Fire doors play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and security of buildings, acting as a formidable barrier against the swift spread of smoke, heat, and flames. As fundamental components of fire safety measures, these doors are indispensable in safeguarding lives and property.
In this article, I outline the crucial aspects of fire doors, shedding light on their significance in the broader context of building safety. I will also address common concerns surrounding the modification and maintenance of fire doors, providing valuable insights into the permissible alterations and best practices that ensure their continued effectiveness.
There are indeed many times when these doors are necessary in order to remain compliant with current safety regulations. However, there are often additional concerns when need to be addressed in terms of possible alterations. I recently visited a rental property to paint a fire door that had already been painted so I’ll touch on the important points to consider before you take on your own. The same rules apply for when you are replacing a fire door.
As the guidelines can be a bit tricky to follow, myself and the safety experts @ Ecosafe have compiled the answers to these two very important questions.
Painting Guidelines
You will be happy to learn that it is normally possible to paint a fire door. However, there are a handful of key takeaway points to highlight.
First, it is always advisable to use a fire-rated paint (this type of paint offers a host of non-flammable qualities.
Experts also recommend that the layer of paint should not be excessively thick nor should the door be painted in multiple layers.
Additionally, it is NOT permissible to paint specific areas of the fire door such as hinges, handles and any fire seals around the periphery.
There are also times when it is possible to paint a fire door with materials that glow in the dark. The benefit here is that the door will be much more visible even in low-light conditions; ideal when identifying its location in the event of an emergency.
Is it Possible to Drill Holes in a Fire Door?
There may be times when additional hardware needs to be added to an existing fire-rated door. This can often involve drilling one or more holes.
The possible issue here is that such holes could compromise the safety of the door itself. This is why the authorities have put together a handful of useful guidelines.
For example, the diameter of the holes cannot exceed one inch. (The only possible exception involves cylinder holes).
Another possible issue with drilling holes is that different doors are associated with unique stipulations in regards to what is allowed.
For instance, the thickness of the door (and therefore how long it is able to hold back a fire) may determine how many holes can be drilled and the width of each hole.
The main takeaway point here is that drilling holes may compromise the integrity of the door itself.
This is why it is always better to consult with the manufacturer or to speak with a qualified fire door maintenance firm. These professionals will be able to determine if drilling one or more holes will impact the safety of the door itself.
Understanding Fire Door Ratings and Their Significance
The fire resistance of a fire door is categorised by its fire rating, denoting the duration it can endure exposure to fire and heat. Fire doors receive FD ratings, and the choice of which rating to use is typically at the discretion of the individual overseeing the premises.
Common FD Ratings include:
- FD30 – 30-Minute Fire Door:
- Provides a minimum of 30 minutes of fire resistance.
- Often recommended for various applications, especially in residential settings.
- FD60 – 60-Minute Fire Door:
- Affords a minimum of 60 minutes of fire resistance.
- Commonly used in commercial and industrial buildings or areas with a heightened risk of fire.
- FD90 – 90-Minute Fire Door:
- Offers a minimum of 90 minutes of fire resistance.
- Typically chosen for areas with a high fire risk or where extended protection is necessary.
- FD120 – 120-Minute Fire Door:
- Provides a minimum of 120 minutes of fire resistance.
It’s important to note that these FD ratings represent the minimum duration of fire resistance. For example, FD30 doors, recommended by fire safety standards, can significantly slow the spread of fire along a route through a concept known as compartmentalisation. This effect is particularly notable when multiple FD30 doors are strategically placed, as the cumulative time adds up, enhancing overall fire protection.
The effectiveness of fire doors not only depends on their ratings but also relies on regular maintenance, proper installation, and adherence to fire safety regulations. When in doubt, seeking guidance from the door manufacturer or a qualified fire safety professional is advisable to ensure that specific fire doors meet the needs of the premises.
Fire Door Safety Requirements and Standards
Various regulations, requirements, and standards govern the selection and use of fire doors in buildings, outlined in different pieces of legislation and legal documents. These include:
British Standards Documents: These documents provide detailed guidelines on the testing, construction, installation, and maintenance of fire doors. Noteworthy standards for those responsible for selecting fire doors are BS 8214:2016, which offers recommendations for the specification, installation, and maintenance of fire doors, and BS 9999:2017, a code of practice for fire safety in building design, management, and use.
Building Regulations 2010: This legislation establishes requirements for buildings, including brief guidance on fire safety in Part 8. Additional documents, such as the Approved Document B – Fire Safety, supplement these regulations. Volume 1 covers dwellings, and Volume 2 covers non-dwellings, outlining fire door requirements in detail, especially in Appendix C: Fire doorsets.
Approved Document B – Fire Safety: This document supplements the Building Regulations and provides specific requirements for fire doors. Volume 1 addresses dwellings, while Volume 2 covers non-dwellings. Appendix C of these documents delves into the specifics of fire doorsets.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: This order outlines fire safety requirements for premises used for work and those owned by landlords. It mandates individuals in charge or a designated responsible person to conduct a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment of the premises. Subsequently, necessary arrangements must be implemented to ensure people are adequately protected from fire risks. This order applies to both work premises and those owned by landlords.
Conclusion
As we can now see, it is very important to know what is permissible when modifying an existing fire door. If you have any additional questions or doubts, please make it a point to speak with the experts at Ecosafe. They will be more than happy to assist further and to provide targeted advice for your unique needs.