Fire doors are the most common point of failure in building fire safety. We examine the inspection regimes required under current legislation.. The Fire Door Problem Fire doors are the most tested, most inspected, and most frequently deficient element of building fire safety. Studies consistently show that 75 80% of fire doors in existing buildings have at least one deficiency that could compromise their performance in a fire. Legislative Requirements Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 For buildings containing two or more residential units: Quarterly checks of all fire doors in common parts Annual checks of flat entrance doors (best efforts basis) Results must be recorded and made available Building Safety Act For higher risk buildings: Fire doors form part of the ongoing safety case Deficiencies must be recorded in the Golden Thread Remediation timescales must be documented and tracked What a Fire Door Inspection Covers The 10 Point Check 1. Certification — Is there a label, plug, or other identification? 2. Gaps — Are all gaps 3mm or less (2 4mm tolerance)? 3. Intumescent strips — Present, undamaged, correctly positioned? 4. Smoke seals — Present and in good condition? 5. Hinges — Minimum 3 hinges, CE marked, fire rated? 6. Closer — Self closing device functioning correctly? 7. Glazing — Fire rated glass with correct beading system? 8. Condition — No damage, holes, or modifications? 9. Signage — Fire door keep shut / keep locked signs? 10. Threshold — Maximum gap beneath door within specification? Common Deficiencies Critical (Immediate Action) Missing or non functioning self closer Gaps exceeding specification Holes or significant damage to door leaf Wedged or propped open (without hold open device) Significant (Action Within 1 Month) Missing intumescent strips Damaged smoke seals Incorrect ironmongery Missing signage Advisory Minor cosmetic damage Paint build up on edges Slight adjustment needed to closer Competent Person Requirement Fire door inspections should be carried out by individuals with: BM TRADA Q Mark fire door inspector certification, or FDIS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme) registration, or Equivalent demonstrable competence The competent person must understand: Fire door test evidence and its implications Current standards (BS 476 22, BS EN 1634 1) Installation standards (BS 8214) Building specific fire strategy requirements Digital Record Keeping Modern fire door management uses digital systems: QR codes or NFC tags on each door Mobile inspection apps Automated deficiency tracking Integration with building safety case (Golden Thread) Photographic evidence at each inspection For fire door inspection programmes, contact Magnus Opifex.