Fire Door Inspections – Critical for Commercial Facilities

Fires are unpredictable and can escalate rapidly, posing significant threats to both life and property. In such emergencies, every second counts, and having the right fire safety measures in place is paramount. Fire-rated doors are one of the most critical components of any fire safety strategy in commercial buildings.
 
Hatfield, PA –Door Services Corporation’s team of fire door inspectors plays a crucial role in saving lives and protecting commercial properties from the spread of fires throughout a building. Fire doors are a critical component of a building's safety infrastructure, and their proper functioning can make a significant difference during emergencies.
 
Fire door compliance is required in all occupancies – assembly, educational, health care, detention and correctional, residential, hotels and dormitories, mercantile, business, and industrial, to name a few. Fire doors are designed to compartmentalize fire and smoke for a specified period to allow first responders time to evacuate the facility and time to control the spread of fire.  

What Can Facilities Managers and Business Owners Do to Comply with Fire Door Safety?

Below is inspection criteria for swinging fire doors with builders hardware as per NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 80. It is important to be aware of these guidelines to ensure fire safety a commercial facility. Conducting a 30-second fire door check can help you determine whether you need to bring in fire door safety inspectors.

1. Labels are clearly visible and legible.
2. No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or frame.
3. Glazing, vision light frames, and glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so  equipped.
4. The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in  working order with no visible signs of damage.
5. No parts are missing or broken.
6. Door clearances do not exceed clearances listed in 4.8.4 and 6.3.1.7.
7. The self-closing device is operational; that is, the active door completely closes when operated  from the full open position.
8. If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf.
9. Latching hardware operates and secures the door when it is in the closed position.
10. Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door or frame.
11. No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label.
12. Meeting edge protection, gasketing and edge seals, where required, are inspected to verify their  presence and integrity.
13. Signage affixed to a door meets the requirements listed in 4.1.3.

Fire Door Inspections

Fire door inspections are the first step toward fire door compliance. Fire doors must be tested and inspected not less than annually. A fire door assembly found to be non-compliant must be repaired/replaced without delay.

To protect against the spread of fire and smoke within, into, or out of buildings, facility managers need to implement preventative maintenance and fire door inspection programs in accordance with local and national standards. Fire door failures in an emergency can happen due to lack of maintenance, physical damage to the door, the closure, guides, tracks, or obstacles blocking the fire door. Each of these puts employees and customers at risk in case of a fire emergency.

We are happy to share that all of our northeast, Door Services Corporation branches, strictly follow the NFPA 80 and NFPA 101 standards for fire doors. Door Services is committed to providing education to our technicians from accredited training groups. Our team of qualified persons inspect each fire door assembly visually and functionally.  The NFPA’s definition of a qualified person establishes a high standard for those responsible for the inspection of fire door assemblies. Our team has the necessary knowledge, training, and experience, resulting in each facilities life safety protocol.

NFPA 80 and Qualified Fire Door Inspectors

All fire door inspections are performed to NFPA 80 standards. Our team of qualified fire door inspectors are proficient in NFPA 80 and are versed in the unique conditions of healthcare facilities. Our fire door inspectors receive training on a semi-annual basis to stay up-to-date of code changes and to continue providing quality fire door inspections.
 
We also use specialized tools and equipment to conduct comprehensive fire door inspections, including checking door clearances, frame condition, hardware functionality, and overall door integrity. Our detailed inspections ensure facilities are compliant with fire safety regulations and that all fire doors are functioning properly to provide a safe environment for occupants.

Fire Door Repairs

Our team of skilled technicians undergo training to ensure they are well-versed in the latest fire door repair techniques and code standards. They have the technical expertise and precision necessary to repair fire doors to the required standards, following manufacturer guidelines and NFPA 80 regulations.
Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to address a wide range of issues, from door alignment and hardware adjustments to structural repairs and replacement of damaged components.

Fire Door Labeling

Labels on fire doors, frames, or other components of a fire door assembly, are the identifying mark that the fire door or component has been tested and has passed the criteria required by test standards. Fire door labels should not be removed or made illegible while the fire door is in service.

As part of Door Services Corporation’s fire door inspection and repair services, we pay close attention to the condition of fire door labels and make sure they are properly maintained. If a fire door label is illegible or missing, we can work with you to address the issue and ensure that the fire door assembly remains compliant with fire safety standards.

Keeping fire door labels intact is essential. Fire door labels play a crucial role in identifying fire doors and components that have been tested and certified to meet specific fire safety standards. These labels indicate that the fire door or component has undergone rigorous testing and has successfully passed the required criteria for fire resistance and performance.

Fire Door Inspections Preventative Maintenance Programs

In the event of a fire, the failure of a fire door assembly can significantly increase the risk to all occupants of a building. By establishing a comprehensive preventative maintenance program and conducting regular fire door inspections in compliance with local and national standards, facility managers can ensure that fire doors are in proper working condition and can effectively contain fire and smoke as needed.

Investing in the maintenance and inspection of fire doors is not only a legal requirement in many jurisdictions but also a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and secure environment for building occupants. By proactively addressing potential issues with fire doors, facility managers can mitigate risks and enhance the overall fire safety of their buildings.

Best in Class Fire Doors and Accessories
 

Won-Door

Won-Door Corporation introduced the world’s most durable acoustically rated folding partition. Fifteen years later the company pioneered the development of the first-ever accordion-type, fire-rated horizontal sliding door. Technology developed by Won-Door engineers continues to influence the building products and fire protection industry.
 
Won-Door products are installed in a multitude of building types around the world!  Architects are discovering that horizontal sliding fire door systems are an innovative solution to the code constraints that might otherwise impede the creation of iconic and unique architecture. Learn more about Won-Doors here.

Horton Automatics

Horton fire door swing operators give manual doors the expediency and efficiency of an automatic door, while providing the security and protection you need for your customers, clients, guests, and workers.
When a fire alarm is activated at your business, the fire door automatically closes at a rate that complies with all fire code regulations. 

Fire door swing operators from Horton Automatics are expertly engineered, skillfully crafted, rigidly tested and can be installed at any entrance that uses a fire-rated swing door.

~ By entrusting your fire door repairs to the qualified team at Door Services Corporation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your facility is following NFPA 101 LIFE SAFETY that your fire doors are properly maintained to protect occupants in case of emergency. ~

Click here to let us help you with your fire door needs or call us at 800-492-2392.

Written by Krista Rivers, Door Services Corporation Marketing Manager,
in collaboration with Nicole Casa, CFDAI, DSI, QFDI, QFDT, Door Services Sales Representative.