Whenever health facility professionals need to work on swinging-door assemblies, choose replacement components and add new doors, they should refer to these rules:
- Selecting door-assembly components that are appropriate to the type, usage and function of the door is essential for the service life of the assembly.
- Only components that are labeled and/or listed for use on fire-rated door assemblies can be installed on fire doors, in accordance with their individual published listing.
- Not all fire-rated door components can be used on all fire-door assemblies.
- All labeled and/or listed components can be installed on non‐fire-rated door assemblies.
- The published listing of a door leaf, regardless of material, determines the capabilities, design and applications of the door, and the assembly’s fire rating.
- Before performing work, other than drilling holes for fasteners, verify that the structural integrity of the component, fire rating (when applicable), and warranty will not be compromised or invalidated.
- Only work that is expressly permitted in the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the individual published listing of the component(s) being modified, is permitted to be done during installation of fire-rated door assemblies.
- Labels on fire-rated door frames, doors and hardware components must be present and legible at all times; do not paint over or damage labels or it could invalidate the rating of the door.
- Doors must open and close easily and freely, close safely and completely, and where required by code or application, latch positively.
- Unless permitted by code, swinging egress and fire doors must allow immediate and free egress under fire or emergency conditions.
