What to do in the event of a fire

firesafedoors on October 28, 2022

Your fire safe door plays a significant role in your fire evacuation plan

Needless to say, every home, organisation, workplace, or building needs to have an up-to-scratch fire evacuation plan. Preparing for the worst is an excellent practice – so that if something does happen, you and your team will be as calm and effective as possible.

At FireSafeDoors, we take your safety very seriously, which is why we take extra measures to create the right fire door for your building. If your fire-evacuation plan needs updating, take a look at our checklist to ensure you’ve got all the bases covered.

Before A Fire

  • Make sure everyone in your building knows and understands the fire-evacuation plan
  • Double check to make sure both your fire exits are clear. The last thing you want is an obstacle in your way when you’re trying to escape a building
  • Ensure all escape routes are distinctly outlined (Green Fire Exit Sign) to eleminate potential confusion.
  • Don’t leave any fire doors wedged open. Fire Doors need to block off oxygen to prevent smoke and fumes from surviving. Open to escape then check its firmly closes behind you.
  • Check all fire extinguishers in the building have been inspected and have not expired.
  • Establish a fire warden of the building. This person should be properly trained and prepared to lead others out of the building in the case of an emergency.
Image: SimScale

During A Fire

Step 1 – Raise The Alarm

If you’re the first to notice the threat of a fire, no matter its level of concern, it’s your immediate responsibility to let everyone in the building know. A fire can escalate rapidly, so find the alarm as soon as possible. If you can’t find the alarm, shout loudly to inform others and get everyone together. Try not to scream – a panicked team is not going to function ideally. Now’s also the best time (if safe to do so), to contact the authorities. Don’t be a hero. Call 000 and ask for the fire brigade.

Step 2 – Make Your Way To The Nearest Exit

Now that everyone is together and accounted for – it’s time to escape.

Don’t bring belongings or look for valuables. Following the fire warden’s instructions, walk briskly (don’t run) towards the nearest fire door and don’t look back. It’s crucial that no one uses an elevator to get to an exit. If you need to change levels, use the stairs.

Step 3 – Exiting The Building

As you near towards to the exit, make sure you shut all windows and doors behind you. This will limit the spread of the fire.

If a door handle is hot, the fire is probably on the other side and you’ll need to find another exit. Remember that windows are always an option if necessary.

If smoke reaches you on the way out, remember the tried-and-true ‘STOP’ ‘DROP’ & ‘ROLL’. This is also the best way to extinguish your clothes if they catch on fire.

Step 4 – If You Can’t Leave The Building

Whatever you do, don’t panic. There are still plenty of things you can do to maximise safety.

Firstly, in whatever way you can, make someone aware of your situation. Use a phone, scream and shout, whatever it takes. This means help is on the way.

Now, close up any possible exits and stay close to the ground. If there’s any rags or towels to wet, do so and keep them over your mouth. You can also block up doors by putting wet rags around the edges. If your clothes catch fire, remember ‘STOP’ ‘DROP & ‘ROLL’.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

The 6 Classes of Fire

firesafedoors on October 21, 2022

Fires come in all shapes and sizes, ranging in level of severity. That’s why we have different methods for every class of fire.

Believe it or not, the world of fire safety is far more complex than pointing a hose at a fire. Fire needs fuel, oxygen, and heat to thrive, and how a fire is best combated depends on its connection to these three elements.

In the interest of education and safety, today we’re learning about the 6 different classes of fire, and how to best combat each type.

There are six classes of fire: Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, ‘Electrical’, and Class F.

Class A fires – Combustible materials

Class A fires begin when a flammable solid object catches fire. Common flammable solids include unprotected wood, papers, and fabrics. Curtains are a common starting place for Class A fires, so we’d recommend ensuring that any fires are kept far away from them. A water, foam, dry powder, or wet chemical fire extinguisher will be effective at combating Class A fires.

Class B fires – Flammable materials

Class B fires begin when a flammable material catches fire. Common flammable materials include petrol, paint, and turpentine. A foam, dry powder, or CO2 fire extinguisher will be effective at combating Class B fires.

