Lesson 1Assembly verification: interpreting labels, cross-referencing manufacturer’s listing, and documenting missing or altered labelsGuides learners through verifying the complete assembly by interpreting labels, cross-checking manufacturer listings, and documenting missing or altered labels that may invalidate the fire door rating in local inspections.
Reading and decoding label dataUsing manufacturer listings and guidesConfirming component compatibilityRecognising field-altered assembliesDocumenting nonlisted substitutionsLesson 2Hardware inspection: closers, latches, strike plates, pivots, self-closing devices, coordinated hardwareAddresses systematic hardware inspection, including closers, latches, strikes, pivots, and coordinated devices, ensuring that all components function together to provide reliable self-closing and latching in South African buildings.
Verifying self-closing device operationInspecting latches, strikes, and throwsChecking hinges, pivots, and bearingsCoordinators and sequential closing needsIdentifying missing or disabled hardwareLesson 3Frame and stop inspection: mounting, continuous stops, gaps, and warpingDetails inspection of frames and stops, including anchorage, alignment, continuity of stops, and gap conditions, helping inspectors detect warping, loose frames, and other issues that compromise fire door performance locally.
Verifying frame anchorage and plumbChecking continuous stops and profilesMeasuring frame-to-door gap uniformityIdentifying frame twist, bow, and warpAssessing shims, grout, and fastenersLesson 4Operational testing procedures: latch/close tests, hold-open devices, closer adjustment checks, and smoke test basicsOutlines operational testing procedures for fire doors, including latch and closing tests, hold-open device checks, closer adjustments, and basic smoke tests to confirm reliable, code-compliant performance in South Africa.
Standard latch and closing test stepsTesting hold-open and release devicesEvaluating closer speed and latching forceBasic field smoke test techniquesRecording and interpreting test resultsLesson 5Exterior process and sample selection: order of inspection and rationale for sampling 12 doorsDescribes how to plan the exterior inspection process, set an efficient door order, and apply sampling logic, including when and why a 12-door sample may be used and when full-population inspection is required locally.
Mapping inspection routes and sequencesSelecting representative sample doorsRationale for a 12-door sample sizeWhen full inventory inspection is neededRecording sample selection justificationLesson 6Glazing, louvers, and vision panels: labels, glass type, stops, and backing materialsCovers inspection of glazing, louvers, and vision panels, focusing on label verification, glass type, mounting details, and backing materials so learners can identify unsafe field modifications and noncompliant components in SA.
Required fire and safety glazing labelsIdentifying approved fire-rated glass typesStops, beads, and glazing channel detailsLouvers and vision panel size limitationsBacking materials and fire-resistance ratingsLesson 7Door leaf inspection: construction, clearances, edge conditions, damage assessmentExplains how to inspect the door leaf for construction type, edge integrity, clearances, and visible damage, enabling accurate assessment of whether the leaf still meets its fire and smoke performance requirements locally.
Identifying door core and facing materialsMeasuring perimeter and undercut clearancesEvaluating edge seals and edge integrityRecognising field modifications and repairsDocumenting impact, moisture, and heat damageLesson 8Signage and certification labels: location, legibility, required markingsExplains how to inspect signage and certification labels, confirming their presence, location, legibility, and required markings so that each door assembly can be properly identified and verified in the field in South Africa.
Required fire door label informationApproved label locations on assembliesAssessing label legibility and damageSignage content and mounting criteriaHandling missing or painted-over labelsLesson 9Thresholds and undercuts: sills, gaps to floor, and smoke control relevanceFocuses on thresholds and undercuts, including sill types, floor conditions, and smoke control needs, so inspectors can judge whether gaps and components comply with fire and smoke door requirements in local buildings.
Types of thresholds and sill assembliesMeasuring undercut and floor clearanceSmoke and draft control gap criteriaEvaluating uneven or sloped floor surfacesField solutions for excessive undercutsLesson 10Gasketing and smoke seals: types, location, compression, gaps, and replacement criteriaCovers gasketing and smoke seals, including types, locations, compression, and wear, enabling inspectors to determine when seals are missing, damaged, incorrectly installed, or require replacement to maintain performance in SA.
Common fire and smoke gasket typesRequired locations on frames and leavesChecking compression and continuous contactIdentifying damage, gaps, and hardeningReplacement criteria and field upgrades
