FIRE DOORS

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What Is A Fire Door?

A fire occurring in a building can result in loss of life a cause serious damage. The spread of fire within a building is usually a result of the fire taking advantage of any weakness in the construction, by burning through the building materials or by conducting heat through the structure. Fire, hot gases and smoke can spread through stairways, lifts, corridors, ducts and other cavities.

Fire doors are one component of a fire containment system, they provide a physical barrier between fire compartments. A fire rated doorset consists of a door leaf, door frame, with hardware such as closers, handles, locks, vision panels and air grilles.

Fire rated doorsets must be self closing and self latching to be certified and when installed correctly with approved hardware, a tag and certificate is issued for the frame and the door.

Why Do Buildings Have Fire Doors?

The Building Code of Australia volume 1 parts C2.12, C2.13, C3.4 to C3.8, C3.10, C3.11, D1.7, D1.8, D1.12, D2.8,D2.19, G3.4 and H1.3 detail the mandatory requirement for fire doors to be provided in various classes of buildings.

Types Of Doorsets

Fire ResistantDesigned and tested to stop flames and hot gases passing through the doorway. These doorsets generally do not stop cold or medium temperature smoke passing through the doorway. Only doors fitted and tested with compatible seals can stop the passage of smoke.

Smoke ContainmentDesigned and tested to stop cold or medium temperature smoke passing through the doorway. These doorsets do not necessarily stop flames and hot gases passing through the doorway.

Combined Fire SmokeDesigned and tested to stop flames, hot gases and to resist the passage of cold or medium temperature smoke from passing through the doorway.

Fire Door ConstructionFire doors are available in single or double leaf. Their construction can be metal, glass or timber.

MetalMetal sheeting is used in door construction for a variety of reasons, ranging from hygiene to safety. The two most common materials are steel and aluminium.

GlassBy adding fire rated glazing to doors, they can retain their aesthetic qualities while adhering to the fire regulations set out by the Building Code of Australia.

TimberA wood veneer is a flat, thin piece of wood – usually no thicker than 6mm – that is used to cover a door, giving it a unique look and finish that usually resembles wood or timber.

Fire Resistance Levels (FRLs)

A FRL is a method of comparing the performance of one fire doorset product against another and indicates the ability of a product to maintain strength in a fire and to resist the spread of fire.

An FRL is not assigned to an individual component, it is applied to a fire doorset system. It is the fire door and all other doorset components.

FRLs show structural adequacy / integrity / insulation and written in minutes. For example a fire door with an FRL of - / 120 / 30, the – (dash) indicates it is non-structural, 120 minutes of flame resistance and 30 minutes of insulation to prevent a significant temperature increase on the unexposed side of the door.

Fire doorsets are available in 30, 60, 120 and 240 minute fire resistance levels. A fire resistant doorset should match the fire rating of the firewall.

Marking Of Fire Doorsets

Fire doors are required to be tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 1905.1. the tag information includes:

• The component standard – AS/NZS 1905.1• Fire Resistant Level (FRL) – e.g. -/60/30• Manufacturer’s name (Company name)• Applicant’s name• Certifier (Company name)• Door tag number• Year of manufacturing

Fire Door Signage

Fire door signage needs to comply with the legislation requirements that applied when the building was approved. The Building Code of Australia volume 1; Part D2.23, outlines the current requirements for door signage.

Where Should Fire Doors Be Located?

Fire and smoke compartmentation is a mandated requirement of the Building Code of Australia. There are no simple rules to follow because each building is different, both in its layout, use and fire risk.

Australian Standard AS1905.1 specifies requirements for the construction and installation of fire-resistant doorsets that are used to protect openings in walls.

How Do Fire Doors Operate?

Automatic ClosingAuto closing is initiated by smoke alarms, fire detection systems, or the release of a door-hold device.

LatchingA door with a fastening device that allows opening from one side or the other without the use of a key. Latches may be combined with a locking mechanism.

PivotedA pivot type door is used where the door can be opened from either side – most do not have a door stop on the doorframe. These doors are often referred to as double action and are commonly used in hospitals.

Self ClosingA door which is opened manually and closes automatically when released. It is equipped with a door closer which is designed to bring the door leaf to the fully closed position immediately after each opening.

Maintenance, Inspection & Testing

Western Australia’s building legislation requires owners of Class 2 to Class 9 buildings (which includes residential apartments) to ensure the building’s firefighting services and equipment are maintained. This is to ensure that safety systems remain capable of performing to a standard not less than they were originally required and commissioned to achieve.

There is a financial penalty for noncompliance with the building legislation.

The Building Commission considers the adoption of Australian Standard AS1851-2012 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment as good practice and a means for owners to ensure fire safety measures are serviced at regular frequencies to demonstrate suitable operation, and rectified or repaired if necessary to meet their regulatory obligation on maintenance.

AS1851 requires doors to be inspected every six months. There is an additional inspection and test checklists required to be undertaken yearly. Horizontal sliding doors must be inspected every three months.

ROUTINE SERVICEFREQUENCIES

Fire Detection

Occupant Warning

Exit & Emergency Lighting

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Doors

Fire Hose Reels

Fire Hydrants

Fire Pumps

Gas Suppression

Sprinkler Systems

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The information provided in this document is general in nature, every installation is different and requires site specific professional guidance. Westside Fire Services assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this document. The information contained in this document is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness.