Case Study: FD120 Steel Fire Doors with Vision Panels Installed in a School Environment

Project Overview

Security Direct was appointed to supply and install a series of FD120 steel fire doors with integrated vision panels as part of a fire safety upgrade at a large UK school campus.

The project formed part of a wider programme to improve fire compartmentation, enhance visibility within circulation routes, and ensure compliance with modern fire safety standards, all while maintaining a safe and appropriate learning environment for pupils and staff.

The Challenge

Schools present a unique set of challenges when it comes to fire door specification. Any solution must balance:

•    High levels of fire resistance
•    Clear sightlines for safeguarding and supervision
•    Durability in high-traffic areas
•    Compliance with education sector fire safety guidance
•    Minimal disruption to teaching and daily operations

In this case, the school required fire doors capable of providing up to 120 minutes of fire resistance in key compartment lines. These areas were identified through a fire risk assessment as critical to protecting escape routes and limiting fire spread across multiple building zones.

At the same time, the school required vision panels within the doors to support staff supervision, pupil safety, and general visibility in corridors and shared spaces.

The Solution

Security Direct supplied and installed a range of FD120-rated steel fire doors, each manufactured as a fully certified fire door set and incorporating fire-rated vision panels.

Key features of the installed doors included:
•    FD120 fire resistance (120 minutes)
•    Fire-rated vision panels to maintain visibility and safeguarding
•    Robust steel construction suitable for high-use school environments
•    Compliant ironmongery and intumescent sealing
•    Professional installation to maintain full certification

The doors were installed in phases to minimise disruption, with careful coordination around school timetables and site access requirements.

Why FD120 Steel Fire Doors Were Specified

While FD30 and FD60 doors are commonly used in educational buildings, certain areas within larger or more complex school layouts require enhanced protection.

The FD120 steel fire doors were specified to:

•    Protect critical escape routes
•    Maintain fire compartment boundaries for extended evacuation times
•    Reduce risk to occupants in multi-storey sections of the building
•    Support insurer and fire authority recommendations

Steel construction was selected over alternative materials due to its longevity, impact resistance, and consistent fire performance in busy educational settings.

Vision Panels and Safeguarding Considerations

The inclusion of fire-rated vision panels was a key requirement for the school. These allow:

•    Improved supervision by staff
•    Safer movement through corridors and circulation areas
•    Reduced risk of collisions in busy periods
•    Compliance with safeguarding best practice

All glazing used was tested as part of the complete FD120 door set, ensuring that fire performance was not compromised.

Installation and Compliance

Each door was supplied as a fully tested and certified door set, with installation carried out in accordance with manufacturer guidance and relevant fire safety standards.

This ensured:

•    Full compliance with fire door certification
•    Correct alignment, sealing, and hardware installation
•    Long-term reliability and reduced maintenance issues

Following installation, the school was provided with documentation to support ongoing fire safety management and inspections.

The Outcome

The completed installation delivered a significant upgrade to the school’s passive fire protection strategy. The FD120 steel fire doors now provide:

•    Enhanced fire compartmentation
•    Improved safeguarding through visibility
•    Durable, low-maintenance doors suited to daily school use
•    Confidence in long-term compliance and life safety

Importantly, the work was completed with minimal disruption, allowing the school to continue operating safely throughout the project.

Supporting Quality and Trust

Security Direct has extensive experience delivering fire door solutions across the education sector, working closely with facilities teams, contractors, and fire safety professionals.

Our focus on product quality and service is reflected in independent customer feedback, which can be viewed on our Feefo Review Page and Trustpilot, where clients regularly highlight reliability, technical knowledge, and professional delivery.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how FD120 steel fire doors with vision panels can be successfully integrated into a school environment, delivering the highest levels of fire resistance without compromising safeguarding, usability, or aesthetics.

For schools with complex layouts or higher fire risk areas, FD120 steel fire doors provide a robust, future-proof solution that supports both compliance and occupant safety.