FDAI History and FAQ

A Fire Safety Essential

Fire safety in the built environment has taken a giant leap forward with the introduction, in 2007, of annual inspection of fire-rated door assemblies by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as part of its NFPA 80 standard.  NFPA 80, 2013 edition, is referenced in the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), 2015 edition, and will eventually be included in the building codes of those provinces that do not use the NBCC.

Learn more about annual fire door assembly inspections

To download the FDAI Canadian Brochure, click here.

 


The Rhode Island nightclub fire – 100 lives lost due fire doors that did not work correctly.

What is NFPA 80, and what does it require?
Who are the key players in annual fire door assembly inspections?


A properly operating fire door contains fire damage.

What does an inspector look for?
Can I conduct my own inspection of fire doors?

According to NFPA 80, 2013 edition, only a person “with knowledge and understanding of the operating components of the type of door being subject to testing” can inspect fire doors and sign the record of inspection.  The level of knowledge and understanding required comes as the result of experience and proper training, such as that leading to the CFDAI or FDAI designations offered by DHI.


This is the kind of damage a properly operating fire door can contain.

Why conduct annual fire door assembly inspections?
NFPA 80, 2007 (or later) edition, is not currently enforced in my area.  What are the benefits to me of annual inspections?

Even if not required, annual inspections by a properly trained inspector are still a good practice.  They:

How can I learn more about annual fire door assembly inspections?
Where can I find a DHI fire and egress door assembly professional near me?

Click here for a list of DHI professionals.

 


^