FRP Fire doors – cleanrooms and controlled environments.

We’re pleased to announce we recently successfully tested a pair of 108” (9’) high doors for 90 minutes to the UL10C standard. Our client engaged Dortek based on our proven ability to deliver FRP fire doors globally to the pharmaceutical industry.

FRP Fire doors play an integral role in keeping people and product safe in cGMP spaces. Fire rated cleanroom doors are specially designed to meet both the stringent requirements for cleanliness in a controlled environment and the safety standards for fire protection. This test adds yet another (larger) option to our global list of certified fire doors.

Did you know:
A UL 10C fire test involves mounting a door assembly within a test furnace, exposing it to a controlled, high-temperature fire for a predetermined duration, and then immediately following that with a direct water spray from a fire hose to simulate real-world fire conditions, all while monitoring the door’s ability to maintain its structural integrity throughout the process; essentially evaluating its fire resistance rating under positive pressure conditions.

Find out more about our fire rated frp doors here https://dortek.com/product-category/fire-doors/ or contact us to discuss your next project Contact Us | Cleanroom Doors | Hygienic GRP Doors | Door Manufacturers

Interlocking Doors

Product Overview of Interlocking Doors

Interlocking doors from Dortek are designed to provide safe, efficient and convenient means of opening and closing doors in a controlled environment. Our systems can be connected to many types of activation devices from basic push button to a fully integrated Building Management System.

Our systems can manage manual swing doors (hinged doors), manual sliding doors, automatic swing (hinged) doors, automatic sliding doors or automatic roll-up doors. The interactive LEDs on the control board show the real-time door statuses, electric lock statuses and red / green indicators.

A single control board can manage 2 doors but is part of a modular system in which 4 additional modules can be connected to manage a complex system of up to 10 doors.

The key features of the control board are the managing of automatic door interlocking and the interlocking of manual doors with access control devices. Installers, through the DIP switch configuration, can easily assign proprieties (whether the door is automatic or manual with access control devices) to the doors. The wiring of any type of access control device having a dry contact output, and the wiring of any communication with the automatic door is performed by landing wires on the removable terminal blocks on the module.

Key Features

▪ Innovative, simple to use and reliable interlocking.

▪ Power supply: 24 Vdc by 90 – 264 Vac, 47 – 63 Hz fed external power pack.

▪ Case: 160 x 95 x 38 (h) mm plastic case with wall mounting brackets.

▪ Connections: Power: 2.1 jack, Door connection: RJ45.

▪ Doors managed: 2 by a single module. Up to 10 doors with 5 modules.

▪ Anomaly detection, such as doors left open or forced openings, ensuring total control.

▪ Recovery times can be configured to meet the hygienic and operational standards of cleanrooms.

▪ Door position mirror.

▪ Access control integration.

▪ Suitable for managing manual or automatic swing or sliding doors.

Interlocking Module
Interlocking Module

cGMP Doors – Why Compliance and Quality Matter in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring the highest levels of cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance is essential. cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) doors are specifically designed to meet these exacting standards. So, what exactly are cGMP doors, and why should you be using them in your facility?

What Are cGMP Doors?

cGMP doors are specially engineered doors that help maintain the integrity of controlled environments, where sterility, safety, and cleanliness are paramount. These doors are often used in laboratories, pharmaceutical production areas, cleanrooms, and other environments where contamination risks must be kept to an absolute minimum.

Two sets of cGMP doors in a small room.

Why Are cGMP Doors Important?

One of the primary goals of cGMP is to ensure the production of pharmaceutical products that are consistently high in quality. This means controlling environmental factors that could potentially affect product quality—humidity, air pressure, cleanliness, and temperature. The doors used in these facilities play a critical role in achieving this.

cGMP doors are designed with airtight seals, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean, and designed to help prevent bacteria growth. These features ensure that the environment within the facility remains free from contaminants, allowing for the safe and efficient manufacture of medicines and medical devices.

Regulatory Compliance in the US

cGMP is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to follow these strict guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of their products. Facilities that fail to meet cGMP standards can face serious consequences, including fines, legal issues, and most importantly, compromised patient safety.

cGMP doors help facilities comply with these guidelines by creating a barrier that protects against contaminants entering controlled environments. Using the right doors is an essential part of a larger strategy to maintain a compliant and safe production area.

