How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?

Regular inspection of fire doors is essential for safety and compliance. But how often should checks take place? The answer depends on the type of building and the door's location.

Regulatory Requirements

For residential buildings over 11 metres in height, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 set clear minimum frequencies: fire doors in common parts must be checked at least every three months, and flat entrance doors must be checked at least every twelve months.

For Other Buildings

For buildings not covered by the specific height threshold, fire door inspection frequency should be determined by the fire risk assessment. Generally, fire doors in commercial buildings, offices, schools, hospitals, and other non-domestic buildings should be inspected at least every six months. Higher-risk environments or heavily used doors may warrant more frequent checks.

What a Routine Check Involves

A basic routine check examines whether the door closes fully into its frame, whether the self-closing device is working properly, whether intumescent strips and smoke seals are intact and undamaged, whether there are any gaps larger than 3mm around the door (when closed), whether the door leaf is free from damage (holes, warping, delamination), whether the hinges are in good condition and properly fixed, and whether the door has the correct signage.

Formal vs Routine Inspections

There is a difference between routine checks (which can be carried out by building staff using a simple checklist) and formal inspections (which should be carried out by a competent person with specific knowledge of fire door construction and standards). Both have their place in a comprehensive fire door management strategy.