Managing Business Expectations

Posted on: 17 February 2023

Fire doors are a crucial part of any building's safety setup. Not only do they keep out smoke, but these doors also act as a barrier between flames and the rest of the building's occupants.

As such, you need to regularly inspect your fire doors and make sure they are in good condition and functioning properly. Here are three tips for inspecting your fire doors.

Check the Label

Fire doors must be labeled with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label, which indicates that the door has been tested and found to meet certain standards. The label usually contains information such as the manufacturer's name, door type, and fire rating.

Make sure to check for the UL label whenever you inspect your doors. This label should be visible on the edge of the door or its hinge side. Check to see if the label is still legible and that all information is correct. If you can't find a label on any of your fire doors, you'll need to replace them just to be safe.

Inspect Hinges and Hardware

The hinges and hardware of your fire door should be inspected frequently to ensure that they are all still in working order. Make sure that all screws are securely fastened and that there is no excessive wear or damage to any hinges or handles.

The hinges should also move freely when opened and closed. This way, you can be sure that the fire door can still close properly and protect the building occupants in case of a fire.

Any other hardware that appears damaged should be replaced as soon as possible. Things like rust or corrosion can weaken the fire door's structural integrity, so make sure all hardware is in good condition.

Check for Gaps at the Edges

A vital part of a fire door's job is to seal off an area from smoke and flames. However, if there is a gap between the edge of the door and its frame, then this defeats its purpose. Gaps at the edge of your fire door can let in smoke and even flames, so it's important to check and make sure that there aren't any.

To check for gaps, use a sheet of paper to detect any air passing through the edges. Hold up a piece of paper in front of the fire door and slide it around to check for gaps. If you can slide it between the edge of the door and its frame, there is likely too much space between them. You might have to adjust or replace components as necessary so that there is no longer a gap present when the door is closed.

Fire doors play an essential role in ensuring safety during emergency situations, meaning inspecting them regularly is not something you want to overlook. With these simple fire door inspection tips, you can help protect yourself and others from smoke inhalation and potential fires caused by faulty equipment. Remember –– better safe than sorry!

Contact a fire door inspection service to find out more.