Class C fires – Flammable gases

Class C fires begin when a flammable gas catches fire. Common flammable gases to catch fire include hydrogen, butane, or methane. A dry powder fire extinguisher will be your best option for combating Class C fires.

Class D fires – Combustible metals

Class D fires begin when a combustible metal catches fire. Common combustible metals include lithium, magnesium, and aluminium. A dry powder fire extinguisher will be your best option for combating Class D fires.

Electrical Fires – Electrical equipment

Electrical fires begin when a piece of electrical equipment catches fire. If the electrical item is removed, the fire will change class. Common electrical equipment that catches fire include computers and generators. A dry powder or CO2 fire extinguisher will be effective at combating electrical fires.

Class F fires – Deep Fat Fryers

Class F fires are of an extremely high temperature, beginning with the misuse/neglect of a fat fryer. Wet chemical fire extinguishers will be your best option for combating Class F fires.

Have a fire door related enquiry? Regardless of which state in Australia you’re located, we’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Double vs Single Fire Doors: Which Type Should You Install?

firesafedoors on October 13, 2022

Fire doors come in single leaf and double leaf configurations. Which type is best to install in your building project?

There are many different types of fire doors. Today, we will be reviewing the functionality and purpose of single leaf and double leaf doors, which are common configurations. When manufactured, installed and maintained properly, both fire door types can provide effective protection in the event of a fire emergency. However, you may be wondering, which door configuration would be most appropriate for your particular property or building project?

Here at Fire Safe Doors, we specialise in all things fire door-related, from the manufacturing, installation and testing, to the assessment and upgrading of both fire-rated and non-fire-rated doors. Today, we will be providing you with some key information on single leaf and double leaf fire doors, so that you can make an informed decision on which type of door would meet your fire safety and logistical requirements best.

1. Single Leaf Fire Doors

Put simply, a door leaf is a single, free-moving panel of a door. A single leaf fire door comprises one panel that is situated inside the door frame when closed. Single leaf fire doors are ideal for smaller spaces that incur less foot traffic.

This type of door configuration is commonly seen in areas such as stairwells of apartments and hotels, office buildings, stores, and some residential properties. As outlined by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), single leaf fire doors must be in compliance with what is specified in the code AS 1905.1.

2. Double Leaf Fire Doors

A double leaf fire door consists of two panels, both of which open outward, at their centre meeting point, in a swinging motion. They are ideal for larger spaces and buildings with high foot traffic, due to their two-way swing.

This type of fire door configuration is commonly seen in hospitals, shopping centres, schools, warehouses and other large spaces. As outlined by the Building Code of Australia (BCA), double leaf fire doors must be in compliance with what is specified in the codes AS1530 and AS1905. 

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Fire Door Inspection Guide for Commercial Properties

firesafedoors on October 6, 2022

Fire door inspections are a crucial safety measure and legal requirement for commercial, industrial and residential properties. How often should they be conducted and what do they entail?

Over time, certain components of fire doors may deteriorate, get damaged or become outdated, thus requiring maintenance, repair or replacement. If the necessary improvements are not made to these doors, it can compromise their effectiveness in the event of fire emergencies, and cause a decline in their FRL (fire-resistance level). Additionally, their existing condition may no longer comply with fire safety regulations.

So, with that in mind, you may be wondering, how often should the fire doors in your buildings be inspected, and what are the steps involved? Here at Fire Safe Doors, we specialise in all things fire door-related, from the manufacturing, installation and testing, to the assessment and upgrading of both fire-rated and non-fire-rated doors. Today, we’ll be providing you with essential information on commercial fire door inspections, so that you can be prepared for the process, and ensure your fire doors are up to standard.

1. How often should Fire Door Inspections be conducted?

The frequency of compulsory fire door inspections depends on the building’s classification, as outlined by the Building Code of Australia (BCA). As specified in the code AS1851-2012, both fire doors and smoke doors in commercial buildings require an inspection every 6 months, whereas in residential and industrial buildings, they require one inspection per year. However, sliding fire doors in particular require a minimum of one inspection every 3 months.

