How to Ensure FD30 Fire Doors Meet Regulations

FD30 fire doors are the lowest strength fire doors used within UK buildings, offering 30 minutes of resistance against fire, and allowing those within a building to safely evacuate. To meet regulations every part of the door will also need to resist 30 minutes of fire, and the door will need to be correctly installed and maintained by a designated responsible person.

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What is an FD30 Fire Door?

A fire door is a door that is certified to stop the passage of fire and smoke for a specific window of time. Manufacturers will need to prove the efficacy of their doors through independent testing. Certified fire doors are a legal necessity in almost all non-domestic properties, forming a crucial aspect of a fire defence system and allowing a window for evacuation to those within the building.

The most popular classifications of fire doors within the UK are FD30 and FD60, which offer 30 and 60 minutes of fire resistance respectively. Stronger fire ratings are available but these doors tend to be used for specific purposes, like protecting vulnerable elements within a building. 

Within most buildings in the UK, either 30 or 60 minutes is seen as a suitable time to escape. While the door itself is a crucial element, the FD30 certification will need to cover every element of the door set.

What Makes up an FD30 Fire Door?

Every part of an FD30 door will need to offer 30 minutes of fire protection.

• Door: FD30 fire doors are typically made from solid wood with a surface veneer allowing them to be sold in a range of looks.
• Frame: The frame surrounding the door will also need to stop the spread of fire for 30 minutes. In most cases, doors and frames will be sold together.
• Hinges: The hinges holding a door in place will need to withstand fire, as they are a crucial element of the door remaining in place.
• Handles and Locks: Any part of a door that could be compromised is a place where fire can cross through a building, putting people in danger. This means all handles and other ironmongery must also be fire-resistant.
• Glazed Panels: Fire doors with glass panels are available, with reinforced glass able to maintain the integrity of the door.
• Self-Closers: Fire doors must automatically close, with self-closers ensuring that they will be closed and functional in the event of a fire. 
• Retainers: The only legal option to keep a fire door open is with a retainer, which is designed to automatically release itself in the event of a fire.
• Signage: Fire doors are required to have correct signage, usually “Fire Door, Keep Shut”.
• Intumescent Seals: These will be seals around each edge of the door, designed to swell in the event of a fire and prevent the passage of smoke, which can be deadlier than heat in many fires.
• Certification: Every fire door is required to have a certification label on it (usually on the top). This mark will provide crucial tracing information.

Once installed, the gaps around each side of the fire door should be less than 4mm when closed. Most fire doors are 44mm thick, though you can find 35mm options for sale. Our range of internal fire doors varies between 35mm and 54mm.

Where Are FD30s Used?

FD30 fire doors will be used within many commercial and residential buildings as part of a fire safety plan. While there are cases where a fire door is always required, such as doors into individual flats within a block of flats, in other cases the locations of fire doors are determined through a fire risk assessment. This is a formal process which can also make recommendations about whether FD30 or FD60 doors should be installed. FD60s may be required in buildings that will take longer to evacuate, such as tower blocks.

Who is Responsible For Fire Rated Doors?

Within any building that contains a fire door, there will be a responsible person who is in charge of ensuring all fire safety regulations are met. This could be a senior employee within a commercial building, a landlord, or the head of a tenant group for a block of flats. The responsible person will be accountable for the correct installation of fire doors and maintaining them to meet standards. They should be tested every six months.

Fire Doors and Fittings For Sale

Through our website, we sell a wide selection of internal FD30 fire-rated doors including options with glazed panels, perfect for flats and commercial buildings. Building Materials Nationwide aims to be the only destination a professional needs for building supplies, whatever their field. We also offer trade accounts through our website, which will get you access to one of our dedicated account managers who’ll help you to organise the exact products and materials you need from our network of suppliers, delivered to you at a fantastic trade price.

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