Annual Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection Program (FDAI)
DHI's Annual Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection (FDAI) program is a four-part program combining education, certification, risk management, and advocacy. Through the joint efforts of DHI, INTERTEK, TELCOM and YOUR FOUNDATION together they are committed to advancing life safety within the built environment. Based on NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2007 edition), documented inspections for fire-rated door assemblies are required on an annual basis.
Find a Certified Fire and Egress Door Assembly Professional
Inspections must be performed by individuals knowledgeable about the operating components of doors subject to testing. Locate a professional who is certified to perform these inspections.
Building Code Adoptions by State
Need to find out if current codes that mandate the annual inspection of fire-rated door assemblies have been adopted in your state? Here are some resources to help you find information pertinent to your locale:
The International Code Council (ICC) develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings—including government buildings, hotels, schools and healthcare. This council also serves as the basis for construction of federal properties around the world, as well in most U.S. cities, counties, and states.
The most relevant codes for the openings industry fall under the International Building Codes (IBC). These codes are used during the construction phase and are referenced until the Certificate of Occupancy is issued. International Fire Codes (IFC) are used for existing buildings.
The 2009 editions of both the IBC and the IFC reference the inspection steps contained in NFPA 80 (2007 edition). If a state has adopted the 2009 version of the IBC or IFC, then, in theory, they could be performing inspections based on enforcement by the local AHJ community.
Links below direct you to interactive resources offered by the International Code Council.
- U.S. Map lists the codes in use for that state. When you click on a state, you will be looking for '2009 International Building Code' and/or '2009 International Fire Code.'
- U.S. Code Adoptions Map highlights codes that are in use for each individual state. Under the IBC column or IFC column you will be looking for the adoption of the '2009 edition.’
Building Code Reference Library
Reed Construction Data offers the "Building Code Reference Library," an excellent resource for determining what specific codes are enforced in a particular state.
By selecting an individual state, the most relevant codes for the openings industry fall under the 'Building/Dwelling Code' entry and the 'Fire/Life Safety Code' entry. The 2009 version of the IBC or IFC is the code that determines if fire door inspections are potentially taking place in that state.
Education
DHI National Education opportunities are available. Click here for class schedules and training information. Regional Opportunities for FDAI classes COMING SOON TO AN AREA NEAR YOU!
Certified Governing Agency
Intertek (through its Warnock Hersey Mark) has partnered with DHI to offer professional certification as part of this program. Upon passing the DAI 600 class exam, students are invited to enroll in Intertek’s Certified Fire and Egress Door Inspector certification program. Intertek’s professional certification affords you the credibility of their Warnock Hersey Mark that many Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) have come to recognize as one of the symbols that they can rely on in the field..
For more information and/or to find an Intertek certified door inspection professional go to: http://www.intertek.com/building/door-inspector-program/
Intertek Certified Fired Door Inspector (CFDI) Frequently Asked Questions
Inspection Forms/Certified Inspector Logos
To assist our industry as they conduct their annual inspections, DHI has created an Inspection Report form that is available to those who have successfully completed the DAI 600 – Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection class.
The Inspection Report form will be used to document their inspection(s). Building owners will then be able to keep the necessary paperwork on file in compliance with the new code requirements. The second form, the Model Business Agreement, is a standard document used by the inspectors company with the building owner.
Forms are available only to certified fire door Inspectors. To learn more, contact DHI at (703) 222-2010.
Click on images to Enlarge in PDF format.
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Form 1:Inspection Summary Report |
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Form 2:Fire Door Assembly Index |
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Form 3:Fire-Rated Swinging Door Inspection Survey |
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Form 4:Inspection Checklist |
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FDAI Official Logos |
Risk Coverage: Insurance
DHI has endorsed Telcom Insurance Services Corporation (TISC) to administer an insurance program for the members of our association offering a full range of insurance coverage including Property and Casualty, Directors and Officers,
Employment Practices Liability, and Professional Liability. As a certified fire-door inspector, TISC can offer you insurance that specifically covers you for errors and omissions insurance in support of our members and their companies
conducting inspections
The benefits to you, our member, are that:
- DHI co-owns and therefore co-directs with TISC all aspects of the program.
- TISC isn’t just an insurance agent. They are client advocates who will help with all of your insurance-related needs including coverage selection, insurer choice, risk management assistance, contract reviews, and claims monitoring.
