Fire door inspections are an essential part of maintaining fire safety in buildings. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about fire door inspections, from who needs them to what happens during the process.

What is a Fire Door Inspection?

A fire door inspection is a thorough evaluation process carried out to ensure that fire doors are functioning correctly and are capable of providing the necessary protection in the event of a fire. This inspection is a crucial part of fire safety management and maintenance, mandated by various regulations, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in the UK. Here is a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about fire door inspections:

Who Needs Fire Door Inspections?

Fire door inspections are essential to ensure safety and compliance with fire safety regulations. The following entities typically need regular fire door inspections:

1. Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail stores, warehouses, and other commercial properties must have fire door inspections to protect employees, customers, and assets.
2. Residential Buildings: Apartment complexes, condominiums, and other multi-family residential buildings need fire door inspections to ensure the safety of residents.
3. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities require fire door inspections to protect students, staff, and visitors.
4. Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities must have fire door inspections to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors.
5. Hotels and Hospitality: Hotels, motels, and resorts need fire door inspections to ensure the safety of guests and employees.
6. Public Buildings: Government buildings, libraries, and community centres require fire door inspections to protect the public and employees.
7. Industrial Facilities: Factories, manufacturing plants, and other industrial sites must have fire door inspections to ensure the safety of workers and compliance with regulations.
8. Transportation Hubs: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals need fire door inspections to protect travellers and staff.
9. Religious Institutions: Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other places of worship require fire door inspections to ensure the safety of congregants.
10. Entertainment Venues: Theatres, cinemas, concert halls, and sports arenas need fire door inspections to protect audiences and staff.
11. Retail Establishments: Shopping malls, department stores, and standalone retail shops must have fire door inspections to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees.

Regular fire door inspections help identify and rectify potential issues, ensuring that fire doors function correctly in case of an emergency and comply with local fire safety regulations.

How Do I Know If I Need a Fire Door Inspection?

In the UK, the need for a fire door inspection is determined by factors including legal requirements, building use, and safety considerations. Here are some key indicators that you might need a fire door inspection:

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, responsible persons (such as building owners, employers, and landlords) must ensure that fire safety measures are in place and maintained, including fire doors.

Compliance with UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B) often necessitates the installation and maintenance of fire doors in specific locations, such as escape routes and between certain types of rooms.

Safety Considerations

If there have been recent renovations or changes in building use, a fire door inspection is necessary to ensure that fire doors are still compliant and correctly positioned.

Over time, fire doors can become damaged or worn. Regular inspections help identify and rectify issues such as damaged seals, warping, or hardware failure.

Signs You Need an Inspection

1. Visible Damage: If you notice any visible damage to fire doors, such as cracks, warping, or missing hardware, an inspection is necessary.
2. Difficult Operation: Fire doors should open and close easily. If a fire door is difficult to operate, it may not function correctly in an emergency.
3. Infrequent Inspections: If it has been a long time since your last fire door inspection, or you are unsure when the last inspection took place, it’s time for a new inspection.

Who Carries Out a Fire Door Inspection?

In the UK, fire door inspections are typically carried out by qualified professionals who have the necessary training and expertise to assess the condition and compliance of fire doors. These professionals may come from various backgrounds, including fire safety specialists, certified inspectors, and certain maintenance personnel.

Professional Fire Door Inspections

To ensure compliance and safety, it’s recommended to have fire door inspections conducted by a qualified professional such as IMS Group. They will check for:

• Correct installation
• Proper certification
• Intact and functional seals and hinges
• Appropriate signage
• Correct functioning and closure

Regular inspections and maintenance are critical for ensuring that fire doors provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire.

Getting Assistance

If you’re unsure whether you need a fire door inspection, consider consulting a fire safety professional such as ourselves. We can provide specific advice based on your building type and local regulations.

Get in touch here to find out more about how we can help you to keep your buildings safe. 

Who is Responsible for Organising a Fire Door Inspection?

In the UK, the responsibility for organising fire door inspections typically falls on the “responsible person” as defined by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This person has legal duties to ensure that fire safety measures, including fire door inspections, are properly managed and maintained. The specific individual or entity that takes on this role can vary depending on the type of building and its use. Here are the main categories of responsible persons:

Commercial and Industrial Buildings

1. Business Owners and Employers: In commercial and industrial buildings, the owner or employer is usually the responsible person. They must ensure that fire doors are regularly inspected and maintained as part of their broader fire safety obligations.
2. Facilities Managers: In larger organisations, the responsibility may be delegated to facilities managers or safety officers who handle the day-to-day maintenance and safety compliance tasks.

Residential Buildings

1. Landlords and Property Managers: In rented residential properties, including blocks of flats and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs), the landlord or property manager is responsible for ensuring fire door inspections are conducted. This includes common areas and individual flats if the fire doors are part of the escape routes.
2. Housing Associations and Councils: For social housing and council-managed properties, the housing association or local council typically organises and oversees fire door inspections.

