Ultimate Guide to Fire Door Inspections [for Facility Managers]

Current codes and standards require that all fire doors be inspected at least annually.  Facility managers and building owners are the responsible party for ensuring that these annual fire door inspections are conducted and documented. These inspections can be performed by a "qualified person" who has understanding and knowledge of fire door components, operations, and maintenance requirements.  Documentation of these inspections should be maintained and made available to the fire code official or other authority when requested.

Though it will not make anyone a "qualified person", this interactive guide will provides an educational overview of fire doors, installations, and inspections. Topics covered include:

• Basic requirements for fire doors
• Fire door components and installation
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements and resources.

Fire Doors for Fire Protection and Life Safety

Introduction to Passive Fire Protection - Gain an understanding of how fire doors interconnect with other passive building construction features to contribute fire protection and life safety.

Fire Doors? Whats the big deal? - A brief discussion of why fire doors are important and the the ratings permitted by the code.

Fire Door Testing, Components, and Installation

Testing Fire Doors - Video demonstrates fire door performance under various circumstances and installation.

Smoke Gasketing and Edge Sealing - A series of articles that discuss when and where smoke gasketing and edge sealing are required.

Proper Fire Door Installation - Video demonstrates techniques for proper fire door installation.

Benefits of Fire Door Commissioning - An introduction to fire system commissioning and the role it can play in ensuring proper fire door installation, operation, and maintenance.

Fire Door Inspections, Testing, and Maintenance

Five Step Fire Door Check - Tips for five items of a fire door that anyone can check to ensure operability. 

How to Conduct NFPA 80 Inspections - Tools and resources for creating and implementing a fire door inspection program.

Compartmentation and Fire Doors from Aaron Johnson

Facility Managers Guide to Fire Sprinkler Inspections

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines the role of Facility Manager as, the "organizational function which integrates people, place and process within the built environment with the purpose of improving the quality of life of people and the productivity of the core business.” 

Today's facility manager is a key contributor to a companies bottom line. This contribution is realized in the maintenance of a companies most valuable assets - property, buildings, and equipment. Facility managers are expected to be an expert on all building related subjects, and the often serve as a "catch all" for jobs and responsibilities that do not fit anyone else's job description. 

The regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire protection systems is an important part of the job, and a critical component of ensuring life safety of the building's occupants. The Quick Response Fire Supply team has written an excellent series of articles to educate the facility manager on what to inspect in fire sprinkler systems.

Part #1: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
What to look for on the required annual visual inspection - "from the floor level".

Part #2: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
Understanding deficiencies, impairments, and tagging systems.

Part #3: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
Inspection requirements for fire pumps.

Part #4: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
Fire sprinkler system signs, gauges, and alarms.

Part #5: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
System components and valves.

Part #6: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
Inspection requirements for water storage tanks.

Part #7: What Facility Managers Need to Inspect on a Fire Sprinkler System
Automatic detection systems and air-compressors.