Appendix A A1 Example Fire Safety Maintenance Part 2 .

The passing of services such as heating pipesor electrical cables through fire-resistingpartitions leaves gaps through which fire andsmoke may spread. This should be rectifiedby suitable fire stopping and there are manyproprietary products available to suit particulartypes of construction. Such products shouldbe installed by competent contractors.Décor and surface finishes of walls,ceilings and escape routesThe materials used to line walls and ceilingscan contribute significantly to the spread offlame across their surface. Most materials thatare used as surface linings will fall into one ofthree classes of surface spread of flame. Thefollowing are common examples of acceptablematerials for various situations:Class 0: Materials suitable for circulationspaces and escape routes Such materials include brickwork,blockwork, concrete, ceramic tiles, plasterfinishes (including rendering on wood ormetal lathes), wood-wool cement slabs andmineral fibre tiles or sheets with cement orresin binding.Note: Additional finishes to these surfaces maybe detrimental to the fire performance of thesurface and if there is any doubt about thisthen consult the manufacturer of the finish.Class 1: Materials suitable for use in allrooms but not on escape routes Such materials include all the Class 0materials referred to above. Additionally,timber, hardboard, blockboard, particleboard, heavy flock wallpapers andClass 3: Materials suitable for use in roomsof less than 30m2 Such materials include all those referred toin Class 1, including those that have notbeen flame-retardant treated and certaindense timber or plywood and standardglass-reinforced polyesters.The equivalent European classification standardwill also be acceptable. Further details aboutinternal linings and classifications are availablein Approved Document B.24 Appropriate testingprocedures are detailed in BS 476-732 andwhere appropriate BS EN 13501-1.33Further guidance on types of fire-resistingconstruction has been published by theBuilding Research Establishment.34B2 Fire-resisting doorsRequirements of a fire-resisting doorEffective fire-resisting doors (see Figure 61) arevital to ensure that the occupants can evacuateto a place of safety. Correctly specified andwell-fitted doors will hold back fire and smokepreventing escape routes becoming unusable,as well as preventing the fire spreading fromone area to another.Fire-resisting doors are necessary in anydoorway located in a fire-resisting structure.Most internal doors are constructed of timber.These will give some limited protection againstfire spread, but only a purpose-built fire-resistingdoor that has been tested to an approvedstandard will provide the necessary protection.Metal fire-resisting doors are also available andspecific guidance for these follows.Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautionsBreaching fire separationTo ensure effective protection against fire,walls and floors providing fire separation mustform a complete barrier, with an equivalentlevel of fire resistance provided to any openingssuch as doors, ventilation ducts, pipe passagesor refuse chutes.thermosetting plastics will be suitable ifflame-retardant treated to achieve aClass 1 standard.Part 2 to provide consistent building quality, whilereducing the need for traditional skilled labour.They consist of a metal frame upon whichstructural panels are fixed. This results inhidden voids through which fire may spread.It is important that cavity barriers that restrictthe spread of fire are installed appropriately,especially to walls and floors that need to befire-resisting. If you are in any doubt as towhether any remedial work will be required,then ask for advice from a competent person.All fire-resisting doors are rated by theirperformance when tested to an appropriatestandard. The level of protection provided bythe door is measured, primarily by determiningthe time taken for a fire to breach the integrity(E), of the door assembly, together with itsresistance to the passage of hot gases and flame.It may be possible to upgrade the fire resistanceof existing doors. Further information is availablefrom the Building Research Establishment69 orTimber Research and Development Association.70Timber fire-resisting doors require a gap of2-4mm between the door leaf and the frame.121

