The Association for Specialist Fire Protection

Transcription

1 The Association for Specialist Fire Protection The Role of Fire Doors, Frames and Fire Seals, Door Hardware Maintenance and Replacement John Fletcher Technical Consultant British Woodworking Federation Pioneering fire protection through innovation and professionalism

2 Fire Doors The Role of a Fire Door BWF-Certifire Fire Door and Doorset Scheme Presented by John Fletcher John Fletcher Consulting Ltd.

3 Last week was a busy week!

4 Events and Supporters Events Online fire door test Training events Radio broadcasts across UK stations on Fire Door Safety Fire Safety Week at Chester Business Fair Cheshire Fire & Rescue Massive Twitter following Shut that (fire) door campaign - Wolverhampton Care Homes Campaign - Suffolk Residents campaign across HA s Supporters Fire Kills National Landlords Association Fed. Of Private residents Associations Inst Fire Prevention Officers CityWest Homes Federation of Small Businesses Cheshire / Tyne & Wear F & R Wolverhampton Homes National Social Housing Fire Strategy grp Midland Heart + Fire Industry TA s

5 Why? To create a lot of noise about the importance of fire doors..... And we did! We hit the nail on the head! So much noise, that we were invited to discuss fire doors with the Fire Minister, Brandon Lewis MP on Monday

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8 Fire doors my main messages 1. Fire doors are essential in passive fire protection A requirement in compartmenting a building Protecting escape routes 2. Must be tested to show the design will work in a fire. Is a certificate enough? 3. Fire doors can only work correctly when.... Fitted with the correct compatible components for the door Door leaf + frame / linings Closers, Hinges and other ESSENTIAL ironmongery Seals Glazing I.e. the fire door assembly / or doorset must comply with regulations 4. Where to go for help & information 8

9 The Humble Fire Door It could be argued that the fire door is the most prevalent fire safety measure in any built environment. Essential in Passive Fire Protection Must be tested to show how the design will work Fire Door Can only work with correct, compatible components

10 Who we are. The BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door and Doorset Scheme Began in 1997 Around 200 members An alliance across the Fire Door Industry Door leaf and doorset manufacturers Frame manufacturers Licensed modifiers Ironmongery manufacturers/distributors Seal manufacturers Fire door glass / glazing system providers Suppliers Door blanks / cores Glass Merchants and Distributors

11 BWF Fire Door Strategy Why the industry set up the scheme To improve the standard of fire doors installed in the UK To educate the construction industry about the importance of third-party certification of fire doors and passive fire protection systems To raise awareness and educate the consumers, and users of the critical importance of Fire Doors To move the market progressively towards fire doorsets as the best way to achieve the Scheme long-term objectives 11

12 Why do we need a fire door scheme? 3 million fire doors sold per year Common supply route via merchants - approx 80% Doors installed as any other door Attitude - anyone can hang a door No understanding of certification & test evidence requirements Most people FORGET that a fire door MUST work in the event of a fire An engineered safety device

13 The common issues New build Changing the spec to save the client money Cutting costs = cutting corners Poor skills / poor workmanship It s ONLY a door! Lack of understanding of how fire doors work Industry reliance on building control to police new buildings Existing buildings The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order How can the client understand? Poor skills / poor workmanship / poor maintenance It s ONLY a door! Lack of understanding of how fire doors work Recent high profile fires Rosepark / Lakanal House Heavy fines / Prosecution

14 How can we get it so wrong? Does someone REALLY believe this will work in a fire?

15 Photos by kind permission of CheckMate Ltd

16 ... and in new buildings too

17 Poor workmanship & poor advice

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19 Taking note of signage

20 How many ways can you hold open a fire door?

21 Theodore Firedoor Favourites

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23 Highlighting bad practice Keeping the pressure on the market Dedicated campaign highlights 4 major areas where contractors and clients may be vulnerable Non-compliance with Building Regs Non-compliance with RRO Lack of adequate insurance protection Insufficient protection for life or property

24 Help and education Consistent messages & information Maintaining pressure on the various stakeholders Closer working with insurance sector Encouraging members to cascade information to clients Educational tools such as Videos and Fact Cards Better engagement through merchants

25 Consistent approach to inspections Competent Approved Fire Door Inspectors (FDIS)

26 What are fire doors for?

27 Passive Fire Protection Fire doors serve 2 purposes 1. Everyday activity Allowing passage in and out of a building / section of a building or a room 2. In the event of a fire A requirement in compartmenting a building Protecting escape routes Restricting initial development of a fire. E.g restricting the amount of oxygen feeding the fire

28 2 types of fire door installations In the UK, a fire door installation is achieved in one of two ways o as a doorset, o or as an assembly. Doorset: o frame, a pre-hung door leaf (with any vision panels) and essential ironmongery, all matched and pre-assembled in the factory Door Assembly: o a fire door leaf, frame and additional components needed to install them, supplied and fitted separately. In the latter case, the components that are fitted MUST match the test evidence. I.e. They MUST be compatible with the door leaf

