Stop, Drop (Test) Rolling Fire Doors

The square footage of a facility and number of occupants determine how many fire doors need to be accessible within the floor plan. Fire doors are life-saving safety features that are very complex and specifically designed to compartmentalize a facility to ensure a safe evacuation route for occupants. Non-compliant fire doors put your facility occupants in danger and risk acquiring hefty fines from the authority holding jurisdiction or worse, permanently shutting the doors.

Required inspections and routine maintenance is to be expected on fire doors due to the complexity of their designs. There are a variety of fire doors that are commonly seen within facilities, such as overhead & rolling fire doors. It is important for the facility manager to understand the differences as well as the drop testing process from start to finish.

Drop Test Prep & Inspection Points

Examine the area where the rolling door is installed and confirm whether everything passes the visual eye check, does everything fit within the frame properly?

Inspectors will determine whether or not all the hinges and other mechanical components of the door are operating as intended. Fire labels must be clearly identified, if not the facility will fail the test. Fusible link inspections will also be conducted, while eliminating all grease to ensure door rolls properly. Replacing the fusible link each year, as mandated by the NFPS, will prevent future blockages. Bolts will be secured and cracks within the frame of body will be patched.

Once the above inspection points are complete, a rolling door test-run will occur. This is when the inspectors will confirm whether or not the rolling door functions properly while opening and closing. They must verify that the door springs are not too loose, if so, the door will not securely shut. Resulting in lost time for building occupants to stay safe in the event of a fire.

Rolling Fire Door Drop Test Procedure

Step One: Inspectors will simulate the conditions necessary to trigger the fire door to operate. This involves the fire door shutting properly and ensuring the door doesn’t suffer any damage due to severe heat while not letting any toxic fumes get through.

Step Two: Once the functionality of the rolling fire door is confirmed, inspectors will then proceed to examine the doors return to its default state. This will be examined to ensure there are not any malfunctioning components to the rolling fire door that could hinder it from performing in the event of a fire emergency.

Stay Compliant- You’re Safe with Us

National Fire Protection Association standards NFPA 80 require business owners and property managers to have their rolling steel fire doors and sliding fire doors inspected and tested at a minimum once a year. It is important to keep all written documentation of these inspections and tests.

Now, it’s time to let our inspectors do what they do best- rolling fire door inspections! Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.