Fire doors are used to protect occupants and building structures from further fire damage. With many moving parts, there’s a higher chance of a malfunction, which can cause your fire door to be out of compliance with fire codes — and the consequences of non-compliance can be significant. To ensure your fire doors work correctly in the event of an emergency, you’ll need regular inspections, recertification and relabeling.
The Significance of Fire Door Inspection and Certification
Fire doors must be certified and recertified to ensure they work correctly to protect occupants and property from fire damage. Incorrectly installing them or forgoing maintenance can put lives at risk. Regular inspections and maintenance can also help you maintain legal and insurance compliance. Consequences of non-compliance for fire doors can include fines and civil liability.
The NFPA 80 Fire Door Inspection Checklist
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) developed the NFPA 80 as the general standard for fire safety in commercial and residential buildings. The inspection checklist for fire doors includes the following:
- Labels are visible and legible.
- Door frames must not have holes.
- Glass kits and beads must be intact.
- Doors, structures and hardware must work properly.
- There must be no broken or missing parts.
- Door clearance must be within 3/4 inch under the bottom, 1/8 inch between the door and the frame and 1/8 inch for the meeting edges for a pair of doors.
- Doors must close automatically.
- Doors must close in proper sequence.
- Doors must self-latch when closed.
- There must be no auxiliary hardware.
- There must be no field modification.
- Gasketing must only be applied on the proper type of fire door.
- There must be signage on the door covering less than 5% of the door face using adhesive only.
Adhering to Fire Safety Standards for Fire Doors
Current NFPA fire safety standards require proper installation and regular maintenance of devices used to protect walls, floors and ceilings against the spread of fire and smoke within, into or out of buildings. To meet code compliance for fire doors, you’ll want to ensure regular inspection, relabeling and recertification to ensure they are in proper working order.
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Fire Door Code Compliance
Property managers and business owners can face common challenges when navigating fire recertification.
- Incorrect installation: A common reason businesses fail to meet code compliance is improper installation. You can overcome this pitfall by following the manufacturer’s guidelines and local building codes to install your fire doors correctly.
- Blocked or obstructed doors: In many cases, people unintentionally obstruct fire doors by placing items in front of them or using wedges to prevent them from closing. Regular checks can ensure your fire doors close freely and latch securely.
- Missing or damaged components: Fire doors consist of several parts. Missing or damaged closers, hinges or door handles can reduce the door’s effectiveness. Inspections are crucial to addressing any lost or damaged pieces.
- Poor maintenance: Fire doors can experience wear and tear, exposure to environmental elements or lack of proper care. As a result, it’s crucial to implement a comprehensive maintenance plan to remain code-compliant.
Another common pitfall of fire door compliance is not including the essential information on your fire door labels. To be NFPA 80-compliant, ensure your fire door label has the following:
- Name or trademark of the manufacturer
- Name or trademark of the third-party inspection agency
- Maximum transmitted temperature endpoint
- Fire protection rating
- If there needs to be fire exit hardware
- S-Label or “Smoke Rating” where required
Achieve Code Compliance Through Fire Door Relabeling, Inspections and Maintenance
Over time, fire door labels can become worn or illegible, potentially compromising the door’s compliance. Fire door relabeling can help you maintain the validity of your fire door’s performance ratings. Professionals can inspect your door’s fire rating, seals and other components before relabeling it to reflect its capabilities. The process ensures your fire doors continue to meet safety regulations to protect occupants and your building’s structure.
Here’s how the experts at Alliance Environmental inspect fire doors as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan:
- Preparation and regulatory knowledge: First, our technicians gather essential documentation, such as fire door specifications and previous inspection records. Our certified inspectors are highly knowledgeable in local, state and national fire codes and regulations. We are certified through multiple channels, including FDIA and IFDIA, to ensure your fire door meets code compliance.
- Visual inspection: We then thoroughly examine your fire door and its parts, including damage, gaps, openings, wear or missing components. We also inspect the hinges, door frame, latch and auxiliary hardware.
- Operational testing: Finally, we test the fire door to ensure it operates as intended.
All fire doors must include a label or certification tag with essential information like manufacturer details and fire rating. At Alliance Environmental, we can ensure your fire doors meet code compliance by checking that labels are accurate, legible and in the correct location. We will confirm the label’s accuracy and then cross-check it against the door’s intended use and fire rating.
If a label is missing or has been painted over, you put occupants at risk, as there’s no proof the door meets the required standards. As a result, working with fire door certification professionals ensures you have evidence your doors were adequately inspected and tested.
Trust Alliance Environmental for Fire Door Compliance
Fire doors play a critical role in protecting your building and all occupants. Relabeling and recertification are crucial components of fire door maintenance and meeting code compliance.
Alliance Environmental can help you meet fire safety regulations and ensure your fire doors function correctly. We’ve been in the business for over 25 years and can expertly guide you toward the best course of action to ensure the integrity of your fire doors. Whether you need an inspection, repair, recertification, relabeling or replacement, we’ve got you covered.
Partner with us to create a safer building environment. For more information on our fire life safety services, you can contact us today.
