Fire door inspection checklist

A fire door only works as a complete assembly: the leaf, the frame, the seals, the hinges, the closer, the glazing and the signs. One weak part can let fire and smoke through in minutes. This checklist covers what a competent inspector looks at, and what you can check yourself between inspections.

How often?

In England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require the Responsible Person for residential buildings with storeys above 11 metres to:

• check communal fire doors, including stair and lobby doors, at least every three months
• use best endeavours to check flat entrance doors at least every twelve months
• give residents information about why fire doors should be kept shut and not tampered with.

Other buildings should follow the frequency set in their fire risk assessment. Busy doors in commercial buildings often need checking more often than quiet ones.

The checklist

Certification and identity

• Is there a label, plug or certificate showing the door is a tested fire door?
• Has the door been altered since it was installed, for example with new locks, letterboxes or cat flaps?

Gaps

• Are the gaps between the leaf and frame along the top and sides generally around 3 mm, and no more than 4 mm?
• Is the gap at the bottom small enough for the door's tested specification, usually no more than 10 mm unless the door is designed to hold back cold smoke, when a smaller gap is needed?

Seals

• Are intumescent strips and smoke seals present, continuous, undamaged and not painted over?

Hinges

• Are there at least three hinges, all screws present and tight, with no signs of wear or oil leaks?

Self-closer

• Does the door close fully into the frame and latch from any open position, without being slammed?
• Is it free of wedges, hooks and other hold-open devices that are not linked to the fire alarm?

Leaf and frame

• Is the leaf free from damage, holes and splits?
• Is the frame securely fixed with no gaps between the frame and the wall?

Glazing

• Is any glass fire-rated, undamaged and held in with the correct beads and seals?

Ironmongery and signage

• Are locks, handles and letter plates fire-rated and complete?
• Are "Fire door keep shut" or "Fire door keep locked" signs fitted where needed?

Pass, advisory or fail

A good inspection gives each door a clear outcome, with photographs and measurements, so you can prioritise repairs. Doors with large gaps, missing closers or missing seals should be fixed quickly. Advisory items can be grouped into planned works.

Repairing or replacing

Minor issues such as adjusting a closer, replacing seals or fitting a missing sign can usually be fixed on site. Where a door is badly damaged or was never a proper fire door, replace it with a certified doorset installed by a competent installer.