Fire Door Inspections Explained: What Gets Checked and Why

### 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. ### 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 ### 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.