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Solution for Raised Access Floor Situations

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:47:21 GMT

This blog covers what raised access flooring is as well as the solution to prevent fire spreading through the void.

What is Raised Access Flooring (RAF)?

Raised access flooring is a system where a floor is installed above a structural subfloor, typically a concrete slab, creating a void between the two levels. This void is used to house and distribute essential building services in a clean, organised and accessible way.

What is it used for?

The void beneath a raised floor provides space for a wide range of services:

- Electrical power distribution

- Data and telecommunications cabling

- HVAC systems (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)

- Fire detection and suppression systems

- Security and CCTV cabling

- Plumbing and drainage

- Environmental controls

How is a Raised Access Floor Constructed?

A raised access flooring system is made up of modular panels supported by adjustable pedestals arranged in a grid.

- Pedestals are fixed to the subfloor and adjusted to create a perfectly level surface

- Panels sit on top of the pedestals, forming the finished floor

- Stringers (horizontal supports) may be added for extra strength and stability, particularly at higher floor heights.

The void beneath the floor can range from as little as 20mm to over 150mm, depending on the project requirements.

Can a Raised Access Floor cause a fire hazard in a building?

Raised floors create a hidden void (the space underneath), and that introduces a few specific hazards:

Cable buildup
The void often contains electrical and data cabling. Poorly managed or overloaded cables can overheat and become ignition sources.
Airflow spreading fire
In many buildings (especially offices and data centres), the void is used for air distribution. That airflow can feed a fire with oxygen and spread smoke or flames quickly.
Dust and debris accumulation
Dust under the floor is surprisingly flammable. If not cleaned regularly, it can help a small ignition grow.
Hidden fire development
Fires starting under the floor can go unnoticed longer because they’re out of sight, delaying response.
Combustible materials
Older or cheaper floor panels and supports may contain materials that contribute to fire load.

In modern buildings, much of the critial infrastructure such as cabling, ductwork and services runs unseen beneath raised access floors. While this design offers flexibility and efficiency, it also introduces hidden pathways where fire and smoke can spread rapidly if not properly controlled. This is where the Protecta FR Board RAF Barrier system plays a vital role.

What is the Protecta FR Board and RAF Barrier?

The Protecta FR Board and RAF Barrier is a robust firestopping solution built using a proven stone wool FR Board system. It is specifically designed to create a secure, certified seal within raised floor cavities. Installed beneath partition walls or across open voids, it helps maintain fire compartmentation and slows the spread of fire and smoke through unferfloor spaces.

Why is it important?

Raised floor voids can act as a concealed channel, allowing fire, smoke and sound to travel between compartments. By installing a dedicated barrier system:

- Fire resistance is maintained beneath partition walls

- Large underfloor voids can be subdivided into safer compartments

- Critical services such as cables and ductwork remain properly firestopped

- Air and sound transfer between spaces is reduced

Product Availability

The Protecta FR Board RAF Barrier is supplied as standard FR Board panels:

1200x600mm

Thicknesses: 50mm, 60mm, 80mm, 100mm

For installation, it is used in conjunction with compatable firestopping sealants such as Protecta FR Acrylic and FR Graphite, ensuring a complete and compliant system.

All these products are stocked and supplied by Blazeout Ltd. Contact us for project support and material supplies – sales@blazeout.co.uk

Free Downloads:

Protecta Product Portfolio

Protecta Handbook for Timber Construction

Protecta Handbook for Linear Seals

Protecta Handbook Service Penetrations

Flamro Cable Tubes

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:05:52 GMT

Flamro Cable Tubes

The Cable Tubes consists of two half shells with inner intumescent fire protection fabric with full-surface adhesion.

Flamro Firebreather Cavity Barrier

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:09:32 GMT

Flamro Firebreather Cavity Barrier

The Firebreather Cavity Barrier is an efficient preventative fire protection solution for mounted, rear-ventilated facades. The cavity barrier consists of a stainless steel mesh and intumescent material that expands in the event of a fire, immediately sealing cavities behind facades or in roof areas. It is maintenance free, easy to install and provides fire resistance classes up to EI90.

