If you live in a Class 2-9 building, such as an apartment, then you need to do a little more research before fitting a security door to any door deemed a fire door. While your security and airflow needs are important, these classes of buildings have very strict fire safety protocols and they are legally required to have designated emergency exits and exit plans to protect occupants.
Purpose of a fire door
Fire doors play a critical role in emergency plans and fire containment, serving two main purposes:
- Safe Passage – Fire doors must allow for quick and easy evacuation, opening with a single action without a key
- Fire Containment – Certified fire doors are tested to meet Australian Standards, achieving a Fire Resistance Level that helps prevent flames, embers, fire and smoke spreading from room to room, unit to unit. These doors must stay closed unless equipped with a system that closes them in emergencies.
It’s advisable to consult with a fire engineer, your body corporate, or a professional Prowler Proof dealer who can assess the specific requirements and regulations for your building. Prowler Proof dealers are all members of the National Security Screen Association, and so are up to date on security screen regulations and compliance and have access to support materials. They can provide guidance on whether a Prowler Proof security door can be fitted to your fire door without affecting its compliance.
Yes, security screens, barrier screens, security doors and barrier doors may be installed on most windows and some doorways that are not part of the exit plan or pathway. It is important to check with your body corporate however, before proceeding, to see if they have any aesthetic or compliance requirements in place for screening products.
What support materials are available for my security screen dealer?
As members of the National Security Screen Association, your Prowler Proof dealer has access to the NSSA Member Guide: Fire Doors & Fire Escapes, and they will be able to talk you through this document and explain if you can, or cannot, have a security door fitted to your fire door.