For additional information and an insurance quote, call DHI Member Services and we will put you in touch with our partner, Telcom. Or you may reach TISC staff directly:
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"Like most other small to mid sized businesses our daily focus is in our core competencies so when we need insurance help we lean on the folks at Telcom. We have a lot of options today and let’s face it, we’re all challenged to exceed the expectations of our own customers. Telcom has worked hard to earn our business and solve our problems. They asked the questions to truly understand our business in order to build a program that fit our needs." Greg Lunde |
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Telcom Insurance Services Corporation (TISC)
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Exclusive Errors & Omissions Insurance
Certified professionals who write specifications, design, install, maintain and/or provide consulting advice and guidance on safe door openings, or inspect properties to determine whether that property’s doors or openings are compliant with NFPA 80 regulations may be subject to suits alleging that their services were performed in and unsafe, inappropriate or negligent manner. Monetary damages and court awards arising from these suits can be so severe that the business or professional under attack may never fully recover financially. That is why DHI has included special professional liability coverage in its member insurance program.
Advocacy
The Door Security & Safety Foundation (formerly the Foundation for the Advancement of Life Safety and Security) leads efforts further awareness and provide education within the fire service community.
Article Archives
Inspection of Fire-Rated Door Assemblies (PDF) by Keith E. Pardoe, DAHC/CDC, CDT
REFERENCE MATERIALS
In an effort to support the AHJ's mission, and to provide guidance to building owners and facilities management personnel, DHI and the Foundation have joined forces to create a training program specific to the inspection requirements of the 2007 edition of NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Excerpted language from NFPA 80 is included in the following manuals, and may be helpful to have as you progress through these guides. (Obtain a copy of NFPA 80 directly from NFPA at www.nfa.org or by calling DHI at 703-222-2010). Examples cited in the following guides are some common — but not all — problems and situations observed in builders' applications used on fire door assemblies.
AHJ's GUIDE: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware - $40.00
Inspect fire doors assemblies with the AHJ's Guide: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware Annual Safety Inspection.
The Door and Hardware Institute develops this step-by-step guide to give AHJs, fire marshals, and code enforcement officers detailed instructions for determining if fire doors comply with 2007 NFPA 80 requirements. Complex equipment and added security features make this task more complex than ever before! Learn why these critical inspections should be performed, and how to verify assemblies effectively and efficiently.
The AHJ's Guide covers:
- General Information
- Inspection Cycles
- Inspection Guidelines
- Inspector Qualifications, Responsibilities and Training
- Performing Inspections
- Sample Forms
- Other Types of Fire Door Assemblies
- New Construction
An essential companion to NFPA 80: Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, the AHJ's Guide: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware Annual Safety Inspection sheds light on requirements, and explains the AHJ's and owner's respective roles in the care and maintenance of swinging fire door assemblies. (Softbound, 55 pp., 2007)
OWNER'S GUIDE: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware - $40.00
The Owner's Guide: Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware Annual Safety Inspections clarifies maintenance and inspection.
Ongoing maintenance and periodic inspection of swinging fire doors are essential for fire and life safety. That's why building owners, property management personnel, and anyone responsible for these tasks needs this Owner's Guide from the Door and Hardware Institute. The Guide includes an overview of the requirements in 2007 NFPA 80: Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, and describes the owner's responsibilities and obligations for maintaining fire door assemblies in working condition. (Softbound, 51 pp., 2007)
The Owner's Guide helps you understand how and why NFPA 80 compliance protects fire door assemblies in buildings and facilities. Chapters include:
- General Information
- Inspection Cycles
- Inspection Guidelines
- Performing Inspections Sample Forms
- Sample Forms
- Summary and Glossary
REFERENCE GUIDE: Inspecting Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware - $65.00
The Reference Guide for Inspecting Swinging Fire Doors with Builders Hardware helps owners and property managers ensure compliance with NFPA 80.
Smaller buildings often have several basic-level swinging fire door assemblies, and all need to be checked for compliance with NFPA 80: Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. The Reference Guide from the Door and Hardware Institute helps building owners, caretakers, and property managers determine if they are equipped to perform the inspections and testing, or if they need the services of a professional fire door assembly inspector. (Softbound, 77 pp., 2007)
Chapters include step-by-step instructions for accurately evaluating swinging fire doors with builders hardware, plus explanations of:
- What is a Fire Door Assembly?
- NFPA 80 Inspection Requirements
- Inspector Qualifications
- Prevention of Door Blockage
- Inspecting Fire-Rated Glazing
- Performing the Functional Tests
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