Additionally, passive fire door systems, like smoke alarms and sprinklers for example, need to be inspected at least once annually. However, more frequent checks are advised.

2. What does the inspection process involve?

During fire door inspections, a number of compliance criteria are assessed in order to determine whether the doors are in proper working order or if they require adjustments. The components that are checked include the following:

  • Compliance Tags: Once installed, fire doors must have compliance tags affixed to them. During the inspection process, we check to see if these tags are present and legible. Here at Fire Safe Doors, as part of our BCA/AS requirements, expert tagging and certification are provided by CFDS on the completion of our works to our client’s satisfaction.
  • Doors, Frames and Hardware: If any holes or breaks are identified on the doors, door frames or hardware, they must be repaired or replaced with the appropriate materials as soon as possible.
  • Glass and Glazing: For glass fire doors in particular, the glass as well as its fire-resistant glazing should be analysed for any sings of cracks or other damage. The glazing beads should also be inspected, to ensure that they are properly intact, fastened, and free from damage.
  • Gaps: There must be no gaps exceeding 3mm between doors and their frames, and this can result in smoke and flames being able to make their way through to other areas of buildings during fire emergencies. Identifying any gaps that will require sealing is a crucial part of the fire door inspection process.
  • Safety Obstructions: One of the most important elements of a fire safety plan is ensuring you have a clear evacuation pathway in the event of a fire emergency. Therefore, fire doors should never be locked, nor should they be obstructed by heavy or hazardous objects. An effective fire door inspection will identify any prevalent obstructions and devise strategies to mitigate them.
  • Broken or Missing Elements: Proper and holistic fire door inspections will identify any parts that are damaged or missing from doors, and arrange for them to be replaced, repaired or added as soon as possible.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Sliding Fire Doors vs Traditional Swinging Doors

firesafedoors on September 29, 2022

Choosing the right fire doors for your building projects plays a critical role in ensuring optimum safety. Both sliding and swinging fire doors can be viable options, depending on their purpose and functionality in a given space.

There are many different variations of fire doors on the market. However, despite their differences, all certified, tested and regulation-compliant fire doors are designed with one common goal in mind – offering protection in the event of a fire emergency by preventing the spread of flames and smoke, for a stipulated period of time, depending on the door’s Fire Resistance Level (FRL).

Choosing the right doors for your building projects is dependent on a number of factors, including the size and purpose of the internal space, architectural regulations, and design requirements. Here at Fire Safe Doors, we specialise in all things fire door related, including the manufacture, supply and installation of both sliding and swinging fire doors. Today, we’ll be going over both types, and giving you the lowdown on their structural components and respective practicalities, so that you can make an informed decision about which door to opt for.

1. Sliding Fire Doors

The material components that make up sliding fire doorsets include door leaves, track brackets, counterweights and steel facings. Sliding door systems are available in both manual and automatic formats, making them more versatile depending on the application. Sliding fire doors can be highly useful in cramped or crowded spaces, where creating as much room as possible is a priority.

Because sliding doors don’t swing open, they can be easier to open in emergency situations. That’s part of the reason why sliding fire doors are often installed in hospitals, parking areas, restaurants, schools and warehouses. Additionally, if the fire doors installed in your building will be experiencing a lot of usage throughout the day from staff, patrons, vehicles, etc., a sliding door may be the more appropriate choice, due to the high cycle operators obtainable for them, and their sturdy construction. 

2. Swinging Fire Doors

Swinging fire doors are available in single (one door) and double (two-door) varieties. They comprise door leaves, frames, heads, jambs, hinges, locksets, hardware, louvers and protection plates. As far as the swinging direction of the door is concerned, door leaves should swing in the egress direction of travel, especially if they are installed in environments containing high-level hazards and fire safety risks. 

