Fire door inspection tags provide visible evidence that a fire door has been checked, recorded and included in an ongoing inspection regime.
They are not usually required in one fixed legal format, but inspectors often expect Responsible Persons to show clear evidence that fire doors are being inspected and maintained. Inspection tags are a simple way to show the last inspection date, next due date and who carried out the check.
Quick answer: are fire door inspection tags required?
There is no single rule that says every fire door must have a specific inspection tag.
However, Responsible Persons are expected to demonstrate that fire doors are inspected and maintained. In practice, inspection tags are commonly used because they provide visible evidence that checks are taking place.
What should a fire door inspection tag show?
A useful fire door inspection tag normally records:
- The inspection date
- The inspector name or initials
- The next inspection due date
The format can vary, but the information should be clear, legible and consistent across the building.
Why inspection tags are used
Inspection tags help link a physical fire door to an inspection record.
They are commonly used to show:
- That the door has been checked
- When the last inspection took place
- Who carried out the inspection
- When the next check is due
- Whether the door is part of a wider inspection schedule
This is useful in larger buildings where many doors need to be inspected, recorded and tracked consistently.
Are inspection tags mandatory?
Inspection tags are not usually mandatory as a specific product or format.
The key requirement is that the Responsible Person can demonstrate that fire doors are being maintained in effective working order. This normally means having a consistent inspection system and clear records.
Inspection tags are one practical way to support that system, especially where visible evidence is useful during Fire Risk Assessments or routine checks.
What inspectors usually expect to see
During Fire Risk Assessments, assessors often look for:
- clear identification of inspected doors
- recent inspection dates
- consistent approach across the building
Where no evidence is visible, reports may note:
“No inspection records available.”
Common inspection record failures
Examples frequently recorded include:
- no tag or label present
- outdated inspection dates
- illegible information
- inconsistent systems between areas
These are normally straightforward remedial items.
How tagging issues are usually resolved
By introducing a consistent, visible method of recording inspections, typically through:
- write-on inspection tags
- colour-coded systems
- asset identification labels
Inspection products commonly used
Inspection tags are often used alongside asset ID labels and record books. Fire Door Inspection Tags help show visible inspection evidence on or near the door. Fire Door Asset ID Labels help give each door a unique reference. Fire Door Inspection Record Books help keep the written inspection record.
Used together, they create a simple system: identify the door, inspect it, record the check and update the visible tag.
