Here is just one example of articles that are appearing in facility maintenance related magazines concerning the requirements of annual fire door inspections. If it is not yet being enforced in your area, it is just a matter of time.

http://digital.turn-page.com/i/75898

On August 28^th I was able to attend the “Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Swinging Fire Doors Webinar – Sponsored by DHI, FDAI, Door Security & Safety Foundation, & Interek.  The webinar was presented by Kristin Bigda, P.E., NFPA and Keith Pardoe, DHI.

The first half of the webinar focused on the change in language from the 1999 issue of NFPA 80 concerning inspections in the “Care & Maintenance” chapter to how it currently reads.

Then Chapter 15:  15-2.1.1 Hardware shall be examined frequently and any parts found to be inoperative shall be replaced immediately.

Now: Chapter 5: 5-2.1 (includes both new & existing openings) Fire door assemblies shall be inspected and tested not less than annually, and a written record of the inspection shall be signed and kept for inspection by the AHJ.

Kristin explained that the change from “frequently” to “not less than annually”, along with the inclusion of  “keep a written record of the inspection” now makes the requirement for Fire Door Assembly Inspections enforceable.

Below is a list of 11 check points that should be considered a minimum of things to be verified during such an inspection.

1. No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or frame.
2. Glazing, vision light frames, and glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped.
3. The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in working order with no visible signs of damage.
4. No parts are missing or broken.
5. Door clearances do not exceed clearances listed in 4.8.4 and 6.3.1.7.
6. The self-closing device is operational; that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open position.
7. If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf.
8. Latching hardware operates and secures the door when it is in the closed position.
9. Auxiliary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door of frame.

10. No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label.

11. Gasketing and edge seals, where required, are inspected to verify their presence and integrity.

In a separate post I will cover the latter half of the webinar in which Keith discusses the roles and responsibilities of parties involved, publications & training that are available through DHI, basics of the FDAI training program and more.