FDAI FAQ

What role does our industry play?

Both NFPA 80 and NFPA 101 require the inspections and testing of door assemblies to be performed by individuals who are knowledgeable of the operating components of the fire and egress door assemblies. Through the education and training provided by DHI (see additional information below), members of our industry have opportunity to actively participate in the inspection process.

Who has the authority to enforce the inspection requirements of NFPA 80 and NFPA 101?

Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) confirm that inspections have occurred by reviewing the documentation and verifying that the necessary corrective actions were taken to repair assemblies that were found to have deficiencies. AHJs rely on the expertise of industry personnel to correctly perform and document the inspections of egress and fire door assemblies.

Who is responsible for the maintenance and care of the door assemblies?

Responsibility for the maintenance and care of door assemblies rests solidly on the shoulders of the building owners. The role of the inspector is to record and report the condition of the door assemblies to the owner. Owners will have to decide if, when, and what corrective actions will be taken; otherwise they will run the risk of being cited for violations by the AHJ.

What classes/training is required to attain the education necessary to become a certified inspector?

In order to become certified you must first successfully complete the DHI’s DAI600 – Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection class. This class will teach you how to perform and record the annual inspections in accordance with the NFPA 80 and NFPA 101 requirements. The class also provides tips for interacting with owners and AHJs. For additional details about the class and its prerequisites refer to DHI’s Education Resource Guide.

Why should I participate in the Annual Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection Program?

Here are a handful of key reason why you should become an FDAI.

• Create a new revenue stream by providing the inspection services and performing maintenance on the door assemblies
• Increase your opportunity to meet with end-users
• Establish credibility in your role as a leader in balancing life safety and security
• Advance your career and increase your value as an employee
• Increase your company’s competitive edge for creating this new business model

What role does DHI play in the inspections?

The DAI600 program concentrates on NFPA 80’s and NFPA 101’s inspection requirements and culminates with an certification exam that will earn you your CFDAI certification. This training is open to all qualified parties.

Program Partners?

Intertek (through its Warnock Hersey Mark) works with DHI to offer their professional certification as part of this program. Upon passing DHI’s DAI600 class and exam, students will be invited to enroll in Intertek’s IQP - Certified Fire and Egress Door Inspector certification program.

To learn more about becoming an IQP visit www.intertek.com/IQP

How do I protect myself and my company from risk by errors and/or omissions?

The DHI has endorsed Telcom Insurance Services Corporation (TISC) to administer an insurance program for DHI members. TISC is a national leader in developing association specific programs and has worked closely with the leaders and select members of DHI to become an authority on providing protection to door security and safety professionals.

DHI-Sponsored Insurance Program through TISC, we can provide you ways to lower your risk through customized and exclusive insurance policies and risk education. 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 your insurance-related needs including coverage selection, insurer choice, risk management assistance, contract reviews and claims monitoring.

This insurance program offers detailed, customized coverage specific to the needs of the Fire and Egress Door inspector providing coverage for errors and omissions resulting from the door inspection process. Ultimately, this affords you better coverage and savings in annual premiums to your company.

Who is creating awareness for the importance of these inspections?

DHI, in conjunction with The Door Security & Safety Foundation takes the lead with the end user, fire and code officials, and design communities to create awareness and educate on the importance of fire door assembly inspections, the critical role these inspections play in balancing life safety and security, and pointing to using knowledgeable experts for this important work.

What is the history of this program?

Back in late 2007, new language contained in NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire doors and Other Opening Protectives, 2007 edition) requiring documented inspections for fire-rated door assemblies on an annual basis (Chapter 5, Care and Maintenance) was adopted and DHI officially launched the Fire Door Assembly Inspection program at the DHI Exposition and Trade Show. This included delivering our first Fire Door Assembly Inspection class (DAI600) to over one hundred students The Door Safety & Security Foundation published and released two publications, one is an AHJs Guide and the other is an Owners Guide to provide a detailed understanding of this new standard. These books will help us build awareness of and create demand for our new industry program throughout the built environment.

That was 2007. What about now? NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, continues to require documented inspections for fire-rated door assemblies to be performed on an annual basis. Chapter 5, Care and Maintenance, addresses the care and maintenance of fire doors and fire windows, both new and existing.

Paragraph 5.2.1 (2010) states, “Fire door assemblies shall be inspected and tested not less than annually, and a written record of the inspection shall be signed and kept for inspection by the AHJ.”  Swinging doors with builders hardware are the most common type of fire door assembly, and are among the most complex due to the myriad of materials and component products that are used to create them. These assemblies often provide accessibility, security, and life-safety functions in addition to their fire-safety protection, also increasing their complexity. Inspectors must thoroughly understand the dynamics of these assemblies in order to correctly evaluate them in the field.

Additionally, the 2009 edition of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code expanded on NFPA 80’s inspection requirements for fire-rated door assemblies where the door leaves are required to swing in the direction of egress travel.  NFPA 101 also requires non-fire rated door assemblies to be inspected in conjunction with the fire-rated door assemblies.  Currently, NFPA 101’s requirements apply to door assemblies installed in new and existing assembly, day care, educational, and residential board and care occupancies, but those occupancies will continue to increase, especially in light of the CMS adoption of LSC and their requirement for annual inspections

Regardless of economics, doors assemblies will need to be inspected and maintained to code, by law.  Are you and your company prepared to begin providing these potentially life-saving services in your community?

How do I get started?

DHI is committed to supporting the openings industry and it members through this initiative. All the components are in place. Are you and your company prepared to take full advantage of this revenue-generating opportunity? Contact DHI today at education@dhi.org or call 202.367.1134 and learn how you, too, can be actively involved in and benefit from DHI’s Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspection program.