Read more - https://flamro.com/eu/cavity-barrier-for-ventilated-facade-systems/firebreather-cavity-barrier/

Southampton University Hospital Fire

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:50:47 GMT

Southampton University Hospital Fire

In early February 2026, Southampton was shaken by a major fire at University Hospital Southampton (UHS), one of the region’s most important healthcare centres. The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response, forced the evacuation of hundreds of patients and caused significant disruption to hospital services.

The fire broke out in the west wing of the hospital at around 5:30am on Sunday 1 ^st February 2026. Fire crews from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service were immediately dispatched to help fight the fire.

Over 200 patients were moved to other parts of the hospital, including corridors repurposed as temporary care spaces. The fire originated in the endoscopy unit, which was completely destroyed along with its equipment. Some footage which has since been released by the hospital showed charred corridors, smoke damaged rooms and extensive structural impact.

An investigation confirmed that the blaze was triggered by an electrical fault within the west wing. Electrical fires in hospital environments can be particularly dangerous due to the concentration of medical equipment, oxygen supplies and vulnerable patients.

The Southampton hospital fire was a stark reminder of how quickly essential services can be disrupted, and how vital robust emergency planning is. As repairs continue, the focus remains on restoring full functionality and ensuring long term safety for patients and staff.

Glasgow Central Fire

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:49:21 GMT

Glasgow Central Fire

The Glasgow Central Fire: A Wake up Call for Stronger Passive Fire Protection

A major fire broke our on Union Street in Glasgow city centre on Sunday 8 ^th March 2026, originating in a vape shop and rapidly spreading through a Victorian building adjacent to Glasgow Central Station. The fire caused partial structural collapse, forced the closure of Scotland’s busiest rail hub, and triggered days of travel chaos.

- The building continued to collapse after the fire, prompting Glasgow City Council to order demolition for public safety

- Only the façade at the corner of Union Street and Gordon Street remained standing after the fire

- Despite the intensity of the fire, Glasgow Central’s iconic glass roof avoided visible structural damage, though the station remained closed for safety assessments

- High level railway platforms stayed shut for days to instability of the neighbouring structure, with disruption expected to last weeks.

What is Passive Fire Protection (PFP)?

Passive fire protection refers to the built in features of a building designed to contain fire, smoke and heat without needing activation. These include:

- Fire resistant walls, floors and ceilings

- Fire doors

- Cavity barriers

- Fire stopping around service penetrations

- Structural fire protection for steelworks

How PFP Works:

PFP systems divide a building into fire-resistant compartments:

- Contain flames and smoke

- Protect critical structures and elements

- Buy time for evacuation and firefighting

- Prevent fire from jumping between floors or rooms

The Role of Firestopping in preventing catastrophe:

Firestopping is a crucial part of passive fire protection. It seals gaps around pipes, cables, ducts and joints, areas where fire and smoke can easily spread if left unprotected.

In older buildings like the one affected in Glasgow, inadequate firestopping could potentially allow a fire to travel rapidly through voids and service routes. Proper fire stopping:

- Maintains compartment integrity

- Prevents unseen fire spread

- Ensures compliance with building regulations

- Protects escape routes and structural elements

Fire Safety Starts before the flames:

The Glasgow Central fire is a powerful reminder that passive fire protection isn’t just a regulatory box tick, it’s a lifesaving necessity.

Buildings must be designed, constructed and maintained with fire resilience at their core. That means:

- Proper compartmentation

- Certified fire stopping

- Regular inspections

- Up to date fire strategy documentation

- Competent installers and maintainers

Flamro Endless Collar

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:16:44 GMT

Flamro Endless Collar

The Endless Collar is a firestop collar with flexible design options. The collar consists of a galvanised steel sheet housing a flexible intumescent strip with a self adhesive device.

