What Is A Fire Door Inspection, When And Why You Need It?

Fire door inspections are a crucial part of the maintenance of any large building. These inspections assess a fire door’s condition and functionality. During an inspection, all components of the door will be checked to ensure they operate correctly and are able to perform their role in the event of a fire.

Fire door inspections are fundamental for maintaining a building’s passive fire protection system. Any issues that are identified during an inspection should be addressed as quickly as possible to ensure the building and its occupants are properly protected.

Legal Requirements

A well-maintained fire door limits the spread of fire and smoke and provides safe escape routes for people living or working in a property. Because fire doors are so important for fire safety, fire door inspections are a legal requirement in the UK.

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), it’s up to the ‘responsible person’ (e.g., the building owner or manager) to ensure fire safety measures are maintained and inspected.

How Often Do Fire Doors Need To Be Inspected?

The frequency with which fire doors need to be inspected varies depending on the location of the doors. Factors influencing the frequency of inspections include building type, traffic volume, door age and condition, and the premises' risk assessment.

The Fire Safety Regulations 2022 (applicable in England) specifically mandate quarterly inspections for flat entrance fire doors. Communal fire doors in multi-occupied residential buildings should undergo annual inspections.

High-traffic or high-risk buildings may require quarterly or more frequent inspections. It’s also advisable to carry out an inspection immediately after any significant alteration to the building or fire safety system.

If no specific recommendations are in place, a fire door inspection should be carried out at least every six months.

What To Expect During A Fire Door Inspection

So, what is a fire door inspection? Well, during an inspection, a qualified professional will examine all of the components of the fire door assembly. This includes checking the door leaf for damage, verifying the integrity of the frame, assessing the condition of the hinges, and ensuring seals are present and in good repair. The inspector will also check the functionality of closers, latches and hardware to ensure the correct and secure closure of the door.

Common issues found during fire door inspections include:

• excessive gaps
• damaged seals
• Paint obstructing hardware
• missing signage
• non-functioning self-closing devices

Best Practices For Maintaining Fire Doors

Inspecting fire doors is just one aspect of the maintenance process. It’s also essential to keep proper records of fire door maintenance, promptly address any damage to the doors or surrounding installation, and ensure fire doors are never propped open. The area around the doors should also be kept free of obstructions.

Only compatible, fire-rated components, such as fire-rated expanding foam, should be used in the installation and maintenance of fire doors. Comprehensive documentation of all inspections, maintenance and repairs is essential in order to provide an auditable trail of compliance.

Fire door inspections are an integral part of the overall fire safety of a building. To learn more, contact us and speak to a member of our team.

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