How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected? They are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection strategy. Fire Doors help compartmentalise fire and smoke, giving occupants more time to evacuate and emergency services more time to respond. But to perform effectively, fire doors must be regularly inspected and maintained.
In England & Wales, the frequency of fire door inspections is governed by fire safety legislation, British Standards, and risk-based best practice. Understanding how often inspections are needed — and why — is essential for Responsible Persons, building owners, facilities managers, and managing agents.
Why Fire Door Inspections Are Essential
A fire door is not just another door with a different label. It is a life safety system with components that must work together:
- Door leaf
- Frame
- Intumescent and smoke seals
- Hinges and closing devices
- Glazing
- Signage
If any element fails, the door may not perform as designed. Regular inspections identify defects early, preventing small issues from becoming major safety risks.
The Legal Requirements for Fire Door Inspections
In England & Wales, several key regulations apply:
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Places a legal duty on the “Responsible Person” to ensure fire safety equipment — including fire doors — is maintained in efficient working order.
- Requires regular inspection and maintenance, with frequency based on the fire risk assessment.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
- Introduced specific inspection requirements for multi-occupied residential buildings:
- High-rise residential buildings (over 11 metres):
- Quarterly checks of all fire doors in communal areas.
- Annual checks of flat entrance doors.
- Applies to the Responsible Person under the RRO.
- Quarterly checks of all fire doors in communal areas.
- Annual checks of flat entrance doors.
- Applies to the Responsible Person under the RRO.
- High-rise residential buildings (over 11 metres):
Building Safety Act 2022
- Strengthens accountability, particularly in higher-risk buildings.
- Requires an ongoing regime of safety case reporting, which should evidence fire door inspection frequency and results.
British Standards (BS 9999 and BS 8214)
- Recommend regular inspection and maintenance as part of the building’s fire safety management plan.
- BS 9999 suggests routine six-monthly inspections for all fire doors, with more frequent checks in high-use areas.
Recommended Fire Door Inspection Frequencies
The exact frequency depends on the building type, usage, occupancy, and risk profile.
High-Rise Residential Buildings
- Communal area fire doors: Inspect every 3 months.
- Flat entrance doors: Inspect annually.
- These are legal minimums under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 — more frequent checks may be needed in high-traffic areas.
Non-Residential Buildings (Offices, Schools, Hospitals, etc.)
- Follow BS 9999: Inspect every 6 months as a minimum.
- In busy environments (e.g., schools, hospitals), quarterly inspections are best practice.
High-Risk Occupancy Buildings
- Buildings with vulnerable occupants (care homes, hospitals) require more frequent checks — sometimes monthly — due to the higher consequences of failure.
Factors That Influence Inspection Frequency
Inspection frequency should be based on a risk assessment that considers:
- Door usage levels – High-traffic doors wear faster.
- Environment – Humidity, temperature fluctuations, and vandalism risk can impact performance.
- Past defect history – Doors with recurring faults may need closer monitoring.
- Occupant profile – Vulnerable or mobility-impaired residents increase the need for reliability.
Who Can Carry Out Fire Door Inspections?
Inspections should be performed by competent persons with appropriate training and experience.
- Third-party accredited fire door inspectors (e.g., FDIS, BM TRADA, FIRAS) offer the highest assurance.
- Facilities teams can carry out basic weekly or monthly visual checks for obvious issues between formal inspections.
What a Fire Door Inspection Should Include
A thorough inspection will check:
- Door leaf condition (no warping or damage)
- Frame integrity
- Correct gaps and clearances (typically 2–4 mm)
- Condition and effectiveness of seals
- Hinges, closers, and hardware operation
- Glazing and beading integrity
- Correct signage
- Smooth and complete self-closing action
Record-Keeping and Compliance
Regulatory guidance requires evidence of inspection and maintenance. Best practice includes:
- Maintaining an inspection log
- Recording date, location, inspector’s name, and findings
- Keeping records accessible for enforcement authorities and insurers
- Linking findings to the fire risk assessment for continual improvement
Consequences of Not Inspecting Fire Doors Regularly
- Legal action – Breaching the RRO can result in prosecution and unlimited fines.
- Civil claims – Increased liability if a fire incident causes injury or death.
- Insurance impact – Potential refusal of claims.
- Reputational damage – Particularly for housing providers and commercial landlords.
Best Practice Summary – How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
| High-rise residential – communal areas | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| High-rise residential – flat entrances | Annually | Annually or more frequently if high wear |
| Offices, schools, commercial | Risk-assessed | Six-monthly (quarterly if high use) |
| Care homes, hospitals | Risk-assessed | Monthly to quarterly |
Practical Tips for Maintaining Compliance
- Align inspections with planned maintenance schedules.
- Train staff for basic visual checks between formal inspections.
- Use digital asset management systems to track inspection dates and remedial works.
- Act promptly on defects — a damaged fire door is a non-compliant fire door.
FAQs – How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
What is the legal minimum frequency for fire door inspections in England & Wales?
For high-rise residential buildings, communal fire doors must be inspected quarterly and flat entrance doors annually. Other building types follow the fire risk assessment, with six-monthly inspections recommended by BS 9999.
Who is responsible for arranging fire door inspections?
The “Responsible Person” under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — usually the building owner, landlord, or managing agent.
Can my facilities team carry out inspections?
They can perform basic visual checks, but formal inspections should be done by a competent, trained person, preferably with third-party accreditation.
Do newly installed fire doors need inspecting immediately?
Yes. They should be inspected upon installation to confirm compliance, and then added to the regular inspection schedule.
How should I record inspection findings?
Maintain a log with dates, locations, inspector details, findings, and remedial actions. Keep these records accessible for regulators and insurers.
Conclusion
Regular fire door inspections are not just a compliance exercise — they are a life safety measure that can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe. If you manage or own a building, make sure your inspection regime is fit for purpose. For professional advice and inspection services, speak to a qualified fire door specialist.
Need a professional Fire Door Survey?
At Anstey Horne, our accredited fire safety consultants provide expert fire door surveys to help you meet your legal obligations with confidence. We inspect, report, and advise on full compliance — from residential blocks to complex commercial sites.
Get in touch with us today to arrange a no-obligation consultation - please call 020 4534 3130.
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For further information on Fire Door Surveys, Fire Risk Assessment, Retrospective Fire Strategies, FRAEWs or advice in respect of your obligations as a building owner, developer or manager, please contact :
Pete Scholefield
Director
QHSE Compliance & Fire
Manchester
Sarah Taylor
Business Support Manager
Building Surveying
London