Further reading - https://flamro.com/eu/fire-protection-collars/ec-endless-collar/

Intumescent Strips

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:27:36 GMT

Intumescent Strips

Blazeout hold a number of intumescent strips in stock, and these generally come in three widths 10mm, 15mm and 20mm all with a depth of 4mm. They vary in configuration - fire only, fire and smoke, fire, smoke and acoustic all for timber rated fire doors.

These intumescent strips are tested to BS 476: Part 20/22 and BS EN 1634-1 as well as other international standards.

Customer Review

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:22:40 GMT

Customer Review

It is always rewarding to receive a customer testimonial.

We apreciate the support of our customers.

Introducing Flamro

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:20:17 GMT

Blazeout Introducing Flamro

Introducing Flamro as a product range of Firestopping and Passive Fire materials. Blazeout are an approved distributor for the Flamro range.

Some examples of the range are: Fire Breather, Compound, Fire Protective Paint, Endless Collar and Cable Tube.

Please get in contact with us, to discuss the products and options available.

Blazeout are moving business premises!

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:51:12 GMT

Exciting news from Blazeout! ��

We will be operating from our new and bigger location on Monday 6th October. New offices and enhanced Warehouse space, bringing the complete team under one roof.

We are looking forward to still being able to deliver the top-tier service that our customers deserve.

Fire Door Safety Week - September 2025

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:16:47 GMT

Fire Door Safety Week - September 2025

The British Woodworking Federation's Fire Door Safety Week aims to raise the awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property in the unfortunate event of a fire.

Fire Safety hugely matters in the construction industry and to ensure buildings are safe and adhere to the standards is critical. Fire safety prevents the loss of lives, fires can spread quickly, and having proper safety measures in place can save lives by providing people with enough time to evacuate and escape harm.

As part of the Fire Door Safety Week 2025, Blazeout have shared some content online, which can also be viewed here.

Reach out to us on sales@blazeout.co.uk to discuss how we can help with fire doors on your site.

Fire Pillows

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:35:03 GMT

Fire Pillows

If you would like any further details or information, please feel free to reach out to one of the team on sales@blazeout.co.uk, they will be happy to assist!

Door Closers

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:26:35 GMT

Door Closers:

Any further details, please feel free to reach out to the team on sales@blazeout.co.uk

Putty Pads

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:47:44 GMT

Intumescent & Acoustic Putty Pads

Read the below article on Intumescent & Acoustic putty pads and how they can be used, including the standards that they are tested and assessed to.

Fire Doors

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 13:39:59 GMT

Fire Doors

The below blog goes over in detail the importance of Fire Doors and how Blazeout can help ensure that you purchase the correct fire door to remain a Passive Fire Door.

Reach out to the team at sales@blazeout.co.uk

Blazeout - Air Transfer Grilles

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:51:20 GMT

Blazeout Summer Project Poster

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:38:38 GMT

Blazeout School Summer Works

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 12:36:40 GMT

Turkish Hotel 2025

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 17:01:50 GMT

A tragic fire at a ski resort hotel in Turkey has claimed the lives of up to 79 people and left 51 others injured. The blaze erupted in the early hours of January 21, 2025, at the 12- storey Grand Kartal hotel, located in Turkey's Bolu mountains. At the time, more than 230 guests were staying at the hotel.

Officials believe the fire started in the restaurant area on the fourth floor before quickly spreading to the upper floors. The fire was first reported at 3:27 a.m. local time, although several survivors and witnesses noted that they had smelled smoke and seen flames around 2:30 a.m.

One survivor, Atakan Yelkovan, who was on the third floor, recounted, "My wife smelled the fire… We went down earlier than others. The alarm did not go off… It took about an hour to an hour-and-a-half for the fire brigade to arrive. By that time, the fourth and fifth floors were burning. People on the upper floors were screaming."

