Key Features
Life safety designed for healthcare environments
NFPA 101 Compliant
Meets Life Safety Code requirements for healthcare occupancies. Smoke compartment doors, corridor separations, and hazardous area protection.
- Life Safety compliance
- Accreditation ready
- Code approval
Smoke-Rated Assemblies
S-rated per UL 1784 for smoke compartment doors. Critical for defend-in-place healthcare evacuation strategies.
- Smoke control
- Patient protection
- Defend-in-place
Healthcare Vision Panels
Vision panels for patient monitoring, corridor safety, and staff visibility. Fire-rated glazing in various sizes and shapes.
- Patient monitoring
- Staff safety
- Natural light
Hygienic Construction
Smooth surfaces for easy cleaning. Antimicrobial powder coating options. Stainless steel for surgical and clean areas.
- Infection control
- Easy sanitization
- Antimicrobial options
Healthcare Material Options
Steel for durability, wood veneer for patient areas, stainless for surgery and sterile environments, glass for daylight and visibility.
- Application matching
- Aesthetic options
- Functional selection
Healthcare Hardware
Prepared for hospital-specific hardware: push plates, kick plates, hold-open devices, and access control integration.
- Hands-free options
- ADA compliance
- Access control
Healthcare Focus: Hospital fire doors are specifically designed to meet the unique life safety, hygiene, and operational requirements of healthcare facilities.
Clinical Applications
Fire protection throughout healthcare facilities
Smoke Compartment Doors
Typical: 60 min + S, 90 min + S
Corridor doors separating smoke compartments per NFPA 101. Critical for defend-in-place evacuation strategies in healthcare.
Key Requirements
Patient Corridors
Typical: 60 min, 90 min
Fire-rated doors in patient corridors separating sleeping rooms from corridor. Visibility for monitoring and wayfinding.
Key Requirements
Operating & Surgical
Typical: 60 min, 90 min
Sterile corridor separations, surgical suite entries, and clean room boundaries requiring hygiene and fire protection.
Key Requirements
Pharmacy & Hazardous
Typical: 90 min, 120 min
Pharmacy storage, hazardous material rooms, and areas with elevated fire risk requiring higher ratings.
Key Requirements
Healthcare Fire Door Codes
Healthcare fire doors must comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, state health department requirements, and Joint Commission standards for accreditation. Contact Euwoo for healthcare fire door specification assistance.
Hospital Fire Door Ratings
Fire protection requirements for healthcare facilities
Healthcare facilities require fire doors that balance fire protection with patient safety, infection control, and operational requirements. Fire rating requirements are determined by building codes (I-2 Institutional occupancy), Joint Commission standards, and facility infection control policies. Most hospital corridors use 60-minute rated doors, while critical care areas may require 90-minute protection.
Smoke Partitions Only
20-minute fire doors may be permitted for smoke barrier doors where the corridor walls are smoke partitions rather than fire barriers.
Applications
Note: Many hospitals specify 60-minute even where 20-minute permitted
FD60 / 1-Hour
The baseline fire rating for healthcare construction. 60-minute doors satisfy most building code requirements for hospital corridors, smoke barriers, and standard fire compartmentation.
Healthcare Applications
FD90 / 1.5-Hour
Required for critical care areas where extended protection time supports patient safety, or where building configuration mandates enhanced ratings.
Healthcare Applications
FD120 / 2-Hour
The highest rating, specified for the most critical separations in large healthcare facilities—typically high-rise hospitals and major fire compartment boundaries.
Healthcare Applications
Rarely required except for very large or high-rise healthcare facilities
Fire Doors and Defend-in-Place Evacuation
Hospitals use defend-in-place evacuation strategy where patients are moved horizontally to safe smoke compartments rather than evacuated from the building. Fire doors are critical to this strategy.
