Why Are Fire Doors So Important?
Fire doors are an integral part of the buildings Passive Fire Stopping measures, helping to maintain the fire compartment lines within a building, reducing the spread of flame and smoke throughout a building, whilst allowing for safe means of escape.
However, it is not just the door by itself that enables it to become part of the fire separating element to a building, there are many component parts to a door such as handles, hinges, locks, latches and glazing and its surrounding frame that govern if a fire door is sound, of the correct material, construction and therefore fit for its intended purpose.
Taking any one of these component parts away from the system or change of use within the area can render the door substandard, or no longer be the correct fire protection rating (minutes) for the risk level it is intended to protect against.
Regular fire door inspections and servicing is required to ensure that you are compliant with regulations. Our inspectors will check every component to ensure correct functionality and offer advice and remedial actions where appropriate. Fire doors may also be required to meet the requirements for BS 476 Part 31.1 for smoke penetration.
In the UK those requirements are set out in Document B Building Regulations which covers fire safety and provides guidance on how to achieve compliance within buildings, serving as a reference point for ensuring buildings are equipped to prevent, detect, and mitigate the risk associated with fire.
EA-RS Passive Fire Protection offers a comprehensive survey and reporting procedure for existing buildings and also provides planning and design packages for new projects to make sure you meet your legal obligations.