  • Enhanced Containment: cGMP doors prevent the ingress of dust, bacteria, and airborne particles, ensuring that your controlled environment remains sterile.
  • Durability and Safety: Made from materials that withstand cleaning agents and high-frequency use, cGMP doors are built to last.
  • Easy Maintenance: Smooth, seamless designs make cGMP doors easy to clean and maintain, preventing build-ups that could compromise sterility.

By investing in high-quality cGMP doors, pharmaceutical companies can ensure they’re not only meeting regulatory standards but also protecting their reputation and ensuring the safety of their products.

At Dortek, we’re committed to providing you with cGMP compliant doors that not only meet industry standards but also support the unique needs of your operations. Hygiene, accessibility, safety, secure sealing, minimising pressure drops, protecting against contaminants and drafts, reducing energy costs, improving user safety and ease of cleaning; these are just some of the key issues that Dortek cGMP doors address.

For more information on our range of products and how they can benefit your facility, please visit our website.

Seasons Greetings From Dortek

Wishing You All a Great Festive Break and a Happy New Year!

We’d like to wish you all a great festive break and a Happy New Year. Thank you to our valued customers for their business, all our partners and our staff for their hard work this year. We look forward to working with you all in 2025!

Please see details below for our Dortek office closing times over the festive break:

  • UK office: closed 23rd December – 1st January.
  • Irish office: closed 23rd December – 2nd January.
  • US office: closed 24th, 25th  & 31st December and 1st January.
  • Swedish office: closed 24th December – 6th January.

The Ultimate Guide to High-Performance Door Solutions

When it comes to durable, hygienic, and reliable door solutions, FRP doors (Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer) are a top choice across various industries. Known for their exceptional performance, FRP doors are a safe choice for their versatility and long-lasting benefits.

At Dortek, we specialise in manufacturing doors that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Why choose FRP doors? What Makes FRP Doors Unique?

FRP doors stand out because of their composite construction, combining reinforced fiberglass with a durable resin. This creates a door that is lightweight yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for high-traffic environments.

What is the difference between molded FRP door and a laminated FRP door?

The molding process ensures a single-piece construction without seams or joints. This seamless design minimizes potential weak points. Laminated doors are assembled from multiple layers, resulting in visible seams. These seams can weaken the door over time and lead to delamination, especially in high traffic areas.

Key Benefits of Dortek FRP Doors:

  1. Durability and longevity: The fiberglass material used in Dortek doors is highly durable, resistant to moisture, chemicals, and corrosion. Unlike metal or wood doors, they will not warp, swell, rust, or rot, even in the most challenging environments, ensuring long-term performance and reduced maintenance costs.
  2. Hygiene: Dortek specializes in seamless fiberglass doors that are designed to be completely free of ledges, recesses, and right angles, which helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and dust. This makes them ideally suited for environments that demand the highest levels of hygiene, such as cleanrooms, laboratories and healthcare facilities.
  3. Certified Fire Ratings: Dortek offers a wide range of fire-rated door solutions, providing enhanced safety and compliance with industry regulations. This feature is crucial for pharmaceutical and industrial facilities where fire safety is a top priority.
  4. Customization: Dortek FRP doors are available in a wide variety of sizes, finishes, and colors, allowing them to be tailored to meet your requirement.

3 sets of FRP doors.

Where Are FRP Doors Used?

FRP doors are incredibly versatile and can be found across various industries, including:

  • Cleanrooms and pharmaceutical facilities: Where contamination control is critical.
  • Vivarium’s and BSL3 laboratories: Where meeting biosafety standards is integral.
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities: Where hygienic properties and ease of cleaning are priority.
  • Food and beverage production: Where meeting strict food and hygiene standards is essential.

Why Choose Dortek FRP Doors?

At Dortek, we’ve been at the forefront of door innovation for over five decades. Our FRP doors are designed to meet the exact needs of industries where performance is non-negotiable.

We pride ourselves on offering:

  • Over 50 years’ specialist experience working in controlled environments across pharmaceutical, research, healthcare, food and industrial.
  • Doors manufactured to the highest standards of quality and performance.
  • Custom solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
  • An extensive portfolio, including swing doors, sliding doors, waterproof doors, cleanroom windows, glass doors, hermetically sealing doors, windows and hatches.
  • An in-house project management team to provide a comprehensive service from initial design through to installation and commissioning.
  • Expert advice and post-installation support, ensuring clients receive the assistance they need at every stage of their projects.
  • We take responsibility for the complete door system – Door, frame, glazing and hardware. They are all assembled in the factory and delivered to site ready for installation.