Key Points
- Smoke compartment doors allow horizontal evacuation
- Fire doors contain fire for continued care in unaffected areas
- Self-closing essential—doors must not be propped open
Door Requirements
- Self-closing and positive-latching
- Smoke seals for smoke compartment doors
- Hold-opens connected to fire alarm system
Typical Ratings by Hospital Area
| Hospital Area | Typical Rating | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Corridors | 60-minute | Standard 60-minute with vision panels; bed traffic, visibility |
| Operating Room Suites | 60-90 minute | Often stainless steel for hygiene; sterile environment |
| Intensive Care Unit | 60-90 minute | Consider 90-minute for enhanced protection; critical patients |
| Emergency Department | 60-minute | Heavy-duty construction for high traffic |
| Radiology/Imaging | 60-minute | May require lead-lined fire doors for radiation shielding |
| Pharmacy | 60-minute | Security features often required; controlled substances |
| Laboratory | 60-minute | May need enhanced sealing for negative pressure |
| Stairwells | 60-90 minute | 90-minute for high-rise hospitals |
Healthcare Fire Door Rating Comparison
| Factor | 60 Minutes | 90 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Use | STANDARD | Critical care/high-rise | Maximum/large hospitals |
| Typical Area | Corridors, departments | OR, ICU, high-rise stairs | Major separations |
| Material Options | All | All (wood max) | Steel/Glass only |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Stainless Option | Available | Available | Available |
Hospital Fire Door Construction
Construction options for healthcare facility applications
Hospital fire door construction must address the unique requirements of healthcare environments: infection control and cleanability, patient and equipment traffic, acoustic privacy, accessibility, and 24/7 operational demands. Material selection varies by hospital area—stainless steel for surgical suites, antimicrobial finishes for clinical corridors, and acoustic options for patient care areas.
Material Options
Steel with Healthcare Finish
$$ - Most CommonSteel fire doors with antimicrobial powder coat or smooth cleanable finish are the workhorse of hospital construction.
Healthcare Advantages
- • Cost-effective for high-volume hospital use
- • Durable for bed and equipment traffic
- • Antimicrobial finish options available
- • All fire ratings available
Stainless Steel
$$$$ - Premium HygieneStainless steel fire doors provide the highest level of hygiene and cleanability for surgical suites, sterile processing, and critical care areas.
Healthcare Advantages
- • Maximum cleanability and hygiene
- • Withstands aggressive disinfection
- • No finish to wear or chip
- • Professional medical appearance
Wood Fire Doors
$$$-$$$$ - Patient ComfortWooden fire doors bring warmth and a less institutional feel to patient waiting areas, administrative offices, and areas where patient comfort is prioritized.
Healthcare Advantages
- • Warm, welcoming appearance
- • Reduces institutional feel for patients
- • Good acoustic properties
- • HPL laminate option for cleanability
Maximum: 90-minute rating
Glass Fire Doors
$$$$-$$$$$ - VisibilityGlass fire doors provide visibility for patient observation, natural light, and a modern healthcare aesthetic.
Healthcare Advantages
- • Visual observation of patients
- • Natural light for patient wellbeing
- • Modern healthcare aesthetic
- • Reduces closed-in feeling
Infection Control Construction Features
Smooth, Sealed Surfaces
No exposed edges, crevices, or textures that harbor pathogens
Antimicrobial Finishes
EPA-registered antimicrobial additives in powder coat
Cleanable Vision Panels
Flush or beveled glazing beads that don't trap debris
Sealed Bottom Edge
Metal bottom cap prevents moisture and contaminant intrusion
Chemical-Resistant Seals
EPDM or silicone seals withstand hospital disinfectants
Recommended Construction by Hospital Area
| Hospital Area | Recommended Construction | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Corridors | Steel with antimicrobial finish | Balance of cost, durability, cleanability |
| Operating Rooms | Stainless steel | Maximum hygiene for sterile environment |
| ICU | Stainless steel or premium steel | Hygiene plus patient observation |
| Emergency Department | Heavy-duty steel with antimicrobial finish | High traffic, durability critical |
| Radiology | Lead-lined steel | Fire rating plus radiation shielding |
| Pharmacy | Stainless steel | Cleanroom compatibility |
| Administrative | Wood or steel with premium finish | Warmer appearance appropriate |
| Patient Rooms | Steel with HPL laminate or wood | Patient comfort, less institutional |
Technical Specifications
Healthcare door specifications for patient care environments
Hospital fire doors require specifications that address patient transport, infection control, acoustic privacy, durability under continuous use, and accessibility requirements. Healthcare doors must accommodate bed and equipment passage, support infection control cleaning protocols, and meet stringent accessibility standards.
