What does a fire door inspection check?
A fire door only works as a complete assembly. One missing seal or a closer that does not latch the door can let fire and smoke past an otherwise sound leaf, so each component is checked in turn.
| Component | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Leaf and frame | No damage, holes or alterations; the leaf sits flat in the frame; the rating can be identified. |
| Gaps | Measured at the head and both sides against the manufacturer data, commonly 2 to 4 mm, and checked at the threshold. |
| Intumescent and smoke seals | Present, continuous, undamaged and not painted over. |
| Hinges | Correct number and type, all screws fitted, no wear or leaking oil. |
| Self-closer | Closes the door fully onto the latch from any angle. |
| Glazing | Fire-rated glass and glazing beads, intact and secure. |
| Ironmongery and signage | Latches, locks and hold-open devices compatible with the door; mandatory signs fitted. |
The full component list, with what a pass looks like, is in the Fire Door Inspection Checklist. Seals are explained in Fire Door Seals.
Which standard are fire doors assessed against?
Veritas assesses fire doors against BS 8214, the British Standard code of practice for timber-based fire door assemblies, together with the manufacturer installation data and the door's fire test evidence. BS 8214 explains what the standard covers. A door's rating, such as FD30 or FD60, is the minutes of integrity it achieved in test; see Fire Door Ratings: FD30 and FD60.
Inspection intervals
The three- and twelve-month intervals come from the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. Who must arrange the checks, and what applies to buildings under 11 metres, is set out in Fire Door Regulations.
Which buildings do you inspect?
Non-domestic premises, blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation, for facilities management companies, managing agents and local and regional authorities including healthcare and educational trusts. Doors raised as a concern in a fire risk assessment can be inspected door by door. Fire doors set in compartment walls are part of the same fire separation checked in a fire compartmentation survey. [building types confirmed: to confirm]
What is in the fire door inspection report?
- Each door inspected, with its location [pass or fail per door: to confirm]
- Photographs of every defect
- The remedial action for each defect
- Data collected electronically on site; a fire door asset register on request
- Budgeted cost plans for the remedial works on request
How much does a fire door inspection cost?
The price depends mainly on the number of doors, how many are flat entrance doors needing resident access, and how spread out the building is. [price per door or typical range: to confirm] Send the address and an approximate door count for a quote.
Background reading
- Fire Door Regulations: how often, who can inspect, and the law behind it.
- Fire Door Inspection Checklist: every check, component by component.
- Fire Door Seals: intumescent strips and smoke seals.
- Fire Door Ratings: FD30 and FD60: what the rating means.