However, larger gaps may be necessary toensure that the door closes flush into its framewhen smoke seals are fitted. Further informationis available in BS 4787-1.71 For fire-resistingpurposes the gap is normally protected byinstalling an intumescent seal, in either thedoor or, preferably, the frame. The intumescentseal expands in the early stages of a fire andenhances the protection given by the door.Additional smoke seals will restrict the spreadof smoke at ambient temperatures. Doors fittedwith smoke seals, either incorporated in theintumescent seal or fitted separately, have theirclassification code suffixed with an ‘S’.The principal fire-resisting door categories are: E20 fire-resisting door providing 20 minutesfire resistance (or equivalent FD 20S).(Note: Many suppliers no longer providean E 20 type fire-resisting door.) E30 fire-resisting door providing 30 minutesfire resistance (or equivalent FD 30S). E60 fire-resisting door providing 60 minutesfire resistance (or equivalent FD 60S).Timber fire-resisting doors are available thatwill provide up to 120 minutes fire resistancebut their use is limited to more specialisedconditions which are beyond the scope ofthis guidance.Metal fire-resisting doorsAlthough the majority of fire-resisting doors aremade from timber, metal fire-resisting doors,which meet the appropriate Standard, canoften be used for the same purpose. However,there are situations where they are moreappropriate. The majority of metal fire-resistingdoor manufacturers will require the use ofbespoke frames and hardware for their door sets.See BS EN 1634-135 and BS 476-2236 for moreinformation.For detailed guidance refer to ApprovedDocument B.24Glazing in fire-resisting doorsAlthough glazing provides additional safety ineveryday use and can enhance the appearanceof fire-resisting doors, it should never reducethe fire resistance of the door. The openingprovided in the door for the fire-resistingglazing unit(s), fitted in a proven intumescentglazing system, and the fitting of the beadingare critical, and should only be entrusted to acompetent person. In all cases the door andglazing should be purchased from a reputable122supplier who can provide documentaryevidence that the door continues to achievethe required rating.Fire-resisting door furnitureHingesTo ensure compliance with their rated fireperformance, fire-resisting doors need to behung with the correct number, size and qualityof hinges. Normally a minimum of three hingesis required, however the manufacturer’sinstructions should be closely followed. BS EN193537 including Annex B, is the appropriatestandard.Alternative door mountingsAlthough the most common method of hanginga door is to use single axis hinges, alternativemethods are employed where the door isrequired to be double swing or mounted onpivots for other reasons.Floor mounted controlled door closing devicesare the most common method regularly foundwith timber, glass and steel doors while transommounted devices are commonly used withaluminium sections. In each case referenceshould be made to the fire test report fordetails as to compliance with the compositionof the door assembly including the doormounting conditions.Self-closing devicesAll fire-resisting doors, other than those tolocked cupboards and service ducts shouldbe fitted with an appropriately controlled selfclosing device that will effectively close thedoor from any angle. In certain circumstances,concealed, jamb-mounted closing devices maybe specified and in these cases should becapable of closing the door from any angleand against any latch fitted to the door; springhinges are unlikely to be suitable. Furtherinformation is available in BS EN 1154.38Rising butt hinges are not suitable for use asa self-closing device due to their inability toclose and latch the door from any angle.Automatic door hold-open/release devicesfor self-closing fire doorsThese devices are designed to hold open selfclosing fire doors or allow them to swing freeduring normal use. In the event of a fire alarm thedevice will then release the door automatically,allowing the self-closing mechanism to closethe door.

