1. Introduction
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3. Electronic communication

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4.1 All the rights are reserved

Unless specific content dictates otherwise, you are not granted a license or any other right under Copyright, Trademark, Patent, or other Intellectual Property Rights. This means that you will not use, copy, reproduce, perform, display, distribute, embed into any electronic medium, alter, reverse engineer, decompile, transfer, download, transmit, monetise, sell, market, or commercialise any resources on this website in any form, without our prior written permission, except and only insofar as otherwise stipulated in regulations of mandatory law (such as the right to quote).

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We will not be responsible for any privacy practices or content of these sites. You bear all risks associated with the use of these websites and any related third-party services. We will not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage in whatever manner, however caused, resulting from your disclosure to third parties of personal information.

6. Responsible use

By visiting our website, you agree to use it only for the purposes intended and as permitted by these Terms, any additional contracts with us, and applicable laws, regulations, and generally accepted online practices and industry guidelines. You must not use our website or services to use, publish or distribute any material which consists of (or is linked to) malicious computer software; use data collected from our website for any direct marketing activity, or conduct any systematic or automated data collection activities on or in relation to our website.

Engaging in any activity that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or that interferes with the performance, availability, or accessibility of the website is strictly prohibited.

To exercise the right of withdrawal, you must inform us of your decision to withdraw from this contract by an unequivocal statement (for example a letter sent by post, fax, or email). Our contact details can be found below. You may use the attached model withdrawal form, but it is not obligatory.

7. Idea submission

Do not submit any ideas, inventions, works of authorship, or other information that can be considered your own intellectual property that you would like to present to us unless we have first signed an agreement regarding the intellectual property or a non-disclosure agreement. If you disclose it to us absent such written agreement, you grant to us a worldwide, irrevocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, store, adapt, publish, translate and distribute your content in any existing or future media.

8. Termination of use

We may, in our sole discretion, at any time modify or discontinue access to, temporarily or permanently, the website or any Service thereon. You agree that we will not be liable to you or any third party for any such modification, suspension or discontinuance of your access to, or use of, the website or any content that you may have shared on the website. You will not be entitled to any compensation or other payment, even if certain features, settings, and/or any Content you have contributed or have come to rely on, are permanently lost. You must not circumvent or bypass, or attempt to circumvent or bypass, any access restriction measures on our website.

9. Warranties and liability

Nothing in this section will limit or exclude any warranty implied by law that it would be unlawful to limit or to exclude. This website and all content on the website are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and may include inaccuracies or typographical errors. We expressly disclaim all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, as to the availability, accuracy, or completeness of the Content. We make no warranty that:

• this website or our content will meet your requirements;
• this website will be available on an uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free basis.
• Nothing on this website constitutes or is meant to constitute, legal, financial or medical advice of any kind. If you require advice you should consult an appropriate professional.

The following provisions of this section will apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law and will not limit or exclude our liability in respect of any matter which it would be unlawful or illegal for us to limit or to exclude our liability. In no event will we be liable for any direct or indirect damages (including any damages for loss of profits or revenue, loss or corruption of data, software or database, or loss of or harm to property or data) incurred by you or any third party, arising from your access to, or use of, our website.

Except to the extent any additional contract expressly states otherwise, our maximum liability to you for all damages arising out of or related to the website or any products and services marketed or sold through the website, regardless of the form of legal action that imposes liability (whether in contract, equity, negligence, intended conduct, tort or otherwise) will be limited to the total price that you paid to us to purchase such products or services or use the website. Such limit will apply in the aggregate to all of your claims, actions and causes of action of every kind and nature.

10. Privacy

To access our website and/or services, you may be required to provide certain information about yourself as part of the registration process. You agree that any information you provide will always be accurate, correct, and up to date.

We have developed a policy to address any privacy concerns you may have. For more information, please see our Privacy Statement and our Cookie Policy.