Footage shared on various media outlets showed guests using hotel linens to escape through windows. The freezing conditions were reported to have delayed emergency responders, with over 260 personnel eventually reaching the scene. It took 12 hours to fully extinguish the fire.

Health Minister Kemal Memisoglu stated that one of the 51 injured guests was in intensive care, while 17 had been discharged.

Turkey’s Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, expressed deep sorrow, adding, "We are in deep pain. But you should know that whoever is responsible for causing this pain will not escape justice."

As the investigation continues, around 11 people, including the hotel manager and a deputy mayor from the Bolu province, have been detained.

Fire Safety Concerns

The hotel was last inspected in 2024, with no concerns raised regarding its fire safety. However, the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) has pointed out that the hotel lacked an automatic fire extinguisher system, which was mandated by regulations. Photos from the hotel’s website suggest that this system, which should have been installed in 2008, was not in place. Survivors also reported that the fire detection and warning systems failed, and escape routes were not easily accessible during the emergency.

Emergency Response and Investigations

Firefighters took more than 12 hours to fully extinguish the flames, while more than 267 emergency workers were sent to the site.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest it began in the restaurant area of the hotel’s fourth floor before spreading rapidly through the upper floors. Bolu Governor Abdulaziz Aydin noted that the remote location of the hotel, coupled with freezing weather, delayed the arrival of fire engines, which took over an hour to reach the scene.

The Turkish Ministry of Justice confirmed that nine people, including the hotel’s owner, have been arrested in connection with the incident. Investigations are underway to determine if the hotel adhered to fire safety regulations.

In light of this tragedy, it underscores the critical importance of fire compartmentation in safeguarding lives.

Fire Safety Tips and Checklist for Hotels

Fire compartmentation is critically important in hotels for several reasons:

Life Safety: In the event of a fire, fire compartmentation helps limit the spread of flames, heat, and smoke. This gives hotel occupants more time to evacuate safely and minimises the risk of injury or death.

Protection of Property: By preventing or slowing the spread of fire, compartmentation can protect hotel property, including the structure, furnishings, and equipment. This can significantly reduce the o verall financial loss in case of a fire.

Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations: Building codes and fire safety regulations often require fire compartmentation to meet certain safety standards. Hotels are subject to these regulations to ensure the safety of both guests and staff.

Minimising Disruption: Effective fire compartmentation can limit the area affected by a fire, meaning that parts of the hotel may remain operational, reducing the overall disruption to guests and the business.

Firefighter Safety: Compartmentation also helps create safe zones for firefighters to operate within. By containing the fire to a specific area, firefighters can more effectively and safely extinguish the blaze without the risk of it spreading too quickly.

In essence, fire compartmentation in hotels helps protect lives, property, and the continuity of the business, making it a vital aspect of fire safety planning.

How could this incident happen in the UK?

While the incident occurred in Turkey, the risks are just as real here in the UK. With increased regulation and scrutiny in the wake of Grenfell, many properties still fall short of compliance. Many landlords and property managers believe that fire protection is an “add on” but the reality is that passive fire protection is an essential part of every building design.

How can you ensure that your building doesn’t become the next tragedy?

Here are the steps you can take:

1. Conduct a Fire Safety Audit

It’s essential to regularly audit your buildings’ fire safety features, including compartmentation and fire doors. A thorough audit will identify any vulnerabilities and allow you to take corrective action before it’s too late.

2. Invest in Regular Maintenance

Fire dampers, alarms, sprinklers and emergency exits need to be maintained and tested on a set schedule. Meritas can provide this vital check to ensure systems are always ready in an emergency.

3. Train Staff on Fire Safety Procedures

Ensure that all staff are trained in fire safety protocols and that fire evacuation plans are up to date and visible throughout the building.

