As with any life-saving device, fire doors require regular inspections to ensure that they work properly. A failure to perform these inspections could result in legal penalties, as well as a serious safety risk. In addition to ensuring that fire door assemblies are functioning as designed, routine inspections also help maintenance workers identify areas of potential concern and ensure they are addressed through the repair and maintenance process.
Aside from the physical structure of the door routine inspections for fire doors itself, it’s important to check that all operating components are in good working condition, including hinges, handles, latches, and non-combustible thresholds. These are the components that will determine whether a fire door can close under the pressure of smoke and flames.
Ideally, all operating components should be tested on a weekly basis in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If a component is damaged or showing signs of wear, it should be replaced immediately to ensure it will function as intended during a fire.
In order to properly inspect a swinging fire door, it’s a good idea to have the following tools available: small, bright flashlight, digital camera (with flash), telescoping inspection mirror, a telescoping magnet, rulers or measuring tape, door gap gauge(s) and standardized forms. Using these tools will allow the inspector to conduct an accurate and complete inspection in a reasonable amount of time.
It’s also important to note that no third party certification or fire door-specific training is required for facility managers to perform fire door inspections. However, the ASHE is developing resources to help members address new Conditions of Participation from CMS that stipulate that these inspections must be performed by “qualified persons.”
When checking a fire door, it’s also crucial to ensure that the self-closing mechanism works as intended. This includes a full operation test from the open position to the closed position to ensure that the inactive leaf closes before the active one. Similarly, it’s important to make sure that the latch throw is in compliance with 6.4.3, which requires a minimum of 15 inches of travel.
Finally, it’s necessary to verify that all edges and seals are in place and intact. A void or tear in the seals can compromise the effectiveness of the assembly, while any veneers or lipping should be affixed firmly to the frame and free from damage.
It’s also a good idea to make certain that all doors have a visible label, that the fire door assembly has been tested and rated, and that a record of this testing is available in the building. This is especially important in hospitals, where it was recently revealed that over 30 percent of the fire door citations received during accreditation surveys are due to latch failure. Keeping records of these tests will help to ensure that the fire door will latch in the event of a fire.