electro-magnetic devices fitted to the fireresisting door which release when the firedetection and warning system operates,allowing a separate self-closer to closethe door; electro-magnetic devices within thecontrolled door closing device whichfunction on the operation of the firedetection and warning system; and ‘free swing’ controlled door closingdevices, which operate by allowing thedoor leaf to work independently of theclosing device in normal conditions. Anelectro-magnetic device within the springmechanism linked to the fire detectionand warning system ensures that the doorcloses on the operation of the system.Note: Free swing devices may not be suitablein some situations, such as corridors, wheredraughts are a problem and the doors arelikely to swing uncontrolled, causing possibledifficulty or injury to certain people e.g. thosewith certain disabilities, the elderly and frail, oryoung children.Automatic door hold open/release devicesfitted to doors protecting escape routes shouldonly be installed in conjunction with anautomatic fire detection and warning systemincorporating smoke detectors, that is designedto protect the escape routes in the building(see Part 2, Section 2).In all cases the automatic device should releasethe fire-resisting door allowing it to closeeffectively within its frame when any of thefollowing conditions occur: the detection of smoke by an automaticdetector; the actuation of the fire detection andalarm system by manual means, e.g.operation of break glass call point; any failure of the fire detection and alarmsystem; orIn all cases where a door hold open device is usedit should be possible to close the door manually.A site-specific risk assessment should beundertaken before any type of automatic doorhold open/release device is installed. If you areunsure about the suitability of such devices inyour premises, you should seek the advice of acompetent person.Further guidance about automatic door holdopen/release devices is given in BS EN 115572or BS 5839-3.40Door co-ordinatorsWhere pairs of doors with rebated meetingstiles are installed it is critical that the correctclosing order is maintained. Door coordinatorsto BS EN 115873 should be fitted and fullyoperational in all cases where the doors areself-closing.Installation and workmanshipThe reliability and performance of correctlyspecified fire-resisting doors can be underminedby inadequate installation. It is important thatinstallers with the necessary level of skill andknowledge are used. Accreditation schemes forinstallers of fire-resisting doors are available.Further guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautionsTypical examples of such devices include:Other devices, including self-contained deviceswhich perform a similar function, that are notconnected directly to a fire alarm system andare not therefore able to meet the above criteriaare available and may be acceptable where asite-specific risk assessment can show that theyare appropriate. Such devices are unlikely tobe suitable for use on doors protecting singlestairways or other critical means of escape.Part 2 Such devices are particularly useful in situationswhere self-closing doors on escape routes areused regularly by significant numbers ofpeople, or by people with impaired mobilitywho may have difficulty in opening the doors.Fire-resisting doors and shutters will requireroutine maintenance, particularly to poweroperation and release and closing mechanisms.Further information is available on fire-resistingdoors in BS 8214.41 If you are unsure about thequality, the effectiveness or the fitting of yourfire-resisting doors consult a fire safety expert.For further guidance on the selection andmaintenance of door furniture suitable for useon timber fire resisting and escape doors referto the Building Hardware Industry Federation(BHIF) Code of Practice – Hardware for TimberFire and Escape Doors.74 any electrical power failure.123

Figure 61: A fire resisting and smoke stopping doorIdeally the frame should be to thesame standard as the door,purchased together as a door setDoor closer, see BS EN 115438 forfurther informationHinges – see BS 1935.37 Hinges shouldbe tested as part of the door set toBS EN 1634-239Vision panel should be fire-resisting glazingSecuring device –lock, emergencyexit deviceor panicexit device. SeeBS EN 12209,85BS EN 17943or BS EN 112542respectively forfurther informationDoor handles and locks – see BS EN 190686Annex C and BS EN 1220985 Annex Arespectively for further information.Door handles and locks should be testedas part of a door set – see BS EN 1634-135for further informationIntumescent strip and cold smoke sealto resist the passage of smoke and fireB3 Door-fastening devicesThe relationship between the securing ofdoors against unwanted entry and the ability toescape through them easily in an emergencyhas often proved problematical. Carefulplanning and the use of quality materialsremain the most effective means of satisfyingboth of these objectives.124unlimited access but still enables the occupantsof a building or area to open the door easilyif there is a fire. These devices can take manyforms but, in the majority of cases, premiseswhere there are members of the public presentor others who are not familiar with the buildingshould use panic