Essential Steps for Maintaining Fire Doors: A Comprehensive Guide 

Every building, like apartments, offices, schools, and organizations, has electrical equipment as technology advances. Consequently, protection from hazardous accidents like a fire is essential. This results in less damage to the assets and human life. Fire hazards are unforeseen and can occur anywhere and anytime. Fire is deadly and spreads like anything if not extinguished in time. The best precaution here is to install fire doors to protect against the fire and smoke spreading to the different parts of the building.

 Fire door maintenance is very important. These doors will only prevent fire and smoke from spreading if they are in working condition. As per recommendations, a fire door should be checked at least every six months. A responsible person in the building should handle the fire door inspection and maintenance task. 

Fire doors: steps to check them?

Fire door management includes some steps below to make sure it is in good condition:

1. Ensure the door is fire-rated - Check for a certified label or a colored plug at the top edge of the door. You can take the help of the selfie camera of the phone. There needs to be a certified door to solve the purpose. If you need help locating the certification and are unsure that the door is a fire door, check other guidelines.

2. Examine gaps and seals - The gap between the door and frame should be between 2mm and 4mm. You can use a gap gauge to check the gap. If it is more than 4mm, the smoke, and fire may leak through the gap in the building. Intumescent seals are installed around the door or frame to fill these gaps. Sealing helps in trapping the smoke and fire to escape from the gaps.

3. Fitted with hinges - Fire doors should have at least three hinges. Hinges should have their screws secure. It needs CE labeling and fire-rated standards like the door. Check for a logo on the hinge that signifies that it is fire-rated. A badly assembled fire door or improper hinge may not limit the smoke and fire spread.

4. Inspect the door closer - For fire doors, the door closer should be in working condition. Ensure it is not damaged and can shut and latch the door at any angle. It is crucial that a door closer should 'latches shut' a fire door when it closes. This further ensures that the sealing around the door will function properly to prevent fire leakage. It can be easily handled if the purchase is made by a reputable fire door manufacturer in India.

5. Fire Doors Should be Marked - All different types of fire doors should have a sign installed; the sign may vary depending on the type of fire door. For a standard fire door, 'Fire door - keep shut,' or something similar should be marked on the door. If the fire door has a provision to be approached from both sides, then the sign should be placed on both sides for safe handling.

6. Test the fire door retainer or closer - If the fire door is fitted with a retainer or free-swing fire door closer, it needs to be tested by the fire door manufacturer in Delhi to ensure it allows the door to close in case of fire. These doors should be marked with the sign 'Keep fire doors open safely' to avoid confusion while handling the door.

In conclusion, proper fire door maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, individuals and organizations can effectively maintain their fire doors, reducing the risk of fire-related incidents and safeguarding lives and property.