When a fire breaks out, fire doors help protect your property and personnel. They’re designed to automatically close to slow the spread of deadly smoke, flames and embers into other parts of your facility.
A fire door is only effective if it functions properly. As a building owner or facility manager, the last thing you want is for your fire door system to fail when you need it most.
Regular maintenance and testing — especially drop testing — are critical to maintaining this essential fire safety system. Read on to learn more about what’s involved in a fire door drop test and some surprising statistics.
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), about 1500 warehouse fires occur annually. Fires involving LP gas had a higher incident of civilian deaths and injuries compared to other incidents.
Fires are less common during overnight hours, but if a fire does break out at night, property losses are higher. Conversely, fires that occur between 6 am and Noon have significantly more injuries.
Fire doors are a critical line of defense, protecting people and property. But they can only save lives and prevent damage if they close when needed and seal properly.
Drop testing evaluates the fire door’s automatic closing mechanisms to ensure they shut securely. During a drop test, the door’s closure system is activated and a qualified inspector confirms the door:
The test mimics real-world fire scenarios to verify that the fire door will function as intended during an emergency. The inspector will also inspect the door for damage and ensure the door conforms to the NFPA 80 safety standard.
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is an independent, self-funded nonprofit organization. Its standards are used in building codes locally and internationally.
In brief, NFPA standard 80 requires any opening in a fire wall have a fire-rated door. The door must close automatically in the event of a fire and may not have modifications that prevent the door from closing — unless those modifications are designed to disengage if a fire is detected.
Fire doors must be tested annually to ensure they are in good working order. Drop testing must be performed by a qualified professional who understands fire door systems and local regulations.
Doors that undergo heavy use or may be subject to damage (such as being run into by a truck, forklift or other equipment) may require more frequent testing. This includes damage to the doorframe.
You should also test fire doors:
Once the test is complete, the inspector will document the results and notify you if repairs or maintenance are needed.
Fire doors experience daily use and wear over time, which can compromise their functionality. Hinges may loosen, seals may degrade and closing mechanisms may fail. Drop testing helps identify these issues early, ensuring they are repaired before they become a liability.
The primary purpose of a fire door is to save lives. A malfunctioning fire door may fail to contain smoke and flames, putting occupants at risk. Regular drop testing ensures the door will close effectively in the event of a fire.
Fire safety codes and standards, including those set by the NFPA and local authorities, require periodic inspections and testing of fire doors. Failure to comply can result in:
Drop testing helps you stay compliant and demonstrates your commitment to safety.
Fire doors that do not close or seal properly allow fire and smoke to spread more rapidly, leading to extensive damage. A properly functioning fire door can compartmentalize the fire, limiting its impact and providing first responders with better control of the situation.
As a building owner or manager, you have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure the safety of occupants. If a fire door fails to perform due to neglect, you could face lawsuits, insurance complications, or even criminal charges. Regular drop testing reduces this risk by ensuring your fire doors meet safety standards.
Regular drop testing ensures your life-saving devices operate as designed when you need them most. By prioritizing fire door maintenance and testing, you demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety, compliance and peace of mind.
Make fire door drop testing a non-negotiable part of your fire safety plan — it could mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our experienced and friendly safety experts. We’re proud to support businessed large and small in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and eastern Arkansas.
Contact us online or by phone 844-LILLYCO (1-844-545-5926) with any questions you have, or visit one of our 13 locations across the Mid-South.
Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Birmingham, Dothan, Irondale, Madison, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Tupelo and Richland
Tennessee - Jackson, Memphis, Knoxville, and Kingsport
Further Reading
Schedule a Free Loading Dock Safety Inspection
NFPA Fire Statistics
Loading Dock Fire Door Inspections Save Lives and Money