11. Export restrictions / Legal compliance

Access to the website from territories or countries where the Content or purchase of the products or Services sold on the website is illegal is prohibited. You may not use this website in violation of export laws and regulations of South Africa.

12. Assignment

You may not assign, transfer or sub-contract any of your rights and/or obligations under these Terms and conditions, in whole or in part, to any third party without our prior written consent. Any purported assignment in violation of this Section will be null and void.

13. Breaches of these Terms and conditions

Without prejudice to our other rights under these Terms and Conditions, if you breach these Terms and Conditions in any way, we may take such action as we deem appropriate to deal with the breach, including temporarily or permanently suspending your access to the website, contacting your internet service provider to request that they block your access to the website, and/or commence legal action against you.

14. Force majeure

Except for obligations to pay money hereunder, no delay, failure or omission by either party to carry out or observe any of its obligations hereunder will be deemed to be a breach of these Terms and conditions if and for as long as such delay, failure or omission arises from any cause beyond the reasonable control of that party.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses and expenses, relating to your violation of these Terms and conditions, and applicable laws, including intellectual property rights and privacy rights. You will promptly reimburse us for our damages, losses, costs and expenses relating to or arising out of such claims.

16. Waiver

Failure to enforce any of the provisions set out in these Terms and Conditions and any Agreement, or failure to exercise any option to terminate, shall not be construed as waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the validity of these Terms and Conditions or of any Agreement or any part thereof, or the right thereafter to enforce each and every provision.

17. Language

These Terms and Conditions will be interpreted and construed exclusively in English. All notices and correspondence will be written exclusively in that language.

18. Entire agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our privacy statement and cookie policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Dirk Streicher in relation to your use of this website.

19. Updating of these Terms and conditions

We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. It is your obligation to periodically check these Terms and Conditions for changes or updates. The date provided at the beginning of these Terms and Conditions is the latest revision date. Changes to these Terms and Conditions will become effective upon such changes being posted to this website. Your continued use of this website following the posting of changes or updates will be considered notice of your acceptance to abide by and be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

20. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes relating to these Terms and Conditions shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa. If any part or provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other authority to be invalid and/or unenforceable under applicable law, such part or provision will be modified, deleted and/or enforced to the maximum extent permissible so as to give effect to the intent of these Terms and Conditions. The other provisions will not be affected.

21. Contact information

This website is owned and operated by Dirk Streicher.

You may contact us regarding these Terms and Conditions through our contact page.

NARRATIVE

Decisions must be made during the design process regarding the testing of materials. It starts from identifying materials for the purpose, including the strength of materials and inter alia the properties of materials and specified building elements which will prevent and contain fire spread in buildings. Two design considerations are taken into account for fire spread design: protecting people and property. These considerations will include early warning systems, active fire suppression systems, and passive resistance of building elements of which fire-doors contribute a significant and critical proportion.

The problem starts to identify from which direction a fire will come. If an element is completely symmetrical, it is common sense that the direction of the material relative to the fire direction does not matter. However, if the element is non-symmetrical, it does not matter whether the element will have the same resistance against fire from either direction. It is thus clear that in this event, a non-symmetrical element must be tested bi-directionally to determine which direction is most demanding. If fire resistance tests of elements show no difference regarding direction, they can be designed the same way as an asymmetrical element. If it differs, then fire designs must take this phenomenon into account so that the highest resistance is in the direction of the fire. For example, single-sided hinged fire doors react differently bi-directionally. Why is this important? Because most divisional fire-door elements will consist of single-sided hinged doors.

