FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS
Fire door inspections in Bristol and Bath
Fire door inspections, checks and surveys for landlords, HMOs, blocks of flats and commercial premises across Bristol and Bath, with repairs and new doors for larger projects.
What does a fire door do that a normal door doesn't?
A fire door is designed to hold back fire and smoke for a set period, giving people time to escape and containing the fire's spread while doing so. That only works if the door, frame, seals and self-closer are all in good condition together, a damaged or propped-open fire door offers little more protection than an ordinary one.
Am I legally required to check fire doors in Bristol?
In multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require communal fire doors to be checked quarterly and flat entrance doors annually, on a best-endeavours basis. Outside that specific duty, keeping fire doors in good condition is still part of the general duty to manage fire risk under the Fire Safety Order.
What are the signs a fire door needs attention?
Common issues include gaps around the frame, a damaged or missing seal, a self-closer that doesn't fully shut the door, or the door being wedged open. None of these are always obvious without a proper inspection, which is why the exact specification a door needs to meet is something an assessment establishes for that specific property, not a fixed rule that applies everywhere.
Are fire doors treated differently in an HMO?
Individual bedroom doors in an HMO are often required to be fire doors themselves, since occupants are relying on a single shared escape route. This is assessed alongside the rest of the property's fire safety, see our HMO Fire Safety page for more on shared buildings.
Do fire door checks need to be recorded?
Where the quarterly and annual duty applies, yes, a record should be kept showing the checks took place. More broadly, any fire door work forms part of keeping the fire risk assessment current, see our FRA Reviews page for when an assessment needs revisiting.
Is there a better option for a building with a lot of fire doors?
Where a building has around 15 or more fire doors, a door-by-door survey is the better fit than a general assessment alone. Every door is given a number, with its rating, condition and faults recorded, and the survey ends with a prioritised list of what to repair or replace. It suits student blocks, blocks of flats with communal corridors, care homes, hotels, offices and other commercial premises. For a typical HMO, the doors are checked as part of the fire risk assessment.
Can faulty fire doors be repaired, or new ones fitted?
Where an inspection finds faults, remedial work on existing doors can be arranged through our assessor. For larger projects, new fire doors can be supplied and fitted through a specialist door contractor following a survey. This suits buildings with around 15 or more doors, where replacing a run of failed doors is worth doing as one project. Tell us the property address and roughly how many doors are involved when you request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Do all fire doors need to be FD30 rated?
Not automatically. The rating a door needs depends on its position in the building and what the fire risk assessment finds, it isn't the same for every door in every property.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
For communal doors in larger blocks of flats, the law sets quarterly and annual checks. Outside that specific duty, timing depends on what the assessment recommends for that property.
What's an intumescent seal?
A strip fitted around the edge of a fire door that expands when heated, sealing the gap between the door and frame to stop smoke and fire passing through.
Can a faulty fire door be repaired, or does it need replacing?
Many faults can be repaired: replacing seals, adjusting or replacing the closer, fitting correct hinges and fixing gaps. Replacement is usually needed where the door is split or badly damaged, has been cut or drilled in ways it was not designed for, has the wrong glazing, or cannot be shown to be a fire door at all. The inspection report records which doors look repairable and which look like they need replacing.
Do you supply and fit new fire doors?
For larger projects, yes, through a specialist door contractor following a survey. It suits buildings with around 15 or more doors. Say so when you request a quote and tell us roughly how many doors are involved.
Which areas do you cover for fire door inspections?
Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area. Larger door projects elsewhere in the UK can also be considered. Request a quote with the property address and the approximate number of doors and we will confirm.
Can I check my own fire doors?
Basic checks, does it close fully, are there obvious gaps or damage, can be done by anyone. Confirming whether a door actually meets the standard it needs to is a job for an assessment.
ENQUIRY
Tell us about your fire doors.
Landlords, HMOs and businesses across Bristol and Bath — share a few details and we’ll get back to you about an inspection.
Or call 0117 463 7863.
Or email hello@fire-risk-assessment-bristol.co.uk.
BRISTOL & BATH