the monthly inspection checks outlined within the government guidance documentation.

Regular checks and maintenance ensure that fire doors remain effective and capable of performing their life- and property-saving functions. It is a legal requirement to maintain fire doors to specific standards. Any issues identified during checks should be addressed immediately to ensure the integrity of the fire safety measures within the building.

At Mcintyre Compliance Services we undertake all aspects of both passive and automatic fire prevention, ensuring complete fire safety compliance.  This includes the design, installation, certification and maintenance of alarms, extinguishers, fire doors and curtains, compartmentation, and emergency lights. We deliver and administer end-to-end systems providing our clients with peace of mind and preventing them from possible prosecution.

Please contact us at passivefire@mcintyrecs.com to discuss how we can ensure your fire compliance and safety.