FIRE DOOR INSPECTIONS
Why does a fire door matter, and how do I know if mine is working?
Fire door inspections for landlords, HMOs and businesses across Bristol and Bath.
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.
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 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.
BRISTOL & BATH