Tag: fire door inspection

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 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.