Fire Door Inspections: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fire Door Assessments

According to the Fire Protection Association (FPA), a staggering 57% of inspected fire doors required minor maintenance, while 40% of third-party certified doors were condemned due to inadequate maintenance. These numbers suggest fire door inspections are often neglected or improperly conducted, putting building occupants at severe risk. Fire doors are essential components of a building’s passive fire protection system, designed to prevent the spread of flames and smoke, thereby protecting lives and property. However, the effectiveness of these doors is highly contingent on their condition and maintenance. Without regular, thorough fire door inspections, even the best ones can fail in a crisis, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. 

This blog will explore why inspecting and maintaining fire doors according to established standards is more than a regulatory requirement, and how you can do it efficiently.

What is a Fire Door Inspection? 

Conducting a thorough inspection of fire doors is a fundamental process that involves a comprehensive evaluation of various components, including hinges, seals, latches, locks, and other relevant parts. Maintenance teams routinely perform these inspections to ensure the safety and functionality of fire doors in a building. By carrying out these fire door assessments, organizations can ascertain the effectiveness of their fire doors and take necessary measures to address any identified issues.

Who Can Inspect Fire Doors?

Fire door inspections must be conducted by a competent person, as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This typically means someone who has received specialized training and holds a recognized certification, such as from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS). The individual must be knowledgeable in fire door installation, maintenance, and the specific regulations governing fire doors. 

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected? 

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 recommends that fire doors be inspected every six months. However, more frequent inspections might be necessary in high-traffic areas where the doors are used more frequently or exposed to harsher conditions. In the US and in other countries, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates annual inspections for fire doors under NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. 

Generally, fire doors don’t need to be checked as frequently as fire extinguishers. However, the inspection frequency may vary depending on the specific requirements of local building codes, industry standards, or insurance providers. However, as a general rule, fire doors should be inspected at least annually. High-traffic areas or buildings with increased risk factors may necessitate more frequent inspections.

The Importance of Fire Door Assessments

Fire doors are specially designed and constructed doors with the sole purpose of preventing smoke, flames, and toxic gas from spreading within a building. This allows more time for individuals within the premises to safely evacuate and minimizes property damage in the event of a fire. As an integral part of a building’s passive fire protection system, fire doors are fire-resistant and can be made from metal, wood, or gypsum. They are tested to ensure they can withstand certain levels of fire and heat.

Given their importance, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80 standard mandates detailed requirements for fire door assemblies, including specific inspection criteria. Over time, components of fire doors, such as seals, closers, and latches, may degrade or malfunction, compromising their effectiveness. This makes regular inspections and maintenance crucial to ensure these doors function as intended in an emergency.

Your business can benefit from fire door inspections in three key ways: 

• Legal Compliance with Safety Standards: Regular inspections of fire doors are mandated by law in many jurisdictions. Neglecting these inspections could lead to severe legal penalties, including substantial fines or even business closure. According to a report, 75% of fire doors inspected in 2021 did not meet safety standards, highlighting the critical need for regular checks.
• Enhanced Workplace & Employee Safety: Fire doors are designed to slow down the spread of fire and smoke, provide an escape route, and protect people, so they help reduce the risk of injury or death. They can only serve their purpose only if they’re in perfect operational condition. 
• Meeting Insurance Requirements: Many insurance providers require evidence of regular fire door inspections as part of their coverage criteria. Non-compliance can affect your premiums or even invalidate your policy.

Key Areas Fire Door Inspections Should Cover

A comprehensive fire door inspection should involve a thorough examination of all components of the fire door assembly, including:

• Door Frame

The frame of the door should be securely attached to the wall and show no signs of damage or distortion. A weakened or damaged frame may fail to hold the door in place under the intense heat of a fire.

• Door Hardware

Door hardware includes all the operating parts of the door, such as the hinges, handles, latches, and door closers. These should all be in good working order and show no signs of damage or excessive wear. Failure of any component can lead to the door not operating as intended, potentially leaving it open and ineffective during a fire.

• Door Leaf 

The door leaf itself should be inspected for any signs of damage, including warping, dents, or cracks. The structural integrity of the door leaf is paramount in maintaining its fire-resistant properties.

• Intumescent Seals And Smoke Seals

These seals expand when exposed to heat, helping to contain fire and smoke. They should be intact and correctly installed. Damaged or poorly fitted seals may not expand as required, allowing smoke and fire to spread through gaps around the door.

• Glazing And Vision Panels

If present, these should be firmly fixed and free from damage. Any loose or damaged glazing can break under the intense heat of a fire, providing an additional pathway for the fire to spread.

• Fire Door Gap

The gap between the door and frame should be in line with the specification, usually between 2mm and 4mm. Larger gaps can allow smoke and fire to escape, reducing the effectiveness of the fire door.