FIRE TESTING CODES

Testing codes for doors usually consist of two primary codes. The first code guide the testing authority about equipment requirements, testing procedures, observations, and reporting. The second code will be a specific code against which parameters a door must be tested. SANS 10177-1 is a general administration code and SANS 10177-2 is the operational test code directing the testing authority on how to test. SANS 1253 is the fire doors and fire shutter code against which a door assembly will be tested. The equivalent European codes are EN 1363 parts 1 & 2 and the door code is EN  1634 parts 1 & 3. EN 1634-3 is for smoke control. The European codes are much more descriptive and address more parameters and test methodologies. There is no SABS smoke test control code for fire doors and shutters. When comparing codes, it is evident that the SABS and EN codes differ substantially. For instance, the EN code limits the frame temperature, which is not the case with the SABS code.

The time-temperature curve is a key parameter that is, fortunately, the same for all the fire resistance codes around the globe. It is this test input parameter that enables the comparison of doors from different manufacturers and countries. This so-called standard fire curve has been used for more than a hundred years and is the baseline reference for door test results in terms of resistance time. The outcome might be stricter for European results because additional items such as cotton pad tests, frame temperature requirements, radiation limits in kW/m², etc., could lead to higher standards. It must be noted that the insulation parameters are the same for the EN and SANS codes.

SANS 1253  FIRE DOOR AND SHUTTER CODE

Clause 3.7 of SANS 1253 defines a fire-door assembly as a door and its essential hardware so mounted on a frame that the required fire resistance is provided. Clause 3.6 describes a fire-door. It must be noted that a door is an assembly inclusive of the frame and hardware. A door leaf is a part that hangs on the frame or is alternatively described as the moving part. There is thus no doubt that a fire door test includes the entire combination of frame, fixing, frame type, door leaf and essential hardware to be built into the test furnace to resemble the final installation of the fire door.

Clause 4.2.1 clearly states A fire-door assembly shall be of fire resistance A, B, C, D, E, or F (see table 1), as required (see Annexure A). Clause 4.2.2 gives a list of types. We are only referring for this document to single- or double-leaf, hinged, single-action fire-door assemblies.

It is here where we have to define symmetry. Because the code refers to a fire-door assembly, symmetry applies to the assembly and NOT only to the leaf. For example, a single action hinged door fitted in a rebate is non-symmetrical for obvious reasons. The hinge pins are located on one side of the leaf, the rebate protects part of the leaf on one side and the door is not positioned in the centre of the frame.

Clause 5.4.1.2 states that if the construction (face to face) is non-symmetrical, test TWO samples to establish the fire resistance from both sides and take the lower results as the actual fire resistance. This clause overrides the direction clause in SANS 10177-2.

SANS 10177-2 FIRE RESISTANCE TEST FOR BUILDING ELEMENTS

Clause 3.5 of SANS 10177-2 defines Exposure in the furnace. Clause 3.5.1 addresses positioning.

 3.5.1 b) in the case of a test specimen of an element that has the function of separating spaces, heat will be applied over the whole of one face only, the selection of that face being as follows:

1) If the elements are required to resist fire in one direction only, the heat will be applied in that direction;

2) if the element may be required to resist fire from either direction, the heat will be applied in the direction considered, by the testing authority, to give the lower resistance (in cases of doubt, each face should be tested on separate test specimens);

There is no doubt that clause 3.5.1 b) of SANS 10177-2 acknowledges the fact that there could be a difference in the fire resistance of an element depending on the direction of testing. Therefore, SANS 1253 is tested according to SANS 10177-2, which directs and controls the testing procedures and methodology.

Also, note that the onus is on the testing authority to direct the sponsor which test direction gives the lower resistance. At this point, it must be noted that if the sponsor instructs the testing authority to test a door in a direction giving lower resistance, then the testing authority will have to inform the sponsor. If a door is tested in the lower resistance direction, then according to 3.5.1 b) 1) it is accepted it is the direction in which the door will be installed. In the spirit of the code, it implies that doors cannot be classified with the same resistance in the other direction unless a door is tested in both directions.

DIRECTION OF FIRE DOOR TESTING

Regarding door testing, the direction of testing defines which direction the door opens relative to the furnace exposure. It is most commonly referred to as open inwards or opens outwards with reference to the exposed side. What is important to note is that the rebate is also on the exposed side in the case of an open inwards door.

