October 22 L2 doors Flashcards
Describe the use and operation of automatic door hold-open/release devices for self-closing
fire doors. (4 marks)
These devices are designed to hold open self-closing fire doors or allow them to swing free during
normal use by using electro-magnets. 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.
State four locations in public building where fire doors should be fitted. (3 marks)
In compartment walls
Areas of special risks
Escape routes
Risers
A door leaf may be formed of timber or steel.
a) Describe the typical design of a timber door leaf, state the fire resistance periods possible
and give an example where a door of this type would be used. (3 marks)
b) Describe the typical design of a steel door leaf, state the fire resistance periods possible
and give an example where a door of this type would be used. (3 marks)
a) Timber Door Leaf
Typical Design:
A timber door leaf is typically constructed with a solid timber core, particleboard, or high-density fiberboard (HDF). The core is often surrounded by a hardwood lipping to improve strength and durability. The leaf may include fire-resistant glazing, intumescent strips (that expand under heat to seal gaps), and a veneer or paint finish for aesthetics.
Fire Resistance Periods:
Fire-rated timber doors can provide resistance periods of 30 minutes (FD30) or 60 minutes (FD60), depending on the specific design and materials used. Up to FD120 if a mineral based core is used to prevent burn through
Example of Use:
Timber fire doors are commonly used in residential buildings, such as apartment entrances or internal doors separating living spaces from escape corridors.
B
A steel door leaf consists of a steel face sheet, typically 1.2mm to 1.6mm thick, reinforced with a core material like mineral wool, honeycomb, or steel reinforcements to enhance fire resistance and insulation. It is designed with welded seams, intumescent seals, and may include fire-resistant glazing if needed.
Steel doors, depending on the design and core structure, can offer fire resistance periods of up to six
hours, therefore they are often specified in industrial environments and where high-density traffic
may be expected such as airports and shopping malls.
Such door can be made from a honeycomb core to aid rigidity, or a semi ridged construction utilising
a stone wool core, or ridged core utilising a mineral core, (which may also enable the door to meet
the additional insulation requirement).
Other than hold open and closer devices, state and describe three components of a fire door
and explain how each contributes to fire safety in a building. (9 marks)
Door Frame:
* Solid timber door frames
* Engineered timber door frames
* Metal door frames
* Composite doorframes
The frame of a fire-resisting door assembly should provide not only support of the leaves in the cold
state, but also adequate support of the leaves under fire exposure.
The frame should be able to accept door hardware fixings to support the door leaf and fixings retaining
the frame in the wall opening.
Intumescent strips
Intumescent material that sits flush in a groove. Expands when exposed to the heat of a fire, closing the gap between leaf and frame preventing the passage of flames and hot gasses
a) Explain why it is important that fire doors are installed correctly. (1 mark)
b) State five checks to be carried out prior to undertaking the installation of a fire door. (5
marks)
Correct installation of firedoors is essential to ensure that the door functions as tested. Incorrect installation can lead to failure in fire conditions putting lives and property at risk.
B
Wall type: Of suitable fire resistance for the fire door assembly or doorset
rating.
Installation Instructions: You have the relevant installation instructions from
the manufacturer.
Gap between the wall and the frame behind the architrave: You have
suitable materials and intumescent materials and mastics to fill the gap as
detailed on the installation instructions or Fire Certificate data sheet.
Door leaf: Suitable for the fire door rating. Free from damage.
LLabel/s on top of door undamaged.
Door frame: Free from damage.
Suitable for the fire door rating.
Compatible with the door assembly or doorset.
Label/s on frame (if applicable) undamaged.
Fire and smoke seals: Free from damage.
Suitable for the fire door or smoke rating.
Compatible with the door assembly or doorset.
Fixings: You have appropriate fixings for the frame, hinges, lock, latch and
other ironmongery as specified by the manufacturer.
Ironmongery: Supplied with correct intumescent pads.
Supplied with fitting instruction.
Conformity marked for fire performance where applicable.
Hinges free from damage.
Suitable for the fire door rating.
Compatible with the door assembly or doorset.
Vision panels or other apertures cut in the door leaf for ironmongery
such as letter plates or air transfer grilles: Check all ironmongery, glass,
glazing beads, seals and intumescent materials are free from damage and
secured to the door.
Label: Check door label/s in place.
Health and safety: You have carried out a thorough risk assessment of the
installation process and limited any risks.
Competency of workforce: Ensure your workforce are suitably trained
and qualified to install fire doors.