Public Buildings

1. Building Managers and Safety Officers: In public buildings such as schools, hospitals, libraries, and government buildings, the responsibility usually lies with building managers or designated safety officers.

What Does the Responsible Person Need To Do?

1. Identify Fire Doors: Determine all fire doors within the building, including their locations and specifications.
2. Schedule Regular Inspections: Arrange for regular inspections, typically at least annually, though more frequent inspections may be necessary depending on the building’s use and occupancy.
3. Hire Qualified Inspectors: Ensure that inspections are carried out by qualified professionals who are certified and experienced in fire door inspections.
4. Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of all inspections, maintenance, and any remedial actions taken. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance with fire safety regulations.
5. Address Deficiencies: Promptly address any issues or deficiencies identified during inspections to ensure all fire doors are functioning correctly and meet safety standards.

Failure to organise and conduct regular fire door inspections can have serious legal implications, including fines and potential criminal charges, especially if it leads to a fire-related incident. Therefore, it is crucial for the responsible person to stay proactive in managing fire door safety.

What Happens During a Fire Door Inspection?

Key Components of a Fire Door Inspection

1. Visual Examination
   • Door Leaf and Frame: Check for any visible damage, warping, or deterioration. Ensure that the door leaf is properly aligned with the frame.
   • Intumescent Seals and Smoke Seals: Inspect the seals for integrity. They should be continuous around the door or frame, intact, and not painted over.
   • Glazing and Vision Panels: Ensure that any glass or vision panels are intact, secure, and fire-resistant. The glazing should meet the same fire rating as the door.
   • Signage: Verify that the fire door signage, such as “Fire Door – Keep Shut” or “Fire Door – Keep Locked,” is present, visible, and legible.
2. Functional Checks
   • Self-Closing Mechanisms: Test the door’s self-closing device to ensure it closes the door fully and latches automatically without assistance.
   • Door Operation: Open and close the door to ensure it moves smoothly without sticking or requiring excessive force.
   • Hold-Open Devices: If hold-open devices are installed, check that they release the door when the fire alarm is triggered.
3. Gaps and Clearances
   • Around the Door Leaf: Measure the gap between the door leaf and the frame. The gap should be consistently around 3mm.
   • Threshold Gap: Ensure the gap at the bottom of the door does not exceed 10mm for smoke control doors and 3mm for fire-rated doors.
4. Hardware Inspection
   • Hinges: Check that hinges are secure, undamaged, and properly aligned. They should be fire-rated and suitable for the door’s weight and usage.
   • Locks and Latches: Ensure locks, latches, and any other hardware operate smoothly and are fire-rated.
   • Door Closers: Verify that door closers are effective and properly adjusted. If they are defective or improperly installed, they should be repaired or replaced.
5. Compliance with Standards
   • Certification: Confirm that the fire door and all its components (frame, seals, glazing, hardware) are certified to the appropriate fire resistance rating.
   • Manufacturer’s Instructions: Ensure that the door has been installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

What Are the Penalties for Not Having Fire Door Inspections?

In the UK, failing to conduct regular fire door inspections and maintain fire safety measures can lead to severe penalties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach and the potential risk to occupants. Here are the potential consequences:

Financial Penalties

1. Fines: Organisations and individuals can face significant fines for non-compliance with fire safety regulations. The amount can vary, but in serious cases, fines can reach up to £500,000 or more.
2. Cost of Remediation: In addition to fines, the responsible person may be required to bear the cost of any necessary remedial work to bring the building into compliance with fire safety regulations.

Legal Consequences

1. Prosecution: Serious breaches of fire safety regulations can lead to prosecution in the criminal courts. This can apply to business owners, landlords, property managers, or any other responsible person.
2. Criminal Charges: In extreme cases, especially where negligence leads to injury or loss of life, responsible persons can face criminal charges. This can result in custodial sentences for those found guilty.

Business and Operational Impact

1. Business Disruption: Non-compliance can result in enforcement actions such as prohibition notices, which may force parts of or the entire premises to close until compliance is achieved.
2. Reputational Damage: Being found non-compliant with fire safety regulations can severely damage an organisation’s reputation, impacting customer trust and business relationships.

Enforcement Actions

1. Enforcement Notices: The fire and rescue authority can issue enforcement notices requiring specific improvements to be made within a certain timeframe.
2. Prohibition Notices: If there is a serious risk to life, a prohibition notice can be issued, restricting the use of the building or specific areas until the issues are resolved.

Steps to Avoid Penalties for Not Having Fire Door Inspections

The penalties for not having fire door inspections in the UK are severe and can include significant fines, legal prosecution, and potentially imprisonment. 

2019 Case Example: A landlord in London was fined £60,000 and ordered to pay £12,000 in costs for multiple fire safety breaches, including inadequate fire doors.

Business Penalties: Businesses found without proper fire safety measures, including fire door maintenance, have faced fines exceeding £200,000, especially in cases where the breaches could have led to significant harm.

To avoid these consequences, it is crucial for responsible persons to ensure that fire safety measures, including regular fire door inspections, are properly managed and maintained. 

