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. 

Fire Door Signage Rules in Australia

firesafedoors on August 24, 2022

When installing fire doors in your developments and projects, it is critical that they have the appropriate fire door signage.

The right signs:

•    Clearly and visibly mark all fire doors for the building’s occupants and improve fire safety and awareness once the building is completed
•    Ensure compliance with Australian fire door regulations set out by the NCC (National Construction Code) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
•    Help you qualify for the required Occupation Certificate

Signage for Fire Doors in All States

For all other states, the Building Code of Australia stipulates that the following sign must be displayed on all fire doors:

This sign must be permanently displayed:

•    On the “approach” side of all doors leading to a fire exit or fire stair, no matter where in the building the fire door is located (e.g. even if the door is located on the roof or in the basement)
•    On both sides of all doors that ordinarily must be kept closed and that rest between individual fire compartments

Signage for Fire Doors in NSW Only

Fire door signage regulations differ slightly for buildings located in NSW.

In NSW, all fire doors must permanently display the above sign (Fire Safety Door / Do Not Obstruct / Do Not Keep Open) and they must also display this sign outlining the ‘Offences Relating to Fire Exits.’

The ‘Offences Relating to Fire Exits’ sign must be displayed at all times, either on the door itself or adjacent to the door (i.e. on the wall). It should be located:

•    On the “approach” side of all doors leading to a fire escape or fire stair, regardless of where in the building the door is located
•    On both sides of all doors between individual fire compartments where the doors must be kept closed at all times

Signs for All Fire Exit Doors (All States)

There are also strict regulations regarding signage for Fire Exit Doors throughout the entirety of Australia. No matter which state you are in, the sign below must be displayed on all fire exit doors:

This sign must be visible:

•    On both sides of a fire exit door that leads from the interior of a building to an open space (e.g. the street)
•    On both sides of all doors leading from an exit isolated from fire to an open space

Further Tips When Determining Your Fire Door Signage

•    All signs must be placed at eye level
•    Ensure the signs you buy comply with the legislation in your state; if you are unsure what is required, check with the Australian Building Codes Board
•    Check that the sign is the right size and made of appropriate material for your particular door/building

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 Rated Glazing, Explained

firesafedoors on June 9, 2022

Fire Rated Glazing is an ideal option for environments that need visibility as well as fire protection.

When we think of a fire door, we probably don’t think of a wide glass door. That’s because the majority of fire doors are built with steel and timber, not to mention the vermiculate core board, responsible for keeping the whole design insulant.

However, sometimes, for aesthetic or functional reasons, a solid material just won’t cut it. That’s where fire-rated glazing comes in. Let’s talk about how it works, its uses, and when to opt for the protective glaze.

How it works

The most important function to examine when discussing fire-rated glazing is its two different specifications; fire-protective, and fire-resistive.

Fire-protective glazing will prevent smoke and fire from spreading, however, it will not combat heat transfer. This means that the glass on the other side will still be dangerous to touch, and objects on the other side of the fire will still heat up – people included. If you’ve ever stood close to a campfire you’ll know just how fierce that heat can be.

On the other hand, fire-resistive glazing will prevent smoke and fire from spreading as well as conducting heat. This means the high temperature will be less easily transferred to the opposing room. This radiant heat is contained via a ‘fire-resistive assembly’, which means the multiple layers of glass are separated with interlayers, designed to resist heat.

Which type of glazing does my building need?

Obviously, fire-resistive glazing is the most optimum glaze to achieve the ultimate, longest-lasting fire protection. That being said, your building may already have enough fire-safety exits or measurements in place for it to pass the legal requirements without the premium glaze. Of course, you can still opt for the fire-resistive glazing if you’d like, but it may not be necessary depending on your building’s situation.

It’s crucial that you double-check with your installer about which type of glaze is required for your building to stay up to the relevant fire building codes, of which there are many. Whatever glaze your building requires must be based on these codes. We’ll be happy to inform you further through an inspection or installation

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 Dos and Don’ts Of Fire Doors

firesafedoors on March 2, 2022

If the fire door in your building leaves you with more questions than answers, you’ve come to the right place.