Healthcare Door Dimensions
Single Door Sizes
Healthcare doors are typically wider for bed passage
| Width | Height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 900mm (3'-0") | 2100mm | Staff doors, utility rooms |
| 1050mm (3'-6") | 2100mm | ADA compliant standard |
| 1200mm (4'-0") | 2100mm | Patient room corridor doors |
| 1200mm (4'-0") | 2400mm | Tall corridor applications |
Double Door Sizes
Cross-corridor and OR applications
| Width | Height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1500mm (5'-0") | 2100mm | Cross-corridor doors |
| 1800mm (6'-0") | 2100mm | Standard corridor pairs (bed passage) |
| 2000mm (6'-8") | 2400mm | Wide corridor pairs |
| 2400mm (8'-0") | 2400mm | OR corridor, equipment passage |
Bed & Equipment Passage Requirements
Healthcare Hardware Specifications
| Component | Healthcare Specification | Healthcare Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hinges | Ball bearing or continuous hinges; stainless steel for clinical areas; 3-4 hinges per leaf | Continuous hinges easier to clean; no horizontal surfaces |
| Door Closer | ADA compliant (max 5 lbf opening force); delayed action for bed passage | Barrier-free closers essential for patient accessibility |
| Lockset | Antimicrobial hardware; lever handles for accessibility; patient privacy function | Specify antimicrobial finish for clinical areas |
| Push/Pull Hardware | Antimicrobial push plates and pulls; stainless steel or copper-infused | Reduces touch points; supports infection control |
| Hold-Open Device | Fire-rated electromagnetic hold-open; connected to fire alarm | MUST release on fire alarm |
| Coordinator (Pairs) | Fire-rated coordinator for proper closing sequence | Required for all fire-rated double doors |
Healthcare Performance Requirements
Fire Resistance
UL 10C listed per required rating
60-min standard; 90-min critical careSmoke Control
UL 1784 at ≤3.0 CFM/sq ft
Required for smoke barrier doorsAcoustic Performance
STC 35-50 depending on area
Patient privacy (HIPAA)Accessibility
ADA/ABA compliant
Patients, beds, wheelchairsDurability
500,000+ cycles healthcare grade
High traffic hospitalsCleanability
Hospital disinfectant compatible
Frequent cleaning protocolsSpecial Healthcare Applications
Lead-Lined Fire Doors
Fire-rated door with lead sheet lining (0.5mm to 3.0mm Pb)
Use: Radiology, CT, X-ray, nuclear medicineNegative Pressure Room Doors
Enhanced sealing for pressure differential
Use: Airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIR)Cleanroom/Sterile Doors
Flush construction, stainless steel, minimal hardware exposure
Use: Pharmacy compounding, sterile processingBehavioral Health Doors
Ligature-resistant design with anti-ligature hardware
Use: Psychiatric units, behavioral health areasCustomization Options
Configure fire doors for healthcare facility requirements
Hospital fire doors offer customization focused on infection control, patient care, accessibility, and clinical functionality. Each hospital area may require different configurations based on clinical requirements, hygiene needs, and patient comfort considerations.
Door Material Options
Healthcare Finishes
Vision Panel Options
Special Healthcare Options
Pre-Configured Healthcare Packages
Standard Corridor
Optimized for patient corridors and department entries
- Steel door with antimicrobial finish
- Vision panel included
- Smoke seal + ADA hardware
Surgical Suite
For OR and sterile environments
- Stainless steel door
- Flush construction
- Easy-clean seals + continuous hinge
ICU Package
For critical care observation
- Stainless or premium steel
- Large vision panel
- Smoke seal + antimicrobial hardware
Radiology
Fire and radiation protection
- Steel door with lead lining
- Vision panel with lead glass
- Standard seals
Patient Room
Patient comfort with clinical performance
- Steel with HPL laminate
- Vision panel + acoustic seal
- Privacy function lock
Healthcare Minimum Order Quantities
Hospital projects typically meet MOQs; smaller clinics may need consolidation
Hospital Fire Door Comparison
Compare options for healthcare facility applications
Healthcare Fire Door Materials Comparison
| Factor | Steel + Healthcare Finish | Stainless Steel | Wood | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Suitability | Excellent - Standard | Excellent - Premium | Good - Administrative | Good - Observation |
| Cost | $$ | $$$$ | $$$-$$$$ | $$$$-$$$$$ |
| Cleanability | Excellent | Maximum | Good (HPL) | Good |
| Infection Control | Very Good | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Durability | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Moderate |
| Patient Comfort | Moderate | Clinical | Excellent | Good |
| Acoustic Performance | Good | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Fire Ratings Available | All | All | 30-90 min MAX | 30-120 min |
