In constructing HDB blocks, the goal is to address the current fire safety regulations. Most HDB apartments require a fire rated door as mandated by the Fire Code in Singapore. It applies particularly in certain situations where the entry doors are within three meters of the lobby or stairwell.
An HDB fire rated door has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it can survive the heat and pressure of a blazing fire for as long as necessary. Properties can use fire-retardant walls to divide and control the spread of a flame in a structure.
If you are living in an HDB flat, Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that landowners guarantee the safety of their buildings and residents by following the requirements. However, if you plan to change your HDB fire rated door and enhance your HDB gate lock, it would be better to understand how it works and its regulations.
What Is A Fire Rated Door?
An HDB fire rated door refers to a metal door designed, assessed, and certified by an authority to have a specific fire-resistance rating. Manufacturers have engineered these doors to survive a set cloud of emissions, fire and plumes of smoke to guarantee the safety of the residents living in an HDB flat. Depending on the brand, an HDB fire rated door standards are often 4 hours, 3 hours, 1-1/2 hours, or 45 minutes in duration.
How does a fire rated door function?
For the prevention of smoke and fire, an HDB fire rated door is necessary. It’s feasible to obtain valuable time for occupants to exit the premises. Smoke inhalation is more dangerous than most people realise, and these doors can keep smoke out for a predetermined amount of time.
In most cases of fire, people can have time depending on the minutes of their HDB fire rated door resistance. A minute grade indicates how long the doorway can withstand tolerance to fire and high temperatures.
An HDB fire rated door is vital in protecting people’s assets from harm by reducing the impacts to the people and the building.
However, contrary to the hearsays that an HDB fire rated door is only flat and dull in colour, it can also be attractive and stylish like a landed property gate in Singapore. You can choose from the various designs offered by an HDB gates supplier.
Apart from that, an HDB fire rated door may also increase security by having an automated HDB gate lock like Samsung digital lock you can buy in Singapore.
What are the regulations under the HDB fire rated door installation?
- According to the HDB rules and regulations when replacing an HDB fire rated door:
- As long as you follow HDB’s original specifications, you can use the same gate dimensions. The gate swing should not impede public exit.
- You must maintain a minimum of 1.2m space between the gate and the hallway parapet wall for units along the shared hallway.
- Corner units must not have gates that interfere with the neighbouring unit’s windows.
- Frames must have self-closing devices, and replacement doors rates must be 30 minutes of fire exposure.
- Localised house smoke and fire alarm systems must be installed in the property by the SCDF FSSD.
You also have to ensure that your HDB fire rated door has proper credentials and must include the accreditor’s label. Before replacing your entryway, you can hire an HDB-licensed contractor to undertake the work and file for permission on your account.
What are the documents I need for an HDB fire door replacement?
A qualified HDB contractor should initially purchase an HDB fire rated door for installation. Councils typically require an HDB layout and a completed HDB acceptance form from homeowners.
An HDB permission is obtained in your name by the contractor. The owner will receive official approval from HDB within a month after construction. The product comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Areas you can install an HDB fire rated door:
You can maximise the benefits of an HDB fire rated door by choosing the correct area to install the door.
- Entry and exit points that lead into and out of hallways.
- Dividers between two different structures.
- Lift and staircase access points.
Advantages of Fire Rated Door
An HDB fire rated door keeps fire, smoke, and gases from spreading in a particular property area. Timber, vermiculite, gypsum, glass, and steel are fire-resistant elements used in constructing these doors.
Efficient
By including an HDB fire rated door in every fire safety strategy, you can experience its effectiveness. Not only does a fire rated door safeguard and save those who reside or work on the premises, but they also prevent material possessions such as machines and equipment or other critical items from being damaged.
Increased Security
You can ensure your family’s safety if you have an HDB fire rated door added with a sturdy automated HDB gate lock such as Samsung digital lock available in Singapore. It is usually made of resistant materials to safeguard the residents living in the HDB flat.
Save lives
In the event of a fire, a fire-rated door makes evacuating the building’s occupants much easier. They also can reduce the amount of property damage that occurs.
Moreover, an HDB fire rated door keeps the fire from spreading and the smoke and hazardous fumes it produces in one spot. You can also be confident that it can safeguard your house or business from various risks enhanced with an automated HDB gate lock like the Samsung digital lock in Singapore.
Choosing the right HDB fire rated door
If you plan to enhance your safety and improve your fire protection method, an HDB fire rated door with an automated HDB gate lock might be the answer. It’s important to remember that your HDB’s appearance and safety depend on having a fire rated door.
Consider purchasing from Liminal. They offer reliable high-tech digital locks, a customisable landed property gate, HDB and condo gates to modern doors. Take a peek at the gates Liminal offers for your Singapore property. You can choose from a wide variety of styles, sizes, and gates here.
