Door Industry Journal - Spring 2017

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 104 THE door industry journal spring 2017 fire & security feature Closing the gap on Fire Door safety knowledge Properly installed fire doors are not only essential to comply with Building and Fire Safety Regulations - they actually save lives. Here, the UK’s leading ironmongery supplier, IronmongeryDirect, offer a checklist to make sure fire door components are compliant and legal. Hinges To ensure your fire door is secure, a minimum of three hinges is recommended. Importantly, all hinges should be marked with the CE stamp, be the appropriate grade for the door and fitted with the correct size screws. Intumescent hinge pads should also be fitted to ensure the perimeter of the door is protected in compliance with European standards. Door Closers The principal objective of a closer is to ensure the fire door is kept closed and in the case of unlatched fire doors, to hold them shut in the event of a fire. A minimum ‘power size 3’ is required and as with all fire door components, must be CE marked. Closers should be regularly checked for damage or leakage. To check your closer works properly, open the door to 5 degrees or 75mm and let it close; it should engage the latch when shut. Hold Open Devices It’s against the law to prop or wedge a fire door open. However, a hold open devices provides a safe and legal way to keep the door open but will automatically release the door when a fire alarm is sounded, in conjunction with a door closer. One such product is Dorgard, an intelligent device that, when a fire alarm sounds, automatically releases the door. Dorgard complies fully with all relevant British Standards, EC Directives and UK Workplace Regulations. The device, which is available in four different colours, is battery operated and can be installed in minutes. A brushed stainless steel cover is also available to protect from scuffs and scratches whilst enhancing the appearance, ideal for installations in hotels and offices. Locks and Latches In order to provide an effective barrier to a fully developed Hinges Door Closers Hold Open Device