
What You Need to Know About Fire Rated Doors in Singapore?
Welcome to our essential guide on fire-rated doors in Singapore. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, knowing about fire-rated doors is vital for safety. Discover why they’re chosen by most Singaporeans and learn how to secure them. In this detailed overview, we’ll explore their significance, types, regulations, and upkeep. Let’s begin!
What is Fire Rated Doors
Fire rated doors are crucial components of building safety systems, especially in densely populated urban areas like Singapore. These doors are designed to withstand fire for a specified period, allowing occupants to evacuate safely.
Importance of Fire Rated Doors
In Singapore, where high-rise buildings are common, fire safety regulations are stringent. HDB Fire-rated doors play a vital role in compartmentalizing fires, limiting their spread to other areas of the building. This containment buys valuable time for occupants to escape and for firefighters to contain the blaze.
Fire Rated Door Requirement
In Singapore, fire-rated doors are a mandatory requirement in specific scenarios to adhere to fire safety standards:
- Main Entrance Door: A fire-rated door is required if the main door is located along a fire escape route or is within a 3-meter radius of a lift lobby or staircase.
- Replacement Doors: If your flat already has a fire-rated door and you are replacing it, the replacement must also meet fire-rating requirements.
Additional Guidelines for Fire-Rated Doors in Singapore:
- The replacement door and its frame must have a minimum fire resistance of 30 minutes.
- The frame must be equipped with a self-closing mechanism.
- The fire-rated door must include an accreditor’s label indicating compliance.
- If you plan to install a digital lock, ensure that it:
- Possesses a valid Certificate of Conformity for fire-rated standards, adhering to SS 332/EN 1634-1 requirements.
- Includes a mechanical fail-safe feature for added safety.
By adhering to these regulations, you can ensure both safety and compliance in your home or building.
How Wooden Fire Rated Doors are Made?
Wooden fire-rated doors are made using materials such as solid timber doors with an inner layer of calcium silicate board and plywood capable of withstanding high temperatures. The door’s ability to resist fire is measured in terms of its fire rating, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.
Fire-rated doors also have components like:
Intumescent Substances: These substances expand or foam at high temperatures, creating a protective insulating layer that impedes the spread of heat.
Ablative Substances: These substances inhibit heat transfer by releasing chemically bound water when exposed to fire.
Fire-Resistant Glass: Windows made from borosilicate or ceramic glass offer higher fire resistance than standard glass, contributing to overall fire safety.
Silicone-Based Fire-Resistant Sealant: Used to fill gaps between the door and frame, enhancing the door’s ability to contain fire.
Resistant Filler Material: Materials like gypsum or vermiculite are used to fill the door, providing additional fire protection.
Why do Singapore HDB Flats need Fire Rated Door?
The necessity for fire-rated doors in Singapore HDB flats is evident from the statistics provided by the SCDF’s 2023 Annual Statistics report. Despite a slight decrease in overall fires in the country, residential buildings experienced an alarming increase in fires, with 970 incidents in 2023 compared to 935 in 2022. This rise highlights the urgent need for reinforced fire safety measures, especially in HDB flats where families live in close proximity.
The leading cause of residential fires in 2023 was unattended cooking, responsible for 384 incidents. Fire-rated doors act as essential barriers, halting the swift spread of fire throughout flats. By providing crucial time for occupants to respond and evacuate safely during a fire emergency, these doors play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property in Singapore’s HDB flats.
Types of Fire-Rated Doors
Wood Fire Rated Doors
Wood fire rated doors are constructed from solid wood or engineered wood products. They offer a traditional aesthetic appeal while providing reliable fire resistance.
Steel Fire Rated Doors
Steel fire rated doors are popular in commercial and industrial settings due to their strength and durability. They offer excellent fire resistance and are available in various designs to suit different architectural styles.
Glass Fire Rated Doors
Glass fire rated doors combine the transparency of glass with the fire resistance of other materials. They are commonly used in areas where visibility and aesthetics are important, such as office buildings and retail spaces.
Fire-Rated Door Ratings and Certifications
Fire rated doors are rigorously tested and certified by independent testing laboratories. In Singapore, fire rated doors must comply with local building codes and regulations, including those set by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Fire Rated Door Installation Process
Installing fire rated doors requires careful planning and adherence to safety standards. It involves proper framing, sealing, and hardware installation to ensure the door functions correctly in the event of a fire.
Maintaining Fire Rated Doors
Regular maintenance is essential to keep fire rated doors in optimal condition. This includes inspecting for damage, testing door seals, and lubricating hinges and locks as needed.
How to Verify Your Doors for Fire Safety?
It’s crucial to ensure that your doors comply with Singapore’s fire safety regulations and are prepared to perform effectively during emergencies. Here are five key areas to inspect:
Certification: Check for certification labels on the door to confirm its fire-rated status. Look for these labels on the top or side of the door, indicating the fire rating and other relevant specifications.
Clearances: Examine the gaps around the door, ensuring they are less than 4 millimetres when the door is closed. Although a slightly larger gap may be acceptable at the bottom, there should be no visible light passing through.
Seals: Inspect the door for intumescent seals, which expand when exposed to heat, providing additional protection against fire spread.
Hinges: Ensure that all hinges are securely attached and that no screws are missing. This ensures the door’s structural integrity and reduces the risk of it being displaced by falling objects.
Functionality: Verify that the door operates correctly, closing and latching securely without sticking to the floor or frame. A fire door is effective only when fully closed, so it’s essential to address any issues hindering proper closure.
Benefits of Fire Rated Doors in Singapore
- In Singapore’s urban landscape, where buildings are densely packed, fire rated doors offer several benefits:
- Enhanced safety for occupants
- Compliance with fire safety regulations
- Protection of property and assets
- Peace of mind for building owners and tenants
Common FAQs about Fire Rated Doors
- How long do fire rated doors last?
Fire rated doors are designed to withstand fire for a specified period, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on their fire rating.
- Are fire-rated doors required by law in Singapore?
Yes, fire rated doors are mandatory in certain buildings in Singapore, such as high-rise residential and commercial properties, to comply with fire safety regulations. These doors are required to be installed within 3 meters of the lift lobby or staircase to ensure prompt access during emergencies.
- Can fire rated doors be painted?
Yes, fire rated doors can be painted, but it’s essential to use fire-rated paint that complies with safety standards and does not compromise the door’s fire resistance.
- How often should fire rated doors be inspected?
Fire rated doors should be inspected regularly, at least once a year, to ensure they are in proper working condition. Additionally, they should undergo more thorough inspections by qualified professionals periodically.
- What are the costs associated with fire rated doors?
The cost of fire rated doors varies depending on factors such as material, size, fire rating, and installation requirements. It’s essential to obtain quotes from reputable suppliers and contractors to determine the total cost.