Fire Door Inspection Requirements (Reg 17) Explained
RRO 2005 suggests regular inspections, typically every six months, with more frequent visual checks as part of daily or weekly premises walk-throughs.
What Does a Fire Door Check Involve?
A fire door is a complex piece of engineering. A quick glance is not enough. A proper inspection requires checking several critical components to ensure the door's fire resistance has not been compromised.
A thorough fire door check should include:
- Certification: Checking for a fire door label or plug on the top or side of the door to confirm it is a certified fire door.
- Gaps and Seals: Ensuring the gap between the door and the frame is consistently less than 4mm when the door is closed. Intumescent and cold smoke seals must be intact and fully functional.
- Hinges: Confirming all hinges are firmly fixed, with no missing or broken screws, and that there are typically three hinges per door.
- Closing Mechanism: Testing the self-closing device to ensure the door closes fully and latches securely from any angle of opening.
- Locks and Latches: Ensuring all locking mechanisms work smoothly and do not compromise the door's fire integrity.
- Signage and Glazing: Checking that any fire safety signage is visible and that any vision panels contain intact fire-rated glass.
Keeping Records of Your Inspections
Under the RRO, the responsible person must be able to demonstrate compliance. This means keeping a clear, accurate record of all fire door checks and any subsequent maintenance. If a fire safety inspector from the local fire and rescue service visits your premises, they will expect to see documentation proving that your fire doors are being checked regularly and that any defects are being promptly repaired.
If you have five or more employees, or if your premises are subject to licensing, you are legally required to record the significant findings of your fire risk assessment, including the condition and maintenance of your fire doors.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Navigating fire door inspection requirements and ensuring full compliance with the RRO can be complex, particularly for business owners managing multiple premises. A professional fire risk assessment will evaluate your fire doors as part of your overall fire safety strategy, identifying any defects and providing clear, actionable guidance.
At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide comprehensive fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT. We deliver detailed, easy-to-follow reports within 48 hours, helping you understand your legal duties and keep your premises safe. To get a court-defensible, RRO 2005-aligned assessment, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.