Fire doors play a critical role in protecting people and property during a fire. They are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, allowing occupants time to escape safely and reducing damage to buildings.
Many businesses have fire doors installed but are unaware that these doors must be regularly checked and properly maintained to remain effective.
Under UK fire safety legislation, fire doors are considered an essential part of a building’s fire protection system and must be kept in good working order.
Why Fire Doors Are Important
Fire doors help:
- Protect escape routes
- Slow the spread of fire
- Reduce smoke movement
- Protect occupants
- Protect property
A properly functioning fire door can provide 30 or 60 minutes of fire resistance, depending on its rating.
What Should Be Checked?
Regular fire door checks should include:
- Door closes fully into the frame
- Door is not damaged
- Hinges are secure
- Intumescent strips are present
- Smoke seals are intact
- Self-closers work correctly
- No gaps around the door
- No wedges holding the door open
One of the most common problems found during fire door inspections is doors being wedged open, which prevents them from performing their safety function.
Legal Responsibilities
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure fire safety equipment is properly maintained.
In many buildings such as flats and commercial premises, fire doors must be inspected regularly as part of the fire safety management plan.
Professional Fire Door Checks
Professional fire door inspections help identify issues before they become serious safety risks.
At Approved Fire Risk Assessments Ltd, we carry out fire door checks and fire risk assessments for businesses across Kent and the South East.
Our inspections provide clear reports and practical recommendations to help you stay compliant.
If you are unsure whether your fire doors are compliant, we can help.