Fire doors are a key element in maintaining fire safety within buildings. They are designed to contain the spread of fire, protect escape routes, and safeguard lives.

Regular inspections of fire doors are not only important for safety but are also a legal requirement, ensuring that buildings comply with fire safety regulations.

Why Fire Door Inspections are Essential

Fire doors are a critical component of a building’s fire protection system. Their primary role is to contain fires within specific areas, limiting the spread of flames and smoke while providing a safe escape route for occupants. This containment buys valuable time for emergency services to respond and for individuals to evacuate safely.

Fire door inspections are not optional—they are mandated by regulatory standards, such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires regular maintenance and testing of fire safety measures. BS 8214 outlines the correct installation, inspection, and maintenance procedures for fire doors, ensuring that they function as intended in an emergency.

Scheduled inspections are crucial for identifying potential issues before they become hazards. Regular checks help prevent wear and tear, ensuring that fire doors remain in working condition and can perform effectively when needed. This proactive approach can make the difference between a minor incident and a major safety breach.

What Happens During a Fire Door Inspection?

A fire door inspection is a thorough process designed to ensure that the door is fully operational and compliant with fire safety regulations. During an inspection, a certified inspector will follow a series of steps to evaluate the door’s overall condition and performance:

• Checking door materials and integrity: The inspector will examine the fire door itself to ensure that the materials are intact and suitable for their intended purpose. Any visible signs of damage, such as cracks or warping, can compromise the door’s effectiveness.
• Inspecting the door frame and seals: The door frame and seals are key components in preventing the spread of fire and smoke. The inspector will look for gaps between the door and the frame, as well as any wear or damage to the seals. Intumescent strips, which expand when exposed to heat, are also checked for proper installation and condition.
• Testing the functionality of door closers, hinges, and latches: A fire door must close fully and latch securely to perform its job. The inspector will test the door closers, hinges, and latches to make sure they are functioning correctly. Any malfunctioning hardware will need immediate attention to maintain the door’s fire resistance.
• Verifying compliance with fire safety regulations: The inspector will ensure that the fire door meets the standards outlined in BS 8214 and other relevant regulations. This includes checking that the door is fitted with the appropriate signage, is properly installed, and has all necessary certifications.

By conducting these detailed checks, an inspector can ensure that the fire door is capable of providing the necessary protection in the event of a fire, maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Areas of Concern During a Fire Door Inspection

During a fire door inspection, there are several common issues that inspectors frequently encounter. These problems can significantly impact the fire door’s ability to perform in an emergency, making it essential to address them promptly:

• Misaligned or damaged doors: A misaligned door may not close properly, which can prevent it from effectively containing a fire. Inspectors will look for signs of warping, swelling, or any misalignment that could hinder the door’s operation.
• Gaps around the door frame: Gaps between the door and the frame should be minimal, as they can allow smoke and fire to pass through. Inspectors check for any excessive spacing, particularly around the top and sides of the door, and ensure the intumescent strips are intact and properly fitted.
• Broken or worn-out hardware: Door closers, hinges, and latches need to function correctly for the door to work as a fire barrier. Inspectors often find worn-out or broken hardware that can prevent the door from closing securely. Any hardware that is not working as it should be must be repaired or replaced.
• Issues with signage or improper installation: Fire doors need to be clearly marked with the correct signage, indicating that they are fire doors and should remain closed. Improper installation, such as incorrect fitting or missing signage, can reduce the door’s effectiveness and lead to non-compliance with safety standards.

Addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining the integrity of fire doors. Failure to do so can compromise the safety of the building and its occupants, leaving the property vulnerable to greater damage during a fire. Regular maintenance and swift repairs help ensure that fire doors function as intended, providing vital protection when needed most.

How Long Does a Fire Door Inspection Take?

The time required for a fire door inspection depends largely on the number of doors and the size of the building. For smaller properties with only a few fire doors, an inspection might take as little as 20-30 minutes per door. However, for larger buildings with many doors or complex layouts, the inspection process can take several hours or even span across multiple days.

