How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
The responsibility for determining an appropriate fire door inspection and maintenance regime rests with the building owner, manager, or designated Responsible Person. This should take into account factors such as the location of the doors, how frequently they are used, and the conditions they are exposed to.
As a general guide, BS 9999 recommends that fire doors are inspected at six-month intervals. However, inspection frequency should always be tailored to suit the specific risks and characteristics of the building.
Legal Requirements – Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
In addition to best practice guidance, there are now specific legal requirements under Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into force on 23 January 2023.
These regulations require the Responsible Person to use “best endeavours” to ensure that fire doors are kept in good repair and working order. In practice, this means:
Flat entrance doors must be checked at least every 12 months
Communal fire doors (including those in corridors, stairwells, lobbies, plant rooms and bin stores) must be checked at least every 3 months
These checks should confirm that:
-
The door closes correctly into the frame
-
Seals, hinges and door closers are in good condition
-
There is no visible damage that could affect performance
-
Determining the Right Inspection Frequency
While standards and regulations provide a framework, the inspection regime should be proportionate to the level of risk within the building.
For example, buildings with high levels of use, such as schools, hospitals or busy commercial premises, may require more frequent inspections due to increased wear and tear. Similarly, older buildings or those with known issues may benefit from a more regular inspection programme. Each building is different, and inspection frequency should reflect:
-
Usage levels
-
Building type and age
-
Environmental conditions
-
Previous inspection findings
-
Ongoing Maintenance and Checks
In addition to formal inspections, regular routine checks should be carried out to ensure that fire doors remain in good working order. This proactive approach helps identify issues early and reduces the likelihood of more significant defects developing over time.
-
Initial Inspection vs Ongoing Compliance
Following an initial comprehensive inspection, completion of any necessary remedial works, and the issue of LFDC’s Certificate of Compliance, ongoing annual checks do not necessarily need to be carried out by a certified fire door inspector.
In many cases, routine checks can be undertaken by a Competent Person, provided they understand what to look for and how to identify potential issues.
This means that the initial investment in LFDC’s services — together with any required remedial works by a suitably qualified contractor — can often be viewed as a one-off exercise to bring fire door assemblies back into compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with ongoing maintenance managed more cost-effectively thereafter.
For residential buildings, particularly higher-risk settings, the requirements introduced by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 are especially important. Regular inspection of both flat entrance doors and communal doors is essential to ensure continued compliance and to support the overall fire safety strategy of the building.
-
How We Can Help
LFDC can provide a simple, practical inspection checklist to support your ongoing maintenance regime, helping you ensure that your fire doors continue to meet both legal requirements and industry best practice.