If you own or manage a building containing fire-rated door systems, inspecting and testing each of the doors every year is mandatory. These systems can involve any opening in walls, ceilings or floors carrying a fire rating. Accurate inspections and tests ensure the safety of your building’s occupants while protecting and preserving personal property, reducing liability and meeting insurance requirements.
What Is NFPA 80, and What Does It Address?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a worldwide nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating injury, death and property loss due to fire, electrical accidents and other related hazards. NFPA 80 is a standard that regulates the installation and maintenance of fire doors and other openings that protect against the spread of fire and smoke.
The standard is specific to various opening types, including fire-rated sliding, swing and rolling doors, plus fire-rated windows. It offers guidance for fire detection placement and activation devices like smoke detectors and fusible links. NFPA 80 is critical for architects and building designers when choosing specific types of fire-rated doors and locations.
What Is Fire Door Drop Testing, and What Does It Entail?
Property owners must subject their fire doors to professional inspection and drop testing annually to comply with NFPA 80. The owners must also maintain an accurate log for these assessments and test histories. Besides ensuring the openings are fully operational, an inspector will check for surface breaks and holes, incorrectly installed components, missing smoke detectors and other inconsistencies.
The drop test entails two steps. The first step ensures your fire doors operate smoothly and provide full closure, while the second involves inspecting the automatic-closing devices to ensure proper resetting. Owners can immediately remedy any failures through repairs or replacement.
Why Fire Door Drop Testing Is Important
Fire door drop testing is vital because it determines whether your doors comply with required fire safety guidelines and regulations. Doors that endure frequent use often suffer adverse consequences from factors like dust, dirt and grease. Drop testing ensures your doors and the fusible links are able to provide the necessary protection and safety for those who occupy or frequent your building.
Fire door drop tests are also mandatory for obtaining the proper codes and licensing for new buildings or renovations.
Stay Safe With Continental Door Co.
Continental Door has earned the reputation of the most reliable and highest-quality garage door service provider in Greater Spokane and North Idaho. We provide top-tier customer service for all our residential and commercial products, including fire-rated doors and the standards they must meet. Connect with us online to learn more about what we do.
