Fire Door Inspection Checklist

Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection system. However, they will only perform effectively if they are regularly inspected and properly maintained.

A structured fire door inspection checklist helps Responsible Persons ensure that every component of the door assembly is assessed consistently and in line with UK fire safety legislation.

This guide provides a practical fire door inspection checklist, explains what should be checked, and outlines how inspections support legal compliance under UK fire safety law.

We provide structured fire door inspections and comprehensive fire door surveys across the UK to help Responsible Persons demonstrate compliance and maintain life-safety standards.

Why Use a Fire Door Inspection Checklist?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire doors must be:

• Maintained in an efficient state
• In efficient working order
• In good repair

In England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require specific inspection frequencies in certain residential buildings.

Using a checklist ensures:

• Consistent assessment of every door
• Clear documentation
• Early identification of defects
• Evidence of due diligence
• Structured compliance records

A checklist reduces the risk of missed defects that could compromise fire performance.

Fire Door Inspection Checklist

Below is a practical fire door inspection checklist aligned with UK guidance and industry best practice.

This fire door inspection checklist can be adapted into a printable template or digital inspection form for ongoing compliance management.

While a basic checklist can support routine checks, formal fire door inspections and surveys should be undertaken by a competent professional to ensure full compliance with UK fire safety legislation.

1. Certification and Fire Rating

• Confirm the door is a certified fire door (FD30, FD60 etc.)
• Check for certification labels or plugs
• Ensure the door matches manufacturer specification
• Confirm no unauthorised modifications have occurred

If certification evidence is missing, further investigation may be required.

2. Door Leaf Condition

• No cracks, splits, or holes
• No excessive trimming
• No warping or distortion
• No unapproved letter plates or grilles
• Glazing correctly installed and fire-rated

Minor physical damage can compromise fire resistance.

3. Door Frame

• Frame securely fixed
• No gaps between frame and wall
• Compatible frame construction
• No visible damage

The frame forms part of the tested fire door assembly.

4. Gaps and Clearances

Correct gaps are critical for performance.

Typical tolerances:

• 2–4mm at sides and head
• Threshold gap appropriate to specification (often up to 8mm)

Excessive gaps allow smoke and flames to spread.

5. Intumescent and Smoke Seals

• Continuous around perimeter
• Correct type and size
• Not painted over
• Not damaged or missing
• Properly seated in groove

Seals are one of the most common failure points.

6. Hinges

• Minimum of three hinges (unless otherwise specified)
• All screws present and secure
• No excessive wear
• Fire-rated hinges fitted

Loose hinges may cause door misalignment.

7. Door Closer

• Door self-closes fully from any open position
• Closer securely attached
• No oil leakage
• Controlled closing action

A fire door that does not self-close is not compliant.

8. Latching Mechanism

• Latch engages fully
• Door closes firmly into frame
• No sticking or misalignment
• Hardware is fire-rated

Failure to latch can invalidate fire containment.

9. Glazing and Vision Panels

• Fire-rated glass installed
• Beads securely fixed
• Intumescent glazing seals present
• No cracks in glass

Incorrect glazing installations are a frequent defect.

10. Ironmongery and Signage

• Correct “Fire Door Keep Shut” signage
• Fire-rated handles and hardware
• No unauthorised additions
• No wedges or hold-open devices (unless compliant)

Behavioural misuse should also be recorded.

11. Evidence of Misuse or Alteration

• Door wedged open
• Closer disconnected
• Seals removed
• Excessive decoration
• Drilling or modifications

Inspection should record both physical defects and management issues.

How Often Should the Checklist Be Used?

Inspection frequency depends on building type and risk.

General guidance:

• • High-use or higher-risk buildings: every 3–6 months
  • Standard commercial premises: every 6–12 months
  • Residential buildings over 11 metres (England):
    • Communal doors: quarterly
    • Flat entrance doors: annually

Inspections should also occur after damage or alterations.

What Happens After Completing the Checklist?

A professional fire door inspection should result in:

• A written report
• Clear defect identification
• Photographic evidence
• Risk-based prioritisation
• A remedial action schedule
• Recorded completion of corrective works

A checklist without documentation does not provide compliance evidence.

How to Complete a Fire Door Inspection Checklist

A fire door inspection checklist should be completed methodically and recorded clearly.

Best practice includes:

• Assigning each door a unique reference number
• Recording date and inspector name
• Photographing defects
• Measuring and recording door gaps
• Noting severity of defects
• Setting target dates for remedial action

Incomplete or undocumented checklists provide limited compliance protection. Records should be retained as part of your fire safety management system.

Fire Door Inspection Checklist vs Fire Door Survey

A checklist may be used during:

• Individual fire door inspections
• Structured fire door surveys

In larger buildings, a fire door survey applies the checklist across multiple doors with formal reporting and asset tagging.

We provide structured fire door inspections and surveys using comprehensive checklists, photographic reporting, and risk-prioritised remedial schedules to support compliance across single buildings or national portfolios.

If you manage a portfolio or multi-occupied residential building, a structured fire door survey may be more appropriate.

Conclusion

A fire door inspection checklist provides a structured method of assessing whether fire doors remain compliant, effective, and fit for purpose.

Each component — from seals and hinges to certification and glazing — forms part of a tested assembly. If one element fails, the entire door may fail in a fire.

Using a consistent checklist supports legal compliance, improves life safety, and provides documented evidence of due diligence.

If you require a professionally completed fire door inspection checklist, structured fire door inspection, or comprehensive fire door survey, we provide services across the UK to support compliance with current fire safety legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fire door inspection checklist?

A fire door inspection checklist is a structured list of checks used to assess whether a fire door and its components remain compliant and fit for purpose.

Is a checklist legally required?

Legislation requires fire doors to be maintained in efficient working order. While the law does not mandate a specific checklist format, using one provides clear evidence of compliance and due diligence.

Who should complete a fire door inspection checklist?

Formal inspections should be carried out by a competent person with appropriate knowledge of fire door standards and certification requirements.

How often should fire doors be checked?

Inspection frequency depends on building type and risk. In residential buildings over 11 metres in England, communal doors must be checked quarterly and flat entrance doors annually.

Can facilities teams use a checklist?

Facilities teams may use a checklist for routine visual checks. However, structured inspections and surveys should be undertaken by a qualified professional.