Fire doors for residents are a crucial component in ensuring the safety of residential buildings. Many residents may not realize that the front entry door to their unit need to have a fire rating. This requirement extends to other doors within the unit that lead to public spaces, such as car parks. This article is an essential Guide to Fire Doors for Residents.
Importance of Fire Doors for residents
Fire doors contain a fire within a specific area, preventing it its spread to other parts of the building. This containment allows residents more time to evacuate safely and minimizes damage to the property. The walls of Sole Occupancy Units (SOUs) in residential buildings typically have fire-ratings. Any door that creates an opening in these walls must also have one.
Annual Inspections
Fire doors must undergo annual inspections to ensure they function correctly. During these inspections, fire contractors check that the door self-closes and self-latchs from any open position and that it fits tightly within its frame. They also verify that no non-compliant hardware is on the door. This non compliant hardware may include items such as electronic or smart locks.
Asbestos Concerns
For buildings constructed between the 1960s and 1980s, there is a possibility that fire doors may contain asbestos. Asbestos is safe as long as its fibers are contained within the door. However, any repairs involving drilling into the door require the door’s replacement by a licensed professional with a Friable Asbestos Removal Licence. This process is highly regulated to ensure no asbestos fibers release into the air.
Hardware Restrictions
Installing additional hardware on fire doors for residents is generally not permissible unless the hardware has undergone testing and approval for use on that specific brand of fire door. This includes items like locksets, hinges, and door closers. Any hardware that could prevent the door from self-closing and self-latching, such as deadbolts or door guards, is also illegal.
Fire doors for residents play a vital role in maintaining the safety of residential buildings. Regular inspections and adherence to regulations ensure that these doors function as intended, providing critical protection in the event of a fire. Residents should be aware of the importance of maintaining their fire doors and ensuring any modifications comply with safety standards.
For more detailed information, residents can refer to the guidelines from by their fire safety compliance unit or consult with a licensed fire safety professional.
REDMEN: your fire door solution provider
REDMEN Fire Protection Management is a NSW fire protection provider. We know the industry inside and out. With offices in Sydney, Newcastle and the NSW Central Coast, we have hundreds of years of combined experience in fire protection. We have tracked the evolution of fire standards and legislation, and even been instrumental in their development.
Our expert fire door staff will provide a free walk-around to make sure that you are compliant with fire protection legislation, and not at risk of legal jeopardy due to defects in fire doors for residents. We are also expert in the arena of fire protection for strata property. Just contact us today and we can set up an appointment today and we will be able to set your mind at ease.
