Fire Door Inspection Requirements (Reg 17)

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the person responsible for a non-domestic premises must ensure that fire safety provisions are maintained in efficient working order. While fire doors are a critical physical component of a building’s passive fire protection strategy, their effectiveness relies entirely on proper condition and installation.

This guide focuses specifically on the requirements under Regulation 17 of the RRO, explaining what the responsible person needs to know about inspection, maintenance, and record-keeping.

Understanding Regulation 17

Regulation 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a clear duty on the Responsible Person. It requires that all fire safety facilities and equipment are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in efficient working order and in good repair.

This regulation is not limited to active systems like alarms and extinguishers; it explicitly extends to passive fire protection measures, which include fire doors. A fire door that is warped, damaged, or fitted with incorrect hardware cannot perform its intended function of resisting the spread of fire and smoke. Consequently, failure to maintain fire doors is a breach of the RRO and can result in enforcement action by the Fire and Rescue Service.

The law does not prescribe a specific frequency for inspections (e.g., "every six months") in all cases. Instead, it requires a "suitable system of maintenance." The level of maintenance required must be proportionate to the complexity of the premises and the risks involved. However, industry best practice suggests that a competent person should inspect fire doors regularly, often every six months, to ensure compliance.

What to Look For During an Inspection

A thorough inspection should cover the door leaf, the frame, the hardware, and the surrounding gaps. British Standards, such as BS 8214, provide detailed guidance on the installation and maintenance of timber fire doors. Checks should be visual and functional.

Key elements to inspect include:

• Certification and Labels: The door should have a visible certification label or plug (usually on the top edge or hinge side) indicating it meets the required fire resistance standard (e.g., FD30 or FD60).
• Gaps and Seals: Check the gaps around the door leaf and the threshold. Gaps should be consistent and generally between 3mm and 4mm (when closed) to prevent smoke passage. Intumescent strips and smoke seals must be intact, continuous, and securely fixed, with no signs of damage or peeling.
• Hinges and Closers: All hinges must be firmly fixed with no missing screws. Fire doors should be fitted with self-closing devices that are powerful enough to close the door fully from any open angle, engaging the latch effectively. The door must not be wedged open.
• Apertures and Glazing: Any vision panels (glass) must be fire-rated and securely beaded in place. Holes for existing locks or letterplates should not be present unless they have been fitted with appropriate intumescent protection.
• Damage: Look for signs of wear, tear, or impact damage that could compromise the door’s integrity, such as splitting, delamination, or excessive warping.

The Role of the Responsible Person

The Responsible Person is legally accountable for ensuring these checks take place. While daily checks can be carried out by staff members (often referred to as "housekeeping" checks to ensure doors aren't propped open), the detailed inspection required by Regulation 17 demands a higher level of technical knowledge.

If the Responsible Person lacks the necessary competence to assess the condition of fire doors—which is often the case given the technical nature of fire door hardware and glazing—they must appoint a competent person or organisation to assist. This competence is defined by a combination of knowledge, training, and experience.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR), the Responsible Person must also conduct a fire risk assessment. This assessment will highlight the location and importance of fire doors within the building's fire safety strategy. The findings of the fire risk assessment directly inform the maintenance regime required under Regulation 17.

Common Deficiencies and Remedial Actions

Enforcement notices often cite fire door failures as a primary breach. Common issues include missing intumescent strips, faulty closers, and excessive gaps.

If an inspection reveals a defect, the Responsible Person must take immediate action. This may involve repairing the hardware, replacing damaged seals, or, in severe cases, replacing the entire door set. It is crucial that any replacement parts are fire-rated and compatible with the original door certification. Using non-compliant hardware, such as standard door handles or non-fire-rated hinges, can invalidate the door’s fire rating.

Record-keeping is a vital part of compliance. Under Article 17(3) of the RRO, the Responsible Person must keep records of the maintenance and testing performed. These records must be available for inspection by enforcing authorities. A logbook detailing the date of inspection, the name of the inspector, and any remedial works carried out serves as evidence of a suitable maintenance system.

Professional Fire Safety Support

Ensuring that your fire doors meet Regulation 17 standards requires a keen eye and a solid understanding of fire safety legislation. For many businesses, the most efficient way to ensure compliance is to engage specialists who can integrate door inspections into a broader fire safety strategy.

At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide comprehensive fire risk assessments that evaluate the suitability and condition of your fire doors. We help you identify defects and establish a robust maintenance plan to keep your premises safe and compliant.

To ensure your business meets its legal obligations, book a fire risk assessment today. Our team provides detailed reports within 48 hours, with fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT.