Many Responsible Persons know that inspections are required but are unsure exactly what inspectors look for when assessing fire doors during a Fire Risk Assessment.
This page is for landlords, managing agents and facilities managers who need a practical overview of what is typically checked during a fire door inspection.
Why fire door inspection checklists are used
Fire door inspections assess whether a door and its components remain capable of performing their fire-resisting function.
Rather than looking at a single component, inspectors usually review the entire door assembly, including:
- the door leaf
- the frame
- seals
- hinges and hardware
- signage
- how the door closes
Using a checklist helps ensure inspections are carried out consistently across all fire doors within a building and outcomes should be recorded.
What inspectors typically check on a fire door
During a fire door inspection, assessors typically check several key elements of the door assembly, including the items listed below.
| Item |
What is checked |
Why |
Door leaf condition
|
✔ no cracks or holes
✔ no warping or distortion
✔ no unauthorised modifications
✔ no excessive wear |
Significant damage may affect the door’s ability to resist fire. |
Door closer and self-closing function
|
✔ the door closes smoothly
✔ the door is not wedged open
✔ the closer operates correctly
✔ the door latches when released |
Fire doors are generally expected to self-close fully and latch correctly. |
Door gaps and clearances
|
✔ side gaps are ok
✔ the gap at the head of the door is ok
✔ the threshold gap is ok |
Excessive gaps can reduce the effectiveness of the fire door. |
Intumescent and smoke seals
|
✔ no missing sections
✔ no damaged seals
✔ no seals painted over
✔ no incorrect seal types |
Seals fitted around the door edges are important for preventing the spread of fire and smoke. |
Hinges and hardware
|
✔ correct number of hinges fitted
✔ no loose or missing screws
✔ no signs of wear
✔ no incorrect ironmongery |
Fire doors require suitable hinges and hardware. |
Fire door signage
|
✔ correctly worded
✔ positioned appropriately
✔ on both sides of door, where applicable |
Inspectors often check that required signage is present and correctly worded. |
Evidence of inspection
|
✔ inspection tags
✔ record books
✔ inspection schedules |
Inspectors may also check whether there is visible evidence that inspections are being carried out. |
Why small details often cause inspection failures
Many Fire Risk Assessment findings involve relatively minor issues such as:
- missing signage
- seals painted over
- doors not closing fully
- lack of inspection records
These problems often develop gradually through normal building use.
How inspection issues are usually addressed
Most issues identified during fire door inspections can be resolved through relatively straightforward actions, such as:
- installing compliant signage
- adjusting door closers
- replacing seals
- measuring and correcting gaps
- introducing inspection tagging systems
Higher priority issues should typically be prioritised.
