IGNITING CONFIDENCE, EXTINGUISHING RISKS
Fire door anatomy
- Jamb
An essential and purpose-built part of a fire door set. - Seals
Edges of a fire door have fire-rated seals. - Self-latching
The New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) requires a fire door set to be self-latching. - Self-closing
The NZBC requires a fire door set to be self-closing. - Specific hardware
Compliance with NZS 4520:2010 requires using specific hardware items on fire doors. - Door leaf
A door leaf is, basically, what most people know as a door. To get technical with a door leaf definition, it is actually just one part of the door. It is the main panel that opens and closes. This doesn't include the hardware, like hinges and handles.
fire door observation checklist
On this page you will find some useful observations that should be made for
each of the fire doors in your facility. This list is not exhaustive, and should not be used as a substitute to any recommendations from Local Council but is a good place to start:
- Door Fully Closing - Does the fire door fully close and shut tight by its self-closing device? If no, remedial work is needed.
- Does the fire door slam shut with force? - If yes, self-closing device requires adjustment to dampen the closing action.
- Door Closer Operation - Has the door closing arm been separated from the frame? If yes, reaffix.
- Is there any oil leaking from the door's self-closing device? If yes, new closing device required.
- Door Handles - Are the door handles functioning correctly? Are they loose or missing? Take appropriate action as necessary, including reporting to maintenance as a priority repair.
- Door Seals: - Are the intumescent and/or cold smoke seals in good condition, not missing or damaged? If damaged or missing, must be replaced with like for like (contact the door manufacturer if type not known).
- Glazing in Door - Is the glazing in the fire door loose, does it rattle or is it broken? If yes, requires replacing; contact manufacturer to determine whether it can be done on site.
- Are the Vision Panels in the door clear and unobstructed to provide safety to door users on both sides of the leaf? If no, requires immediate action.
- Door Hinges - Are the hinges in good condition? (missing screws? leaking oil?) If no, requires immediate action.
- Door Hold Open Devices - Electromagnetic hold open not working - units hanging off door or walls etc.? If yes, requires immediate repair.
- Is something wedging the door open? If yes, remove obstruction; only an approved device complying with the standards may hold open a fire door.
- Door Leaves - Are door leaves in good condition? Are they free from damage? If no, remedial work or replacement is needed.
- Are door leaves sitting against the door stop? (i.e. not distorted) If no, requires replacing.
- Door Frame - Is the door frame firmly attached to the wall? If no, remedial work is needed.
- Are operating gaps between door leaves and door frame less than 4mm? Is the under door threshold gap consistent and not impeding door operation? If no, requires immediate action.
- Door Signage - Is the door marked clearly with appropriate signage? If no, re-affix correct signage.