Four Common Firestopping Mistakes

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:36:17 GMT

Firestopping is an aspect of building construction that involves sealing openings or gaps in walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases. A form of Passive Fire Protection firestopping is highly complex but crucially important, especially as buildings become more sophisticated. Despite this fact, firestopping is often overlooked or improperly installed during construction, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences in the event of a fire. Since most firestopping mistakes are borne from negligence, this paper will highlight ways to avoid these wrong practices so that buildings and its occupants are kept safe and sound

1. Consider the Annular Gap

The annular gap refers to the space between the side of penetration opening and the penetrating material. To prevent spread of water, fire, smoke, and gas, this gap needs to be filled with a tested fire sealant system that allows for expansion, contraction, and movement, and is according to specific test approvals (ETA/BS-EN). Aside from sealants, other types of firestopping materials such as intumescent straps or collars must be installed at the correct depth. If the depth of the material is too shallow, it may not seal the annular gap completely, allowing fire and smoke to still pass through. The best practice is to always follow the instructions of the firestopping system manufacturer carefully.

2. Uncertified Products

Simply put, certified firestopping products provide a higher level of safety and reliability compared to non-certified products. This is because certified firestopping products have been tested and evaluated by independent thirdparty organizations to ensure that they meet specific standards for fire resistance and smoke control. These products have undergone rigorous testing and meet the requirements of building codes and standards. Unlike certified firestopping products which have been tested and approved for their intended use, using uncertified firestopping products can compromise the fire protection system of a building, potentially leading to loss of life, property damage, and legal liability (e.g., cannot claim for fire insurance).

3. Installation Shortcuts

Even the best products, when installed poorly or incorrectly, cannot perform as intended and thereby compromise the integrity of the whole system. The most common shortcuts include using the wrong density of mineral wool, using lesser than the recommended thickness of sealant, using the wrong product in different applications, failing to clean the surfaces to be sealed, not using the proper adhesives, or using a "backer rod" that is too small. All these shortcuts put the building’s structural integrity and its occupants’ safety at risk, not to mention it could lead to code violations and liability issues for building owners, contractors, and installers. Firestopping installation should always be done by trained and certified professionals who underwent the proper product, installation, and technical training by the product manufacturer.

4. Mixing Different Product Brands

Most firestopping products designed by a manufacturer can be used independently or as part of a system because they are compatible when tested together, thereby guaranteeing the most effective passive fire protection while also upholding a valid system warranty. However, if different brands of firestop products are used together, it could compromise the effectiveness of the overall performance of the firestop system because of different properties (e.g., expansion rates or adhesion qualities).

In addition to the risk of decreased fire protection performance, mixing firestopping product brands may not meet building codes and standards, and it can also result in legal and regulatory implications.

More than anything, the best way to avoid any of the above mistakes is to include firestopping early in the building design process. By doing so, it will eliminate so many mistakes during the construction and installation phase, and even provide cost savings if there is no need for remedial work later on.

Blazeout as an independent distributor of Passive Fire and Firestopping products can advise on the solutions required, without having to “push their own brand”. Blazeout can provide impartial advice.

Protecta Introduction

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 14:09:19 GMT

Introduction to Protecta

Here at Blazeout, as the trade specialist supplier of firestopping and passive fire products, we work with installation companies nationally. We partner with many proven manufacturers and one of these is Protecta.

Gareth Evans – Business Development Manager of Protecta explains.

“We are unique in that we are a true UK Manufacturer of Passive fire protection products not only here in the UK but over 54 countries throughout the world with over 30 years’ experience of doing so.

For me what sets us apart is our simplicity and I mean that in a good way, easy product details and product selection for our customers via our extensive Installation Instructions, Handbooks and indeed our App now, our products outperform the competition also and it all comes down to the 3 T’s.

Testing – Carry out more tests than our competition – 45 conducted last year and will be 31 this year all to European standards. Training – Conduct this in person and online and have dedicated person for this and trained well over a 1000 people in the last two years. Technical – Team of 4 people now that respond normally within 24 hours”.