A white sliding FRP door.

Boosting Your Facility’s Performance

Investing in Dortek FRP doors is more than just a practical choice; it’s a smart decision for the long-term efficiency and safety of your facility. By opting for Dortek doors that are the most durable, low-maintenance, and hygienic on the market, you’re not only reducing costs but also optimizing performance operations.

To learn more about our range of FRP doors or to discuss your project requirements, get in touch with Dortek today.

 

 

How Cleanroom Doors Affect Workflow

In a cleanroom environment, every element contributes to operational efficiency, and one often overlooked aspect is the design and functionality of cleanroom doors. At Dortek, we understand that the user experience is pivotal in ensuring a seamless workflow, which is vital in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and electronics.

Accessibility and Convenience

Cleanroom doors should facilitate easy access without compromising the integrity of the sterile environment. Automatic sliding doors, for example, offer hands-free operation, reducing the risk of contamination while enabling quick entry and exit. This is particularly important in high-paced settings where time is of the essence. By considering user needs in the design process, we can enhance accessibility and convenience for personnel.

Impact on Workflow Efficiency

The layout and functionality of cleanroom doors can significantly influence workflow efficiency. Well-placed doors minimise unnecessary movement and help maintain optimal air pressure differentials, which are crucial for contamination control. This strategic placement reduces the distance employees need to travel, allowing for more efficient task completion and reducing fatigue.

Noise Reduction and Safety

In many cleanroom environments, noise levels can be a concern, particularly in sensitive areas. High-quality cleanroom doors can mitigate sound, creating a more comfortable working environment. Additionally, safety features such as vision panels enable visibility without the need to open doors, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations.

Durability and Maintenance

Investing in robust cleanroom doors also contributes to long-term workflow efficiency. Durable materials not only withstand the rigours of a cleanroom but also require less frequent maintenance, allowing personnel to focus on their primary tasks rather than door upkeep. At Dortek, we specialise in designing doors that are both resilient and easy to maintain, ensuring they perform optimally for years to come.

Conclusion

The design and functionality of cleanroom doors play a crucial role in enhancing user experience and overall workflow. At Dortek, we are committed to delivering cleanroom doors that not only meet industry standards but also support the unique needs of your operations. Hygiene, accessibility, safety, secure sealing, minimising pressure drops, protecting against contaminants and drafts, reducing energy costs, improving user safety and ease of cleaning; these are just some of the key issues that Dortek doors address.

For more information on our range of cleanroom doors and how they can benefit your facility, visit our website.

 

Pass Thru / Pass Through Hatches

Pass thru hatches, also known as pass through hatches, play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless transfer of materials. Whether it’s transporting raw materials in, dispatching finished products, or facilitating the manufacturing process, these unassuming pass thru hatches are the unsung heroes of cleanroom efficiency. Their robust and durable construction ensures long-term reliability in even the most demanding environments. Moreover, they are designed to accommodate a wide range of operational requirements, making them indispensable in various industries including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and electronics.

A metal transfer hatch.
The primary objective of pass thru’s is to mitigate cross-contamination during material transfer, thus upholding the cleanliness of controlled areas. Dortek, as a leading provider of innovative solutions, offers a range of pass thru hatches equipped with either electromagnetic or mechanically interlocked doors. These advanced door mechanisms serve a dual purpose: preventing depressurisation and minimising the risk of contamination. In addition to their high functionality, these door systems are designed to be user-friendly, reducing the risk of operational errors and enhancing the overall safety protocols within cleanrooms.

What sets Dortek’s pass through hatches apart is their deliberate design. Unlike conventional sealed doors, these hatches allow a controlled flow of air from the clean side, typically maintained at a higher pressure. This constant influx of clean air effectively flushes the interior of the hatch. Importantly, the volume of air involved is so minuscule in comparison to the room’s airflows that it remains imperceptible, leaving room pressures unaffected. This careful balance helps to ensure that even the most stringent cleanroom standards are met without compromise. Additionally, the materials used in the construction of these hatches are selected for their resistance to corrosion and ease of sterilisation. The hatches have minimal visible fixings, flush designs, and excellent scratch and wear resistance.

