A smoke rated door is specifically designed to prevent the spread of smoke within a building, particularly into escape routes.
Understanding Smoke Rated Doors
Smoke is a significant hazard during a fire, often spreading faster and further than flames and causing incapacitation or death through toxicity and reduced visibility. Smoke rated doors play a crucial role in building safety by containing smoke, allowing occupants precious time to evacuate safely.
Based on the provided reference, smoke doors are:
- Made to stop smoke from spreading into fire escape routes. This is their primary function.
- Designed to provide occupants with a clear, non-toxic route to exit the building. By holding back smoke, they ensure visibility and breathable air along evacuation paths.
Unlike fire doors, which are built to resist both flames and smoke for a specified duration, smoke rated doors are primarily focused on the smoke component. The reference highlights this distinction, stating, "A smoke door may not be sufficient to keep actual flames at bay."
Key Purpose
The core purpose of installing smoke rated doors is to maintain the integrity of escape routes, such as stairwells and corridors, keeping them accessible and safe from the immediate dangers of smoke during a fire event. This is achieved through specific construction materials, proper sealing (often with smoke gaskets or seals), and adherence to building codes.
While fire doors offer resistance to both smoke and fire, smoke rated doors are a vital component in a comprehensive fire safety strategy, specifically targeting the insidious threat posed by smoke spread.