| Antimicrobial Options | Available | Inherent | Limited | Limited |
Recommended Material by Hospital Area
| Hospital Area | Recommended | Alternative | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patient Corridors | Steel with antimicrobial finish | HPL laminate for warmer appearance | Balance of cost, durability, cleanability |
| Operating Rooms | Stainless steel | N/A—stainless is standard | Maximum hygiene for sterile environment |
| ICU / Critical Care | Stainless steel | Premium steel with antimicrobial finish | Hygiene critical; observation vision panels important |
| Emergency Department | Heavy-duty steel with antimicrobial finish | Stainless for trauma areas | Durability for high traffic and abuse |
| Radiology/Imaging | Lead-lined steel | N/A—lead required | Fire rating plus radiation shielding |
| Patient Rooms | Steel with HPL laminate | Wood for premium facilities | Patient comfort, less institutional |
| Administrative Areas | Wood fire doors | Steel with premium finish | Professional appearance, warmth |
| Pharmacy/Cleanroom | Stainless steel | N/A | Cleanroom compatibility, hygiene |
| Laboratory | Stainless steel (316 if chemical exposure) | Steel with chemical-resistant coating | Chemical resistance, containment |
| Nursery | Glass fire doors | Steel with large vision panel | Visibility for infant observation |
Healthcare vs. Standard Commercial Fire Doors
| Factor | Healthcare | Commercial | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Concern | Infection control, patient safety | Cost, aesthetics | Different priorities |
| Cleanability Requirement | Hospital-grade disinfectant compatible | General cleaning | Healthcare more stringent |
| Antimicrobial Options | Common specification | Rarely specified | Healthcare focus |
| Vision Panels | Critical for safety/observation | Optional aesthetic | Healthcare essential |
| Accessibility | Critical—ADA + bed passage | ADA basic compliance | Healthcare wider doors |
| Acoustic Requirements | Patient privacy (HIPAA) | General comfort | Healthcare privacy focused |
| Smoke Sealing | Essential (defend-in-place) | Where required | Healthcare critical |
| Documentation | Extensive (Joint Commission) | Standard compliance | Healthcare regulatory burden |
Healthcare Fire Door Investment Summary
Stainless Steel for Surgical/Sterile
Maximum infection control, long-term durability—essential investment for clinical outcomes
Antimicrobial Finishes Throughout
Reduced surface contamination—supports infection prevention goals
Vision Panels on Corridor Doors
Safety for bed traffic, patient observation—essential for staff and patient safety
Smoke Sealing on All Corridor Doors
Effective defend-in-place strategy—critical life safety investment
Hospital fire doors require higher investment than commercial doors due to infection control, patient safety, and regulatory requirements. The investment is essential for clinical outcomes and Joint Commission compliance.
Installation Guide
Installation requirements for healthcare facility applications
Hospital fire door installation requires coordination with facility operations, infection control protocols, and clinical requirements. Installation in occupied hospitals must minimize disruption to patient care, maintain fire protection during construction, and ensure cleanliness. Post-installation, doors must pass Joint Commission inspection criteria.
Pre-Installation Requirements
Hospital Coordination
- • Coordinate schedule with facilities
- • Minimize patient care disruption
- • Schedule noisy work appropriately
- • Plan temporary barriers
Infection Control (ICRA)
- • Submit ICRA for construction
- • Implement infection control barriers
- • Plan dust and debris control
- • Coordinate with IC department
Fire Protection During Work
- • Maintain protection in occupied areas
- • Plan temporary protection
- • Coordinate fire watch if required
- • Document temporary measures
Door Installation Steps
Install Hinges
Mount fire-rated hinges (or continuous hinge for healthcare). Stainless steel hinges or continuous hinges are common for hygiene.
Hang Door
Lift door onto hinges. Healthcare doors may be wider and heavier—use appropriate lifting equipment. Protect finish during handling.
Verify Clearances
Check clearances per NFPA 80: Head/Jambs max 3mm (1/8"), Bottom max 19mm (3/4"), Meeting edges max 3mm.
Install Healthcare Hardware
Mount fire-rated healthcare-grade hardware: lockset with appropriate function, antimicrobial lever handles, ADA compliant closer (max 5 lbf opening force).
Install Seals
Verify intumescent seals are continuous. Install smoke seals for corridor and smoke barrier doors. Smoke sealing is critical for defend-in-place strategy.
