Fire Door Record Keeping Requirements

Fire door record-keeping is a critical part of fire safety compliance in the UK. Maintaining clear, accurate, and accessible documentation not only helps ensure that your fire doors are inspected, maintained and repaired properly — it also provides critical evidence of compliance with fire safety law.

Under UK fire safety legislation, Responsible Persons must be able to demonstrate that fire doors are routinely checked, maintained in efficient working order and brought back into compliance when defects are identified. Poor record keeping can lead to enforcement action, fines or legal liability following a fire incident.

This guide explains what fire door records you must keep, how long to retain them, and what must be included in inspection documentation to be audit-ready and compliant.

Why Fire Door Record Keeping Matters

Good record keeping:

• Demonstrates compliance: Written records show that fire doors are inspected, maintained and repaired in line with UK legislation.
• Supports audits and inspections: Fire and Rescue Authorities may request documentation during inspections or compliance checks.
• Reduces risk: Documentation helps identify trends, recurring defects and informs planning for maintenance or replacement.
• Protects against liability: In the event of a fire, records can be evidence that reasonable steps were taken to manage fire doors and passive protection.

In essence, documentation isn’t just paperwork — it’s an essential part of a fire safety management system that protects people and property.

During inspections, Fire and Rescue Authorities may request to see inspection records, defect logs and evidence of completed remedial works. Inadequate documentation is frequently cited in enforcement notices where fire doors have not been properly maintained.

A structured approach to documentation can be supported by using a formal fire door compliance checklist aligned with inspection and maintenance duties.

Legal Basis for Fire Door Record Keeping in the UK

In the UK, record keeping for fire safety is rooted in:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which requires that fire safety measures are maintained in efficient working order and are supported by appropriate documentation.
• The Fire Safety Act 2021, which clarified the scope of the Fire Safety Order to include flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings.
• The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which introduce additional duties in residential buildings, including keeping records of checks under Regulation 10.

In particular, Article 17 of the Fire Safety Order requires fire safety measures to be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. While the legislation does not prescribe a specific format for record keeping, written documentation is expected where five or more persons are employed, or where licensing or alteration notices apply.

These laws do not prescribe exact formats, but they require that records are:

• Up to date
• Available in writing (either on paper or digitally)
• Accessible for inspection by authorities

What Fire Door Records Should Be Kept

Good fire door record keeping means keeping the following:

1. Fire Door Register

A master list of all fire doors on the premises should include:

• Door location
• Fire resistance rating (e.g., FD30, FD60)
• Manufacturer and certification details
• Installation date
• Associated doorset components (frame, seals, hardware)

This register forms the basis of your fire door documentation and should be kept updated whenever doors are added, altered or replaced.

In many buildings, this information is maintained within a fire door log book, either as a standalone document or integrated into the wider fire safety log book for the premises.

2. Inspection and Check Records

Records should document all periodic inspections, including:

• Date of inspection
• Inspector name and competence
• Findings (defects noted or “no defects” if none found)
• Action taken
• Reference to any attached photos or diagrams

For residential buildings in England subject to Regulation 10:

• Quarterly records of all communal door checks are required
• Annual records of flat entrance door checks are required under a best endeavours basis

Record how you’ve attempted access where required and any follow-up communication.

3. Maintenance and Repair Records

Whenever a defect is identified and corrected:

• Record the date and nature of the defect
• Who carried out the repair
• What was repaired or replaced
• Whether the door passed a follow-up inspection

These are often attached to inspection records, but keeping them distinct can improve audit clarity.

4. Remedial Action Plans and Follow-Up

For defects requiring additional work:

• Record a formal action plan
• Schedule dates for completion
• Log when completed and by whom

This shows active management rather than passive reporting.

What Must Be Included in a Fire Door Inspection Record

An effective inspection record typically includes:

• Door identifier and location
• Fire rating and certification verification
• Condition of seals, hardware and gaps
• Self-closing and latching performance
• Any defects, recommended actions and priority levels
• Signature or electronic verification of the competent inspector

For a full breakdown of the technical checks that should be documented, see our guide on what is checked during a fire door inspection.

Visual evidence such as photographs and diagrams is now widely accepted as a best practice addition, particularly for larger buildings or portfolios.

Retention Periods — How Long Should Records Be Kept?

There is no single statutory retention period that applies to all fire door records. However, enforcement authorities expect documentation to be retained long enough to demonstrate ongoing compliance and maintenance history.

While legislation does not prescribe exact timeframes for every record type, recognised good practice and industry guidance generally recommend the following minimum retention periods:

• Inspection and maintenance records: at least 5 years, or longer if tied to insurance policy requirements.
• Regulation 10 records: retain for at least 2 years (specific guidance for England).
• Fire risk assessments and major inspection reports: retain until superseded plus 6 years.

Longer retention may be prudent for audit, enforcement or liability considerations.

For guidance on what should be formally recorded during inspections, see our detailed guide to fire door inspections and surveys.

Digital vs Paper Records — Best Practice

Maintaining records digitally:

• Increases accessibility during audits
• Helps with version control
• Simplifies sharing with contractors and assessors

If paper copies are kept, also back them up digitally where practical. Indexed folders, properly dated file names and consistent structure help both internal teams and enforcement authorities.

How Record Keeping Supports Other Compliance Duties

Accurate documentation supports:

• Fire risk assessments (and follow-up reviews)
• Formal fire door inspection reports
• Regulation 10 compliance in residential buildings
• Maintenance planning and defect tracking
• Demonstrating competence and due diligence

Keeping detailed records should not be an afterthought — it should be part of your fire door compliance system.

Conclusion

Fire door record keeping is a fundamental part of UK fire safety compliance. It sits within the wider fire door maintenance responsibilities placed on the Responsible Person under UK fire safety law, forming part of a structured system of inspection, maintenance and defect management.

By maintaining detailed registers, inspection reports, maintenance histories and follow-up action logs, Responsible Persons can:

• Demonstrate compliance with the Fire Safety Order and related regulations
• Be audit-ready for enforcing authorities
• Identify recurring issues before they become critical
• Reduce liability and enhance occupant safety

Accurate and organised record keeping protects people, property and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What records should you keep for fire doors?

You should maintain a fire door register, inspection reports, maintenance and repair logs, remedial action plans and any photographic or supporting documentation that demonstrates ongoing compliance.

Are digital fire door records acceptable?

Yes. Digital records are widely accepted and often more accessible for audits. It’s best practice to keep searchable, backed-up digital files with clear naming conventions.

How long should fire door records be retained?

Inspection and maintenance records should generally be kept for at least 5 years, with Regulation 10 records retained for at least 2 years and fire risk assessments kept until superseded plus 6 years.

Must fire door inspections be documented?

Yes. Responsible Persons are expected to record any inspections, findings and actions taken to show ongoing compliance with UK fire safety legislation.

What happens if records are missing?

Missing or incomplete records can lead to enforcement notices, fines, increased liability and challenges during audits by the fire and rescue authority.