The Challenges of Fire Bolts in Fire Rated Door Sets Queensland

In the realm of fire safety, ensuring that fire doors function correctly during a fire is crucial. Fire doors serve as critical barriers, preventing the spread of fire and smoke, thereby protecting occupants and property. However, the introduction of fire-activated bolts in these doors has sparked significant discussion and concern within the fire safety community. This blog delves into the complexities surrounding fire-activated bolts, particularly focusing on their role, potential risks, and the latest guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

What are Fire Bolts?

Fire-activated bolts are devices installed in fire-rated door sets to enhance their performance during a fire. These bolts are designed to secure the door leaf firmly to the frame, preventing warping or twisting under extreme heat conditions. The activation of these bolts is triggered by the use of intumescent materials, which expand when exposed to heat.

The Purpose and Benefits

The primary purpose of fire-activated bolts is to ensure the integrity of the fire door during a fire. By securing the door in place, these bolts help the door maintain its fire-resistant properties as outlined in AS 1530.4:2014, which governs fire resistance tests for building materials and components. In theory, this should provide enhanced protection against fire spread, thereby safeguarding building occupants and property.

The Risks and Controversies

Despite their intended benefits, fire-activated bolts have raised significant concerns among fire safety professionals. One of the primary issues is the potential for these bolts to activate prematurely or inadvertently, rendering the door inoperable. This poses a serious risk during fire emergencies, as it could impede the safe evacuation of occupants and hinder fire brigade intervention.

Moreover, the activation of these bolts prior to or during an evacuation compromises compliance with critical Performance Requirements (C1P2 and D1P2) of the National Construction Code (NCC). These requirements are designed to ensure safe movement within a building and effective fire brigade intervention. If the door becomes locked due to early bolt activation, it could trap occupants or prevent firefighters from gaining access, leading to potentially catastrophic consequences.

However, testing has been undertaken on the activation temperature of fire bolts, and the results have shown that they pass these tests, which should allay fears about premature activation.

Official Guidelines and Positions

FRNSW Position
Effective April 29, 2024, FRNSW mandates that fire doors must remain functional throughout a fire, meaning they must be openable and closable to facilitate safe evacuation and firefighting efforts. Fire-activated bolts should not make doors inoperable during a fire, as this would violate the NCC’s Performance Requirement D1P2.

ACT Fire Safety Guideline
Similarly, ACT Fire & Rescue emphasizes that fire-rated door sets should remain functional during a fire to allow for occupant egress and fire brigade intervention. The guidelines stress the importance of considering the specific activation temperature of the bolts, the expected fire conditions, and the impact on fire compartmentation.

QFES Position
In Queensland, fire doors and the associated use of fire bolts fall outside the jurisdiction of fire safety authorities and are instead overseen by private certifiers. Currently, there is no formal public position on the use of fire bolts, although discussions continue on this topic.

Further testing has been conducted by some core sponsors, which has resulted in limiting the extent of fire bolt usage. This ensures that the usage of fire bolts is carefully controlled and appropriate for specific fire-rated systems.

Moving Forward with Compliance and Safety

Given the potential risks associated with fire-activated bolts, Australian Architectural Fire Doors is dedicated to ensuring that every fire door we supply meets the strictest safety standards. We understand that compliance with AS 1530.4:2014 alone is not enough. That’s why we take a holistic approach that considers occupant safety, fire brigade access, and the overall functionality of fire doors.

For our clients, we provide detailed guidance and support to ensure that fire-activated bolts, if used, do not compromise the primary function of the fire door. Ongoing consultation with fire safety authorities and adherence to the latest guidelines is key to navigating this complex issue, ensuring that our fire safety solutions are both effective and reliable.

In conclusion, while fire-activated bolts can enhance the fire resistance of doors, their potential to hinder evacuation and fire brigade intervention must be carefully managed. At Australian Architectural Fire Doors, we are committed to a balanced approach that prioritizes both safety and compliance, delivering fire doors that you can trust in the most critical moments.

For further reading check out this article on FIRE BOLTS

Sources: FRNSW, FSG