Door Industry Journal - Spring 2018

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 110 THE door industry journal spring 2018 Locks & Building Hardware Everything you need to know about fire door hardware The focus on fire safety has rightly intensified following the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Hackitt Review is examining building regulations and fire safety, and with results due for publication in the spring, the trade is bracing itself for potential changes. Now more than ever, individuals and businesses need to understand fire safety, including fire doors which help save lives and protect properties. IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, has created a checklist which advises on the essential components required to make fire doors compliant. 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. The Arrone AR3500 Door Closer is an adjustable power size 2-4 fire door closer suitable for living accommodation and offices. With a 120- minute fire rating, closing and latch speed adjustments, back check and a 10-year guarantee, this product offers durability and flexibility. Hold open devices Hold open devices, such as Dorgard, are the only legal method for keeping a fire door open. They should release the door when required and need to be tested in accordance with BS EN 1155 for electromechanical devices. On hearing a continuous fire alarm, the Dorgard will release, allowing the fire door to close under the pressure of the overhead door closer. 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 sized screws. Intumescent hinge pads should also be fitted to ensure the perimeter of the door is protected in compliance with European standards. The Twin Ball Bearing Fire Door Hinge is ideal as it is specifically designed for fire door usage and is suitable for doors up to 120kg. Intumescent seals Seals are perhaps the most overlooked aspect of a fire door. The Fire and Smoke Intumescent Strip from Pyroplex is an ideal choice, as it can be routed in and has a high tack self-adhesive backing for quick and easy fitting. Signage Correct ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’ signage should be clearly displayed on both sides and should be fitted in accordance with BS 499. A full range is available on the IronmongeryDirect website. Locks and latches Be sure the latch holds the door firmly in place without rattling. It is also essential to ensure that the lock or latch is fitted with the correct intumescent and is CE marked. Fire doors are too often downgraded on a specification or neglected during their service life. It is vital that correct installation and maintenance are carried out to properly ensure fire safety. To download the full fire door checklist, visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/fire-safety . IronmongeryDirect has over 16,000 products available. Orders can be placed as late as 8pm for next day delivery, and by 4pm on weekends. For more information, visit: IronmongeryDirect.com or call: 0800 168 28 28. Arrone AR3500 Door Closer Dorgard Hold-Open Device Twin Ball Bearing Fire Door Hinge Fire & Smoke Intumescent Strip