AI Doors Flashcards

1
Q

What are the primary functions of fire doors?

A

To maintain compartmentation and to allow access to protected escape routes

Compartmentation limits fire spread and controls risk; escape routes are protected from fire and smoke.

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2
Q

What are the relevant building regulations for fire door locations and ratings?

A

BS 9991 and BS 9999

These standards are based on risk-based design considerations.

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3
Q

What do fire doors provide in buildings with a stay put fire plan?

A

Means to seek refuge in a compartment

Essential for safe evacuation during a fire.

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4
Q

How do certain fire doors stay open under normal circumstances?

A

They are held open by an electro-magnet hold open device wired to a fire alarm system

The electro-magnet de-energizes during a fire, allowing the door to close.

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5
Q

What is the typical fire integrity rating duration for fire doors?

A

20, 30, 60, or 90 minutes

This rating indicates how long the door can resist fire. FD30S integrity and smoke. EI30Sa Integrity, insulation, smoke and intumescent strip

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6
Q

Fire doors are supplied as

A
  • Door assemblies
  • Doorsets
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7
Q

What is a door assembly?

A

Assembled on-site from components that have been fire tested

These components must be assessed to work together to ensure fire resistance.

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8
Q

What is a doorset?

A

Supplied as a complete item with door frames and hardware

Specifically related to the testing and assessment of that configuration.

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9
Q

What is the significance of maintaining fire-resisting doors?

A

To ensure effective performance in fire conditions

Regular checks on sealing strips, hinges, and hardware are necessary.

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10
Q

What materials are fire doors commonly made from?

A
  • Timber
  • Metal
  • Composite
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11
Q

What is the standard thickness for a timber fire door leaf rated for 30 minutes?

A

44 mm

A 60-minute rated door typically has a thickness of 54 mm.

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12
Q

What classification indicates a fire door with both fire resistance and insulation properties?

A

EI classification

In certain situations, regulations and codes may state that smoke control is also deemed to be an
essential requirement. In such cases the required classification for the fire door will be designated by
the suffix ‘S’ (e.g. FD30S or EI30Sa) identifying that a combined intumescent and smoke seal must also
be fitted.

For example, an EI30 door provides both fire insulation and resistance.

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13
Q

What is the role of the door frame in a fire-resisting door assembly?

A

It must provide support and be compatible with the door leaf’s fire performance

The frame should also match the wall type for effective installation.

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14
Q

What types of frames are referenced in BS 8214:2016?

A
  • Solid timber door frames
  • Engineered timber door frames
  • Metal door frames
  • Composite door frames
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15
Q

What must be ensured about the ironmongery used on fire doors?

A

It must be compatible with the fire performance of the door assembly

Ironmongery includes hinges, latches, locks, and more.

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16
Q

What is the recommended number of hinges for fire doors?

A

At least three hinges

Hinges must be CE marked to BS EN 1935.

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17
Q

What is the function of automatic door hold-open/release devices?

A

To hold open self-closing fire doors and release them during a fire alarm

Useful for high-traffic areas or for individuals with mobility issues.

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18
Q

What is the primary purpose of fire shutters?

A

To protect openings in fire-resisting walls or floors

They must have an automatic self-closing device.

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19
Q

What must be ensured about the gaps around the door leaf?

A

They must have specially selected sealing strips to expand in fire conditions. The gap should be within manufacturer tolerance usually 3 - 4mm

These strips help seal movement gaps to prevent fire spread.

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20
Q

What should not be done with self-closing fire doors during normal use?

A

Hold open or allow them to swing free

Self-closing mechanisms are crucial for fire safety.

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21
Q

What is a ‘free swing’ controlled door-closing device?

A

Allows the door leaf to work independently of the closing device in normal conditions

Resumes self-closing on fire detection.

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22
Q

When should automatic door hold-open/release devices be installed?

A

In conjunction with an automatic fire detection and warning system

Must protect escape routes.

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23
Q

What conditions require the automatic device to release the fire-resisting door?

