Q: Are signs permitted on fire rated doors? We posted a sign on a fire rated stairwell door that instructed our staff to temporarily not use the door, and a surveyor said we are not allowed to do this. Is this true?
A: You may have a legitimate appeal on this issue. Section 8.2.3.2 of the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code requires compliance with NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows, 1999 edition. Section 1-3.5 of NFPA 80 permits you to post signs on a fire rated door as long as the sign does not exceed 5% of the total surface area of the door, and does not interfere with the operation of the door. The sign must be attached with adhesives, and not nails or staples.
