FIRE SAFETY


DON’T IGNORE THE FIRE DOOR


Wayne Lysaght-Mason, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, advises on the essential components required to make fire doors compliant.


Despite the shocking tragedy of the Grenfell fire in London last summer, an online poll revealed that 50% of tradespeople don’t feel confident in advising customers on fire door safety.


With extensive media coverage about the dangers of inadequate fire protection in offices and homes since the disaster, less than 20% of tradespeople polled have seen an increase in demand for fire safety products or parts such as replacement intumescent strips for fire doors.


According to the British Woodworking Federation, the organisation behind Fire Door Safety Week, 3m fire doors are installed each year. However, they remain a significant area of neglect and should be regularly checked and maintained by those responsible for the upkeep of the building.


Here’s what to look out for:


DOOR CLOSERS The principal objective of a closer is to ensure the fire door is kept closed, and in the case of unlatched fire doors to hold them shut in the event of a fire. A minimum ‘power size 3’ is


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required, and as with all fire door components, must be CE marked.


The Arrone AR3500 Door Closer is an adjustable power size 2-4 fire door closer suitable for living accommodation and offices. With a 120-minute fire rating, closing and latch speed adjustments, back check and a 10-year guarantee, this product offers durability and flexibility.


HOLD OPEN DEVICES Hold open devices, such as Dorgard, are the only legal method for keeping a fire door open. They should release the door when required and need to be tested in accordance with BS EN 1155 for electromechanical devices. On hearing a continuous fire alarm, the Dorgard will release, allowing the fire door to close under the pressure of the overhead door closer.


HINGES To ensure your fire door is secure, a minimum of three hinges is recommended. Importantly, all hinges should be marked with the CE stamp, be the appropriate grade for the door and fitted with the correct sized screws. Intumescent hinge pads should also be fitted to ensure the perimeter of the door is protected in compliance with European standards. The Twin Ball


Bearing Fire Door Hinge is ideal as it is specifically designed for fire door usage and is suitable for doors up to 120kg.


INTUMESCENT SEALS Seals are perhaps the most overlooked aspect of a fire door. The Fire and Smoke Intumescent Strip from Pyroplex is an ideal choice, as it can be routed in and has a high tack self-adhesive backing for quick and easy fitting.


SIGNAGE Correct ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ signage should be clearly displayed on both sides.


LOCKS AND LATCHES Be sure the latch holds the door firmly in place without rattling. It is also essential to ensure that the lock or latch is fitted with the correct intumescent and is CE marked.


Fire doors are too often downgraded on a specification or neglected during their service life. It is vital that correct installation and maintenance are carried out to properly ensure fire safety.


For a video guide on fire door safety click here.


www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ fire-safety


www.tomorrowshs.com


www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/ fdsw.


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