A
  • Detection of smoke by an automatic detector
  • Actuation of the fire detection/alarm system manually
  • Failure of the fire detection and alarm system
  • Electrical power failure
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24
Q

Acoustically-activated door release mechanisms are not suitable where

A
  • The premises do not have a fire alarm system
  • The door is a fire door serving the only escape staircase in the building (or the only escape
    staircase serving part of the building)
  • The initial fire alarm warning signal is intended to alert staff only
  • The fire alarm sounders may be muted, or the sound level reduced
  • The fire alarm system incorporates a voice alarm.

They are not suitable in such cases.

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25
What is an acceptable characteristic of door-fastening devices?
They should not impede people's escape Doors used for means of escape (which may not necessarily be fire doors e.g. at the final exit of a building) must be able to be opened easily, in that: * Only one hand movement such as turning a lever or pressing on a push pad or bar should be needed to open an emergency escape door * A panic escape door should be able to be opened by body contact alone * Exterior doors may be affected by the weather and not open easily * Check that the doors are adequately signed * There should be no extra security ties. A variety of CE marked electronic devices connected to the fire alarm are available for ensuring security of escape doors ## Footnote Must be simple to operate.
26
What types of exit devices should be used in public premises?
* Panic exit devices (EN 1125) * Emergency exit devices (EN 179)
27
Fill in the blank: Doors used for means of escape must be able to be opened with _______.
One hand movement ## Footnote Such as turning a lever or pressing a push pad.
28
What is the purpose of fire and smoke resistant letterboxes?
To provide fire resistance in common passageways ## Footnote Required in assisted living accommodations or apartments.
29
What do air transfer grills do in normal use?
Allow air to circulate throughout the building ## Footnote They close during a fire to restrict fire and hot gases. Intumescent or fire alarm actuated (cold smoke seal)
30
What is the function of intumescent seals?
Prevent fire and smoke from passing around the perimeter of a door leaf ## Footnote Essential for maintaining fire resistance by swelling to seal leaf to frame gaps
31
What should smoke seals not be interrupted by?
Ironmongery positions ## Footnote Must maintain a continuous seal.
32
What should all fire doors be identified with?
Appropriate signage ## Footnote Examples include 'Fire door keep shut' and 'Keep locked shut'.
33
What must all fire shutters be fitted with?
An automatic self-closing device ## Footnote Ensures closure during a fire emergency.
34
What is third-party certification in relation to fire doors?
The door will carry appropriate information from the third party certification provider indicating, often by a label or coloured plug system, the period of fire resistance that the door should provide and traceability via a unique number. They can be used to trace the door back to the manufacturer to obtain full details of the testing undertaken and to consult with in the event of a problem or failure Indicates compliance with fire resistance standards ## Footnote Provides traceability and testing information. Should maintainance problems arise
35
What should be checked regarding intumescent fire or smoke seals?
Are in good condition * Full length and secure in the groove * If seals are badly finished, damaged or painted over then they must be replaced with exactly the same size and intumescent material that was originally specified * If the smoke seals have been replaced, they should be fitted in one continuous length if possible
36
What should be done if there is doubt about a fire door's performance?
Gain a professional opinion from a competent fire door inspector ## Footnote Ensures safety and compliance.
37
What can render prior fire test certifications null and void?
Any changes made to an existing fire door ## Footnote Must retain the original construction integrity.
38
What should be checked about the maintenance of closing and opening devices?
* Open the door fully and check it closes without binding on the floor * Open the door to approximately five degrees and check again that it closes fully, engaging any latch or seal * Check the door closing speed to be approximately ten seconds from ninety degrees and ensure that the door does not slam * Ensure that doors are not being wedged open * Make sure that door hold-open devices are not straining the doors against the self-closing devices * Check that mechanical hold-open devices have not been fitted * Hold-open devices on fire doors should be electro-magnetic and connected directly to the fire detection and alarm system, so that they can be released automatically if there is a fire
