Why are the doors that the code requires so important? Does it really matter if the door is operational (closes fully, self-closing, etc.)?
The National Fire Protection Association has designated the following minimum fire protection ratings for walls and openings:
8.3 Fire Barriers.
8.3.1 General. Fire barriers used to provide enclosure, subdivision, or protection under this Code shall be classified in accordance with one of the following fire resistance ratings:
(1) 3-hour fire resistance rating
(2) 2-hour fire resistance rating
(3) 1-hour fire resistance rating
(4)* 1/2-hour fire resistance rating
8.3.3 Fire Doors and Windows.
8.3.3.1 Openings required to have a fire protection rating by Table 8.3.4.2 shall be protected by approved, listed, labeled fire door assemblies and fire window assemblies and their accompanying hardware, including all frames, closing devices, anchorage, and sills in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.
8.3.3.3 Unless otherwise specified, fire doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing.
Here is the life saving benefits of a properly installed, working, fire door:
According to the National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) most "rescue missions" are defined as a lodging or rooming house. These are any building that provides "sleeping accommodations for 16 or fewer persons" without separate cooking facilities. These persons can either be housed in the facility on a transient or a permanent basis.
When planning for this type of ministry, important factors to consider should include:
every sleeping room and living area shall have a primary means of escape that allows a safe path of travel to the outside
every sleeping room and living area shall have a secondary means of escape (this means, including windows, must meet applicable Life Safety Code requirements/dimensions)
doors need to be automatic or self-closing
a manual fire alarm system will be required (some exceptions apply)
a fire sprinkler system shall be installed (some exceptions apply)
