Fire doors are the most commonly cited deficiency in fire risk assessments. This guide covers inspection regimes, common defects, and the legal framework.. Why Fire Doors Matter Fire doors are the single most important passive fire protection measure in most buildings. They provide: Compartmentation — containing fire and smoke to the room of origin Protection of escape routes — maintaining tenability on corridors and stairs Property protection — limiting fire spread and damage Legal Requirements RRO 2005, Article 17 requires the Responsible Person to maintain fire safety measures, including fire doors. Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 now require: Annual inspections of all flat entrance doors in residential buildings with storeys over 11m Quarterly inspections of fire doors in common parts Information to residents about fire door self closing mechanisms Common Defects (Top 10) 1. Defective self closers — door does not close fully into frame 2. Excessive gaps — gaps exceeding 3 4mm between door and frame 3. Missing or damaged intumescent strips/smoke seals 4. Damaged door leaves — holes, cracks, or delamination 5. Incorrect ironmongery — non fire rated hinges or handles 6. Propped open — wedges or hooks holding fire doors open 7. Oversized glazed panels without fire rated glass 8. Frame damage or separation from wall construction 9. Missing overhead closers — removed by occupants 10. Incorrect door — replaced with non fire rated door Inspection Regime Quarterly (common parts): Visual check of all fire doors on escape routes Check self closers operate correctly Check intumescent strips and smoke seals Check gaps around door and frame Annual (flat entrance doors in HRBs): Full inspection by competent person Record condition and any defects Programme remedial works Report to Responsible Person/Accountable Person BS 8214:2016 This standard provides comprehensive guidance on fire door maintenance, including: Inspection checklists Competency requirements for inspectors Remedial measures for common defects Record keeping requirements For fire door surveys, contact us. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.