What Is A Fire Door Inspection?

A fire door inspection is a defined process whereby you confirm the door set as installed will perform in the event of a fire.

This is done by inspecting all of its components against an agreed pass/fail protocol. Where information required by Regulation 38 is available, this will be considered in addition to the building’s fire strategy.

How often do fire doors need to be inspected?

Attention should be drawn to Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in respect of the requirement for maintenance of fire safety provisions, and that it is advisable you set up a regular planned preventative maintenance programme for fire doors. The following guidance could be adopted as defined in BS 8214: 2016, Clause 13, or in accordance with BS 9999: 2017, Annex I. Depending on the usage and type of fire door the frequency could be monthly, 3-monthly, 6-monthly or annually.

Are fire door inspections a legal requirement?

Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires you to maintain your fire safety provisions; fire doors are a fire safety provision and therefore it is a legal requirement that they should be inspected and maintained.

Who can inspect fire doors?

Inspections should only be carried out by suitably trained and competent individuals.

How long does it take to inspect a fire door?

The time to inspect a door can vary considerably. Factors such as those detailed below all impact how long it takes to inspect a fire door:

• Documentation available
• Intrusive checks
• Access control
• Door locations
• Layout of building
• Age of doors

What to do if fire doors failed inspection?

Just like a fire risk assessment, when there is a failure to a fire safety provision, you should have an action plan to address the issues within an acceptable time frame.

To find out more, visit our Fire Door Inspections section.