A fire door isn’t a device to be installed and forgotten. A fire door can only function to the fullest of potential if you understand its purpose, application and upkeep. That’s why we’re counting down the dos and don’ts of the crucial safety device.

Dos

Before installing a fire door, it’s important to read the relevant Building Codes of Australia. These codes will mandate the type and location of your fire door, in order to uphold the legal safety requirements.

Do hire a qualified installer to install and set up your fire door. Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials from your installer to ensure your door is installed correctly and legally.

Get your fire doors inspected regularly, as per the recommendation advice of your installer. This will ensure that your building will be up to scratch with the latest codes for when federal, state or local inspections are conducted.

It’s wise to keep all of your fire door documentation. They will be useful to your installers for when maintenance checks or repairs need to be made.

Don’ts

Under no circumstance should a fire door be locked. Fire Doors are designed to be easily opened and closed to prevent wasting precious time during an emergency. Even if everyone in your building has access to a key, the fire door should still remain unlocked at all times.

Never wedge open a fire door – this is actually illegal. Leaving a gap between the door and the building space immediately negates the functionality of a fire door. A wedged open fire door will provide minimal protection to you in an emergency, as the fire can spread rapidly past the fire door into the proceeding area.

Don’t leave anything in front of a fire door. One of the most important aspects of a fire escape plan is having a clear path to safety. If the path to your fire door is obstructed in any way, it’s important to remove these objects immediately. This is because they will pose as potential tripping hazards during an emergency, as well as increase the time it takes to evacuate.

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. 

Learning The World Of Fire Doors

firesafedoors on December 21, 2021

Fire Doors are a quintessential aspect of building design and construction. They protect establishments, and more importantly, the people inside them.

Fire Doors have become a safety staple for workplaces, eateries, halls, schools, and establishments everywhere. In the case of a fire, these doors are your ultimate protection until help arrives.

In short, fire doors save lives. Let’s run through the basics of fire doors, from application to aesthetics, to regulations.

What are Fire Doors?

Fire Door is short for a fire-rated door set. The door leaf, door frame, locks, handles and other elements all function together to create the most effective fire-resistant door possible. Fire Doors are also known as passive fire protection devices, meaning that they will serve their purpose without the need for human assistance if installed correctly.

Fire Doors have a range of classifications, depending on their strength. They can range from 30 minutes of withholding fire and smoke all the way to up to 2 hours of prevention. The most common types are the 

  • Sale Occupancy Unit Fire Rating Level -/60/30 (one hour of prevention)
  • Common Property Fire Door -/120/30 (two hours of prevention)

Installation

Fire doors can’t be installed by anyone with a toolbox and a good attitude. The stakes are too high. For fire doors to meet government compliance standards and ensure maximum safety, they must be installed by qualified individuals. This includes qualified fire-door installers (us), and some carpenters and buildings. Always double check your installer has the credentials for the job so you don’t have to overspend on a redo.

Image: Dasco Maroubra

Fire Door Materials

While fire doors are there to keep people safe, they are also widely customisable for aesthetic purposes. Heritage buildings, modern workplaces and more all require fire doors with unique materials to match the aesthetic qualities of the buildings. With the right installer, it’s possible to match the fire door to the building without sacrificing functionality. Common types of fire doors include

  • Glass (with fire-rated glazing)
  • Metal Sheeting
  • Wood Veneer

Maintenance and Regulations

You’ll need to have your fire doors inspected half-yearly or annually, depending on the door type. This is a must-do to comply with the strict Building Code of Australia. If your fire doors were installed before the 1990s, it’s definitely worth checking that they weren’t constructed with thermal insulation (aka, asbestos). If so, they’ll need to be removed by a qualified asbestos remover, then replaced. It is the role of the building manager to ensure all fire doors and inspections are up to scratch.

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.