Beyond Aesthetics: Why Regular Fire Door Inspections are Non-Negotiable
Your First Line of Defence: Fire Doors are More Than Just Doors
Often blending seamlessly into the background, fire doors are critical components of a building's passive fire protection system. They are designed to do one crucial job: contain fire and smoke, providing vital escape time for occupants and protecting the structure of the building. But like any safety equipment, they are only effective if they are properly maintained and regularly inspected.
As a Responsible Person for a commercial property, residential block, or holiday let in Dorset or Somerset, overlooking fire door inspections can have devastating consequences.
What Makes a Fire Door So Important?
A properly functioning fire door, complete with its frame, hinges, and closing mechanism, acts as a barrier. In the event of a fire, it prevents the rapid spread of flames and toxic smoke from one compartment to another, compartmentalising the fire and buying precious minutes for evacuation and emergency services to respond.
Common Fire Door Faults (And Why They're Dangerous)
Many fire door failures stem from minor issues that are easily missed without proper inspection:
Gaps: Gaps around the door frame or between the door leaves that are too large will allow smoke and flames to pass through.
Incorrect Gaps: The gap between the door and the frame should be consistently 3-4mm.
Missing or Damaged Intumescent Strips & Smoke Seals: These strips expand when exposed to heat, sealing the gap around the door to prevent smoke and fire spread. If damaged or absent, the door's integrity is compromised.
Non-Compliant Glazing: Any glass in a fire door must be fire-rated. Standard glass will shatter, creating a pathway for fire.
Faulty Closers: Fire doors must always close fully and automatically into their frame. If a closer is damaged, or the door is propped open, it becomes useless.
Incorrect Hinges: Fire doors require specific, fire-rated hinges to withstand heat and hold the door in place.
Damage: Holes, cracks, or damage to the door leaf can compromise its fire resistance.
The Legal Imperative: Your Responsibility
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) and reinforced by the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 (especially for multi-occupied residential buildings), the 'Responsible Person' has a legal duty to ensure fire doors are fit for purpose. This includes regular maintenance and inspections.
An inadequate fire door system could lead to:
Legal prosecution, fines, or imprisonment.
Invalidated insurance.
Most importantly, severe risk to life and property.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
While daily visual checks by building occupants are good practice, a competent person should formally inspect fire doors at least every 6 months. For high-traffic areas or high-risk buildings, quarterly inspections might be more appropriate. Your Fire Risk Assessment should specify the required frequency.
Ensure Your Fire Doors Are Fire Safe
At Pinks Fire Safety, our expert assessors can conduct thorough fire door inspections as part of or alongside your comprehensive Fire Risk Assessment. We'll identify any deficiencies, provide clear recommendations, and help you establish a robust fire door maintenance regime for your property in Dorset & Somerset.
Don't leave this critical safety component to chance. Contact us today for professional fire safety advice and inspections.