Pass throughs silently ensure that materials move seamlessly, while cross-contamination remains a distant concern. Dortek’s innovative range of pass thru hatches help improve the efficiency and reliability of cleanroom operations. These hatches are also designed with user convenience in mind, featuring easy-to-clean surfaces and straightforward maintenance procedures. Their sleek, modern design not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the cleanroom but also integrates seamlessly with other cleanroom infrastructure.

A metal transfer hatch with a small window at each side.
Key Features of Dortek’s Thru Hatches:

• Active or passive units available with suitably sized fan and filtration systems.
• Simple mechanical or electromagnetic interlocks or full integration into building management systems.
• Doors manufactured from stainless steel, glass or Perspex.
• Multiple door seal materials, suitable for all processes.
• Can be Lead lined for use in radiotherapy applications.
• Wide variety of sizes available – fully configurable.
• Variety of finishes available – Brushed, mirror polished, electropolishing, passivated.

Please see our datasheet for more details or contact us at info@dortek.com. Our team of experts are always on hand to provide consultation and support, ensuring that you find the perfect solution for your cleanroom needs.

Fire Door Safety Week 2024: The Importance of Reliable Fire Door Installation

As we mark Fire Door Safety Week 2024, running from the 23rd to the 27th of September, it’s an important reminder of the crucial role fire doors play in safeguarding lives and property. At Dortek Ltd, we are proud to lead the way in manufacturing and installing high-performance fire doors, providing maximum protection in the event of a fire.

Why Fire Doors Matter

Fire doors are an essential part of a building’s passive fire protection system. Their primary function is to contain the spread of fire and smoke, buying valuable time for occupants to evacuate and for emergency services to respond. In healthcare, cleanrooms, pharmaceutical environments, and even leisure facilities, fire doors are a vital line of defence, especially in buildings where vulnerable people may be present or where sensitive equipment and environments are housed.

Certified for Maximum Safety

Dortek fire doors are not just designed to perform; they are tested and certified to the highest standards. Our fire doors can achieve up to a 4-hour fire rating, and they are tested against more than 50 different specifications to comply with regulations around the world. This means that when you choose Dortek, you are choosing the reassurance that our doors will perform under the most challenging conditions.

We understand that simply having a high-quality fire door isn’t enough—it needs to be installed correctly to do its job. That’s why we are BM TRADA Q-Mark accredited installers. Our team only installs doors according to this certification, which is recognised as a leading standard in the industry. With third-party certification, clients and building owners can be confident that the installation of their fire doors is carried out with precision and expertise, ensuring full compliance with legal requirements.

Common Fire Door Misconceptions

Despite their importance, fire doors are often misunderstood or improperly maintained. Common misconceptions include the idea that any door can act as a fire barrier, or that once installed, fire doors don’t require ongoing checks. However, to ensure fire doors remain effective, they must be inspected and maintained regularly by competent professionals. Gaps, damage, or wear can significantly reduce a fire door’s ability to contain fire and smoke.

At Dortek, we believe in educating our clients about the importance of fire door maintenance. Regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols ensure that your fire doors continue to provide the protection they were designed for. For those unsure about the current condition of their fire doors, Fire Door Safety Week is the perfect time to conduct an audit and arrange professional inspections.

Why Choose Dortek?

At Dortek, our commitment to fire safety is unparalleled. From the design and manufacturing of our high-performance doors to the accredited installation process, we ensure that every aspect meets and exceeds industry expectations. Whether you’re in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or leisure sectors, we can provide bespoke fire door solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our clients can trust that they are receiving products and services backed by years of expertise, rigorous testing, and third-party certification.

Don’t leave fire safety to chance—get in touch with Dortek today.

For more information on fire doors and safety, visit the official Fire Door Safety Week website.

Dortek’s Guide to Fire Door Safety

Fire doors are one of the most critical elements of fire protection. They are used to provide compartmentation – in other words, containing fire and smoke for a period of time to allow people to be safely rescued and evacuated.

Fire doors are often the first line of defence in a fire and their correct specification, maintenance and management can be the difference between life and death for building occupants. Despite this, fire doors remain a significant area of neglect and are often the first thing to be downgraded in a specification or mismanaged throughout their service life.

