Fire Door Inspection Requirements (Reg 17)

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (often referred to as the RRO or FSO), the 'Responsible Person' for a non-domestic premises has a legal duty to ensure the safety of employees and relevant persons. One of the most critical physical fire safety measures in any building is the fire door. However, simply having fire doors installed is not enough; they must be maintained in effective working order.

This guide focuses on the specific inspection requirements under Regulation 17, explaining what you need to do to remain compliant and safe.

The Legal Basis: Regulation 17

Regulation 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that the Responsible Person must ensure that fire safety facilities, equipment and devices are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.

Fire doors fall squarely under the definition of "facilities" and "equipment" in this context. If a fire door is propped open, damaged, or ill-fitting, it cannot perform its primary function: to compartmentalise a fire and stop the spread of smoke and flames for a specified period. Consequently, a failure to inspect and maintain these doors is a breach of the Order.

While the legislation does not explicitly state "inspect every fire door every six months," it requires a *suitable and sufficient* system of maintenance. To demonstrate compliance, you must have a record that shows you are actively checking the condition of these doors.

Why Fire Door Inspections Matter

Fire doors are often the first line of defence in a fire scenario. They are designed to hold back fire for 30 or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60), allowing time for occupants to escape and for the Fire and Rescue Service to attend.

Over time, however, wear and tear can compromise a door's integrity. A fire door is a complex assembly consisting of the door leaf, the frame, the hinges, the closer, the intumescent strips, and the cold smoke seals. If any one of these components fails, the entire assembly fails.

Common issues found during inspections include:

• Damage to the door leaf or glazing: Cracks or holes can allow fire to pass through sooner than rated.
• Missing or damaged intumescent seals: These expand in heat to seal the gap; without them, the door is useless.
• Faulty self-closing devices: If a door does not close fully and latch automatically, it cannot contain a fire.
• Excessive gaps: Gaps around the door that are too large (typically over 3-4mm) can allow smoke to pass through, which is often the biggest killer in fires.
• Incorrect or missing hardware: Using non-fire rated hinges or bolts can cause the door to collapse under heat.

How Often Should Inspections Be Carried Out?

The frequency of inspection depends on the type of building and its usage. While the RRO sets the duty, industry best practice—often referenced in guidance documents like BS 9999—provides a clearer benchmark.

For general business premises, it is widely recommended that a routine check of all fire doors is carried out at least every six months.

For buildings with high occupancies or complex needs, such as hospitals, schools, or care homes, it is advisable to increase this frequency to every three months.

These inspections should be distinct from the general fire risk assessment. While a fire risk assessment identifies the hazards and the required safety measures, the fire door inspection is a specific maintenance check to ensure those measures are still functioning.

Who Can Inspect Fire Doors?

The Responsible Person can carry out basic visual checks themselves, provided they have sufficient knowledge and understanding of what makes a fire door compliant. This might involve checking that the door closes properly, isn't damaged, and isn't wedged open.

However, for a thorough inspection that ensures full compliance with British Standards (such as BS 8214 regarding timber fire door assemblies), it is often prudent to engage a competent person. A competent person is someone with the necessary training, experience, and knowledge to identify defects that a layperson might miss.

This is particularly relevant for the annual inspection. While monthly or quarterly checks might be internal, a more detailed annual inspection by a professional fire safety specialist is considered best practice to demonstrate a robust commitment to safety under Regulation 17.

Common Faults to Look For

When conducting an inspection, you should look for the "five Ps" or simply ensure the door is fit for purpose. Key checks include:

• Certification: Is there a label or plug on the top or side of the door confirming it is a certified fire door (e.g., FD30)?
• Gaps: Check the gaps around the door frame and between the door and the floor. Are they consistent and within the tolerance limits (usually 3mm to 4mm)?
• Seals: Are the intumescent and smoke seals intact, continuous, and undamaged?
• Hinges: Are all hinges firmly fixed with no missing screws? Typically, there should be at least three hinges.
• Closing: Does the door close firmly against the stop from any open position without assistance?
• Hold-open devices: If the door has an electromagnetic hold-open device (linked to the fire alarm), does it release correctly when the alarm sounds?

Keeping Records

Under the RRO, if you employ five or more people, you must record the findings of your fire risk assessment. It is also best practice to record the findings of your fire door inspections.

These records should include:

• The location of each fire door.
• The date of the inspection.
• The name of the person carrying out the inspection.
• Any defects found and the actions taken to rectify them.

This paper trail is your evidence of compliance should an enforcing authority (such as the Fire and Rescue Service) investigate your premises.

Expert Support from HawkSwift

Ensuring your fire doors meet the requirements of Regulation 17 can be technical and time-consuming. If you are unsure about the condition of your doors or need a professional audit, HawkSwift can help. We provide comprehensive fire risk assessments carried out by NEBOSH-qualified assessors, ensuring your fire safety arrangements are thoroughly reviewed.

We offer a fast turnaround with 48-hour reports, providing you with the clarity you need quickly. Our services are designed to be accessible, with fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT. To ensure your premises are safe and compliant, book a fire risk assessment with our expert team today.