Introduction to Fire Doors CPD (Continuing Professional Development) The below information provides critical knowledge and guidance for specifiers about Fire Doors. These are accredited by the Construction CPD Accreditation Service. Therefore should be put towards your requirement for your professional institute requirements.
Why do we need fire doors?
Understanding fire doors is a complex subject. Below we explain he importance of fire doors.
- Fire doors are the most vital elements of a building
- They are part of a buildings passive protection system
- Their correct Specification, Installation and Regular maintenance are determined by:
The building regulations
British/European standards
- Their function is to SAVE LIVES and PROPERTY
Incorrectly fitted fire doors will cost lives not save them
Fire doors may look like an ordinary door but their function should be far less than ordinary. Ultimately in case of a fire they need to be able to perform and provide you with time to be rescued in case of a fire.
Additionally, we recently wrote a blog on the importance of fitting fire doors correctly which you can read here.
Also are two ways in which a building is protected from a fire one is an active system: The obvious visible objects all around us – Fire alarms, Fire Extinguishers and Sprinklers. What many people don’t realise is similarly there is also a passive fire system this includes the way walls and ceilings are structured and includes fire doors. Clearly for the most effective protection you need to combine both elements, to ensure you have the maximum protection.
Role Of A Fire door
- Fire doors are a part of a buildings passive fire protection system
- Dividing the building into compartments which can be sealed off
- Tested to show the design will work in a fire
- They can only work correctly when fitted with the correct compatible components
- Door & Frame / Linings
- Closers
- Hinges and other essential Ironmongery
- Doorsets are supplied complete with frame / seals / glazed apertures and all ironmongery in the one single unit
- Fitted as a complete installation
No Ordinary door
Buying separate components for a fire door is a common mistake. Equally important, is that the components are fitted correctly. They must be in line with the door leaf test evidence. Consequently, all of the components must be CE marked and also be compatible with the door test.
As a result, think of the components in a fire door like a jigsaw. Everything needs to fit together correctly, the closes, frames/linings, latches, hinges and intumescent strips. All need to fit and work together to make the door work correctly. In other words you need to ensure that all elements in a fire door are correct. Only then it will be fit for purpose. These regulations apply to New Buildings and Existing Buildings
Meanwhile, you can download these regulations from the planning portal
FIRE DOOR REGULATIONS THAT COVER NEW BUILDS ARE IN TWO VOLUMES –
VOLUME 2 – BUILDINGS OTHER THAN DWELLINGHOUSES
In addition, in the UK there are other regulations that also have an impact on fire doors. Presently, these regulations are shown below and can also be found on the planning portal approved documents.
A) Part E – Resistance to the passage of sound
C) Part L – Conservation of fuel and power
D) Part M – Access to and use of buildings
Regulations for existing buildings
The Regulatory reform (fire safety) order 2005 applies to existing buildings
*Consequently this applies to all premises excluding domestic premises
In addition, at SWD we supply all our fire doors made to order in Standard and Bespoke sizes. Furthermore, we can supply FD30 1/2 Hour fire doors and FD60 1 hour fire doors. Subsequently you can view all of our fire doors here
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