Jul 10, 2017 10:00:00 AM / by LSS

In the exciting world of fire doors, it’s no surprise as to why they have become a huge part of the fire safety industry. Fire doors have a well-thought out design with hundreds of moving parts, which allows them to help contain fire and smoke to one location of a building. However, in order for a fire door to do its job correctly, it must be properly maintained and kept in the closed position.

 

According to the Door Safety and Security Foundation’s 2015 “Top Ten Fire Door Deficiencies”, fire doors blocked to stay in the open position is the FIFTH most common deficiency among fire doors. Keeping fire doors closed is critical in the event that a fire is to occur. Fire uses oxygen to burn, and a closed door with proper clearance dimensions around the perimeter of the door will help limit the oxygen flow to the fire. By being denying oxygen, the fire isn’t being fueled with energy to continuing to grow. This will help keep the fire contained, which will help limit property damage as well as allowing occupants a safe evacuation route.

 

Fire doors are one of the most important fire safety products on your property. They help prevent fire and smoke from spreading throughout the building, while giving occupants time to evacuate. However, fire doors are complex devices and require a lot of attention and maintenance in order to work properly. Preventing the spread of fire and smoke is one of the many reasons why fire doors are installed. And if a fire door is left open, both the fire and smoke will be able to spread throughout the building.  So keep your fire doors shut! Your building and the lives of everyone inside depend on it.

 

Other common fire door deficiencies:

  • Painted or missing fire door labels
  • Poor clearance dimensions around the perimeter of the door in the closed position
  • Kick down door holders
  • Auxiliary hardware items that interfere with the intended function of the door (barrel bolts and dead bolts, etc.)
  • Area surrounding the fire door assembly blocked by furniture, equipment and/or boxes
  • Broken, defective or missing hardware items (latch bolts and/or strike plated, closer arms, cover plates, etc.)
  • Fire exit hardware installed on doors that are not labeled for use with fire exit hardware
  • Missing or incorrect fasteners
  • Bottom flush bolts that do not project 1/2″ into the strike
LSS

Written by LSS

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