One benefit of swinging fire doors is their ability to be modified to accommodate a building’s, and its resident’s, security needs, due to existing door latching and door locking systems. However, in the event of a fire emergency, this can also have a negative impact, by potentially obstructing the safe exit of individuals dealing with a fire emergency. Thus, important that a  solution to this factor is strategised during the design and installation process.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Custom Designed Fire Doors

firesafedoors on September 26, 2022

Every building has its own set of requirements, including the shape and design of its door. That’s why Custom Designed Fire Doors are an integral part of our services.

Many unique components form the basis of a legal, functioning fire door. Some of these components are set-in-stone, but others can be manufactured to fulfil specific needs.

Today, we’ll be covering your material options for Fire Doors as well as further customisation options.

Material Options for Fire Doors

There are three main types of Fire Door construction materials: Steel, Glass, and Timber.

Steel is the most versatile option, very easily constructed to withhold fire for 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD 60), depending on your building’s requirements.

Glass Fire Doors rely on fire-rated glazing to ensure safety. Glass Fire Doors are commonly chosen for their aesthetic quality, particularly for modern buildings.

Timber Fire Doors are beautifully and carefully crafted. However, they usually offer the least amount of fire protection.

Customisable Fire Door Options

Fire Door Frames:

In 2012, Fire Safe Doors invested in a facility that efficiently manufactured quality Fire Door Frames to various specifications.

Our metal frames, standard or non-standard, in both fire-rated and non-fire-rated forms, are all made from quality materials.

We’ve been able to alter measurements and turn around customized fire door frames within 2-3 days (depending on the size of the order) ever since.

Fire Door Panels:

Fire door panels are an important piece of fire equipment and are designed and installed in most building types. Fire door panels and their installation must be completed following specifications set by Australian Standards and the BCA. Applicable certification is also an important factor in this process.

A wide variety of door panels are available, and our staff will assist in selecting the most cost-efficient panel type to meet our client’s requirements.

All door panels supplied by Fire Safe Doors can be provided to suit requirements for rebated door sets and seals, vision panels, return air grilles, electric locks, and selected architectural hardware.

Why Customize?

Customisation offers a myriad of advantages:

Safety: The size and thickness of your fire door directly correlate to its ability to withstand fire and smoke for longer time periods. Simply put, a customized fire door with thicker measurements will limit fire spread for a longer period of time. It’s definitely worth considering a thicker fire door if a room in your building regularly contains people or products that burn quickly.

Acoustics: Fire Doors don’t just have to protect you from fire. They can protect you from excessive noise too. In addition, we can customize our fire doors’ materials and thickness to assist in soundproofing a particular room.

Aesthetics: If you’d like your fire door to match the aesthetic components of your building, a customized order might be right for you. We can work with you to ensure that our fire door’s materials, measurements, and design fits comfortably with your buildings’ heritage and established protocol.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Fire Door Upgrade Solutions for Heritage Buildings

firesafedoors on September 16, 2022

Heritage Doors can be integral to a building’s character and history. However, they may need upgrades to meet current fire safety regulations.

Heritage Doors can be one of the most beautiful aspects of a building. Often detailed and intricate, we’d understand why many individuals would be tempted to resist modifying such a prominent vintage feature. However, the Building Code of Australia (AS1530.4) sets the legal fire-resistant ratings for doors today.

This means a heritage door may require additional fire-proofing adjustments to comply with current standards. Fortunately, here at Fire Safe Doors, our friendly team of experts can ensure that your heritage doors meet the requirements, without necessarily needing to compromise the original door’s unique features. Here’s how we can make that happen.

Building Assessment and Fire Door Testing

Firstly, a thorough fire assessment of the building should take place, during which we will analyse the fire-safe viability of every door’s existing materials, features and protection levels. Primarily, the door leaf, frame, and hardware must be in good working order.

Thereafter, our team will assess if the current fire doors can be dismantled and reinstalled without major damage. If possible, this would be an ideal strategy, as heritage doors can be easily upgraded for re-installation. During that process, we will also see if the door’s hardware needs any updates, and if so, what kind.

