You’ve probably passed by countless fire doors without a second thought. They’re everywhere - at your apartment building, work, school, in any public space. But what’s the story behind them?

1. What is a fire door?

Fire doors contain fire and smoke within the room or compartment where the fire originated, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. They are a vital component of any building’s passive fire protection system.

Fire doors play a vital role in saving lives and protecting property by:

• Containing the fire within its origin room.
 
• Keeping escape routes like corridors clear of fire, giving occupants more time to evacuate and allowing better access for emergency services.
 
• Shielding the rest of the building, its contents, and nearby structures from additional damage.

Fire doors are designed to withstand fire for a specified period, typically 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60). They contain intumescent strips along their edges or frames that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and preventing fire spread.

2. How are fire doors made?

Their construction varies by manufacturer, but all fire doors must be tested and certified to withstand fire for at least 30 minutes. Fire doors are generally thicker than standard doors, often with a solid core of various materials. Certified fire doors are labeled with the manufacturer’s details, usually found on the door's top edge.

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Their effectiveness depends on proper installation and regular maintenance. Regular inspections are essential to ensure compliance and identify any issues that could compromise their performance.

3. Where are fire doors legally required?

Fire doors are mandated in non-domestic properties, such as businesses, commercial premises, and public buildings, as well as in residential flats and houses of multiple occupancy.

• Buildings should be sectioned into compartments to protect escape routes like corridors and stairways.
• In homes with more than two levels, every door leading to the stairwell on all levels must be a fire door, except for doors leading to bathrooms or toilets.
• Fire doors are also necessary for loft conversions, doors between the house and an integral garage, and between the business and residential areas in mixed-use properties.
• For non-residential buildings, guidance is provided for both horizontal and vertical escape routes.

Fire doors must be installed by a competent individual with the relevant training and experience. While specific certifications for installers are not mandated, using a professional ensures compliance with building regulations and reliable performance in the event of afire.

4. Can fire doors be left open?

Fire doors should not be propped open unless legally held open by devices such as fire door retainers or hold-open free-swing door closers. These devices ensure that fire doors close automatically in case of a fire, maintaining safety. Using such devices legally helps balance accessibility and fire safety.

It's crucial that fire doors remain closed during a fire, which is why they are often equipped with automatic door closers and labeled as fire doors.

5. What do fire door inspections include?

Due to their critical role in saving lives, fire doors must undergo regular inspections. The inspection frequency will depend on various factors, such as the door's age, condition, and how often it is used. Generally, all fire doors must be maintained 1 to 2 times per year.

Typical fire door inspections include but are not limited to:

1. Hinges – is there a minimum of three hinges, are they fitted correctly, is there any damage? These are basic elements of a door but just as important when it comes to fires.
2. Seals – checking the condition of the intumescent seal is crucial, as mentioned previously it plays an important role in stopping smoke and fire.
3. Leaf – the door leaf often gets damaged in harsh environments and in frequent use, once they are not sitting firmly against the frame that causes compliance issues and of course, higher risks in case of fire.
4. Frame – a damaged frame won’t be compliant and won’t let fire doors do their job.
5. Closers – Closers ensure fire doors are shut when not in use. However, they can wear out over time causing alignment issues or losing power.
6. Glazing – Fire-rated glazing can provide visibility and allow light to pass through while maintaining the fire door’s protective properties. The glass must meet specific safety standards and fire ratings. If this glazing is damaged that will affect the door’s protective capabilities.
7. Signage - Are there "Fire Door Keep Shut" signs on the door? These signs are sometimes damaged/removed and require replacement.

While this is not an exhaustive list, it covers the basics.

If you’d like to learn more about fire doors and their maintenance, give us a call or email us today at info@cancoservices.ie