29 Door leaf standard practice Door leaf Fire door assembly Fire door leaf / approved frame / casing Compatible Approved Components Door frame / casing / lining CE marked Certifire Approved components compatible with door test

30 We expect a jobbing builder or small contractor to be able to install a complex engineered fire safety device. With components bought from...??.. What he doesn t realise is ALL of those components have to be able to work together to ensure the door assembly will work effectively in the event of a fire

31 Who is responsible? Fire Doors - They re YOUR responsibility It doesn t matter where you are in the circle or what your role is Applies to new installations Applies to existing doors We are ALL responsible 31

32 What regulations apply to fire doors? Regulations

33 The Building Regulations Fire doors should have the appropriate performance - given by Test BS 476 Part 22 Classification BS EN / Test BS EN /2/3 Any test evidence used to substantiate the fire resistance rating of a door or shutter should be carefully checked to ensure that it adequately demonstrates compliance that is applicable to the complete installed assembly. Small differences in detail (such as glazing apertures, intumescent strips, door frames and ironmongery etc.) may significantly affect the rating.

34 Building Regulations New buildings Performance Fire Safety Sound Ventilation Thermal Accessibility Safety Glazing Notes - Where a fire door is required - The fire resistance period expected - Specific requirements e.g. smoke seals and signage - Minimum sound resistance performance of the door - Minimum air transfer gap required under the door - Minimum thermal performance of the door if required - Access to buildings for disabled people, including door width, hardware locations, opening forces, provision of vision panels and light reflectance values required - Where safety glass is required England & Wales : Approved Documents UK Regulatory Parts Scotland : Technical Handbook : sections Northern Ireland : Technichal Booklets B 2 E E 5 G F 3 K L 6 F M 3 R N 4 V

35 Regulatory Reform Order (2005) Existing buildings Applies to England and Wales: Fire (Scotland) Act Premises that provide care including care homes and hospitals Community halls, places of worship and other community premises The shared areas of properties occupied by several households Pubs, clubs and restaurants Schools and sports centres Tents and marquees Hotels and hostels Factories and warehouses

36 Building handover requirements Regulation 38 England and Wales New build Client Ownership

37 Understanding certification What does it tell us? How do we know it s correct or upto-date?

38 Should doors be tested & certificated? You need proof of fitness for purpose Comply with building regs. A test certificate indicates that the door assembly can withhold fire for a defined period of time What many fail to realise - that the COMPLETE ASSEMBLY must be installed as it was tested Components as well as door Each configuration requires a NEW test

39 Certification is crucial So how do I know if the door is a fire door? Label Plug Copy of test evidence If you have none of these... then there s a doubt about its ability to perform An expert assessment can be made But it s expensive

40 How to trust Fire Test Evidence Self declaration Certificate 3 rd party accreditation

41 Test Information Tested to BS 476 Part 22 The simplest form of Test Evidence approval is Self Declaration Manufacturer makes their own claim of conformity Common claims: Complies with Designed to Tested to These claims are no guarantee that products will meet the right standards or that they will continue to do so.

42 What s the risk? Risk to the end user or specifier May not have been tested If it was- when? Not impartial May not meet all requirements To what standards? What about ongoing product manufacture? These claims are no guarantee that products will meet the right standards or that they will continue to do so. BEWARE : There are a growing number of products on the market with such claims

43 The Certificate Producers or manufacturers may have tested their product to provide evidence They have a certificate but WHEN was it issued? Caution also needs to be taken with this information Was the sample representative of what is ALWAYS produced? What standards were the product tested to? Was the test independent? Will future products be the same? What if.... materials change? processes change? designs change? It s only a snapshot test

44 Third-party Accreditation Third party accredited product conformity certification schemes not only provide a means of identifying materials and designs of systems, products or structures which have demonstrated that they have the requisite performance, but additionally provide confidence that the systems, materials, products or structures actually supplied are provided to the same specification or design as that tested/assessed.

45 3 rd party Accreditation Warrington Certification is the UKAS test laboratory who conduct independent testing of doors and components and audit check members The performance of timber doors is judged by subjecting them to the standard test procedure specified in BS 476 : Part 22: 1987 or BS EN : Doors + components can be traced up or down the supply chain Tests are made on complete door assemblies, the door and frame with all the necessary hardware.