Blazeout are an approved stockist of the Protecta range and supply to projects and installers throughout the South of England as part of our “complete project consignment” service, which is truly unique and extremely popular.

How to Install a Fire Pipe Wrap

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 12:13:38 GMT

Wall or floor structures that have been penetrated by pipes are vulnerable when it comes to fire and smoke spreading throughout a building. Using a Pipe Wrap will reinstate the wall’s integrity by containing fire to its area of origin for up to four hours.

Under fire conditions, the intumescent material within the wrap expands inwards against the structure and fills the void left by the burnt-out pipe.

They are simple to fit and require no maintenance, making them a quick and easy fire protection solution.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what intumescent fire pipe wraps are, why they are important, and how to install them in different situations.

What Is a Fire Pipe Wrap?

Pipe wraps can be added to pipes within walls or floors so that when activated by extreme heat the intumescent material expands and crushes the pipe to stop the spread of fire and smoke travelling through into an adjacent compartment.

Intumescent pipe wraps offer a simple and more economical alternative to intumescent pipe collars for fire-stopping plastic pipework and electrical trunking.

Pipe collars may be a more suitable solution for your project, and we can assist with that decision.

How Does a Fire Pipe Wrap Work and Why Are They Important?

Pipe Wraps comprise layers of a graphite-based intumescent sheet encapsulated in a polythene cover. The cover sleeve is an integral part of the system and should not be removed.

The product is designed to be wrapped around the outside diameter of the pipework or trunking and is secured by a self-adhesive strip.

The Intumescent Pipe Wrap is then positioned within the compartment wall or floor so that the edge of the product is left exposed at the face of the wall or soffit.

Benefits of using a pipe wrap:

Simple to install
Water resistant
No mechanical fixings
Maintenance free
Affordable
Not visible

Fire stopping is a fundamental part of passive fire protection and should never be overlooked. Without adequate fire stopping materials such as pipe wraps, smoke and flames can quickly travel throughout a building, damaging property and risking the lives of its occupants.

How to Install Fire Pipe Wrap

Installation in Masonry Walls

Check that the pipe surface is clear of mortar, dust or any other contaminants.

Ensure that the correct Pipe Wrap is installed to suit the diameter of pipe and fire rating.

Wrap around the pipe and fix with integral self-adhesive strip.

Slide the Pipe Wrap into the wall, ensuring that the outermost edge of the wrap aligns with the face of the block work. Important: If this is not carried out, the intumescent material will be insulated and shall lead to a product malfunction.

Repeat on the other side of the wall if necessary.

Make good around Pipe Wrap with either Firestop Compound or traditional mortar to the full depth of the seal.

For walls it may be necessary to fit two wraps depending on the fire risk areas concerned and if the wall thickness exceeds 150mm.

Installation in Floors

Check that the pipe surface is clear of mortar, dust or any other contaminants.

Ensure that the correct Pipe Wrap is installed to suit the diameter of pipe and fire rating.

Wrap around the pipe and fix with integral self-adhesive strip.

Slide the Pipe Wrap on top of the shuttering being used for the making good. Ensure that the bottom edge of the wrap will be exposed in the floor slab when the shuttering is removed.

Important: If you are using permanent mineral wool shuttering for Firestop Compound, cut out the shuttering to ensure that the bottom edge of the Pipe Wrap can be viewed from the soffit below. If this is not carried out the intumescent material will be insulated and shall lead to a product malfunction.

Seal the Pipe Wrap into the structure with Firestop Compound or concrete, ensuring that there is a minimum of 25mm cover over the top of the Pipe Wrap.

At Blazeout, we stock a range of pipe wraps in a variety of sizes or a continuous wrap – from a range of manufacturers.

As experts in passive fire protection, our team is available if you need any help or advice with your fire stopping project or whether pipe wraps could be a solution for you. Contact our technical team at sales@blazeout.co.uk or 01202 155780 and they will be happy to assist you with any questions or queries.

Fire Doors: Vital necessity

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:37:59 GMT

In the intricate requirements of building safety, fire doors stand as guardians against the unending threat of fire. These specialized doors, fortified with meticulous engineering and robust hardware, play an irreplaceable role in preventing the spread of flames and safeguarding lives. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go deeper into the main considerations for fire doors and explore the intricacies of the essential hardware that transforms them into an impenetrable barrier against the destructive force of fire, all while adhering to rigorous BS EN testing standards.

Understanding Fire Doors: A Vital Component of Building Safety

1. Material Matters:

Fire doors are crafted from materials that can withstand extreme temperatures, ensuring structural integrity during a fire.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1634-1:2014 – Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows, and elements of building hardware.

2. Integrity and Insulation:

Beyond structural integrity, fire doors provide insulation against heat, smoke, and toxic gases, crucial for occupant safety.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1634-3:2004 – Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies, and openable windows. Elements used in the fire separation.

3. Certification and Compliance:

Certification marks like the CE mark signify compliance with fire safety standards, ensuring the door’s effectiveness during a fire.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1634-3:2004 – Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies, and openable windows. Elements used in the fire separation.

4. Seals and Smoke Control:

Intumescent seals expand under heat, sealing gaps and preventing the passage of smoke and flames.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1634-3:2004 – Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies, and openable windows. Elements used in the fire separation.

5. Self-Closing Mechanism:

A self-closing mechanism ensures the door closes automatically during a fire, hindering the spread of flames and smoke.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1154:1997 – Building hardware. Controlled door closing devices.

The Essential Hardware that Completes the Fire Door Set

1. Fire Door Hinges:

Specially designed hinges resist fire and heat, allowing the door to close automatically in the event of a fire.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1935:2002 – Building hardware. Single-axis hinges.

2. Door Closers:

Door closers ensure the door shuts securely after every use, a critical feature for maintaining fire compartmentation.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1154:1997 – Building hardware. Controlled door closing devices.

3. Locks and Latches:

Fire-rated locks and latches maintain the door’s integrity and prevent unauthorized access during a fire.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 12209:2003 – Building hardware. Locks and latches. Mechanically operated locks, latches, and locking plates.

4. Fire Door Signage:

Clear and visible signage indicates that the door is a fire door, emphasizing the importance of keeping it closed.

BS EN Standard: BS EN ISO 7010:2012 – Graphical symbols. Safety colours and safety signs. Registered safety signs.

5. Vision Panels:

Fire-rated vision panels provide visibility while maintaining the door’s fire-resistant properties.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 356:2000 – Glass in building. Security glazing. Testing and classification of resistance against manual attack.

6. Kick Plates and Push Plates:

These protective plates ensure the door remains operational during emergencies, safeguarding against damage.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1906:2010 – Building hardware. Lever handles and knob furniture.

7. Thresholds and Seals:

Intumescent door seals and thresholds play a key role in preventing the spread of smoke and fire.

BS EN Standard: BS EN 1634-3:2004 – Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies, and openable windows. Elements used in the fire separation.

Ensuring Fire Door Effectiveness: Best Practices

1. Regular Inspections:

Schedule routine inspections to ensure all components of the fire door set are in optimal working order.

2. Proper Installation:

Ensure that fire doors are installed by qualified professionals to guarantee correct functionality.

3. Training and Awareness:

Educate building occupants on the importance of fire doors and the proper way to use them during an emergency.

Conclusion :

Fire doors, fortified with the right hardware and adhering to stringent BS EN testing standards, represent the first line of defence against the destructive force of fire. They are a vital part of the passive fire line of defence. Understanding the intricacies of fire door design and hardware, coupled with diligent maintenance practices, ensures a safer built environment for all. Invest wisely in fire doors and their essential hardware – because when it comes to fire safety, meticulous attention to detail is non-negotiable.