Historic testing and test experience showed a difference between the fire resistance of a door opening inwards to the fire or a door opening outwards away from the fire. It is a known fact that an open inwards door is the more demanding direction of resistance. In short, it means the door assembly will fail quicker compared to an open outwards door. This phenomenon is well documented and accepted by testing authorities and international codes.

The EN 1634-1 code for fire doors has a specific clause, 13.4 Asymmetrical assemblies. This code acknowledges the principle for a difference between the direction of testing for doors. Table 2-Type of a door set and direction to be tested to cover the opposite direction covers the asymmetrical aspect. Only hinged doors with timber leaves opening inwards are covered in this table to include doors opening outwards w.r.t. resistance but not the other way round. A metal leaf in a metal frame can be regarded as symmetrical concerning the direction of testing. In conclusion to this table, it is only a timber leaf in a timber frame that can be classified as an open outwards door if tested open inwards. The rest all have insulation limitations. Note that no door with a timber leaf opening outwards will be regarded as passing a test opening inwards.

Annexure C (Informative) of the EN 1634-1 code explains the Background to the field of direct application statements for asymmetric constructions and supporting constructions.

REBATE SIZE

Rebate size is a moot point at many final building inspections. Clause 4.5.3.2 in SANS 1253 must be quoted. The width of the rebates of frames shall be at least 25 mm and the material thickness of steel frames should be at least 1.5 mm for class A, B, C, and D Doors. The first note to make is it does not apply to class E doors the way the clause is written.

None of the international fire door codes has such a restriction. Other codes do not specify dimensional parameters because a fire-door code is a performance specification, not a deemed to satisfy the specification. If a door assembly passes a test with a smaller rebate size, does this negate the test result? There is not enough evidence in all cases to prove that a larger rebate achieves higher fire resistance. There could even be cases where larger rebates are counterproductive.

FITTED HARDWARE

A phenomenon observed was locking doors with barrel bolts for testing purposes instead of fitting the locksets or hardware fitted on the production doors. We had test failures of well manufactured and designed doors because of incorrect lockset cut-outs. This type of failure would not be noticed if doors were fitted with bolts instead of the proper hardware. These tests failed before 20 minutes because of integrity failure at the lock. This failure emphasises the importance of testing a door assembly and not only on the door leaf.

REPORTING & TESTING FOR SOUTH AFRICAN MARKET

There is a clear misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the direction of fire door testing results in South Africa. The SANS fire testing codes are very clear that testing results must be comprehensive and complete. SANS 10177-2 clause 4.2.4 states that additional observations must also be made and recorded.

If one analyses SANS 10177-2 and SANS 1253, then the conclusion is that according to SANS 1253 clause 5.4.1.2, two samples of single-action hinged doors should be tested in two directions to determine the lower resistance. The code further states that the lower resistance must be given for a fire-door if tested according to SANS 1253. Thus, by implication, it means any classified fire- door can be fitted in any direction.

It must be noted that information obtained from prospective door suppliers revealed that doors tested by them in the past were tested open outwards. Therefore, it could imply that most, if not all, tested doors in the past were tested open outwards. In the case of single-action hinged doors, this will not give the lowest fire resistance as required by the SANS codes. This way of testing was confirmed by an employee of the SABS fire testing facility.

APPROVAL BY AUTHORITIES AND FIRE ENGINEERS

It appears that a president is established to test doors open outwards and that the results are accepted by the fire chiefs and fire engineers as the fire resistance class irrespective of direction. Therefore, it is required that the authorities, fire chiefs, and fire engineers make a stand and declare if in future fire-door resistance results of open outward doors will be accepted as the fire resistance class irrespective of the direction of application.

