When it comes to building safety, fire doors are among the most critical components. They aren’t just standard doors; they’re specifically designed to keep fire and smoke from spreading throughout a building, providing people with crucial time to evacuate and helping prevent extensive property damage. But like any safety feature, fire doors need regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they’ll work effectively in an emergency.
In this guide, we’ll break down why fire door inspections matter, what the inspection process involves, and how often they should be performed.
Why Are Fire Door Inspections So Important?
Fire doors aren’t only about slowing down a fire. They also block toxic smoke from moving through a building. In fact, many fatalities in building fires happen due to smoke inhalation rather than the flames themselves. Properly inspected and maintained fire doors might save lives by containing smoke and reducing its spread. This containment gives occupants additional time to find a safe exit, while also helping firefighters by slowing down the fire’s expansion.
However, fire doors can only do their job if they’re in optimal condition. If even one component fails, the door may not contain fire or smoke as intended. That’s why fire door inspections are not just beneficial—they’re required by law in many places. Many insurance policies and local building codes mandate regular inspections of fire doors in commercial and public buildings, often with very specific standards for what needs to be checked.
How Often Should Fire Door Inspections Be Done?
The frequency of fire door inspections will depend on a few factors, such as the type of building and the specific regulations in your area. Generally, a fire door should be inspected:
- Every six months in most commercial or high-occupancy buildings. This includes offices, shopping centres, hospitals, and schools.
- Monthly in very high-risk buildings, such as factories that handle flammable materials.
For residential buildings, like apartment complexes, inspections are usually required every 12 months, although high-risk areas within these buildings (like boiler rooms) might require more frequent checks.
Regular inspections ensure that if something’s wrong, it can be fixed before it becomes a serious problem. A missing or damaged component might seem minor, but in an emergency, it could make all the difference.
What to Look for in a Fire Door Inspection
A proper fire door inspection should involve a qualified individual who understands the detailed requirements of fire safety. But if you’re interested in understanding what inspectors typically check, here’s an overview of the key elements:
1. Door Gaps and Alignment
The space between the fire door and its frame is crucial. If gaps are too wide (more than 3-4mm along the sides or top), smoke could slip through. Inspectors will use a simple tool like a gap gauge to measure and confirm this.
2. Door Closer Operation
A fire door should fully close on its own from any open position to effectively contain fire and smoke. Door closers should be inspected to ensure they’re functioning correctly. The door should close at a slow, controlled speed without slamming, but it should close entirely and securely every time.
3. Hinges and Hardware
Only certain types of hinges and hardware are fire-rated, meaning they’re capable of withstanding intense heat without failing. During an inspection, it’s important to check if the door’s hinges are fire-rated and if any screws or parts are missing, as this could compromise the door’s ability to contain fire.
4. Intumescent and Smoke Seals
Fire doors come with seals, typically intumescent strips, around the edges. These seals expand when exposed to heat, blocking gaps where smoke or fire might otherwise seep through. Inspectors should look for wear or damage to these seals, as a worn-out seal won’t perform as needed in an emergency.
5. Damage or Deformation
Fire doors should be in good physical condition, with no cracks, holes, or warping that might let fire or smoke slip through. Even minor damage might prevent the door from sealing properly when closed, so all surface damage must be identified and repaired.
6. Signage and Certification
All fire doors should have clear signage indicating they’re fire-rated. In addition, fire doors should display a certification label indicating they meet regulatory standards. If signage or certification is missing, an inspector will note this for corrective action.
Who Should Perform a Fire Door Inspection?
While anyone can perform a basic visual check on a fire door, a thorough inspection should be carried out by a professional, certified inspector. Fire door inspectors have the training and knowledge to spot issues that an untrained eye might miss.
Certification programs for fire door inspectors ensure that these professionals are up to date with the latest fire safety standards and guidelines. For instance, the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) offers a certification for fire door inspectors, meaning they understand the precise technical details involved in assessing and maintaining fire doors.
How to Prepare for a Fire Door Inspection
As a building owner or manager, you can do a few things to ensure a smooth inspection process:
- Keep Accurate Records: Every inspection should be documented, detailing the findings and any maintenance completed. These records not only help track the condition of your fire doors but also serve as evidence of compliance with local regulations.
- Address Minor Repairs Regularly: Small issues, such as a missing screw or a loose hinge, might not seem urgent, but addressing these problems as they arise ensures they won’t become bigger issues later.
- Communicate with Building Occupants: In many cases, tenants or employees might inadvertently damage or misuse fire doors. Educate them on the importance of these doors and encourage them to report any issues they notice.
- Invest in Quality Parts and Repairs: Fire doors require specific types of hardware and seals to maintain their fire rating. Avoid cutting corners by using non-fire-rated parts, as this could render the entire door non-compliant. Working with a qualified professional ensures that any repairs or replacements meet the necessary fire safety standards.
Staying Compliant with Fire Door Regulations
Fire door regulations vary depending on your region, building type, and even the occupancy level of your building. Staying compliant requires more than just the occasional inspection; it involves keeping up-to-date with local fire codes, insurance requirements, and any updates to fire safety standards.
To stay on top of these regulations:
- Schedule regular inspections with certified professionals.
- Update your records each time an inspection is completed.
- Plan maintenance and repairs proactively to ensure issues are resolved quickly.
Final Thoughts
Fire door inspections are not just about staying compliant—they’re about creating a safer environment for everyone in the building. A fire door that’s been overlooked or poorly maintained might not do its job in an emergency. Regular inspections by a qualified inspector might reveal issues that can be fixed to maintain full fire safety compliance.
Investing time in fire door inspections and maintenance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect lives, limit property damage, and meet regulatory requirements. So, if you haven’t scheduled your next fire door inspection, now’s the time. A thorough inspection might be just what you need to keep your building safe.
