Fire Door Inspections: What You Need To Know

Understanding Fire Door Inspections

Fire door inspections are systematic checks performed by qualified professionals to ensure that fire doors meet current safety standards. Whilst termed Fire Door Inspection or Survey, it is more accurately termed Fire Door Conditions Survey.

‍The objective in the process is to pick up what is required to restore the doors to their original condition and serviceability.

Our staff attending your premises are usually DBS checked, fully qualified and will workaround any specific time requirements you may have – ie hospital theatres.

These inspections assess various components of a fire doorset, including its structure, seals, hardware, and the functionality of its self-closing mechanism.

The primary objective is to ensure that fire doors will perform as intended in the event of a fire, providing vital protection and safe egress for building occupants along the escape routes.

The Inspection Process

1. Visual Inspection:
   The first step involves a thorough visual examination of the fire door  assembly, including the door leaf, frame, hardware and glass. We are looking for signs of damage and wear, or modifications that could impact the door's integrity and performance.
2. Operational Check:
   We test the door's operation, focusing on the self-closing mechanism to ensure it closes fully and securely from any position.
3. Gap Measurement:
   We take measurements of the gaps between the door and frame and under the door to ensure they comply with the specified limits.
4. Seal Inspection:
   Intumescent seals and smoke seals are checked for integrity and correct installation. These seals are crucial for preventing smoke and flames from passing through the door gaps.
5. Hardware Inspection:
   All hardware components, such as hinges, door closers, and latches, are inspected for correct operation and condition

Common Issues Identified During Inspections

1. Damaged or Missing Seals:
   One of the most common issues is damaged or missing intumescent and smoke seals, which are essential for the door's fire-resisting capabilities.
2. Incorrect Gaps:
   Gaps that are too wide or inconsistent can compromise the door's ability to block smoke and fire.
3. Faulty Door Closers:
   Doors that do not close fully or latch correctly pose a significant risk in a fire situation.
4. Wear and Tear:
   General wear and tear, including damaged door leaves or frames, can affect the structural integrity of the fire door.
5. Non-Compliant Modifications:
   Unauthorised modifications, such as unapproved repairs can void a door's fire rating

The Importance of Regular Inspections

Regular fire door inspections are a regulatory requirement and critical component of a building's overall fire safety strategy.

Issues identified during an inspection can be addressed promptly, ensuring that fire doors will function correctly in the event of a fire and provide the necessary protection to occupants and property.

Doors left with defects can very likely lead to early degradation of its components, making further costly repairs later.

Certification and Documentation

Upon completion of an inspection, a detailed report is provided, outlining any deficiencies and recommending corrective actions. 

Our reports are recognised for being very clear and easy to read. They list the defects logically and make it easy to summarise what is required to correct any issues. They also act as an Asset Register.

Maintaining a Safe Building

Fire door inspections are a vital element of maintaining a safe and compliant building. Understanding the inspection process, common issues ,and the importance of addressing these issues can help building owners and facilities managers ensure that their fire doors are always ready to perform their life-saving functions.

As part of the The Regulatory Reform(Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the duty of the Responsible Person to ensure that fire doors in all non-domestic buildings are inspected regularly and the findings recorded.

How often they are inspected is down to assessment by a qualified person – ie a Fire Risk Assessor and in the case of HMO’s and Apartments, High Rise Flats etc, the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 should be given due regard.

Book a Fire Door Inspection

Are you ready to book a Fire Door Inspection? Please get in touch and we can arrange a convenient time to visit your premises.

Alternatively, if you have already had a survey conducted and would like a second opinion, or pricing options from that survey, please get in touch and we can help you.