46 The BWF-Certifire label Permanent, Tamper Evident, Full Traceability Manufacturer and contact details Mfctrs Certifire No. Unique door No. Fire door rating 46

47 Fire Door Certificates What to look for... Door types and configurations: Flush, panelled, glazed, etc Single door* Pairs of doors * Single or double action / swing* A separate door test is usual to cover each type /configuration shows that is fit for the application * These are shown as :- SA / SL (Single Acting Single Leaf) SA / DL (Single Acting Double Leaf) DA / SL (Double Acting Single Leaf) DA / DL (Double Acting Double Leaf)

48 Door types You may have specified FD30 but... Each door type requires a different construction - AND a different test And it MAY NOT be suitable for glazing Panel Moulded Panel Flush Glazed 1 ½ pair with screen

49 Each door configuration is subjected to a different fire door test. You cannot assume that any 2 single doors will work in a double leaf system

50 Ironmongery for Fire Doors must be compatible with the door Essential Ironmongery Hinges Closers Locks and latches Non-Essential Ironmongery Handles Knobs Spy holes Letter plates

51 Where do I find the information about the door leaf and components? Installation & maintenance instructions supplied with EVERY door

52 Where do I find the information about the door leaf and components?

53 What to look for after installation and in use Checking the assembly

54 The Door Leaf Does the door have a certificate? Is it 3 rd -party Accredited Does the door leaf sit in the door frame? Is it free from distortion? Is the door leaf free from damage? No cracked / split panels If the door leaf is veneered or lipped, is the glue still holding these products firmly in place? Don t consider upgrading an ordinary door with intumescent paints It s a very specialised job You can t apply the paint accurately enough with a paint brush Don t patch up the door

55 Door Frame Is the door frame made from the right material? Hardwood for 1 hour and above Is the door frame firmly attached to the wall? Is the planted stop firmly attached to the frame? Is the frame-to-door-leaf gap consistently 3mm (with a tolerance of +/- 1mm)? Does the door close evenly into the frame

56 Gaps between door and frame or threshold Mind the gap

57 The gap is important The gap should be 3 to 4mm between the frame and the sides and top edge of the door

58 Threshold Gap If a Fire Door the permissible threshold gap is ~ 10mm. (Check the manufacturer s instructions) If a Fire and Smoke Door the permissible threshold gap should be 3mm the same as the perimeter gap. Does the door freely swing, without binding?

59 Intumescent and smoke seals Must be tested to BS 476: Pt 22 (OR BS EN :2000 AND a separate test for smoke leakage under BS 476: Pt 31.1) Typically fitted into groove in door leaf OR PREFERABLY frame. Fitted along 2 vertical sections and top edge not fitted to threshold Save lives, and property - prevent flow of cold / hot smoke Should be supplied fitted by manufacturer. If replaced due to repair MUST be equal to original doorset / assembly Many doorsets now need to provide fire, smoke and acoustic containment 59

60 Fire & Smoke Seals Is the Fire Door an FD30(S) or an FD60(S)? There is very limited substitution on FD30 s and no substitution allowed on FD60 s Are there any seals present in the door leaf or frame? Are the seals free from damage? Are the seals continuous around the door leaf s perimeter? Are the intumescent seals, graphite or sodium silicate? If combined fire and smoke seals, are the fins or brushes free from damage? Is the door leaf to frame gap still 3mm (+/- 1mm)?

61 Intumescent Materials 3 types Exfoliating Graphite Most common type, 17 different types. Expansion between C High pressure seal, multi directional expansion Hydrated Sodium Silicate Chemical formula, consistent in its performance Expands at 100 C, consistently High pressure seal, multi directional expansion Mono-Ammonium Phosphate Referred to as MAP Low pressure, high volume expansion Commonly used for lock/latch and hinge protection kits

62 Glazing Detail Are the glazing beads well attached to the door leaf and free from damage? Is the glass free from damage and cracking? Is the intumescent glazing seal continuous and attached to both the glass and bead? If the glass is below 1500mm from the bottom of the door is the glass a firerated safety glass?

63 Other apertures in doors Letter boxes Air transfer grilles Spy-hole viewers Must all be cut by licensed processors NOT on site Unprotected slots and apertures

64 Fire Rated ATG s On an FD30 or FD60: remove cover grille and check that a Fire Resistant air transfer grille has been fitted (giving hot smoke protection) Ensure the ATG is free of blockages, replace if necessary. If an FD30S or FD60S: ensure electromechanical device has been fitted (giving cold smoke protection) and works! Periodic checks must be conducted with the fire/smoke alarm tests weekly (as required in RRO). Does the vent automatically shut down when the power to the door is cut? Ensure the electro-mechanical ATG is free of blockages

65 Ironmongery for Fire Doors must be compatible with the door Essential Ironmongery Hinges Closers Locks and latches Non-Essential Ironmongery Handles Knobs Spy holes Letter plates

66 Function of door closers

67 Code of Practice Essential reading Read or download this document from

68 How Safe are YOUR Fire Doors? Conclusion

69 How safe are YOUR fire doors? Conclusion 1. Only specify / use 3 rd -party accredited fire doors 2. Ensure they are installed / maintained by competent persons 3. Get them checked or inspected by competent personnel 4. ONLY use the correct compatible components for the door leaf 5. Don t play with fire - don t cut corners 6. If in ANY DOUBT, then ASK

70 Further Information Directory of members - Literature and Fact Cards

71 Websites for more information & advice

72 Online installation video

73 Check the certificates

74 Third party certification is the only way to ensure that Fire Doors are manufactured consistently to protect lives and save property. Cutting corners can cost lives.

75 Views / Comments / Questions ANY QUESTIONS?