Door maintainance

Question 1

Door leaf and frame

Answer 1

• The door and frame is fitted securely, square and level
• The is no distortion between the stiles (vertical members) and top of the frame
• The gaps between the door frame and door leaf must not be greater than those specified in
  the manufacturers installation instructions or fire certificate data sheet
• Any damage to the door leaf or frame

Question 2

Intumescent fire or smoke seals

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

Locks and lever handles

Answer 3

• Lock levers fully return to the horizontal after use
• Latch bolt is engaged smoothly and completely into the keep
• Wipe any metal dust deposits off the latch bolt and keep
• Adjust, lubricate or replace as per manufacturers recommendation

Question 4

Hinges

Answer 4

• No visible wear, dark marks or stains around the hinge knuckle which could indicate wear and
  impending failure

Question 5

Closing and opening devices

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

Mandatory safety signs

Answer 6

• Signs have not been damaged or removed

Question 7

All ironmongery

Answer 7

• All fittings are secured and in good condition
• Some hinges, closer arms and locks require lubrication – refer to manufacturer’s instructions

Question 8

Apertures in the door leaf (glazed, air transfer grill, other ironmongery such as letter plates)

Answer 8

• Glass is not cracked or broken, glazed beads secured in place and undamaged
• Air transfer grills or other ironmongery fitted in apertures in the door leaf is secure, fire
  resistant and in good condition

Question 9

Cleaning

Answer 9

• Cleaning of fire doors should be as per the manufacturer’s instructions

Question 10

Check the label and check the gap between the door leaf, frame and the threshold gap

Answer 10

• Always check for a certificate label, to be found on the top of the door or below the bottom
  hinge on a doorset
• Never tamper with the label
• Never paint over the label
• A damaged or non-existent label invalidates certification
• If the label is damaged contact the manufacturer directly and inform them so they can act
  accordingly