Install Hold-Open Device (If Specified)
Mount fire-rated electromagnetic hold-open. MUST connect to fire alarm—test release function. Common on cross-corridor doors.
Final Testing and Cleaning
Test door operation thoroughly. Verify self-closing and positive latching. Clean door with approved hospital cleaner before returning area to service.
Joint Commission Readiness Checklist
Door closes and latches from any open position
Fire labels present and legible—not painted
No blocking, propping, or wedging devices
Electromagnetic hold-opens release on fire alarm
Gaps within NFPA 80 limits
Installation records available for survey
Fire door deficiencies are common Joint Commission findings—verify before survey
Common Healthcare Installation Mistakes
Not coordinating with infection control
Consequence: Work stopped; potential contamination
Prevention: Complete ICRA before work
Closer not ADA compliant
Consequence: Failed inspection; accessibility issues
Prevention: Verify opening force and closing speed
Hold-open not connected to fire alarm
Consequence: Doors won't close in fire—serious life safety
Prevention: Coordinate with fire alarm contractor; test release
Labels painted over
Consequence: Joint Commission finding; cannot verify rating
Prevention: Mask labels before painting
Hospital Fire Door Maintenance
Operational check: door closes, latches, closer operates, no obstructions
Labels present, seals intact, no damage, no propping devices
Complete documented inspection by qualified inspector
Clean with approved hospital disinfectant
Certifications & Compliance
Healthcare fire door certifications and standards
Primary Fire Door Certifications
Fire door fire test standard. All fire doors must be UL 10C listed with appropriate rating.
RequiredStandard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Governs installation and maintenance.
RequiredSmoke leakage test standard. Required for smoke compartment doors in healthcare.
Healthcare EssentialHealthcare-Specific Standards
Joint Commission
Healthcare accreditation body that surveys fire door compliance. Fire door deficiencies are common survey findings.
- • Self-closing and positive latching
- • Labels present and legible
- • No propping or blocking
- • Hold-opens connected to fire alarm
ADA / ABA Compliance
Accessibility requirements for healthcare facilities.
- • Maximum 5 lbf (22N) opening force
- • Minimum 32" clear opening (36"+ recommended)
- • Lever handles at accessible heights
- • Proper maneuvering clearances
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Establishes fire safety requirements for healthcare occupancies including fire door specifications.
- • Smoke compartment requirements
- • Corridor separation requirements
- • Hazardous area protection
- • Defend-in-place evacuation
FGI Guidelines
Facility Guidelines Institute—design and construction guidelines for healthcare facilities.
- • Door width requirements by room type
- • Vision panel specifications
- • Acoustic requirements
- • Infection control considerations
International Fire Door Standards
| Standard | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1634-1 | European Union | Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies |
| BS 476-22 | United Kingdom | Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements |
| AS 1905.1 | Australia | Fire-resistant doorsets |
| GB 12955 | China | Fire resistance test for door assemblies |
Healthcare Documentation Requirements
Provided with Each Order
- • Fire test certificates
- • UL listing confirmation
- • Installation instructions
- • Hardware certifications
- • Maintenance guidelines
For Joint Commission Surveys
- • Fire door inventory list
- • Annual inspection records
- • Monthly operational checks
- • Repair/maintenance documentation
- • Product certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hospital fire doors
What is NFPA 101 and why is it important for hospital fire doors?
NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) establishes fire safety requirements for healthcare facilities. It specifies fire and smoke door requirements for corridors, smoke compartments, and hazardous areas. Compliance is required for Medicare/Medicaid participation and Joint Commission accreditation.
What is the difference between fire-rated and smoke-rated doors?
Fire-rated doors prevent fire spread for a specified time. Smoke-rated (S-rated) doors also limit smoke infiltration per UL 1784. Healthcare smoke compartment doors require BOTH ratings. The label will show 'S' for smoke rating.
Are antimicrobial finishes available for hospital fire doors?
Yes, antimicrobial powder coatings that inhibit bacterial growth are available. For maximum hygiene, stainless steel construction is recommended for surgical areas, sterile supply, and food service.
Can hospital fire doors have hold-open devices?
Yes, fire doors can have hold-open devices that release automatically when the fire alarm activates. This is common for smoke compartment doors to allow normal patient flow while maintaining protection when needed.
What is the lead time for hospital fire doors?
Standard lead time is 20-30 days. Healthcare projects often require multiple door types and careful coordination. Contact Euwoo early in design phase for project planning.