Larger or more intricate properties, such as multi-storey buildings or those with specialised fire safety systems, may require more in-depth inspections to ensure that all doors meet the necessary standards. In these cases, inspectors need to pay extra attention to detail, examining not only the fire doors but also their integration within the overall fire safety plan.

It’s important for building managers to plan accordingly, scheduling enough time to allow for a thorough inspection and any necessary follow-up actions. Proper preparation ensures that the inspection is efficient and comprehensive, leaving no potential risks unaddressed.

What Happens After a Fire Door Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete, building owners or managers will receive a detailed inspection report. This report will outline the condition of each fire door, highlighting any issues or non-compliance with fire safety regulations. It will also include recommendations for any repairs, replacements, or adjustments needed to bring the doors up to standard.

It’s essential to follow up on any identified issues promptly. While some problems may require minor fixes, such as replacing a broken hinge or adjusting a misaligned door, others may necessitate more extensive repairs or even full door replacements. Addressing these concerns quickly is crucial for maintaining safety and ensuring the building remains compliant with fire safety laws.

In cases where significant repairs or modifications are made, re-inspections are often necessary. A follow-up inspection ensures that any corrective actions have been completed properly and that the fire doors are once again fully functional and compliant. Regular re-inspections also help in keeping a building’s fire safety measures up to date, ensuring continuous protection for its occupants.

What Types of Buildings Require Fire Door Inspections?

Fire door inspections are mandatory in a wide variety of buildings, each with its own set of regulations. Commercial properties, such as offices, warehouses, and retail spaces, are legally required to maintain fire doors to protect employees, customers, and assets. Regular inspections ensure these doors are functioning properly to contain fires and provide safe evacuation routes.

In residential buildings—especially high-rise apartments, housing blocks, and shared accommodations—fire door regulations are critical for the safety of occupants. The Housing Act and various fire safety orders make it compulsory for landlords and property managers to maintain fire doors in communal areas, stairwells, and individual flats.

Public buildings, including schools, hospitals, libraries, and government offices, must also comply with strict fire door maintenance regulations. Given the high volume of people in these spaces, fire doors play an essential role in safeguarding public safety.

Each type of building must comply with specific regulations such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and standards like BS 8214. Regular inspections help ensure compliance and provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire.

Who Should Carry Out a Fire Door Inspection?

Fire door inspections should always be conducted by a qualified and competent professional. These individuals must have the necessary training and expertise in fire door safety to properly assess the condition and compliance of the doors. Certified fire door inspectors, often accredited by organisations like the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), are equipped with the knowledge to identify potential issues and ensure that fire doors meet legal and safety standards.

It’s crucial to avoid relying on general maintenance staff or individuals without specific fire door training, as they may overlook critical safety concerns. A certified inspector will not only check for physical damage but also ensure that the doors are installed and maintained according to fire safety regulations, such as BS 8214. By using a professional, building owners and managers can be confident that their fire doors provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire, and that they remain fully compliant with legal requirements.

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?

Fire doors should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good working condition and compliant with safety regulations. The frequency of inspections depends on the type of building, the number of fire doors, and the level of use those doors receive.

For most buildings, it’s recommended that fire door inspections take place every six months as a minimum. However, in high-traffic areas or buildings where the doors are subject to frequent use or harsh conditions, more frequent inspections may be necessary—sometimes as often as every three months.

In addition to regular scheduled inspections, fire doors should also be checked after any significant modifications to the building or after events that may have caused damage, such as renovations or incidents that affect the structure.

Maintaining a routine inspection schedule ensures that fire doors can perform effectively in an emergency, keeping occupants safe and helping to meet legal fire safety requirements.

What Are the Legal Consequences of Not Maintaining Fire Doors?

Failure to maintain and regularly inspect fire doors can result in serious legal and financial consequences. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners and managers are legally required to ensure that all fire safety measures, including fire doors, are in good working order. Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, prosecution, and even imprisonment in severe cases where negligence results in injury or loss of life.

In addition to legal penalties, insurance companies may refuse to cover damages in the event of a fire if it’s found that fire doors were not properly maintained or inspected. This can leave building owners liable for significant repair costs and compensation claims, further increasing the financial burden. To avoid these consequences, it’s essential to prioritise regular fire door inspections and promptly address any issues that arise.