1. Regular Inspections: Schedule and conduct regular fire door inspections by qualified professionals.
2. Compliance: Ensure all fire doors and other fire safety measures comply with current regulations.
3. Training: Provide adequate fire safety training for staff and occupants to ensure everyone understands their roles in maintaining fire safety.
4. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all fire door inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Regulations: Fire Door Inspections

In the UK, fire door inspections are governed by several key regulations and guidelines. These regulations ensure that fire doors function correctly and provide the necessary protection in case of a fire. Here’s an overview of the main regulations and standards that mandate fire door inspections:

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is the primary piece of legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales. Key points include:

1. The order designates a “responsible person” for fire safety in any given premises. This person is typically the employer, owner, landlord, or occupier.
2. The responsible person must carry out and regularly update a fire risk assessment. This assessment must consider fire doors and their maintenance.
3. Fire doors and other fire safety measures must be subject to regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they are in good working order.

Building Regulations (Approved Document B)

Approved Document B provides guidelines on fire safety in building design and construction. It includes specific requirements for fire doors:

1. Fire doors must be installed according to specific standards, including positioning and materials.
2. Fire doors must meet certain performance criteria, including fire resistance and self-closing mechanisms.
3. Fire doors should be clearly marked with appropriate signage indicating their function and status.

BS 9999: Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Buildings

BS 9999 provides a comprehensive framework for fire safety in building design and management. Key points include:

1. The code encourages a risk-based approach to fire safety, including regular inspections and maintenance of fire doors.
2. Detailed records of inspections, maintenance, and any repairs must be kept.

BS 8214: Timber-Based Fire Door Assemblies – Code of Practice

BS 8214 provides specific guidance on the specification, installation, and maintenance of timber fire doors:

1. It provides detailed guidelines on selecting appropriate fire doors based on their fire resistance ratings.
2. Best practices for the installation of timber fire doors to ensure they provide the intended fire resistance.
3. Recommendations for regular inspection and maintenance to ensure ongoing compliance and functionality.

Frequency of Inspections

While the specific frequency can vary, it is generally recommended that fire door inspections be conducted at least every six months (three months for residential buildings over 11m). High-traffic areas or buildings with higher fire risks may require more frequent inspections.

What Do You Get After a Fire Door Inspection?

After a fire door inspection, you will receive several key pieces of documentation and feedback that help ensure your fire doors are compliant and functioning correctly. Here’s a detailed overview of what you typically get after a fire door inspection:

1. Inspection Report

The primary document you will receive is a detailed inspection report. This report typically includes:

• Summary of Findings: An overview of the general condition of the fire doors inspected.
• Detailed Observations: Specific observations for each door inspected, including any issues or defects identified.
• Compliance Status: An assessment of whether each fire door meets the relevant standards and regulations.
• Photographic Evidence: Photos of each door, highlighting areas of concern or non-compliance.
• Unique Door Identification: Each fire door will be uniquely identified (e.g., by location or door number) to ensure clarity.

2. List of Deficiencies

If any issues or deficiencies are found during the inspection, you will receive a list detailing:

• Type of Deficiency: A description of the problem, such as damaged seals, improper fitting, or hardware issues.
• Severity: An indication of the severity of the issue and the potential impact on fire safety.
• Location: Exact location of the door and the specific part that needs attention.

3. Recommendations for Remedial Action

Based on the findings, the inspector will provide recommendations for corrective actions, including:

• Immediate Actions: Urgent actions required to address serious safety issues.
• Maintenance Tips: General advice on maintaining the doors to prevent future issues.
• Upgrades: Suggestions for upgrading doors or hardware to meet current standards.

4. Compliance Certificate (if applicable)

If the fire doors are found to be fully compliant with relevant standards and regulations, you may receive a compliance certificate. This certificate serves as formal documentation that your fire doors meet the necessary requirements.

5. Maintenance Schedule

A suggested schedule for future maintenance and inspections may be provided to help you keep your fire doors in good working order. This schedule typically includes:

• Regular Inspections: Frequency and scope of future inspections.
• Routine Maintenance: Recommendations for ongoing maintenance tasks, such as lubrication of hinges and replacement of seals.

6. Training and Guidance

Inspectors may also offer training or guidance for your staff on:

• Daily and Weekly Checks: Simple checks that can be performed regularly by building occupants or maintenance staff.
• Proper Use and Care: Instructions on the correct use of fire doors and how to avoid common issues.

7. Follow-Up Plan

If significant issues are found, a follow-up plan may be included, detailing:

• Re-inspection Date: A proposed date for a follow-up inspection to verify that remedial actions have been taken.
• Interim Measures: Temporary measures to enhance safety until permanent fixes are implemented.

Importance of Documentation

The documentation you receive after a fire door inspection is crucial for several reasons:

• Provides evidence that you are complying with fire safety regulations.
• Ensures that fire doors will perform as intended in an emergency.
• Can be important for insurance purposes, demonstrating that fire safety measures are properly maintained.
• Helps maintain a clear record of inspections, maintenance, and any remedial actions taken.