Fire Door Checks Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005) has long required responsible persons to maintain fire doors in commercial and multi-occupied residential buildings. However, the introduction of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 has tightened these requirements, making routine fire door checks a specific, documented legal duty for many premises.

For business owners and duty holders, understanding these obligations is vital to ensuring occupant safety and avoiding enforcement action. This guidance explains what the 2022 Regulations mean for your premises and how to stay compliant.

The Legal Framework for Fire Doors

Fire doors are a building's most critical passive fire protection measure. They compartmentalise smoke and flames, buying occupants crucial time to evacuate. Under the RRO 2005, responsible persons must ensure that fire precautions, including fire doors, are maintained in an efficient state.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified that the RRO 2005 applies to the structure, external walls, and doors of relevant premises. Following this, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced explicit duties regarding fire door inspections. The regulations apply primarily to multi-occupied residential buildings in England, but the underlying principles of door maintenance remain a universal requirement under the RRO 2005 for all non-domestic premises.

What Are Your Specific Duties Under the 2022 Regulations?

The 2022 Regulations place strict, time-bound duties on responsible persons based on the height and usage of their building:

• Buildings over 11 metres in height: Responsible persons must undertake quarterly checks of all fire doors in the common parts of the building.
• Buildings over 11 metres in height: Responsible persons must also carry out annual checks of all fire doors at the boundary between the common parts and the residential dwellings (e.g., flat entrance doors).
• All multi-occupied residential buildings: Regardless of height, responsible persons must provide residents with relevant information regarding fire doors as part of their fire safety instructions. This includes reminding residents that fire doors must be kept shut and not altered or propped open.

While these specific quarterly and annual frequencies apply to residential buildings in multiple occupation, commercial property owners should note that standard commercial premises are still governed by the RRO 2005. Best practice guidance, such as PAS 79-1:2020, recommends routine inspections to ensure compliance.

How to Conduct a Fire Door Check

A robust fire door check goes beyond simply looking at the door. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors follow a systematic process to ensure every component functions correctly. When conducting routine visual checks, responsible persons should verify the following:

• Certification: Look for a fire door label or plug marking to confirm it is a certified fire door.
• Gaps and Seals: Check that the gap around the door frame is consistently between 2mm and 4mm when the door is closed. Inspect intumescent and smoke seals to ensure they are intact and expanding correctly under heat.
• Hinges: Ensure all hinges are firmly fixed, with a minimum of three hinges per door. Check for missing or broken screws.
• Closing Mechanism: The door must close fully and latch securely from any open position. Test the door closer to ensure it operates smoothly without sticking.
• Signage and Glazing: Verify that mandatory fire door signage (e.g., "Fire Door Keep Shut") is present and legible. Ensure any glazing is intact and correctly fire-rated.
• Damage: Inspect the door leaf and frame for any physical damage, such as cracks, holes, or warping, which could compromise its fire resistance.

Aligning Checks with Your Fire Risk Assessment

Fire door checks should not be a standalone task; they must integrate seamlessly with your wider fire safety strategy. Your fire risk assessment dictates where fire doors are required and what rating they must hold. For instance, BS 9999:2017 provides comprehensive guidance on fire door specifications based on building layout and risk profiles.

If a routine check identifies a defect—such as a damaged seal or a faulty closer—the responsible person must act promptly to repair or replace the door to maintain compliance under the RRO 2005. Keeping a documented log of all checks and subsequent remedial actions is highly recommended, as this provides a clear audit trail for enforcing authorities.

Supporting Your Compliance Journey

Navigating fire door compliance can be complex, particularly for premises with mixed commercial and residential usage. At HawkSwift Ltd, we specialise in simplifying fire safety compliance for business owners and duty holders. Our comprehensive fire risk assessments start from just £199 + VAT, ensuring your premises meet all current legal standards.

We pride ourselves on delivering clear, actionable reports within 48 hours of your assessment.

Please note that this article provides general guidance and does not constitute formal legal advice. To ensure your premises fully comply with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the RRO 2005, we recommend obtaining a professional evaluation. To get started, please book a fire risk assessment with our experienced team today.