Fire door inspections: Don't be misled by app-generated reports

Before LFDC attend a new fire door inspection, we always request a copy of the property’s Fire Risk Assessment — and any previous fire door inspection reports.

Too often, what arrives is an app-generated “inspection report” lacking detail, riddled with inaccuracies, and showing that each door was “inspected” in just 5–6 minutes. That’s not enough time for a compliant, competent inspection — and it often suggests the work was done by someone with little to no fire door safety training.

In many cases, these are carried out by individuals without qualifications — or, at best, by those who have only completed the FDIS Diploma. While the Diploma is a valuable learning tool, FDIS is clear:

“YOU CANNOT OFFER FIRE DOOR INSPECTION SERVICES WITH THE FDIS® DIPLOMA… only FDIS® Certified Fire Door Inspectors are permitted to carry out inspections under the FDIS® Competent Person Certification Scheme.” (Source: FDIS website)

So, where’s the confusion coming from? Often it’s a misunderstanding between two very different legal requirements:

Regulation 10 – Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 – this was brought in after the Grenfell Inquiry, Reg 10 mainly applies to high-rise residential buildings. It requires basic and visual checks:

• Flat entrance doors every 12 months    

• Common area doors every 3 months

These can be carried out by non-specialists. These quick checks look for obvious issues (e.g., missing self-closer, large gaps, broken glazing) and do not require SKEB-level competency.

Article 18 – Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a broader fire safety law which requires the Responsible Person to appoint Competent Persons where specialist judgement is needed — for example, deciding whether a defective fire door can be repaired or must be replaced.

Competence is measured by Skill, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviour (SKEB), and is usually evidenced by recognised qualifications, 3rd party certification and appropriate PI insurance cover.

Remember, Routine Reg 10 checks are not inspections; when it comes to assessing compliance — and protecting lives — only a certified, insured, and competent fire door inspector has the authority, expertise, and legal standing to do the job properly.