A review undertaken by FDIS certificated fire door inspectors earlier this year revealed the extent of fire door failures being seen on site:

  • Over 61% of fire doors inspected had problems with fire or smoke seals
  • More than a third had incorrect signage
  • 230 fire doors inspected had gaps bigger than 3mm between door and frame
  • More than 20% had unsuitable hinges
  • Almost 1 in 6 had damage to the door leaf.

(Source: FDIS 32)

The most common identified cause of death from a fire incident is being overcome by gas, smoke or toxic fumes. Suffering from the effects of gas or smoke also accounted for one-fifth of all non-fatal casualties in 2013-14. (Source: Gov.uk) This reinforces the importance of properly specified, installed and maintained fire doors with intumescent seals that keep smoke from leaking around the edges of a fire door.

Collage of three door images.

Here’s our checklist to help you specify the correct fire doors and keep them in tip top condition:

  • Always use a reputable and competent supplier – many people claim to make fire doors, but only a handful have a properly tested product which is proven to work in a fire.
  • Ask whether the product has been fire tested and demand to see the documentation that proves it (e.g. fire certificate or label).
  • Make sure test evidence is from a UKAS-accredited test centre
  • Specifying fire doors with intumescent seals is crucial to prevent smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.
  • It’s not just the door itself that matters. The frame and ironmongery is just as important – they all work together. Only buy exact compatible hardware and components from the same reputable supplier, also making sure that the ironmongery also meets the relevant fire test standard as well
  • Correct installation is as important as buying the correct product – fire doors are a carefully engineered fire safety device which must be fitted correctly so make sure you use experienced installers from a reputable company.
  • Ask for the fire door to be installed and then certified using a 3rd-party approved certification programme, such as BM Trada
  • Fire doors should be checked and maintained regularly, to ensure that they still work and perform as intended
  • Make sure you use an experienced door company to manage the servicing and maintenance of your fire doors, using a 3rd-party approved certification programme, such as BM Trada
  • Only ever replace damaged components with like-for-like. A suitably trained individual should be responsible for this maintenance work.

For our full range of Fire doors and for additional information contact us or take a look at Fire Doors | Dortek

The Advantages of Sliding Hygienic Doors in Operating Theatres

In the high-stakes environment of operating theatres, every detail matters. The design and functionality of these spaces can have a profound impact on patient outcomes, staff efficiency, and overall safety. One often-overlooked aspect is the type of doors used. Recently, sliding doors have become a popular choice due to their numerous benefits. Here’s why hygienic GRP sliding doors are an excellent option for operating theatres.

Salford Royal operating room.

Maximising Space
Operating theatres are bustling hubs of activity, where every square foot counts. Unlike traditional hinged doors that swing open and require clear space, sliding doors move along a horizontal track. This design saves valuable floor space, allowing for better placement of equipment and easier movement for staff.

Enhancing Sterility
Sterility is crucial in operating theatres to prevent infections. Hygienic GRP Sliding doors have a smooth and seamless construction with no ledges, recesses or right angles where dust or bacteria can be trapped and grow. Some sliding doors even come with hermetic seals, ensuring an airtight closure that further minimises the risk of contamination.

Reducing Noise
The operating theatre is already a noisy place, with the constant hum of machinery and conversations among medical staff. Hygienic GRP Sliding doors provide better sound insulation, helping to create a quieter environment. Their smooth operation also means less noise when opening and closing, reducing distractions during critical moments.

Improving Traffic Flow
Efficient movement is vital in an operating theatre. Sliding operating theatre doors help facilitate smooth traffic flow by allowing easy passage between different areas, such as sterile and non-sterile zones. This reduces the risk of collisions and delays, helping to maintain a seamless workflow.

Enhancing Accessibility
Medical staff often need to move quickly and carry equipment, making ease of access crucial. Sliding operating theatre doors are user-friendly, especially when equipped with automatic sensors that open the door as someone approaches. This hands-free operation is particularly beneficial for staff wearing gloves or handling sterile instruments.

Ensuring Quick Evacuation
In emergencies, every second counts. Sliding doors can be designed to open quickly, allowing for rapid evacuation if needed. Some models also have breakaway features, ensuring they can be easily opened even during power outages or other crises.

Conclusion
Hygienic GRP sliding doors offer several key advantages for operating theatres, from maximising space and enhancing sterility to improving traffic flow and ensuring quick evacuation. When planning or renovating an operating theatre, healthcare facilities should consider these benefits to enhance both patient care and staff efficiency.

For more details, please enquire here.

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