FOCUS
Critical role Andy Walsh discusses the key issues around the effective specification and installation of fire doors and seals in larger buildings
T
HE CONSTRUCTION of every new building should include fi re safety as a key focus – not just in terms of fi re
prevention, but also with consideration to fi re safety and management, should the worst happen. This is especially true when the building is a large offi ce block, or perhaps houses many people. Whilst the outbreak of a fi re is never
desired, large buildings with the right passive fi re protection products correctly installed can compartment the building and slow the spread of smoke and fl ames. This in turn will provide more time to evacuate the building and reduce the overall fi re damage. Among passive fi re protection products, fi re doors are an essential and most effective component – yet only if specifi ed and installed correctly. Not to do so quite simply risks lives.
Understanding functionality
Far from being a standard timber door, the fire door is a highly technical and specifically designed product that has
36 MAY 2018
www.frmjournal.com
a vital part to play in the fi re strategy of any building. And yet to do its job properly, the specification of the door must be correct for its location, it must be accompanied by many other components that are equally fi re resistant, and perhaps most importantly, the door must be installed correctly. So, just what should the fi re door actually
do? In terms of dividing the building into compartments, it must be equipped to retain any fi re break out in that particular segment for as long as specified. The seal must be entire, to prevent both smoke and fl ames from leaking through cavities in and around the door. With that purpose in mind, it is easy to understand why additional components to the door leaf, such as the frame, the glazing, seals and essential architectural ironmongery including hinges, handles, latches and hydraulic closers must all be up to specifi cation, if a fi re is going to be restrained. For example, Pyroplex can supply timber
fi re door seals that have successfully tested up to FD120, and fi re glazing systems tested to 60 minutes. To install proven and tested
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