Fire Door Risk Assessment and Checks (UK)

Fire doors hold back fire and smoke long enough for people to escape, but only if they are in good order and kept shut. Checking them is now a specific duty for many buildings. This guide explains what to look at and how often.

Why fire doors matter

A fire door is a tested system, the door, frame, hinges, seals and closer working together, designed to resist fire and smoke for a set time. A propped open or damaged fire door defeats the whole escape strategy, which is why they feature heavily in fire risk assessments.

The duty to check

For the common parts of higher risk residential blocks, regulations require the responsible person to carry out regular checks of fire doors, commonly quarterly for communal doors and, on a best endeavours basis, annual checks of flat entrance doors. For other premises, fire door condition is covered within the fire risk assessment and routine checks.

What a check covers

1. The door closes fully onto the latch from any open position.
2. Gaps around the door are consistent and within tolerance.
3. Seals and intumescent strips are present and undamaged.
4. Hinges are firm and complete with no missing screws.
5. No damage to the door or frame, and glazing is intact.
6. The door is not wedged or propped open.

Record it

Record each check with the date, the door, the result and any action. Our fire risk assessment template and fire risk assessment guide set the wider context, and landlords should also see our landlord and HMO guide.