If you manage a building or are a building owner, you already know how important industrial fire-rated doors are. Fire door systems react automatically in a fire or smoke emergency, keeping them from spreading throughout the structure and enabling inhabitants to leave securely. While never placed in the path of egress, fire doors are crucial for keeping building occupants and your facility safe during a fire. These doors close at the first sign of smoke or fire, helping to contain and stop the spread.
What is Fire Door Drop Testing?
NFPA-80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, from the National Fire Protection Association, covers a variety of fire door safety guidelines and procedures to safeguard your facility and its occupants. This includes regular inspections, known as fire door drop testing, to ensure your doors are in top shape and meet safety rules.
Before performing the drop test, the entire door assembly is thoroughly checked for any visible damage, like broken parts or holes, or wear that could affect the door’s performance. Fixing these problems helps ensure the fire door works properly and keeps everyone safe during a fire. Then, the service professional tests how well the door operates to ensure it closes and latches smoothly. The real test is the fire door drop test, which confirms that the door will close automatically in case of a fire, stopping the spread of smoke and flames.
Importance and Benefits of Fire Door Drop Testing
Damaged or defective fire doors can lead to tragic losses and legal issues. A door that shuts too soon, too slowly, or not at all compromises everyone’s safety. Regular fire door drop tests keep your building safe and secure. First and foremost, it ensures safety and peace of mind by confirming that fire doors will function correctly during an emergency, effectively containing smoke and fire.
Compliance with fire safety regulations is another critical advantage, helping to ensure that your building meets legal requirements and maintains safety standards. Regular fire door drop testing helps avoid fines and legal issues by adhering to codes and preventing potential liabilities. Routine drop testing can prolong the lifespan of fire doors by identifying and addressing wear and tear early, ensuring that doors remain functional.
Meeting NFPA Fire Door Drop Testing Requirements
NFPA-80 mandates annual testing for fire doors to ensure their security and functionality. An expert must inspect the door to confirm it meets all fire and safety regulations and operates as intended. This testing is required for all rolling fire and smoke doors, with comprehensive documentation for each test.
NFPA 80 is the “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives,” regulating installation and maintenance to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. According to NFPA 80, acceptance testing must be done when a fire door is first installed, and records are kept for the assembly’s lifetime.
Manufacturers often include fire door drop testing forms with their products to simplify acceptance testing and periodic inspections. After the initial acceptance test, fire doors require annual inspections and drop tests, with records kept for at least three years.
During fire door drop testing, the door must fully close and rest on the floor at a speed of six to 24 inches per second. This test is run twice: the first for operation and closure and the second to ensure the automatic closure feature resets correctly. Following installation or repair, and then twice a year, a drop test ensures the door will function correctly in a fire emergency.
Common Issues Detected During Testing
During fire door drop testing, several issues may be found that can impact the door’s effectiveness:
- Improper Alignment: Doors not appropriately aligned may not close fully or securely.
- Worn or Damaged Seals: Gaps in damaged seals can allow smoke and fire to spread.
- Malfunctioning Automatic Closure Systems: Systems that don’t work correctly might cause the door to close too slowly.
- Physical Damage: Dents, holes, or rust can weaken the door’s structure.
- Non-Functional Hardware: Issues with hinges, latches, or locks can prevent the door from working correctly.
Choosing the Right Commercial Garage Door Installer
When choosing a commercial garage door installer for your fire doors, select a company that adheres to NFPA standards. These standards mandate annual fire door drop testing and inspections, so look for a provider that offers comprehensive inspection, testing, and certification services. This ensures your fire doors meet NFPA 80 requirements and maintain optimal performance.
Opt for an installer that provides a Fire Door Drop Testing program. A good program includes trained and certified service professionals who perform thorough inspections and testing, offer written reports and certification tags, and keep your compliance records on file for emergencies. Additionally, a FDDT program ensures you receive timely reminders for future service appointments, keeping your facility up to code and minimizing the risk of fines or legal issues.
Regular fire door drop tests and inspections are vital for your facility. They aren’t just about meeting regulations; they help keep everyone safe. Twin City Garage Door is here to help with all your fire door needs. We offer IDA trained and certified fire door installation, inspections, repairs, drop testing, and Fire Door Drop Testing programs. With Twin City Garage Door, you can rest easy knowing your safety measures are in top shape!
