The term fire protection closures refers to:
- A door assembly with a movable structure that closes a permanent opening in a fire partition. These can be single-leaf or double-leaf doors. When closed, they prevent the spread of heat and smoke into adjacent rooms (fire compartments).
- A window assembly with a movable structure made of transparent material that closes an opening in a partition wall. When closed, it prevents the spread of heat and smoke into adjacent rooms (fire compartments).
- Fire dampers with a movable structure that close a permanent opening in a fire-resistant partition through which a ventilation duct passes. When closed, they prevent the spread of heat and smoke into adjacent rooms (fire compartments).
The fire resistance of a fire protection closure refers to its ability to maintain specific properties—integrity (E), insulation (I), or radiation (W)—for the duration specified by the test. Inspection and installation of fire protection closures (doors, dampers, or windows) are an integral part of preparing and maintaining a building’s fire safety. Fire closures must be installed, operated, and regularly inspected in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic Decree No. 478/2008 Coll., which regulates the properties, specific conditions of operation, and the assurance of regular inspections of fire closures.
Penetrations of distribution systems, installations, technical equipment, and technological equipment through fire-separating structures must be properly sealed to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent fire compartments.
The sealing must meet the fire resistance requirements of the fire-separating structure it passes through, but not exceed EI 90.
Fire Barrier Marking
Fire barriers must be marked with a conformity mark and accompanying information such as the serial number, year of manufacture, and the manufacturer’s name. This information must be tamper-resistant, easily accessible, and clearly legible to the naked eye, even after the fire barrier has been installed.
Fire doors must be marked with the words FIRE DOOR.
Fire windows must be marked with the words FIRE WINDOW.
Fire dampers must be marked with the words FIRE DAMPER.
Separating structures must be marked with the appropriate inscription, such as FIRE SHUTTER or FIRE DOOR, depending on their function.
The accompanying documentation for the fire protection closures must include must include
- certificate or declaration of conformity issued by the manufacturer of the fire barrier
- instructions for installation, commissioning, recommended use, including definition of the environment of use, warning signs, maintenance instructions
- fire barrier operating log – in written form. The log shall contain regular records of inspections and preventive maintenance, the actual functional/non-functional status, repairs performed, and preventive inspections.
Preventive maintenance and preventive inspections of fire closures are specified in the operating instructions; if the operating instructions do not specify this, they must be carried out at least once every 12 months.
Preventive inspections and repairs of fire protection closures may be carried out by trained and authorized persons from the manufacturer of the fire protection closures. The relevant authorization must be attached to the repair/preventive inspection record.
Inspection of closures
Minimum Scope of Fire Protection Closures Inspection:
- Minimum scope of fire protection closures inspection:
- equipment of fire closures, including their integrity
- completeness of installation location marking
- compliance of the type of fire closure installed with the type of fire closure proposed in the fire safety design documentation
- The functionality of the fire barrier without technical support is verified by checking
- the smooth operation of the movable structure of the fire barrier when closing or opening
- the smooth operation of the closing coordinator and the correct closing sequence of the fire barrier leaves
- the smooth operation of the safety mechanism
- the integrity of the fire tape around the inner perimeter of the fire door against smoke penetration.
Price for fire protection closures inspection: €6 per unit (excluding VAT).
Regular inspection and maintenance of fire protection closures
- inspection of the fastening of all metal elements
- inspection of the proper functioning of the closure
- cleaning and lubrication of moving parts of the fire door
Price for regular inspection of fire doors: €12 per unit (excluding VAT).
Repair of fire protection closures
After inspecting the fire barrier and determining its actual condition, it is necessary to ensure its proper functionality through repair if needed.
The cost is always calculated based on the technician’s hourly rate and the cost of any required repair or replacement parts. A price quote is always agreed upon with the customer before the inspection is carried out.
Fire closures are structural elements such as doors, dampers, or windows that prevent the spread of fire and smoke between fire compartments.
Fire closures are installed according to project documentation and must be fitted by certified companies in compliance with current standards.
Inspection includes a visual check, a closing functionality test, and verification for damage or mechanical failure.
At least once a year is recommended, or more frequently in high-traffic areas or after changes in building use.
Only qualified fire protection professionals. All results must be documented in the inspection record.
