Fire Door Safety Guide
None of us want to imagine a fire in a building, but being prepared for the worst with fire door safety is the best way to minimise damage and protect those who use the building. Fire doors are a crucial part of any building’s safety system and must be maintained regularly to ensure they are effective in stopping the spread of fire.
To help you ensure that the fire doors in your care are compliant, we have compiled a ten-step guide:
Hinges
Make sure fire doors have at least three CE marked hinges that are securely held in place with appropriately sized screws. Check for signs of wear and tear and replace if necessary.
Locks & Latches
Ensure mortice locks and latches are fitted with intumescent protection and are well-fitted to prevent rattling. Check for signs of wear and replace if necessary.
Fire door signs
Ensure fire doors are clearly marked with appropriate signage indicating whether they are fire exits or emergency exits, and showing the direction of travel to the nearest exit. Signs should be visible and in good condition.
Hold Open Devices
Check hold open devices are linked to the fire alarm or sound trigger and release in the event of a fire. Regularly check for signs of wear and ensure the device is fixed securely to the fire door and frame.
Door Furniture
Check that the door and other door accessories are fixed securely and tightly in place. Ensure the handle returns to its horizontal position without obstruction and the door latches correctly into the frame.
Fire door intumescent Seals
Check intumescent and cold smoke seals are continuous around the frame of the door and are not showing signs of wear. Replace if necessary.
Emergency Exit Hardware
Check emergency exit devices are operating smoothly and are clearly marked and visible.
Clearance Gaps
Check clearance gaps are within guidelines and sealed with an appropriate intumescent material.
Fire door closers
Ensure fire door closers are CE marked and fitted at a minimum power size of 3. Check the arm is securely fixed and all fixings are present and secure. Test the door closes correctly and is fully shut. Inspect for signs of wear and tear and replace if necessary.
Fire door maintenance and Checks
Regularly check fire doors every six months and report any issues or defects.
Using Paxton Access Control with fire doors
By incorporating Paxton access control into your fire door system, you gain many benefits, including enhanced security and simplified access for authorised personnel. This technology empowers you to regulate who can enter your facility or designated zones within it, while also allowing you to keep track of access activity through detailed reporting and audit trails. Furthermore, Paxton access control systems can be integrated with other security systems like CCTV to form a comprehensive security solution for your building.
To use Paxton with your fire doors, you must ensure that the system is installed in a manner that does not compromise the fire door’s integrity. This means that any electronic components or wiring must be installed in a way that does not interfere with the door’s ability to close entirely in the event of a fire. Additionally, it is essential to use access control systems that are approved for use in fire-rated doors and regularly maintained to ensure they remain in excellent working order.
When installing Paxton access control with your fire doors, it is advisable to enlist the help of a professional installer with experience in integrating access control systems with fire doors. As a registered Paxton gold installer, we can offer expert advice on the best products to use and guarantee that the installation meets the highest standards. With proper installation and regular maintenance, Paxton access control can provide a dependable and efficient way to manage access to your building while preserving the safety of your fire doors.