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Fire Door Inspection & Rolling Steel Door Fire Safety

Jerry Fields • Nov 15, 2023

NFPA 80, also known as the "Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives," regulates the maintenance and installation of devices and assemblies designed to protect openings in buildings from the spread of fire smoke. In this guide, we'll explore the key aspects of fire door inspection and rolling steel door fire safety.


NFPA 80 Overview

NFPA 80 serves as a comprehensive guide for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), aiding them in the crucial task of ensuring that fire door assemblies conform to the necessary standards and maintenance protocols. Notably, the 2022 edition of NFPA 80 brought about substantial updates, with a particular focus on Chapter 11 (Rolling Steel Doors) and Chapter 13 (Service Counter Fire Doors). These changes have far-reaching implications for fire safety. One of the key alterations is the mandate for periodic inspections, stipulated under NFPA 5.2.4, which now necessitates annual assessments performed exclusively by trained rolling steel fire door systems technicians. These inspections play a vital role in upholding the safety and functionality of fire doors in various structures.


Visual Fire Door Inspections

Before conducting testing, visual inspections are crucial to identify potential hazards and ensure proper door operation.


Key points to inspect include:

  • Fusible links (if equipped), ensuring they are free from paint, dust, or grease, and that cables or chains are flexible and not twisted.
  • The absence of any field modifications that void the door's label.
  • Correct installation of slats, end locks, bottom bars, guide assemblies, and hoods.
  • No missing or broken parts, with clearly visible and legible labels.
  • Unobstructed drop release mechanisms and weights.
  • No unauthorized attachments to the fire door assembly.
  • Proper alignment and attachment of curtain, barrel, and guides.
  • Secure mounting and assembly bolts, meeting manufacturer's requirements.


Record of Maintenance Requirements

It’s important to note that maintenance records for existing fire door assemblies must include the following information:


  • Date of inspection.
  • Name and address of the facility.
  • Names of the individuals performing the inspection and testing.
  • Company name and address of the inspecting company.
  • Signature of the inspector of record.
  • Individual records for each inspected and tested fire door assembly.
  • Identification and location details for each fire door assembly.
  • Type and description of each inspected fire door assembly.
  • Verification of visual inspection and functional operation.
  • A list of any identified deficiencies.


Drop Testing Rolling Steel Doors

During the acceptance testing of rolling steel doors, it is imperative to conduct a drop test not once but twice to verify their reliability. The primary objective is to confirm that the door can close automatically in the event of a fire emergency. This procedure should strictly adhere to the manufacturer's provided drop test instructions.


To begin, the door must be fully open before initiating the drop test, and it should subsequently close entirely so that the bottom bar rests on the sill. To meet the required standards, the closing speed should fall within the range of 6 to 24 inches per second. Moreover, it is essential to assess each automatic closing option available for the fire door to ensure their proper functioning in critical fire safety scenarios.


Resetting the Door

Following the completion of the drop test, the next steps involve resetting the door in accordance with the manufacturer's specified instructions. To ensure the door's operational integrity, proceed to open and close it using standard operational procedures. This is crucial for verifying that the door functions as expected.


As an additional layer of safety validation, conduct a second drop test to confirm that the door will indeed close properly in the event of a fire emergency. Once this secondary test is completed, the door should be reset once again, ensuring that it aligns with the manufacturer's reset guidelines.


These steps collectively contribute to the reliability and effectiveness of the fire door system in critical situations. By following these guidelines and standards, you can help ensure the safety and functionality of fire doors and rolling steel doors in your building.

