More on Fire Resistant Doors

We keep returning to this topic from time to time, and at the risk of repetition we think this is extremely important because fire resistant doors – installed by experts and maintained correctly – not only meet legal and essential regulatory options but can

SAVE LIVES

… so we don’t think you’ll mind too much if we go over old ground, sometimes with a fresh perspective!

In this new batch of articles we’ll be covering various topics, beginning with the role of fire doors and a refreshed look at some of the regulations.

The role of, and Regulations relating to, fire resisting doors

Part B of Building Regulations states that fire doors must provide building occupants with sufficient means of escape to reach places of safety before the environment becomes life threatening.  This seems a reasonable and pragmatic definition, which we can all work with.

There exist ‘sections’ of these Regulations, categorised as follows:

• B1     means of warning and escape
• B2     internal fire spread (linings)
• B3     internal fire spread (structure)
• B4     external fire spread
• B5     access and facilities for the Fire Service

A more detailed look at Section B3

This section of the Building regulations requires that:

• buildings are designed to maintain stability of construction
• walls are constructed to resist the spread of fire between buildings
• internal fire spread is to be inhibited by the sub-division of the building and/or the installation of fire suppression systems
• the building is designed to inhibit the unseen spread of fire and smoke

Or in other words

• COMPARTMENTATION
• PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION
• ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION
• BUILT IN FIRE PROTECTION

A very good link to visualise this, using a helpful interactive diagram, can be found on the Passive Fire Protection Federation web-site by clicking here.

Performance measuring

A doorset can be officially termed “fire resisting” if the complete design has been subjected to a full-scale test to one of the current test standards for non-load-bearing elements, namely

• BS 476: PART 22 (1987)
• BS EN 1634-1 (2008)

In future articles we’ll revisit these standards and take a look at the background behind them.

Where to get fire resistant doors

It’s a complex topic, with lots of variables, and it’s worth reiterating – given the importance – that it’s vital that you talk to the experts who specialise in this area and who can give you excellent advice and guidance based on years of successful installations and a large and satisfied customer base.

If you would like further information on our company please contact us.

Or, if you prefer, call us any time on 020 3199 5852 and as always we’ll be delighted to help and advise you.