The Fire Door Inspection
In collaboration with the Responsible Person, London Fire Door Consultants (LFDC) carry out detailed inspections of fire door assemblies, identifying any issues that may affect their fire and smoke control performance and providing clear, practical recommendations for corrective action.
Each inspection is supported by a comprehensive photographic report, enabling the Responsible Person to understand the condition of their fire doors and, where required, engage suitably qualified 3rd party certified fire door maintenance contractors to undertake remedial works.
With over four decades of combined experience, supported by industry-leading qualifications, UKAS-accredited certification and appropriate insurance cover, LFDC provides robust, defensible assessments that support informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.
Why do Fire Doors need to be inspected by a competent person?
Fire door assemblies form a critical part of a building’s fire safety strategy and must be considered within the Fire Risk Assessment, as required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
In addition, Approved Document B (2019, incorporating 2020, 2022 and subsequent amendments) sets out the performance requirements for fire doors in new buildings and material alterations, including fire resistance and smoke control.
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Risk-Based Compliance (Existing Buildings)
For existing buildings, fire safety legislation is risk-based and non-retrospective. The Responsible Person must ensure that fire door assemblies:
- Are adequately maintained
- Remain in good condition
- Continue to fulfil their original life-safety function
Professional inspection supports this duty by providing an informed assessment of condition, performance and risk.
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Application of BS 8214 (2016 vs 2026)
LFDC applies the following approach:
BS 8214:2026 is referenced as the current Code of Practice, reflecting a system-based, evidence-led approach to fire door performance and applying to fire-resisting and smoke control doors more broadly.
For new buildings and newly installed door assemblies, inspections focus on verifying compliance with:
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Manufacturer’s fire test evidence
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Field of Application reports
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Installation requirements
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Regulation 38 information
For existing buildings, inspections are carried out in the context of:
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The Fire Risk Assessment
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The building’s original design intent
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The standards and guidance applicable at the time of installation
In these cases, earlier guidance — including BS 8214:2016 (timber-based fire door assemblies) — may still be relevant when assessing legacy installations.
This approach ensures that inspections remain both technically robust and legally appropriate, reflecting the evolving nature of fire safety guidance.
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Why competent inspection matters
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Risk Reduction - Identifies defects early, reducing the likelihood of failure in a fire situation.
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Informed Decision-Making - Provides clear, evidence-based guidance to support the Responsible Person.
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Performance Verification - Assesses whether door assemblies can be reasonably expected to perform as intended.
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Legal Protection - Supports compliance with statutory duties and demonstrates due diligence.
Safety considerations
Fire doors are critical life-safety components designed to protect occupants and property by resisting the spread of fire and smoke.
Professional inspection ensures:
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Ongoing Effectiveness
Professional inspections maintain fire door effectiveness, crucial for occupant safety.
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Smoke Control Performance
Particularly important where doors are required to achieve FD30S / FD60S standards.
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Early Identification of Defects
Preventing minor issues from developing into significant risks.
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Consistency with Tested Configuration
Ensuring that alterations, damage or poor maintenance do not compromise performance.
The LFDC Difference
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Verified Competence:
LFDC inspectors are certified under the UKAS-accredited Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) in accordance with BS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012, providing independently verified competence in professional fire door inspection.
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Independent and Unbiased
LFDC does not undertake remedial works or supply fire doors, ensuring completely independent, objective and cost-effective advice.
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Evidence-Based Reporting
Our reports assess fire door assemblies as complete systems, providing:
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Detailed defect identification
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Photographic evidence
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Clear, prioritised remedial recommendations
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Remediation-Focused Approach
Wherever possible, we prioritise the repair and upgrading of existing fire door assemblies, rather than unnecessary replacement.
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Sustainability and Net Zero
By focusing on remediation, LFDC supports:
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Reduced costs
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Lower embodied carbon
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Alignment with the industry’s move towards a net zero future