P C Henderson are proud to support this year's Fire Door Safety Week which takes place between 22nd and 27th September. Ran by the British Woodworking Federation, Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise awareness among manufacturers, installers, building owners and building users of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives.

 

What are the main aims of Fire Door Safety Week?

The main aims of the campaign are:

  • Increase public awareness of the vital role fire doors play in protecting lives and property 
  • Encourage building owners to check the operation and condition of their fire doors and to report if they have any issues
  • Educate people to understand the correct specification, supply, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance required for a fire door

Why are Fire Doors important?

A fire door is specially designed to help prevent the spread of fire, helping to protect lives and property. The correct specification, installation and maintenance is extremely critical to help compartmentalize a fire, allowing occupants to evacuate a building safely. 

 

In 2023, the British Woodworking Federation conducted research which revealed that over half of the UK (57%) couldn't identify a problem with a fire door, leading to a failure to report issues. Here is a list of issues that should be reported regarding a fire door: 

  • Fire door being propped open 
  • Damage to the door or door frame
  • Cracked glass 
  • Gaps between the door and door frame

 

What are the testing requirements for a fire door? 

A fire door set includes the frame, any glazing, the door leaf, intumescent seals and any other ironmongery used on the door. This means that both the door and the hardware that holds it in place must be tested for the system to be legally classified as fire rated.

As a manufacturer of sliding door hardware, our Fire Rated systems have been tested to meet the British Standard, BS 476: Part 22: 1987. During the fire door test, a complete fire door set is prepared and then fixed to a wall where it will represent a real-life application. One side of the door is then exposed to the heat conditions anticipated in a fire and observed for stability and integrity throughout the test. The test can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 120 minutes depending on the type of test.

 

Fire Rated Systems at P C Henderson

Here at P C Henderson, we offer two Fire Rated sliding door system. 

For FD30 sliding fire doors, our Marathon Fire Rated is the solution you need. The system has been certified to BS 476: Part 22: 1987 and should be installed on the non-fire risk side of the aperture. 

For Fire Rated pocket doors, our Pocket Door Fire Rated is the correct system for you. This sliding door solution works with cavity walls to conceal the door within the wall when open. This system has also been certified to BS 476: Part 22: 1987 and is certified to FD30 standards for both single and bi-parting door applications