39
What is required for the certification label on fire doors?
It must not be tampered with or painted over ## Footnote A damaged or missing label invalidates certification.
40
What should be checked for air transfer grills or ironmongery fitted in door apertures?
Secure, fire resistant and in good condition ## Footnote This ensures the functionality and safety of fire doors.
41
How should fire doors be cleaned?
As per the manufacturer’s instructions ## Footnote Following manufacturer's guidelines prevents damage and maintains integrity.
42
Where can you find the certificate label on a fire door?
On the top of the door or below the bottom hinge on a doorset ## Footnote This label indicates compliance and certification.
43
What should you never do with the certificate label on a fire door?
Tamper with or paint over the label ## Footnote Tampering or painting can invalidate certification.
44
What happens if a fire door's label is damaged or non-existent?
It invalidates certification ## Footnote Certification is crucial for safety compliance.
45
What should you do if the label on a fire door is damaged?
Contact the manufacturer directly ## Footnote They can provide guidance on how to proceed.
46
What test procedures are specified for assessing fire resisting doors in the UK and Europe?
BS 476: Part 22,1987 or BS EN 1634-1 ## Footnote These standards ensure proper evaluation of fire door performance.
47
What does the test procedure for fire doors involve?
One face of the door being exposed to heat conditions for a predetermined time ## Footnote This evaluates the doorset's performance in stability and integrity.
48
How is the performance of a fire door tested?
With the upper part of the door under a small positive pressure ## Footnote This simulates fire conditions and tests integrity.
49
How many specimens are required to test a doorset from both directions?
Two specimens ## Footnote This is necessary to determine performance from both sides.
50
What standards are metal doorsets tested to?
BS 476: Part 22,1987 or BS EN 1634-1 ## Footnote Ensures consistent testing across different materials.
51
What issue can arise with some metal doorset designs during testing?
Distortion and bowing leading to potential gaps ## Footnote This can compromise the integrity of the doorset.
52
What is a risk associated with core materials and adhesives in metal doorsets?
They might release flammable gases ## Footnote This can lead to integrity failure under fire conditions.
53
What should not be assumed about door components tested with timber doors?
They will perform similarly with metal fire resisting doorsets ## Footnote Independent test evidence is required for verification.
54
What do fire shutters need to demonstrate?
Integrity for a specified time (30, 60, 90, 120 or 240 minutes) ## Footnote This is critical for fire safety in buildings.
55
What classification is required when a door opening is more than 25% of a compartment wall length?
Both integrity and insulation ## Footnote This classification ensures effective smoke and fire containment.
56
What type of smoke control is currently required in the UK?
Cold (ambient temperature) smoke ## Footnote This is tested according to EN 1634-3:2004.
57
What is the designation defined for ambient smoke control testing?
Sa ## Footnote Indicates the standard for cold smoke control in fire doors.
58
Relevant features of shutters
Max 25% of compartment wall, if exceeded full insulation is required. Should default to closed position if power is lost Maintains compartmentation constructed from multiple leaves controlled descent fitted with automatic self closure device (fusible link or alarm operated)
59
What are the key elements of automatic hold open devices
Regular testing Used on escape routes CE marked BS EN 1155 Defaults to closed position Compatible with alarm system
60
Why would a fire door be kept open with an electro magnet in every day use
Maintain a thoroughfare Reduce maintainance Maximise lines of sight Minimise wear and tear/damage
61
What is the role of 3rd party cert of doorset and companies that install them
Ease of identification and maintainance Competency of installer Tracability Evaluate and affirm test evidence Factory and production controls
62
Missing words: Letter plates, locks latches, viewing apertures etc are common in doors. appropriate - - - - - evidance and ----- should be provided so performance can be judged
Test Certification
63
What are the key elements for consideration when addressing the frame of a fire door
Gaps - filled with a tested gap sealing system performance should match door Profile - should be as tested or better Compatability with wall type Density and type of timber - should be as tested or better