Heritage Door Upgrades

For example, intumescent coatings or other fire-resistant materials can be applied if the heritage door’s edges or leaves are becoming worn out This kind of update is particularly effective when it comes to timber or panelled heritage doors. Glazing is another fire-resistant option, and can be added to existing glass on a heritage door with ease.

If the hardware of a heritage door is what needs updating, there are, in fact, heritage-style hardware options to choose from, with modern utility additions to help them comply with current regulations. For example, a magnetic door holder, security latch or release could all be implemented during the updating process, to increase the fire rating of the building.

Our Services

When considering fire door upgrade solutions for your heritage buildings, it can be difficult to discern what updates may be necessary to make the existing fire doors compliant. However, our team at Fire Safe Doors can simplify the process for you, as all of our testing gets done in accordance to the latest Australian Standards. Our experienced crew can walk you through all of the steps, to identify the best solutions for your building projects.

Over many years in operation, we have successfully tested the most common fire door wall systems and hardware, so you can feel confident about our assessments and advice. To discuss potential fire door upgrade solutions today, call or email our team using the information provided below.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Compliance Tags and Construction: Critical Fire Door Choices

firesafedoors on September 15, 2022

While choosing the right fire doors for your construction is critical, you should keep in mind that installing fire doors correctly is just as important.

Why Is the Right Fire Door Installation So Important?

The process of installing fire doors must be in compliance with the current national standards and requirements set out by the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standards (AS 1905.1 and AS1530.4).

Failure to adhere to these codes can result in penalties, as well as additional costs in having to upgrade or fix your doors or installation faults.

In addition to this, correctly installing fire doors is a significant component of your building’s fire safety plan and is essential in saving lives and preventing extensive damage in the event of a fire.

Before Installing Your Fire Doors, You Should:

•    Ensure that the individual or company you have hired to install the doors is fully licensed and qualified to carry out the fire safety installation and certification

•    Make sure that your fire doors are being installed in fire walls and that the type of door chosen will preserve the fire rating of that same wall

•    Double-check that all doors, door frames and hardware is on par with the tested/approved prototype for that door and its accessories

•    Confirm with your builder or installer that all your fire doors will be installed in accordance with the tested/approved construction and installation requirements for that door.

Installing Your Fire Doors

It is crucial that your fire door installation receives the required fire rating once installation is complete. If your installation does not meet the standards for certification, you will need to replace or re-install the door. Also be vary of the different types of fire doors – sliding fire doors, hinged fire doors and double action fire doors – and how installation may vary between them.

When installing fire doors, you must ensure that:

•    Your door leaf is being installed and hung the correct way up, particularly if the door has been pre-fitted with plates for hinges and locks
•    No more than 6mm is to be trimmed from any edge of the fire door; if you need to trim more than 6mm off the door, you will need to order a custom door to fit your specific sizing needs
•    Only 3mm of clearance must be evident between the custom fire door and the frame at the head and the stiles; if more than a 3mm gap exists, your fire door will be non-compliant
•    No more than 10mm and no less than 3mm of clearance must be evident between the fire door and finished floor; if more than a 10mm gap exists between the door and floor, your door will not comply with Australian standards
•    The sill of the opening must be made from a non-combustible product, such as concrete
•    The locks or closing mechanisms on each door have been fire tested and certified (remember, all fire doors must be self-latching); all furniture, handles and any other fixture fitted to the door leaf must be tested/ and certified locks must have a 127mm back set
•    No deadbolts (or similar locks) are installed on any fire door; this goes against the Building Codes of Australia, is contrary to the Australian Standards and will result in non-compliancey

Compliance Tags

Once your fire-rated doors and frames have been correctly installed, the final part of the installation process is to fix each of your doors with a Compliance Tag (see also – fire door signage).

