Fire doors are important safety features as they protect both people and property. These special doors are made to contain fire and smoke within a specific area. Timely maintenance of fire doors is an important practice and is also a legal requirement in many parts of India. By knowing how to check and keep fire doors the right way, you can make your property much safer and save lives in the event of a fire.
Why fire door inspections matter?
Regular fire door inspections are essential for maintaining safety and compliance. Here’s why they matter:
- Regular checks ensure compliance with local fire safety rules and building codes.
- Your insurance company may require documented inspections, which can affect your coverage.
- Well-maintained fire doors make it safer for people to leave the building in case of an emergency.
When should fire door inspections be conducted?
The frequency of fire door inspections can change depending on factors like the type of building, its occupancy level and applicable government regulations. However, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Conduct an inspection immediately after installation to verify proper setup and functionality.
- Schedule regular checks at least once a year for most commercial and residential properties.
- Perform more periodic checks every six months, or once in three months for locations with high foot traffic or special hazards.
Subsequent checks should be conducted:
- Whenever the door or the wall around it is repaired or altered.
- Following an impact that may have resulted in damage to the door or any of its components.
- If the use or occupancy of the building changes.
- Before the renewal of the fire safety certificate.
Fire door inspection checklist
All parts of the fire door assembly should be inspected thoroughly. For your fire door checks, use this list as a guide:
Labelling and certification
- Make sure the fire rating label or certification is present
- Check that the rating is right for the location
- Ensure the labels are clear and complete.
Door leaf condition
- Check for damage, warping or holes
- Look for changes that could weaken the leaf
- Make sure it is the right thickness and construction for its grade
Check the frame and gaps
- Measure the gaps around the door and ensure they are about 3-4 mm
- Make sure the frame is tightly attached to the wall
- Verify the frame is right for the fire rating
Seals and strips
- Make sure the intumescent seals are there and not damaged
- Ensure that the smoke seals are continuous and properly fixed
- Confirm that the seals are right for the door's rating
Check the hardware
- Verify that the hinges work properly and securely
- The closing devices should work correctly and consistently
- Make sure the latches engage properly when the door closes
Common fire door inspection issues
Being aware of these common problems can help you identify and address them promptly:
- Gaps that are too big around the door make it harder to control a fire.
- Smoke seals that are worn down or missing make the structure less effective.
- Unauthorised additions like vents or flaps that break the structure's integrity
- Holes, cuts or deep scratches that make the structure less resistant to fire.
- Self-closing devices that don't fully close and latch the door.
- Frames that have moved and stop the door from closing properly
Fire door maintenance best practices
Take a look at these best practices:
- Create and stick to a repair schedule based on how often the doors are used.
- Train building staff to do basic fire door checks.
- Fix any problems right away instead of putting them off.
- Only hire qualified technicians for repairs and replacements.
- Keep detailed records of all fire door maintenance activities and repairs.
- Replace parts with approved parts that match the door's fire rating.
Role of fire insurance
Fire insurance is an important way to protect your investment in case of a fire, offering financial protection even when all safety measures are in place. It helps cover costs related to:
- Damage to the building's structure caused by fire, smoke and water used to put out the flames.
- Replacement of damaged items and goods.
- Costs for business delay if the fire affects commercial operations.
- Costs for temporary housing.
- Liability coverage if the fire affects properties nearby.
Many fire insurance policies require proof of proper safety measures, such as fire doors that are maintained in good condition. Insurance companies can:
- Ask for proof of regular fire door inspections when writing policies.
- Lower rates for buildings with well-documented fire safety programs.
- Not pay claims if fire doors were not properly maintained or changed.
- Need professional certification of fire door compliance.
Conclusion
Fire doors are one of the most important parts of your building's fire safety plan. These special doors should be inspected and maintained regularly to make sure they function properly in an emergency. You can make your building much safer by following a thorough inspection checklist, fixing problems right away and using best upkeep practices.
FAQs
- Do I need a professional to check my fire doors, or can I do it myself?
Only certified professionals should do official inspections. They have the expertise and tools to identify issues that may be overlooked by untrained individuals.
- What should I do if I find fire doors that are broken?
Take several pictures and note specifics of the damage right away. Then, get a trained fire door expert to fix it. Do not try to fix fire-rated doors yourself.
- Does my insurance need fire doors to be inspected?
Most property insurance policies that cover fire insurance require that you follow local fire safety rules, which usually include keeping your fire doors in good shape. Check your policy wordings or call your insurance company to find out what you need to do.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. Please read the sales brochure / policy wordings carefully for detailed information about on risk factors, terms, conditions and exclusions. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.