Fire Door Inspection: Free Checklist
5 min read
Fire doors play a vital role in protecting people and property. They are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to escape safely and emergency services more time to respond. However, for them to function as intended, fire doors must be inspected regularly. In this article, we’ll outline what a fire door inspection is, the regulations to be aware of and also provide you with a free checklist template to use.
What is a Fire Door Inspection?
A fire door inspection is the process of checking that a fire door is in good working order and will perform correctly in the event of a fire. This includes looking at the condition of the door itself as well as its components, such as seals, hinges and signage.
Regular inspections of fire doors are essential because even minor faults, like a missing seal or damaged hinge, can significantly reduce the door’s effectiveness. Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s fire safety strategy and a well-maintained door could save lives. Our article on fire door safety provides more information on fire doors and the role they play in fire safety.
Inspections are usually carried out by a competent person with suitable knowledge and training. This might be a facilities manager, building owner or a professional fire safety contractor – what’s important is that they know what to look for during an inspection.
Fire Door Inspection Regulations
UK legislation sets out clear expectations for managing fire safety in buildings, including the upkeep of fire doors. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure that fire doors are maintained and kept in efficient working order.
Recent updates, such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Building Safety Act 2022, place additional duties on responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings. For example, in high rise buildings, quarterly checks of communal fire doors and annual checks of flat entrance doors are required.
As a general rule, fire doors in workplaces and other non-domestic settings should be inspected at least every six months, with more frequent checks in buildings where doors are used more frequently or if the nature of the workplace is more high-risk.
Want to Learn More?
If you have responsibility for fire safety in your building, whether it’s a workplace, residential property or care home, then take a look at our range of online Fire Safety Courses to find training relevant to you.
How to Inspect Fire Doors
Inspecting fire doors involves a series of straightforward checks to confirm that each part of the door is in good condition and functioning correctly. The key steps of a fire door inspection include:
- Check the certification label. Ensure the door is a certified fire door by looking for a label or plug, usually found on the top or side of the door.
- Examine the gaps. The gap between the door and frame should be consistent and generally no more than 4mm. Larger gaps may allow smoke and fire to pass through.
- Look at the seals. Intumescent and smoke seals should be present, continuous around the edges and in good condition.
- Check the hinges. Hinges should be secure, free of damage and fixed with the correct number of screws.
- Test the closing mechanism. The door should close fully on its own from any angle without sticking.
- Confirm the signage. Fire door signs, such as ‘Fire Door Keep Shut’, should be in place, visible and legible.
If any parts of the fire door are found to be damaged or faulty and need replacing, the replacement part must be the same specification as before and suitable for the type of door. For example, if the fire door is made from wood, then parts designed for metal doors may not be suitable. Seek specialist advice and consult the fire door’s manufacturer for further maintenance information.
Fire Door Inspection Checklist
To make fire door inspections easier, we’ve created a simple checklist you can use in your workplace to help record findings and track maintenance needs. This checklist should be completed regularly and any faults should be recorded and repaired promptly.
Fire door inspection checklist:
- Is the door certified as a fire door (label or plug present)?
- Are gaps around the door within 2-4mm?
- Are seals in place, continuous and undamaged?
- Are hinges in good condition and securely fixed with the correct number of screws?
- Does the door close fully and securely on its own?
- Is the door free from visible damage or alterations?
- Is appropriate signage displayed and legible?
- Are glazing panels (if fitted) secure and fitted with fire-resistant glass?
- Is the door free of any wedges or obstructions preventing closure?
- Is the frame in good condition with no warping or damage?
Fire doors are a crucial safety feature that require careful attention and regular checks. By understanding the regulations and carrying out thorough inspections, responsible persons can help ensure that fire doors will perform as needed in an emergency. Using a fire door inspection checklist provides a structured way to keep on top of inspections and demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements.
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