- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
- BS 8214: Code of practice for fire doors
Why fire doors matter
Fire doors are a critical passive fire protection measure. They contain fire and smoke within a compartment, protecting escape routes and slowing the spread of fire. A defective fire door can render an entire compartmentation strategy ineffective.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire doors must be subject to a suitable system of maintenance. For relevant residential buildings, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require routine checks.
What a fire door inspection covers
A competent, non-destructive inspection reviews:
- Door leaf and frame — condition, damage, warping and correct alignment
- Gaps — clearance around the leaf (typically ≤3mm at sides and top, ≤8mm at threshold)
- Hinges — correct number, fire-rated, firmly fixed with all screws present
- Closers — self-closing function from any angle, no hold-open devices unless legally permitted
- Glazing — intact, fire-rated, with correct beading
- Intumescent and smoke seals — present, intact and not painted over
- Signage — appropriate fire exit and fire door keep shut signage
- Hardware — locks, latches and handles functioning correctly
The scope aligns with BS 8214, the code of practice for fire doors.
Limits of a visual inspection
A visual inspection cannot always determine concealed construction or the fire rating of an unlabelled door. Specialist remediation or a full fire door survey may be required where concerns are identified. Fire door work must stay within the assessor's verified competence.
LRMS position
LRMS does not deliver standalone fire door inspection as a separate commercial service; fire door condition is assessed within the fire risk assessment where within scope. Specialist fire door survey or remediation work is referred to partners where required.
Cited Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fire door inspection cover?
A non-destructive inspection covers the door leaf, frame, gaps, hinges, closers, glazing, intumescent and smoke seals, signage and hardware, in line with BS 8214.
Can a visual inspection confirm a fire door's rating?
No. A visual inspection cannot always determine concealed construction or the fire rating of an unlabelled door. Specialist survey or remediation may be required where concerns are identified.
Does LRMS offer standalone fire door inspections?
No. LRMS assesses fire door condition within the fire risk assessment where within scope. Specialist fire door survey or remediation work is referred to partners where required.
About Louanne Lanahan
Founder & Director · CMIOSH · OSHCR · MIFSM · AIFireE
Chartered Safety Practitioner (CMIOSH), registered on OSHCR, MIFSM, AIFireE, and NFRAR. Founder and Director of Lanahan Risk Management Services Ltd since 2014.