Closing the door on fire

Published: 17-Feb-2015

Why self-closing devices are crucial to the effectiveness of passive fire protection in hospitals

“A closed fire door can stop a fire in its tracks. Unfortunately, fire doors are routinely propped open with wedges, waste bins, fire extinguishers or anything else close to hand.”

This warning from Fireco is even more important in a hospital or care home environment, where patients and residents may be less able to get out in the event of a blaze.

To help ensure fire doors are not compromised because they are being held open to improve air flow or ensure easy access, special closers are often fitted.

A closed fire door can stop a fire in its tracks. Unfortunately, fire doors are routinely propped open with wedges, waste bins, fire extinguishers or anything else close to hand

The 2014 edition of Health Technical Memorandum 05-02: Fire safety in the design of healthcare premises states that all fire doors should be fitted with self-closing devices compliant with BS EN1634-1, BS EN 1154, BS EN 1155, or BS EN 1158.

Available in a number of designs, they basically enable doors to be held open, but should a warning alarm sound, they will automatically close, providing vital protection against the spread of fire.

Options include floor spring models, which offer protection from vandalism as well as being more aesthetically pleasing than other solutions. There are also overhead closers; guide rail options, which stop doors being blown open or forced open; concealed closers, which are hidden from view; and free-swing closers.

In most cases doors are fitted with electro magnets. These are fixed to the wall or floor and a metal plate is fitted to the door itself. The magnet is then linked to a command system. In the event of a blaze, the magnets are released and the door closes under its own power.

A spokesman for Fireco, which supplies the Dorgard solution to healthcare trusts across the country, said: “64% of premises visited by the fire service have wedged-open fire doors. This can be extremely dangerous in the event of a fire and is a contravention of fire safety regulations.”

Gilgen Door Systems offers the FD20 automatic swing door operator, the most-powerful and versatile operator the specialist manufacturer has ever built.

The FD20 powers the fire door open and closed in normal operation and, when a fire alarm is activated, the door will close under full control from any position. The smoke and fire barrier can then be opened manually for use as an escape route or emergency exit.

Speaking to BBH , Rob Archer of Gilgen Door Systems, said: “Self-closing devices can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. They are a vital component of a fire doorset where independent third party laboratory testing in accordance with BS EN 1634-1: 2008 is essential for passive fire protection.

Self-closing devices can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire

“The FD20 swing door drive, including the on-door safety sensors, have been fully tested and approved by Exova Warrington Fire for use on a range of fire door applications.”

He said that over the past decade the introduction of automated systems had made the technology more accessible. Facilities managers are also now demanding that products are designed to take into consideration infection prevention and to ensure there are no ligature points in the case of mental health units.

“It’s all about doors that open and close automatically so that people don’t have to touch them,” said Archer. “Now most hospitals use radar activation or contactless switches to enhance infection control.”

Gilgen Door Systems offers the FD20 automatic swing door operator

Gilgen Door Systems offers the FD20 automatic swing door operator

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