How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?

There is no single inspection interval that applies to every fire door in every UK building. The correct frequency depends on the type of premises, the door's location and use, the building's fire risk assessment and, in some residential buildings in England, specific legal requirements.

What does the law say for blocks of flats?

For multi-occupied residential buildings in England where the top storey is more than 11 metres above ground level, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 set specific routine-check requirements. Responsible Persons must carry out checks of fire doors in communal areas at least every three months and use best endeavours to check flat entrance fire doors at least every 12 months.

The regulations also require the checks to include confirming that self-closing devices are working, and records must be kept of the steps taken to check flat entrance doors.

What about commercial and other non-domestic premises?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire-safety measures such as fire doors need to be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. The Responsible Person must have suitable arrangements in place to manage and maintain fire precautions.

The inspection programme for a commercial site should therefore be based on the building's fire risk assessment, relevant guidance, the door's location and usage, manufacturer information where applicable, and any previous defects or maintenance history.

Why might some fire doors need checking more often?

Fire doors in busy corridors, stairways, kitchens, schools, care settings, hospitals and high-traffic commercial areas can be subject to frequent use and damage. More frequent checks may be appropriate where wear and tear is likely or where the consequences of a defect are greater.

• Doors are heavily used throughout the day.
• Trolleys, beds, deliveries or equipment regularly pass through the opening.
• Previous checks have identified repeated damage.
• Self-closing devices frequently need adjustment.
• The fire risk assessment identifies a higher-risk location.
• Building alterations or maintenance work may have affected the doors.

What should a routine fire door check look for?

The exact scope depends on whether the check is a basic routine check or a more detailed inspection, but common points include the condition of the door leaf and frame, gaps around the door, hinges and other hardware, self-closing action, glazing, seals where fitted, signage and evidence of damage or unauthorised alteration.

Government guidance for relevant residential buildings describes Regulation 10 checks as simple visual checks rather than detailed technical examinations. A more detailed fire door inspection can go further and provide structured defect recording, photographs and recommendations.

What records should be kept?

Good records make it easier to demonstrate that the inspection programme is actually being managed. Depending on the site and scope, useful records can include:

• Unique door or asset reference
• Exact location
• Date of inspection
• Condition and defects found
• Photographic evidence
• Self-closing performance
• Any access limitations
• Recommended remedial action
• Date repairs were completed

How should inspection findings be described?

A fire door inspection should give the Responsible Person enough information to understand the condition found and any action that may be needed. Rather than relying on a generic pass or fail label, the record can identify specific defects, observations, limitations and recommended follow-up for each door.

Do damaged fire doors need prompt attention?

Defects that affect a fire door's ability to perform should not be left until the next scheduled inspection. Government guidance states that fire doors need to be kept in good working order and good repair, and defects identified through routine checks should be addressed as soon as reasonably practicable.

Fire door inspections in South Yorkshire

HPM Compliance provides fire door inspections for existing fire doors across Rotherham, Sheffield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Mexborough and surrounding areas, with structured records, photographs and clear defect reporting.

See our Fire Door Inspections service page for the current service scope.

This guide provides general information only. It does not replace a fire risk assessment, fire strategy, applicable legislation, relevant standards, manufacturer information or advice from a competent fire-safety professional.