Fire door inspections may seem like a nuisance at first glance. However, laws and regulations are written for a reason—when these doors don’t work properly, they can compromise the compartmentalization of fire and smoke. This can lead to a fire’s spread and result in the loss of life, property damage, and health risks for building occupants
The good news is that by systematically going through the following checklist, you can ensure your fire doors are in working order and compliant with the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standards.
Check all labels to make sure they are visible and legible. In addition, look for any indications of field modifications that can compromise the fire-rating of the frame, such as auxiliary hardware items or strike preparations. Also, look for signs of rust-through on hollow metal frames. Also, verify that all hinges are firmly fastened and that non-combustible thresholds are flush with the frames.
Observe whether the self-closing fire door inspections throughout the uk device works and that it closes fully when operated from a full open position. Also, ensure the coordinator operates correctly and that the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf. Inspect that the latch throw is in accordance with NFPA 80 requirements, and that there are no holes or openings in the door and frame. Finally, observe that all glazing and glass kits / beads are intact. The latest edition of NFPA standards requires glazing in fire doors to be labeled with information.
Look for the presence of auxiliary hardware that could interfere with the operation of the door or its components, such as mechanical hold-open hardware. Moreover, the auxiliary hardware must be attached using only methods approved by the NFPA. Likewise, do not add anything to the fire doors that would hinder their function, such as locking devices or door stops. In addition, note that the gasketing must be present, continuous, and of the proper type for the door assembly.
The above checklist is just a sampling of the many things you should be checking when inspecting your fire doors. However, if you aren’t qualified to perform the inspection, it is best to outsource this responsibility to someone who is. There are numerous companies that specialize in this service and can help you stay in compliance with local and state regulations. Outsourcing this task is an effective way to cut costs while reducing the risk of human error that can negatively impact your building’s fire safety. Alternatively, you can invest in software that can automate the process and generate reports instantaneously. This can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete the inspections and increase the accuracy of the results. In the end, these tools will save you time and money while helping you avoid costly errors and fines. Moreover, these tools will provide a detailed overview of each fire door and its operation, allowing you to pinpoint any potential problems that should be addressed before the next inspection. Ultimately, you will be able to maximize the effectiveness of your fire doors and protect your investment.