Setting the standard
Today, the industry demands a GRP composite fire door system that can consistently demonstrate compliance and dependable performance. Hurst Doors has set the standard for FD30 with the high-performance Fire Door Systems (FDS) fire door system. Sales director, Mark Atkinson, tells Glass Times about the fire door and Hurst’s business plans.
Recent years have seen Britain address its attitudes to fire safety. The Grenfell Tragedy led to the industry committing to the cessation of supply of composite fire doors which were deemed to be inconsistent with the requirements of building regulations.
A radical review of the broader operations of the fire door industry was required to ensure consistent and high performance to the expected standards.
Significant, and wholly necessary, developments within the composite fire door marketplace followed but, due to the very extent of these changes, the subsequent return to the market was slow. The revised product offer emphasis needed an overhaul too; robust, expansive testing, test evidence and performance transparency and traceability had to rightly outweigh what had previously been a largely ‘best price first’ mentality.
Consistent compliance and dependable performance can only be achieved through bi-directional testing and third-party certification. In addition, it is also crucial to have that transparency of the supply chain, in order to provide full traceability of the product.
That’s exactly what the FDS fire door system has been designed to provide, and we’re delighted with the results.
The perfect partnership
We decided to partner with Fire Door Systems (FDS) as the FDS FD30 fire door has been subjected to rigorous testing, expert consultation and meticulous independent auditing. All stages of the FDS supply chain, up to and including the doorset manufacturer, are third-party certified to the BM Trada Q-Mark certification scheme.
Furthermore, our own manufacturing process to produce the FDS composite fire door has also been third party audited by BM Trada. This has been successfully undertaken twice, across two Hurst manufacturing sites, both in Hull and in Brighouse, thereby significantly enhancing our production capability and volumes.
Passing the test
The FDS GRP composite fire door system has undergone more than 30 bi-directional tests featuring 60 individual door sets, undertaken in three Independent accredited European countries test laboratories and achieving an average of 45 minutes integrity (equating to 50% over run of the 30-minute pass criteria).
Tested to the more demanding EN1634-1:2014 European standard it satisfies our UK National Test standard method and delivers compliance to UK Building Regulations for fire door safety.
Testing has been completed on both solid and glazed door options, with or without overhead fanlights. Testing has also recently been successfully completed on glazed side panels, with plans to introduce these imminently.
A chance for change
This level of commitment and robust testing has sent a clear message to the UK construction industry that you can achieve consistent fire resistance, compliance and peace of mind with GRP composite fire doors.
It is vital that the industry understands the benefits of the new FDS fire door system and in the coming months, our plan, with the help and support from Fire Door Systems, is to educate local authorities, housing associations, house builders and developers.
We are delighted to be part of a trusted and accredited network to manufacture the FDS system and are looking forward to working with Fire Door Systems moving forward.
