Spec Finish

Technical www.thefis.org 15 So where does this leave anyone who specifies a fire door for a project when looking for evidence that the door complies and will be installed correctly? We asked the experts from The British Woodworking Federation. The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and members of FIS on what advice they would offer to anyone undertaking the process today. BritishWoodworking Federation advice Kevin Underwood, Technical Director at the British Woodworking Federation, says that the terms used to describe doors can be very confusing, as they can be called doorsets, door kits, door assemblies, or simply ‘doors’. Doorsets are door leaves and door frames that are factory prepared and fitted with the hinges, latches, locks, intumescent seals and, when required, closers needed for the door to perform. Door kits are effectively doorsets but supplied in two or more parts to be assembled on site. Both doorsets and door kits are supplied from a single source. Where the final assembly created on site is formed from components from more than one source then this is a ‘door assembly’. He said: “It’s also possible to buy door leaves supported by fire resistance test evidence, but it’s important to know what door frame and ironmongery should be used to ensure it meets the requirements of the test evidence. “To help pick through the detail of test reports the test standards set out the requirements for what is to be included in the final document, and product certification bodies are accredited to the international standard ISO/IEC 17065 to provide product conformity certification and follow their documented schedules for the different product types listed under their accreditation. Fully glazed fire doors Peter Long, Fire and Certification Manager at Optima Products, raised a different issue with glazed fire doors, saying that fully glazed fire doors with metal frames are a very specific class of fire door, and will require a range of ironmongery to operate; such as: • door closing devices with hold-open or swing-free function; • automatic door drives; and • electronic locking devices for access control. He says that specifiers should ask for fire test evidence specific to this type of fire door and not just assume that because it has been tested on a timber door the evidence will suffice. Independent verified third party certification JimWhite, Associate Technical Director at Forza Doors, said: “Designers and contractors should ensure they engage early with manufacturers to ensure effective guidance is obtained to enable a compliant design. “We support the ‘independent verified third party certification’ route because of the regular revalidation and audit processes, and they include a ‘scope of certification’ or a ‘field of application’ detailing the parameters such as the size limits that the performance claimed allows the doors to be manufactured to. “The earlier that designers engage with manufacturers, the more advice and performance data they can gather to ensure a compliant design using the preferred design options.” Jim cautioned against the temptation to alter the specification or components as it may not be possible to provide test data required to show compliancy. Fire door ironmongery Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager at the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), said: “If there is one resounding piece of advice GAI would give to anyone involved in the specification of fire door assemblies, it is to ensure that the ironmongery has been specified and supplied by someone who is competent to do so. A competent person is defined as ‘someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly.’ “The specification of ironmongery is not something that should be considered lightly. It can take up to three years for a person to be fully qualified to GAI Diploma (DipGAI) status and even then, this is only the start of a lifelong journey of continuing professional development for those who are truly competent. “Specifying the correct ironmongery for a fire door involves detailed knowledge of more than 60 relevant British and European standards as well as the appropriate approved documents and legislation covering aspects such as accessibility, acoustics and fire safety. “Incorrect specification of essential items such as hinges, door closing device and locks will have a huge impact on the ability of a fire door to work correctly and its ability to close from any angle over any obstacle or latch. Don’t leave it to chance – always consult the experts, a list of GAI member companies and experts can be found on the GAI website at: www.gai.org.uk Protecting lives Wayne Naylor, Doors Account Manager Komfort Partitioning Limited, said: “Surprisingly, only 43% of people understand that the purpose of a fire door is to keep the fire contained for a specific time, this is measured in minutes and includes how the door insulates (E) as well as its integrity (I).