However, to ensure their effectiveness, they must be properly maintained and inspected regularly. This article explores how often fire door inspections should take place, why inspections are essential, and the roles of key individuals in maintaining these life-saving systems.
Click here, call 0113 279 5854 or email info@yeomanshield.com no matter where in the UK you are based, so we can help with your fire door inspections and keep you safe.
Taking Responsible Note of Legislation
The role of fire doors in fire safety
Fire doors play a critical role in a building's passive fire protection system.
They work alongside escape doors and fire safety strategy measures to safeguard lives.
These specially designed doors are built to:
Withstand fire for a specific period (their fire rating).
Prevent the spread of smoke with features like cold smoke seals and fire seals.
Ensure safe evacuation routes in the event of a fire.
To fulfil these roles, fire doors must be correctly installed, adequately maintained, and regularly inspected
How often should fire doors be inspected?
The frequency of fire door inspections depends on the building type and usage.
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, inspections should align with the building's overall fire risk assessment:
Monthly Visual Inspections
In most buildings, responsible persons, such as the building manager or building owner, should conduct regular fire door inspections at least once a month. These inspections check for signs of damage or wear, ensuring the doors remain functional.
Annual Comprehensive Inspections
A competent person, trained in fire door maintenance, should carry out a thorough inspection at least once a year. This detailed examination assesses all components, including the door leaf, door frame, self-closing device, and fire seals, to ensure the fire door is performing to its design specification.
For multi-occupied residential buildings and non-domestic buildings, inspections should be more frequent, particularly in communal areas where fire-resisting doors are subject to heavy use.
Why regular fire door inspections are essential
A fire door inspection is essential for many reasons.
Here's a look at some of the key reasons:
Compliance with Legal Requirements
Under the fire safety order, maintaining and inspecting fire doors is a legal requirement. The responsible person must ensure all fire doors are in working order and meet safety standards.
Preventing Fire Spread
Fire doors are critical in containing flames and smoke. A faulty self-closing device, damaged cold smoke seals, or a warped door leaf could compromise the door’s effectiveness, endangering lives.
Lessons from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry highlighted the importance of properly functioning flat entrance doors and fire-resisting doors in preventing the spread of fire and smoke in residential buildings. Regular inspections help prevent similar tragedies by ensuring doors meet safety requirements.
Supporting Passive Fire Protection
As part of a passive fire protection system, fire doors work with other measures, like fire breaks, to contain fire and safeguard escape routes. Regular checks ensure these systems remain effective.
What does a fire door inspection involve?
During a fire door inspection, the following components are checked to ensure they are functioning correctly:
Door Frame: Must be intact and securely fitted.
Door Leaf: Should be free of damage, warping, or gaps.
Vision Panels: If present, these must be undamaged and sealed.
Cold Smoke and Fire Seals: Ensure they are intact and not worn out.
Self-Closing Devices: Must close the door fully and latch securely without sticking.
Door Closer: Must work smoothly and effectively.
Maintenance Label: Indicates the last inspection date and the condition of the door.
Who is responsible for fire door inspections?
The responsible person is to oversee fire safety in a building under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order. This role may fall to the:
Building Manager or property manager.
Day-to-day control supervisor in larger organisations.
Business owners in non-domestic buildings.
These individuals are tasked with checking most fire doors and then arranging for regular inspections by a competent person, such as a certified fire door technician or contractor accredited by organisations like the British Woodworking Federation.
Fire doors in newly occupied and older buildings
In newly occupied buildings, fire doors must be inspected to ensure they are correctly installed and meet safety regulations.
In older properties, ongoing maintenance is crucial to prevent deterioration due to age or wear.
To keep fire doors in optimal condition, the following practices are essential:
Conducting monthly inspections for visible damage or malfunction.
Scheduling annual comprehensive inspections with a qualified technician.
Ensuring proper use and avoiding misuse, such as propping doors open.
Providing proper training to staff on fire safety and the importance of fire doors.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
The answer depends on the building's usage, risk assessment, and regulations.
At a minimum, regular inspections should occur monthly, with detailed annual checks by a competent person to ensure fire doors remain effective in protecting lives and property.
By following these guidelines, building managers, owners, and responsible persons can maintain a robust fire safety strategy, ensuring that all fire-resisting doors are ready to perform in the event of a fire.
To learn more about fire door inspections, don't hesitate to contact Yeoman Shield today.
