Fire Door Inspections: What You Need to Know

How to tell if your fire doors are compliant, what to look out for, and when to get them checked.

Under the Building Safety Act and recent regulatory changes, fire door inspections have become more important than ever. For multi-occupancy residential buildings in England taller than 11 metres, there are now specific guidelines around fire door maintenance:

Flat entrance doors must be inspected annually.
Communal doors should be checked quarterly.
Best practice recommends bi-annual inspections for other buildings.

As a property manager, business owner, or landlord, ensuring that fire doors are regularly checked could fall under your responsibility. But how do you know what needs to be done? RTJ of Sussex, your trusted fire safety specialist, explains what’s involved in a fire door inspection and why it’s so crucial for building safety.

Why Are Fire Door Inspections So Important?

A fire door is a critical safety feature designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke, giving occupants valuable time to evacuate. An inspection ensures that each door is functioning as it should, and will perform effectively in the event of a fire. The inspection looks at the door’s components, such as seals, hinges, glazing, and closer mechanisms, to ensure they meet safety standards.

The FD30 fire door, which is the most common type, provides 30 minutes of fire resistance—enough time for most people to evacuate safely. But this can only be guaranteed if the door is properly maintained and in good condition.

What Happens During a Fire Door Inspection?

At RTJ of Sussex, we follow a detailed checklist to ensure that every element of the fire door is in compliance with fire safety regulations. Here are the key areas we inspect:

Certification: Does the fire door have the correct fire-rating certification? It’s essential that the door has been tested and certified to perform in the event of a fire.
Condition of the Door and Frame: Are the door and frame in good condition? Any damage could compromise the door’s effectiveness.
Hinges: Are the hinges compliant and fire-rated? We check for three steel hinges that meet fire safety standards.
Closer Mechanism: Does the door closer work properly? The door must shut securely to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Gaps: Are the gaps between the door leaf, frame, and the door threshold between 2-4mm? Larger gaps can allow smoke and heat to pass through.
Seals: Are smoke seals and intumescent strips in place? These seals expand when exposed to heat, preventing smoke leakage and improving the door’s fire-resistance.v
Glazing: If the fire door includes glazing, is it stamped to show it meets BS EN 1363 fire testing standards?
Signage: Is the door clearly labelled with the appropriate “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Keep Locked” signage? Clear signage is essential for safety.
Letterbox Seals: Are there intumescent letterbox strips to prevent smoke leakage through the letterbox? Without these, smoke could easily pass through, putting occupants at risk.

How We Help You Stay Compliant

When we perform fire door inspections, RTJ of Sussex provides a clear, written report outlining the condition of each fire door and whether it complies with current regulations. The report is written in plain, easy-to-understand language, making it simple for you to take any necessary actions.

If any issues are found—whether it’s a worn-out door closer, damaged seals, or a faulty hinge—we’ll highlight these in the report and offer expert recommendations for corrective action.

Get in Touch with RTJ of Sussex Today

If you are responsible for fire doors in your building, don’t leave safety to chance. Regular inspections are crucial to ensuring that your property meets the latest legal requirements and provides the highest level of safety for its occupants.

RTJ of Sussex is here to help. Our experienced team of fire safety specialists can perform thorough fire door inspections and provide professional advice on keeping your property compliant with fire safety standards.