How Fire Doors Work & What Can Go Wrong

In Australia, a fire door is a specialised door set (door leaf, frame, hardware, seals) designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke between different sections of a building, typically as part of a passive fire protection system.

What Is a Fire Door?

A fire door:

• Is constructed from fire-resistant materials.

• Has been tested and certified to comply with specific fire ratings (e.g. 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes).

• Must self-close and latch to be effective in the event of a fire.

• Is designed to maintain compartmentation, stopping fire/smoke from spreading.

• It’s often installed in fire-isolated exits, fire-rated walls, and plant rooms, among other areas.

Codes and Regulations for Fire Doors in Australia

1. National Construction Code (NCC) / Building Code of Australia (BCA)

• The NCC, updated annually, is the primary regulatory framework.

• Volume 1 applies to commercial buildings and specifies:

  • Where fire doors are required (e.g. fire exits, stairwells).

  • Fire resistance levels (FRL) based on building class and risk.

• Performance requirements are set under Part C – Fire Resistance.

  
  

2. Australian Standards (AS)

• AS 1905.1 – Components for the Protection of Openings in Fire-Resistant Walls

  • Specifies how fire door sets should be constructed and tested.

• AS 1851 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment

  • Sets out inspection and maintenance requirements.

  • Fire doors must be inspected at least annually, often more frequently in high-risk environments.

• AS 1530.4 – Methods for Fire Tests on Building Materials, Components and Structures

  • Covers the testing of fire doors and other passive fire elements.

3. State/Territory Legislation

Each state/territory enforces the NCC and may have:

• Additional requirements (e.g. NSW has specific registration and certification rules under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000).

• Licensing requirements for fire door installers and certifiers.

Installation & Certification Requirements

• Must be installed by licensed professionals.

• Door sets must be:

  • Tested and certified to AS 1905.1.

  • Clearly tagged with details like fire rating, manufacturer, and certifier.

• Certification must be retained and submitted as part of an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS).

Maintenance Requirements

Under AS 1851, fire doors must:

• Be inspected regularly for issues such as:

  • Warping, gaps, faulty closers/latches, or penetrations.

• Be kept clear—nothing can block or wedge a fire door open.

• Have any defects promptly repaired by a qualified person.

Common Fire Door Issues and What Can Go Wrong

ISSUE	PROBLEM	DANGER	SOLUTION/CAUSE
Door Doesn’t Self-Close or Latch	The door doesn’t fully close or latch on its own.	Fire doors are designed to automatically close to contain fire/smoke. If they stay open, they are completely ineffective.	Faulty or missing door closers, hinges, or warping.
Wedges or Obstructions	The door is propped open with wedges, hooks, or furniture.	It prevents the door from closing during a fire, defeating its purpose.	Fire doors should never be held open unless fitted with approved hold-open devices linked to the fire alarm.
Gaps Around the Door	Excessive gaps between the door and frame (especially at the top or bottom).	Gaps let smoke and fire pass through, compromising compartmentation.	AS 1905.1 and AS 1851 typically allow 3mm ±1mm for vertical gaps.
Unapproved Modifications or Damage	Drilled holes, added peepholes, signage, or hardware not part of the certified design	Unauthorized modifications can weaken fire resistance or void certification.	If unsure of whether you are able to make modifications, contact your localpassive fire specialist.
Missing or Damaged Fire Seals	Fire/smoke seals are missing, damaged, painted over, or incorrectly fitted.	These seals expand when heated, helping block smoke and flames.	Replace seals immediately if compromised.
Incorrect or Non-Certified Hardware	Door closers, latches, hinges, or locks are not fire-rated.	Non-rated components may fail under fire conditions.	All hardware must be part of the tested and certified fire door assembly.
No Fire Door Tag or Certification Label	Missing or illegible compliance tag on the door leaf or frame.	The fire rating and origin can't be verified without it.	All certified fire doors must have a compliant metal tag (AS 1905.1).
Warped or Swollen Doors	The door doesn’t sit flush in the frame or rubs/sticks.	Prevents proper closing and may delay evacuation or sealing.	Cause: Water ingress, poor maintenance, or environmental exposure.
Painted Over or Blocked Hinges, Closers, or Seals	Maintenance or repainting covers moving parts or seals.	Can hinder the door’s function or fire performance.	Use certified painters who understand fire door compliance.
Failure to Inspect or Maintain Regularly	Neglected inspections under AS 1851.	Hidden issues go unnoticed, increasing liability.	Schedule 6-monthly inspections (or as per building class).

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For more information, please refer to the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services fact sheet:

QFES-BFS-InfoSheet-FireDoors.pdf

Download PDF • 344KB

Reference List

1. Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). (2022). National Construction Code (NCC) Volume One. Retrieved from: https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/

   • Contains requirements for fire resistance, performance standards, and specifications for fire doors in commercial buildings.

2. Standards Australia. (2015). AS 1905.1: Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls – Fire-resistant door sets.

   • Specifies construction, installation, and certification standards for fire door assemblies.

3. Standards Australia. (2020). AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment.

   • Provides inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire protection systems, including fire doors.

4. Standards Australia. (2014). AS 1530.4: Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures – Fire-resistance test of elements of construction.

   • Covers fire testing procedures for passive fire protection systems like fire doors.

5. NSW Government – Department of Planning and Environment. (2000). Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW).

   • Includes provisions for fire safety certification and fire door compliance specific to New South Wales. Retrieved from: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/

6. Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia). (n.d.). Fire Doors and Passive Fire Protection. Retrieved from: https://www.fpaa.com.au

   • Offers industry guidance and technical advice on passive fire protection measures.

7. SafeWork Australia. (n.d.). Managing the Risk of Fire and Explosion at the Workplace – Code of Practice. Retrieved from: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

   • General fire safety requirements relevant to workplaces, including doors and evacuation infrastructure.