A Guide to Inspection Frequency, Legal Duties, and Fire Safety Best Practice
Fire doors are a life-saving part of your building’s fire safety system — but they can only do their job if they are well maintained.
A common question we hear is: How often should fire doors be checked?
The answer depends on your building type, usage, and legal responsibilities — but the key takeaway is this: regular fire door inspections are not optional.
Recommended Fire Door Inspection Frequency
Here’s a quick breakdown of how often fire doors should be checked:
| Building Type | Suggested Frequency |
| High-traffic areas (e.g. corridors, fire doors in communal areas) | Every 3 months or more |
| Standard commercial buildings | Every 6 months |
| Residential blocks / flats | Every 3–6 months |
| Schools, hospitals, care homes | Every 3 months minimum |
| After any significant damage | Immediately |
Pro Tip: Frequent checks prevent small issues (e.g. faulty closers, missing seals) from becoming major compliance failures.
What Does the Law Say?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must:
- Ensure fire doors are fit for purpose
- Maintain them in efficient working order
- Keep records of inspections and actions taken
Additional rules apply under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which came into force in January 2023:
For Multi-Occupied Residential Buildings:
- Fire doors in communal areas must be checked every 3 months
- Flat entrance doors must be checked at least once a year
- Records must be documented and accessible
What Should Be Checked During a Fire Door Inspection?
Here’s what a competent person looks for:
- Door closes fully and firmly onto the latch
- No gaps greater than 3–4mm around the edges
- Intumescent seals are in place and undamaged
- Hinges are secure and fire-rated
- Door closer functions smoothly and reliably
- Door is not warped, damaged, or modified
- Any glazing is fire-rated and undamaged
- No wedges or obstructions
A failed fire door can allow fire and smoke to spread rapidly — costing precious time and lives.
Who Should Carry Out Fire Door Inspections?
Fire door inspections must be done by someone competent and experienced, ideally with formal training.
At Elevate Safety Solutions, our assessors:
- Are trained to identify defects quickly
- Understand UK fire safety legislation
- Provide detailed inspection reports and remedial plans
Learn more from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), a leading authority on fire door safety in the UK.
✅ Book Your Fire Door Inspection Today
Stay compliant and protect lives by ensuring your fire doors are checked regularly.
We offer:
- Fire Door Inspections
- Fire Door Remediation
- Full Legal Compliance Reports