By Jerry Fields 06 May, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the demand for efficient and safe operations has never been higher. Industries are expanding, and the pace of operations is accelerating, requiring solutions that can keep up with the need for speed and safety. High-speed doors emerge as a critical asset in these fast-moving environments, offering unparalleled speed and reliability. What are High-Speed Doors? High-speed doors are specialized doors used in industrial settings to facilitate quick movement between areas, thus minimizing energy loss and optimizing workflow. Unlike traditional doors, these doors boast advanced technical enhancements allowing them to operate at significantly higher speeds. They are designed for high cycle usage – often operating millions of cycles – with minimal maintenance needs. Across North America and Europe, the types of high-speed doors vary, including materials like PVC, aluminum, and steel. Among the innovative designs, Zipper Doors are notable for their airtight sealing and rapid operation. Advantages of High-Speed Doors The benefits of high-speed doors are numerous. They enhance operational efficiency by allowing for swift transitions and minimizing air exchange, which is crucial in temperature-sensitive environments. These doors are highly resilient, suitable for a variety of applications, and customizable to meet specific industry needs. Their design also significantly improves safety by reducing the likelihood of accidents associated with slow-moving traditional doors. High-Speed Door Applications High-speed doors have a broad range of applications across various sectors: Food and Beverage Industry: Essential for maintaining controlled climatic conditions and functioning as efficient airlock solutions. Pharmaceuticals and Cleanrooms: Crucial in preventing contamination and maintaining high hygiene standards. Automotive Manufacturing: Improve logistics and production efficiency with their rapid open-close cycle. Cold Storage and Refrigeration: Critical in maintaining distinct temperature zones, crucial for product preservation. Chemical Manufacturing: Ensure compliance with ATEX legislation, enhancing operational safety. Retail and Supermarkets: Play a role in ensuring hygiene and safety for consumers. Aerospace and Aviation: Used in hangars to manage large openings effectively. Impacts on Profitability and Efficiency Integrating high-speed doors into an operation significantly impacts profitability and efficiency. These doors enhance logistical processes, save energy, and optimize traffic flow within facilities, directly contributing to a faster, more cost-effective operation. Types of High-Speed Doors Metal High-Speed Doors: Known for their durability and ease of maintenance. Rubber High-Speed Doors: Designed for extreme conditions, featuring safety mechanisms such as breakaway bars and self-reset capabilities. Fabric High-Speed Doors: Available in insulated and non-insulated forms, these doors offer flexibility, repairability, and cost-effectiveness. Choosing the Right High-Speed Door Selecting the right high-speed door involves considering the specific environmental conditions, application requirements, and budget constraints. Factors such as the level of insulation, desired speed, and expected frequency of use play crucial roles in determining the most suitable door type for a particular setting. By understanding the various types, advantages, and applications of high-speed doors, businesses can make informed decisions that enhance their operational efficiency and safety. Industrial Door Company is dedicated to providing top-quality solutions that meet these needs, ensuring that every door installation or upgrade significantly benefits your business.
By Jerry Fields 29 Apr, 2024
Fire doors are crucial components in the safety infrastructure of buildings, playing a significant role in preventing the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic fumes. In Sacramento, California, annual inspections of fire doors are not only recommended but mandated to ensure they function correctly in the event of a fire.  The Importance of Fire Doors Fire doors help maintain the compartmentalization of a building, slowing the spread of fire and smoke and providing crucial extra minutes for evacuation. However, a non-functioning fire door can jeopardize the entire safety system, putting property and lives at risk. Regulatory Requirements for Fire Door Inspections The adoption of the mandatory inspections outlined in the 2007 Edition of NFPA 80 by local jurisdictions underscores the necessity for buildings to have their fire doors inspected annually. This standard specifies that fire doors must be tested yearly and that a record of these inspections must be kept and made available to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Inspection Protocols and Documentation During an inspection, each fire door is assessed for compliance with NFPA 80 standards. Inspectors look for proper door labels, check the integrity of door assemblies, and ensure that the closing mechanisms function correctly. The findings, including any non-compliance issues, must be documented digitally to maintain clear records for AHJs and insurance providers. Common non-compliance issues often include improper gaps, faulty seals, or damaged door components. Services Provided by Industrial Door Company Industrial Door Company offers comprehensive fire door services, including adjustments, repairs, and replacements. We also provide a written report certifying compliance for each door and can assist with re-labeling of doors that have labels missing or painted over, which is crucial for compliance and safety standards​. Fire Permit Inspections in Sacramento In Sacramento, operational permit inspections are a part of maintaining building safety. Specific occupancy types, such as apartments, care facilities, and schools, may have additional requirements or self-certification programs to enhance their fire safety measures​. Pre-Inspection Recommendations Facility managers are advised to schedule pre-inspections to identify and rectify potential compliance issues before the actual inspection. This proactive approach can save time and ensure that the fire doors meet all regulatory requirements during official inspections​. For detailed information about fire door inspection and maintenance services, you can refer to our Fire Door Inspection page or contact us directly for personalized advice and service scheduling.
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