L2 March 23 Doors Flashcards
a) Describe the purpose of fire doors.
(4 marks)
b) State four locations in a public building where fire doors should be fitted.
(4 marks)
Fire doors are primarily required to achieve two essential functions:
* To maintain the compartmentation of a building, which has been introduced to limit the size
and spread of fire in order to control the determined risk
* To allow access to protected escape routes for people and firefighters, both vertically and horizontally, without any loss
of fire resistance, and limit smoke movement in the structure forming these routes, e.g.
protected corridors, lobbies, stairways and shafts
B
- In compartment walls
- Areas of special risks
- Escape routes
- Risers
Describe the purpose and operation of fire resisting rolling shutters.
(5 marks)
A
* To maintain the compartmentation of a building, which has been introduced to limit the size
and spread of fire in order to control the determined risk
* To allow access to protected escape routes, both vertically and horizontally, without any loss
of fire resistance, and limit smoke movement in the structure forming these routes
B
Fire shutters should be fitted with an automatic self-closing device. Typically, these are released by a
heat detector such as a fusible link, placed in the immediate vicinity of the door or by a solenoid
activated by a remote heat/smoke detection or alarm system.
Where a fire shutter is held in the open position there should be controlled descent when the
automatic self-closing device operates.
Describe the following components of a fire door and explain how each contributes to fire
resistance:
a) hinges
(3 marks)
b) intumescent seals
(3 marks)
c) hold open device
(3 marks)
A
It is usual for at least three hinges to be fitted on fire doors, and such hinges must be CE Marked to BS
EN 1935. Furthermore, the strength and specification of the hinge type must be appropriate for the
size and weight of door, as well as its configuration.
In addition, and depending on the fire rating, many hinges specified for use on a fire door will require
the use of intumescent pads or mastic behind the hinge when installed.
This is because excessive heat transfer by the ironmongery can cause premature failure, or even cause
the leaf to fall from the frame. Should match the rating of the door
B
Without intumescent protection to the periphery of a door leaf, the fire and smoke will simply pass
around the perimeter of the door leaf. As the name suggests intumescent seals expand exposed to the heat of a fire, filling the gaps between leaf and frame and preventing the passage of fire.
C
These devices are designed to hold open self-closing fire doors or allow them to swing free during
normal use. In the event of a fire alarm, the device will then release the door automatically, allowing
the self-closing mechanism to close the door. Such devices are particularly useful in situations where
self-closing doors on escape routes are used regularly by a significant number of people or by people
with impaired mobility who may have difficulty in opening the doors.
Hold open devices contribute to fire resistance by preventing wear and tear from continual use in busy areas. Device should match the rating of the door.
State the checks that would be completed when carrying out a maintenance inspection in
relation to the:
a) door leaf and frame of a fire door
(4 marks)
b) apertures in the door leaf
(4 marks)
A
- 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
B
- 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
