Fire safety doors are a vital part of any building. Their role is to save lives and minimize property damage in the event of a fire. They are the first line of defence and it is crucial that they are properly certificated and inspected regularly.
Fire door inspections are a legal requirement for any facility and have become one of the most dreaded items on many facilities manager’s to-do lists. The strict requirements outlined by NFPA 80, the standard that regulates opening protectives, have made it necessary to inspect thousands of doors every year.
As a result, these inspections have become a significant time and resource burden for most facilities. However, the laws were created for a good reason; a functioning fire door can contain most fires and help minimize injuries to occupants, deaths, and unnecessary property damage. When these fire doors fail, it is usually due to a defect that could have been easily spotted during an inspection.
A fire door inspection is a routine maintenance procedure that ensures a fire-rated door and frame are in good condition and ready to operate as designed in the event of an emergency. It is not uncommon for these doors to experience wear and tear over the years, so this inspection is important to keep them functional in the event of a fire. It is also a requirement of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that all fire safety doors be inspected by a qualified individual every six months. This person can be anyone from a maintenance professional to a janitor, as long as they are familiar with the fire door components and information.
During a fire door inspection, the inspector must verify the label on the door is present and that the identifying features have not been altered or damaged. They must also inspect the door frame to see if there are any modifications or alterations that can impact the fire rating. It is not uncommon for this to include holes or breaks in the frames, which can affect how the door closes and performs when needed.
Other things to look out for are the gasketing and edge seals on the fire doors. These must be a specific type, not a generic brand, and they must be installed in the correct locations on the door. They must also be properly fitted to the door and the frame. Additionally, the method with which the signs are attached must be done according to NFPA regulations.
Having an expert conduct these inspections will ensure that your fire doors are in good working condition and will be effective in the event of a fire. Summit Environmental has a team of experts ready to carry out your fire door inspection cost in barking. Depending on the number of doors, our costs start at PS10 per fire door, and this includes surveyor attendance and a full report with photos. Our prices are competitive and there are no hidden costs.