Manufacturing environments are some of the most complex and high-risk facilities when it comes to fire hazards. From flammable materials to high-powered equipment and vast square footage, the potential for fire to spread rapidly is real. That?s why fire-rated doors ? and more importantly, their annual drop testing ? are a crucial safety and compliance requirement.
What Is Fire Door Drop Testing?
Fire-rated rolling doors and shutters are designed to automatically close during a fire to compartmentalize the building and slow the spread of smoke and flames. A drop test confirms that the door will close properly under emergency conditions ? either by gravity, motorized function, or fail-safe fusible links ? and that it complies with NFPA 80 standards.
Why It Matters in Manufacturing Facilities
- Compliance with NFPA 80 & Fire Code: NFPA 80 requires that all fire-rated doors be drop tested annually. This is especially critical in industrial environments where local fire inspectors expect robust documentation of life safety compliance.
- Insurance Liability: Fire protection failures can void insurance claims. If a fire-rated door fails during an incident and you cannot provide proof of drop testing, your company could face massive losses ? both financial and legal.
- Operational Safety: Many manufacturing operations include hazardous chemicals, flammable dusts, high-heat processes, or electrical machinery. A failed fire door could result in widespread fire damage, plant shutdowns, or worse ? serious injury or loss of life.
- Fire Containment & Asset Protection: Compartmentalization is essential to limit damage. Fire doors act as barriers to protect machinery, inventory, and staff by isolating the fire to its point of origin.
- Audit Readiness: Safety audits by regulatory bodies (e.g., OSHA, Ministry of Labour, or insurance underwriters) frequently request fire door inspection records. Having drop testing documentation on file shows you?re committed to maintaining a safe workplace.
Common Locations for Fire-Rated Doors in Industrial Facilities
- Between production and storage areas
- Separating office space from manufacturing zones
- In high-hazard rooms (paint booths, welding areas, etc.)
- At loading docks and external access points
- Above conveyor systems with integrated fire shutters
What You Need to Do
- Schedule annual drop testing with certified professionals
- Document all test results and keep reports accessible for audits or inspections
- Repair and retest any deficiencies immediately to maintain code compliance
- Educate your maintenance team on proper care of fire doors to avoid tampering or obstruction
Wilcox Door: Your Partner in Fire Door Safety
At Wilcox Door Service Inc., we specialize in servicing industrial-grade fire doors and conducting NFPA 80-compliant drop tests for manufacturing plants across Canada. Our experienced team understands the demands of industrial environments and ensures your facility meets all fire code and insurance requirements with minimal disruption to operations.
Keep your people, property, and production line safe. Schedule your fire door drop test today.