Fire Door Inspection Frequency Explained (UK)

Questions about inspection frequency are very common following Fire Risk Assessments.

This page is for landlords, managing agents and facilities managers who need to understand how often fire doors are typically inspected.

Is there a fixed legal inspection frequency?

There is rarely a single inspection interval written directly into legislation.

Instead, UK fire safety law generally requires that fire safety measures are maintained in effective working order.

Regular inspection is the practical way this requirement is demonstrated.

Typical inspection frequencies in practice

In many buildings, fire doors are inspected at intervals such as:

Fire Risk Assessments often recommend inspection intervals based on building risk.

Additional expectations in residential buildings

Recent regulations affecting certain residential buildings expect more frequent checks of communal fire doors.

This usually includes:

• periodic checks of communal doors
• periodic checks of flat entrance doors in taller buildings

Responsible Persons should ensure inspection schedules reflect relevant regulations.

Why regular inspections are important

Fire doors are subject to everyday use and can deteriorate over time.

Routine inspections help identify issues such as:

• missing signage
• damaged seals
• excessive door gaps
• faulty closers

Early detection helps prevent more serious safety issues.

Evidence that inspections are taking place

Inspectors often look for clear evidence that inspections are being carried out.

Examples include:

• inspection tags
• log books
• inspection schedules