Fire doors are the most frequently failed passive fire protection element. We explain the enhanced inspection requirements and what building managers need to implement now.. Fire Doors: The First Line of Defence Fire doors are the single most important — and most frequently compromised — element of a building's passive fire protection system. A correctly installed, properly maintained fire door provides critical minutes of compartmentation during a fire, protecting escape routes and giving occupants time to evacuate safely. Yet fire door failure rates in UK buildings remain stubbornly high. Industry surveys consistently report that 75 80% of fire doors inspected have at least one deficiency that could compromise their fire performance. The Enhanced Legislative Framework The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, enacted under Article 24 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, introduced specific duties for fire door management in residential buildings: Buildings Over 11m Quarterly checks of all fire doors in common areas Annual checks of all flat entrance doors (best endeavours) Recording of all checks and remedial actions Resident information on the importance of fire doors All Multi Occupied Residential Buildings Fire risk assessment must specifically consider fire doors Maintenance programme for all fire doors Competent person to conduct checks What Fire Door Inspections Should Cover A compliant fire door inspection goes far beyond checking if the door closes: Door Leaf Certificated fire door (check for label/plug) No unauthorized modifications (glazing, letter plates, cat flaps) No damage affecting integrity (splits, holes, warping) Correct thickness and composition Frame and Seals Frame securely fixed to structure Intumescent strips and smoke seals present and intact Correct seal specification for door rating No gaps exceeding 3mm (±1mm tolerance) Ironmongery Self closing device fitted and functioning Hinges — minimum 3 CE marked fire rated hinges Locks and latches — fire rated, correctly engaged Hold open devices — connected to fire alarm (if fitted) Signage and Glazing Fire door keep shut / keep locked signs Glazing — fire rated, correctly beaded Vision panels — appropriate size for door rating Operational Door closes fully into frame from any angle No obstructions preventing closure Gap under door does not exceed specification Door not wedged or propped open The Competence Question The regulations require fire door checks to be conducted by a 'competent person.' While the legislation doesn't specify exact qualifications, industry consensus points to: BM TRADA Q Mark Fire Door Inspection — The most widely recognised scheme IFC Certification — Fire door inspector certification FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) — Industry body for fire door inspectors Manufacturer training — Product specific competence for installation inspection Building managers conducting their own quarterly checks should receive appropriate training, with annual inspections carried out by certified third party inspectors. Managing Fire Door Programmes at Scale For large portfolios, managing fire door compliance requires systematic approaches: Asset Register Unique identification for every fire door Door specification and rating Installation date and warranty information Maintenance and inspection history Digital Management QR codes or NFC tags on each door Mobile inspection apps for standardised recording Automated scheduling of quarterly/annual checks Dashboard reporting for portfolio oversight Procurement Framework agreements with certificated fire door suppliers Standardised specifications to reduce complexity Third party certification requirements for installation contractors For fire door survey and compliance programme design, contact Magnus Opifex.