WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A FIRE DOOR INSPECTION

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A FIRE DOOR INSPECTION

Basic Fire Door Inspections 1. Fire door basic function 2. Understanding codes 3. Responsibility of end user 4. Common fire door deficiencies 5. What your door inspector should know 6. Different types of reports 7. Repairs

Why is PFP/Barrier Management Important? It s part of the overall fire protection plan. Active Fire Protection VS. Passive Fire Protection

What Makes Up Passive Fire Protection? Dampers Doors Fire Resistant Rated Barriers (i.e. Fire Wall)

3 Principles Of Fire Door Protection Help prevent spread of smoke and flames Compartmentalize a building Allow for safe escape

What Does a Certified Fire Door Inspection Accomplish? Confirms fire doors are properly installed and maintained Increases safety of building and occupants Limits liability to end user Helps end user avoid fines Follow CMS regulations

INTRO Fire Door Inspection Regulations Have Changed Flier Sent to Hospitals and Assisted Living CMS has adopted the 2012 edition of the NFPA Life Safety Code. ARE YOUR FIRE DOORS COMPLIANT? Significant impact on the steps to compliance for Fire Doors The newest standard requires: Fire-rated doors to be tested for functionality no less than annually Inspections to be performed by a qualified person A written record of the inspection be kept on file for the AHJ

Fire Door Regulations NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Fire Doors and other opening protectants not inspected less than annually New construction should have additional test Fire door inspections should be a part of annual preventative maintenance plan Building owners and property managers are responsible for having door inspections done by trained and educated inspectors

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Painted or missing fire door labels

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Improper gaps between two doors Improper gaps between door and door frame

Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Kicked down door holder or door stop

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Hardware items that are attached to door that are not rated for door

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Holes left by deleted items

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Fire doors blocked or made to stay in open position Items placed around fire door so it cannot open fully

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Broken, defective or missing hardware pieces

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Locking devices not self latching Latching bolt cannot be retracted

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Fire doors must be self closing ** If coordinator is used, inactive lead closes before active lead

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Missing or incorrect fasteners

INTRO Common Deficiencies Found During Inspections Bottom flush bolts do not project ½ into strike Bottom flush bolts must engage properly

What Is A Fire Door? Applicable Codes: NFPA 80 and 105 *90-95% fire doors are noncompliant

Qualified Technicians and Inspectors Knowledgeable Experience with fire door product application Experience with fire door installation Expertise with swinging doors Familiar with different types of hardware Work with hollow metal doors and frames Work with wood fire doors

Qualified Technicians and Inspectors IQP (Intertek), IFDIA (International Fire Door Inspection Association) or equivalent certifications held by trainers of qualified technicians. * Series of courses and 4 hour exam Thorough knowledge of fire and building codes * NFPA 80 * NFPA 101 Industry Experience Security Integration Architectural Services Project Management

What to Expect During Fire Door Inspections Technician and representative to meet with owner/ property manager/ end user prior to inspection Review building plans and or property Pick which type of report best fits needs Each opening evaluated *Frame *Hinges *Bolts *Locks *Exit hardware *Check for proper functionality and compliance

Fire Door - Points of Inspection The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires annual fire door inspections with a written record of the inspection. NFPA 80, Section 5.2.4.2: states that, as a minimum, the following items must be verified: No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or frame. Glazing, vision light frames & glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped. The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in working order with no visible signs of damage. No parts are missing or broken. Door clearances at the door edge of the door frame, on the pull side of the door, do not exceed clearances listed in 4.8.4 (the clearance under the bottom of the door shall be a maximum of 3/4 ) and 6.3.1 (top & edges 1/8 ). The self-closing device is operational; that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open position. If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf. Latching hardware operates and secures the door when it is in the closed position. Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door or frame. No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label. Gasketing and edge seals, where required, are inspected to verify their presence and integrity.

Types of Fire Door Inspection Reports Simple field inspection report * For each opening * Usually an existing template

Types of Fire Door Inspection Reports Standard Inspection Report * Per Opening Report * Summary of deficiencies * Corrective action report

Types of Fire Door Inspection Reports Custom Reports * Per Opening Report * Summary of deficiencies * Corrective action report * Designed to what end user wants * Contains items specific to each opening * Part # s * Specific Model # s * Pictures of each opening and pictures of deficiencies * Plotting/ CAD drawings of each door

Types of Fire Door Inspection Reports Custom to end user software *Door opening statistics go directly into maintenance software *Reports and punch lists generated by end user

Expectations of Return Trip Re- inspection of non-compliant openings Confirm repairs Work with end user on program to make sure doors stay compliant Make sure doors are properly installed and designed

Review Importance of fire door inspections Top deficiencies of fire doors Fire door inspection process Expectations of inspections Different types of reports Re-inspections

Questions? Questions regarding barrier protection? Contact: Heidi Young LSS Life Safety Services Western Regional Manager (502) 704-1903