Fire resisting doors, industrial shutters and associated hardware

Question 1

Describe four situations when an automatic door hold open/closure device should operate.
(4 marks)

Answer 1

• The detection of smoke by an automatic detector
• The actuation of the fire detection/alarm system by manual means e.g. operation of break
  glass call point
• Any failure of the fire detection and alarm system
• Any electrical power failure.

Question 2

Describe the features of steel fire doors and state two locations where such doors may be
used.
(4 marks)

Answer 2

Steel doors, depending on the design and core structure, can offer fire resistance periods of up to six
hours, therefore they are often specified in industrial environments and where high-density traffic
may be expected such as airports and shopping malls.
Such door can be made from a honeycomb core to aid rigidity, or a semi ridged construction utilising
a stone wool core, or ridged core utilising a mineral core, (which may also enable the door to meet
the additional insulation requirement).

Question 3

Describe four checks that should be carried out in relation to the intumescent fire and smoke
seals used on a fire door.
(4 marks)

Answer 3

• Are in good condition
• Full length and secure in the groove
• If seals are badly finished, damaged or painted over then they must be replaced with exactly
  the same size and intumescent material that was originally specified
• If the smoke seals have been replaced, they should be fitted in one continuous length if
  possible