exit bar devices (i.e. pushbars or touch bars). See BS EN 112542 forfurther informationAny device that impedes people making goodtheir escape, either by being unnecessarilycomplicated to manipulate or not being readilyopenable, will not be acceptable.Premises that have limited numbers of staff orothers who are familiar with the building andwhere panic is not likely may use devices (i.e.push pads or lever handles). See BS EN 17943for further information.Guidance on fire exits starts from the positionthat doors on escape routes should not befitted with any locking devices (electricallyoperated or otherwise). However, it is acceptedthat in many cases the need for security willrequire some form of device that preventsIn some larger premises, when only certainstaff are on the premises and there is a securityissue, it may be acceptable to restrict thenumber of emergency exits imediatelyavailable, e.g. when only security staff are

Electromechanical devicesElectromechnical devices compriseelectromechanical lock keeps and draw bolts,which can be controlled by people inside thepremises by entering a code or by using ‘smartcards’, which have been adapted to control theexit from certain areas. These devices havebeen fitted in many premises and may belinked to the fire-detection and/or warningsystem. Experience has shown that thesedevices can fail to open in a number of ways.They are dependent on a spring mechanism toreturn the lock keep or draw bolt(s) and areliable to jam when pressure is applied to thedoor. It is also relatively easy to fit themincorrectly. Electromechanical locking devicesare normally unacceptable on escape doors,unless they are fitted with a manual means ofoverriding the locking mechanism such as apush bar, push pad or lever handle or thatthey do not rely on a spring mechanism, failsafe open and are not affected by pressure,in which case the criteria for electromagneticdevices should be applied. Electromagnetic devicesThese devices comprise of a magnet and asimple fixed retaining plate with no movingparts and are therefore generally consideredto be more reliable due to their inherent ‘failsafe unlocked’ operation. Electromagnetic lockingdevices go some way to addressing theparticular concerns surrounding electromechanicallocking systems. The release of this type ofdevice is controlled by the interruption ofelectrical current to an electromagnet eithermanually via a switch or other means, breakglass point (typically coloured green), or bylinking to the fire-warning and/or detectionsystem of the premises.Time-delay devices on escape routesA further development is the fitting of a timedelay system to the electronic door-lockingdevice. This delays the actual opening of anexit door for a variable period followingManagement of electronic door-controldevices including time delaysThe use of such devices may be accepted byenforcing authorities if the responsible personcan demonstrate, through a suitable riskassessment for each individual door, both theneed and the adequate management controlsto ensure that people can escape safely fromthe premises. In particular: Access control should not be confusedwith exit control. Many devices areavailable which control the access to thepremises but retains the immediate escapefacility from the premises. In public areas, when push bars areoperated on escape doors, they shouldrelease the electromagnetic locksimmediately and allow the exit doors to open. The requirement for exit control should becarefully assessed and should not be seenas a substitute for good management of theemployees and occupants. All other alternatives should have beenexplored/evauated prior to using thesedevices to ensure they do not affect thesafety of occupants. The device should be connected to theFurther guidance on fire risk assessment and fire precautionsElectrical locking devicesElectrically operated entry control devices havebeen developed for use as locking devices onfire exits. They fall into two main categories,electronmechanical and electromagnetic.operation of the panic bar or other exit device.Periods of between five and 60 seconds can bepre-set at the manufacturing stage or can beadjusted when fitted. These are not usuallyacceptable for use by members of the public,pupils or students. However, they may beacceptable in non-student areas for use by staffwho are familiar with their operation and aresuitably trained in their use.Part 2 present at night, or prior to opening the premisesin the morning. Staff should be made fully awareof any restrictions and the number of exits notimmediately available should be limited.fire warning and/or detection system. The device should incorporate a bypasscircuit for immediate release on activationof the fire warning and/or detection system. Each door should be fitted with a singlesecuring device. The emergency exit doors should beclearly labelled about how to operate them. Adequate control measures shouldbe put in place to ensure the safety ofthe occupants.The use of electronic door-locking devicesshould be considered with particular ca

A fire safety maintenance checklist can be used as a means of supporting your fire safety policy. This list is not intended to be . Has the fire hydrant bypass flow valve control been tested by a . Fire-resisting floo