• Self-Closing Device

Fire doors should be equipped with a self-closing device and should fully close when released from any open position. This ensures the door is always shut, preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

• Labels and Signs are Present & Legible

Fire doors should have a label, plug, or similar marking from a recognized certification body. This indicates the door’s fire resistance rating and confirms it has been tested to relevant standards. In case you notice anything during the inspection, if the label is not present on any part of a fire door assembly, it might be necessary to get the component labeled by a certified labeling service.

FREE & Fire Door & Fire Safety Inspection Checklists 

You can start your fire door inspections immediately. 

GoAudits also offers the following fire safety audit checklists:

• Fire Risk Assessment Checklist
• Monthly Fire Safety Inspection 
• Fire Prevention Inspection Checklist
• Fire Alarm Inspection
• Fire Safety Inspection Checklist
• Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection
• NFPA 25 Water Storage Tanks Inspection
• NFPA 25 Fire Pump Inspection
• Fire Safety Compliant Checklist
• Fire Door Inspection Checklist
• Fire Pump Inspection Checklist
• Workplace Fire Safety Checklist
• Fire Protection Equipment Checklist
• Fire Testing Checklist
• Smoke Detector Inspection Checklist
• Fire Drill Checklist Template

The 13-Point NFPA 80 Fire Door Inspection Checklist

Despite the fact that you can include general information in your fire door checklists if you operate a business in an area with NFPA regulations, you must include the following 13 NFPA points for fire door inspection checklists in your fire door assessments: 

1. Labels are Clearly Visible and Legible: All fire doors and frames should have a label that is easy to read, indicating that they have been certified or inspected in line with NFPA 80.
2. No Holes or Breaks in the Door or Frame: Even small gaps may weaken their fire resistance.
3. Intact Glazing and Secure Glass Kits/Beads: Any glass present in the fire door assembly, along with its associated frames and beads, must be securely fitted and free of damage. 
4. Secured and Aligned Door Components: The door, frame, hinges, hardware, and noncombustible threshold must all be properly secured, aligned, and free of damage. 
5. No Missing or Broken Parts: All components, including hinges, handles, and seals, should be present and in good working order. 
6. Correct Door Clearances: NFPA 80 specifies maximum allowable clearances between the door edge and the frame—1/8″ for steel doors and 1/8″ to 3/16″ for wood doors. Ensuring these clearances prevents smoke or fire from passing through gaps.
7. Operational Self-Closing Device: The active door leaf must close fully when released from an open position to contain fire and smoke effectively.
8. Proper Functioning of Coordinator (if installed): If the door assembly includes a coordinator, the inactive leaf should close before the active leaf. 
9. Compliant Latch Throw: The latch bolt must fully extend into the strike plate when the door is closed. This helps maintain the door’s fire-resistant properties under pressure.
10. No Interfering Auxiliary Hardware: Auxiliary hardware, such as door stops or hooks, should not interfere with the door’s operation. All hardware should be compliant with fire door standards.
11. No Field Modifications That Void the Label: Any unauthorized modifications to the door assembly can void the fire rating. Inspect for alterations like additional hardware, cuts, or drilling that could compromise safety.
12. Gasketing and Edge Seals: Where required, gaskets and edge seals must be intact, continuous, and appropriate for the door’s fire rating. 
13. Signage Compliance: Any signage affixed to the door must not exceed 5% of the door’s surface area and should not interfere with the door’s operation. Additionally, signs must be attached with adhesive rather than mechanical fasteners and should not cover any glazing.

Fire Door Assessment Requirements

Fire door regulations vary significantly depending on the country, with each jurisdiction mandating specific standards to ensure safety and compliance.

In the United Kingdom, the government’s Approved Document B outlines the essential fire door requirements for buildings.

These include minimum fire resistance ratings (e.g., FD30, FD60, and FD120, indicating resistance of 30, 60, and 120 minutes, respectively), smoke control measures, and certification labels that must be visible on the door. Installation must be carried out by certified professionals, and regular inspections are mandatory to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.

In contrast, Australia requires that fire doors meet the specifications outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA), with a similar focus on fire resistance, smoke control, and proper installation.

The United States follows the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, particularly NFPA 80, which provides detailed guidelines on the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire doors. 

How to Check if a Door is Fire-Rated?

The most reliable way to identify a fire-rated door is by locating the certification label. This label is usually affixed to the top or side edge of the door and provides essential details, such as the manufacturer’s name, the certification number, and the fire resistance rating (e.g., FD30 for 30 minutes). The label confirms that the door has been tested and meets the required fire resistance standards.

However, there are several other ways to determine whether a door is fire-rated.

• