As an architectural firm your focus should be on designing a beautiful, functional and safe structure. Oregon Door Consultants wants to be your strategic partner when it relates to fire and life safety of your door and door systems. Did you know that fire door acceptance testing is a mandate in the code?
NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives 2013 Edition was the first time that acceptance testing has been included in the code. This section of the code calls for an acceptance test on new fire door assemblies.
What is Fire Door Acceptance Testing?
Installation of a fire door, shutter or window assembly shall be inspected and tested. Acceptance testing of fire door and window assemblies shall be performed by a qualified person. That person will have the knowledge of the operating components of the assembly. A visual inspection shall be performed to identify any damaged or missing parts that can create a hazard during testing or affect operation or resetting. The acceptance test shall include the closing of the door by all means of activation. Inspection of the 11 points in the code is the minimum requirement. A record of the inspection shall be signed by the inspector and kept for review by the AHJ. Retention of an acceptance tests shall be for the life of the assembly.
In a nutshell after a door installation there will be a test in accordance with NFPA 80. Talking with many installers they are unfamiliar with the code requirements. One requirement in the code is if hinges need shims they must be steel. We have marked hundreds of newly installed doors as non-complying due to this mandate. Our timely reports help ensure the project was complete on schedule. When you have an 11 story building and all the fire door assemblies are using cardboard shims it most certainly will delay the timely completion of the project.
Third Party Fire Door Inspectors
Becoming strategic partners with Oregon Door Consultants affords you the security of knowing that all fire door acceptance testing is complete. We make sure the door installation is per plans and specs with the fire and life safety codes in mind. However, being a third-party solution means we have you and your customers best interest in mind. Utilizing our services gives you the extra time you need to keep the project on track. We will note the problems with your door systems and work with the installer and hardware supplier to come up with a solution weeks before occupancy is possibly delayed.
Contact us today, to see how we can help with your door and door systems. We will ensure all your fire door acceptance testing is complete prior to certificate of occupancy. In conclusion, we will help you navigate all the fire and life safety codes along with the authority having jurisdiction in that market.
