Inspecting, testing, and maintenance of swinging fire doors with builders hardware require an immense level of knowledge and expertise. Providing life safety and security for occupants in today’s buildings is the overarching purpose that drives the development of our ever-evolving building, fire, and life safety codes and standards. The National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) publication NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, is among the most important standards referenced by all of the model building, fire, and life safety codes. NFPA 80 has been the de facto standard for fire doors and fire windows since the late 1950s and likely will continue to be so for many years to come.
Prior to the 2007 edition, NFPA 80’s title was the Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows; it established the requirements for the installation and maintenance of fire door and fire window assemblies. Additionally, NFPA 80 required fire doors and fire windows to be maintained in operating condition throughout the life of their installations. However, the language in these earlier editions of NFPA 80 was vague and ambiguous, which made it difficult for AHJs and building owners to understand, apply, and follow.
One of the most important changes that appeared in the 2007 edition of NFPA 80 was the requirement for formal safety inspections of fire door assemblies, which mandates that safety inspections be performed on an annual basis. Both the 2010 and 2013 editions of NFPA 80 contain additional requirements for safety inspections of fire door and fire window assemblies.
Another important code that requires safety inspections of swinging door assemblies is NFPA 101, Life Safety CodeTM. The 2009 edition of NFPA 101 was the first edition to include provisions and requirements for door assembly inspections—for both fire-rated and non-fire-rated egress door assemblies. And, as with NFPA 80’s continued development, NFPA 101’s door assembly inspection requirements have continued to evolve with the 2019 edition.
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