There is no prior direction information for fire doors sold at general hardware outlets. The lowest resistance must be applied to those doors because a general door can be applied in any direction. It appears that in South Africa, the direction of testing and reporting was not explicitly addressed and stated in the past.

SUMMARY

There is a trend in the rest of the world to promote bi-directional testing of fire doors. This trend was sparked by the catastrophic failure of the Grenfell apartment block in London. The SANS fire testing codes nonetheless support the bi-directional testing and difference of non-symmetrical door assemblies. It does, however, seem that it is not adhered to by the testing authorities and is also not acknowledged by the approval authorities in South Africa. As a result, we are leaving the door open for legal action against the industry if the codes are not followed unless we waive the code requirements for bi-directional testing to test only from one side, whether opening inwards or outwards.

The fire chiefs and authorities will have to address this point urgently and make the call.

1. The client must supply and deliver a complete test sample delivered to the test facility at its own costs.
2. A 50% deposit is required before the sample is delivered to the test facility or a date for the test being confirmed. No refund will be made in the event that a test sample is not submitted.
3. Balance of payment must reflect in Ignis Testing’s bank account the day before the test is performed.
4. All prices quoted are valid for 14 days only and are priced (ex VAT). VAT will be charged additional to the rates quoted.
5. The client will have to resubmit at its cost a new test sample if a test should fail for any reason whatsoever.
6. No testing or report shall be conducted or issued until payment in full has been received by the Ignis Testing.
7. It is the duty of the client to submit detailed scaled CAD drawings inclusive of all dimensions and notes. Two cross sections in two orthogonal planes and a front view of the test sample is required.
8. No test will be performed until the complete and correct CAD drawings is submitted. Additional cost will be charged as quoted, if Ignis Testing is mandated to prepare the CAD drawings.
9. It is the duty of the client to ensure that Ignis Testing is issued with a complete set of information about the test sample such as type of intumescent, densities, models, brand names etc.
10. The client is responsible to clearly indicate which side of the test sample is the exposed side.
11. A sample must be tested twice if it is not symmetrical but can be applied in both directions.
12. Special installation instructions must be submitted by the client. A failure to do so may impact the final test result and the client will have to conduct an additional test at its cost.
13. Ignis Testing will not be liable for any claims against the client and / or by the client in the event that a test report reflects negative results.
14. The client must notify Ignis Testing if there is a suspicion that noxious fumes or toxic gasses could be emitted at test temperatures.
15. Ignis Testing reserves the right to terminate a test prematurely in the event of excessive smoking, irritating fumes, explosive material or any phenomena which could have health and safety risks or contravene the Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993.
16. Ignis Testing will not be responsible to refund any amounts in the event of a failed test or a test which had to be terminated prematurely.
17. The test report is only valid for a period of 5 (five) years from date of testing and strictly applies only to the design quality, material and assembly submitted and tested.
18. The client must indicate to Ignis Testing if a test is to be done in conjunction with additional codes eg. SANS 1253 for doors, SANS 193 for dampers etc.
19. Ignis Testing reserves the right to report on any observation or information which is relevant and applicable whether it is positive or negative.
20. Only Ignis testing can make amendments to its report/s. Any alterations made to a final test report by the client will void the report as a whole and is deemed an offence punishable by law.
21. Ignis Testing has the right to communicate with fire chiefs and fire engineers on request w.r.t. issued test reports and the performed tests.
22. Ignis Testing is under no obligation to consult or advise the client about a test outcome and any possible amendments.
23. Ignis Testing has the right to increase or decrease test and performance parameters within the ambit of the relevant test codes.
24. Ignis testing at its sole discretion, which may be withheld for any reason whatsoever, reserves the right to extend a test report validity period at additional cost to the client, if it has been furnished satisfactory proof that the product is exactly equivalent in quality, design, material and structure to the sample originally tested.
25. The client must ascertain the requirements of the specific code and ensure that the sample is compliant. A non-compliant sample will lead to a non-compliant result.