•    A Compliance Tag confirms that the door it is attached to has been tested, installed correctly and that it is able to uphold the relevant fire-resistant rating
•    All Compliance Tags should include the necessary fire door information, such as: the manufacturer’s name, fire rating/resistant level, owner’s name, certifier’s name, the year the door was manufactured and the item serial number
•    A Compliance Tag must remain on the door for the life of the door; beware of using low quality adhesive that will cause the tag to become ‘unstuck’ over time – this can result in both non-compliance and can cause inspection/maintenance problems later on.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

Fire Door Installation Guide

firesafedoors on September 9, 2022

Fire door installation is a crucial step in all building projects. Here is everything you need to know about the process.

Fire door installation is crucial for a myriad of reasons, especially personal safety, building protection and compliance with the law. Here at Fire Safe Doors, our team of friendly experts is well-equipped to carry out the installation process for you, as well as to handle any other fire door-related inquiries you may have.

In this article, we will be providing you with an in-depth guide on our fire door installation procedures, as well as the different options available to you, depending on the commercial or residential building project at hand. If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your project with us, our contact details are here. So, without further ado, please see our installation guide below.

1. Types of fire door installation

Our Fire Safe Doors team has years of experience in the supply and installation of many fire door types, comprising different materials. This includes the installation of internal and external door panels, sliding fire doors and glass fire doors. However, no matter the project, we recommend installing a fire-rated door over a non-fire-rated door. A fire-rated door set comprises a fire door frame, fire door leaf, and hardware including handles, locks, air grilles and vision panels.

As specified under Australian Standard AS1905.1, Fire rated door sets must be self-latching to gain certification. Once a fire door set has ben installed properly, a tag and certificate is granted and placed on the fire door frame. Here at Fire Safe Doors, we conduct out work in both fire-rated and non-fire-rated facilities. We also provide certification for fire-rated door supply and installations. Furthermore, we ensure that all our work complies with any building or fire safety codes.

2. Key installation tips

According to the BCA (Building Code of Australia), all fire doors must be installed in compliance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1905.1.2015. This set of guidelines describes the key requirements necessary to ensure that all doors are fitted into a property correctly.  Here are some of the key points outlined by the regulation.

  • Fire-rated door frames need to be fitted to tested prototype specifications.
  • Generally, the clearance between the fire door and frame at the head of the stiles must not go over 3mm.
  • The sill of the opening must comprise either concrete or another non-combustible material.
  • Close attention must be paid to how the door is hung, to ensure it is facing the correct way.
  • Once the installation process is over, fire door sets must have metal certification tags (AS 1905.1 2015) added to them.

3. How we can help

In partnership with Fire Door Core, safety and compliance is at the forefront of our design and testing processes, to ensure that our clients are equipped with fire doors that meet all relevant BCA and Australian Standards.

To request a quote for the installation, manufacture, maintenance or customisation of fire-rated doors for your building projects today, please contact us at Fire Safe Doors, and our friendly team of experts will happily assist you in kickstarting your fire safety journey.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs. 

How to Get a Fire Door Quote

firesafedoors on September 5, 2022

Fire door installation and customisation requirements vary per project. Our team at Fire Safe Doors can simplify the process. Contact us for an assessment and quote today.

No matter what your fire door-related enquiries are, we can help. Upon assessment of your project’s needs, our friendly team of experts at Fire Safe Doors can provide you with an accurate quote. Whether it be custom door manufacturing, installation of panels, fire testing, or assessing and updating heritage doors, we can handle each step of the process.

Over many years in business, we’ve developed a large builder and developer clientele. However, we are always excited and equipped to work with new clients. At Fire Safe Doors, we believe that a highly-personalised service is what sets us apart from other providers.

We carry out projects in both fire-rated and non-fire-rated facilities, providing certification for fire-rated door supply and installations. Additionally, we always ensure that our work complies with any building or fire safety codes.

In partnership with Fire Door Core, safety and compliance is at the forefront of our design and testing processes, to ensure that our clients are equipped with fire doors that meet all relevant BCA and Australian Standards. To request a fire door quote today, reach out to us here and we’d be happy to discuss your project.

Have a fire door related enquiry? We’re happy to help. Contact Fire Safe Doors at [email protected] or call (02) 9070 0732, and we’ll work through a plan for your needs.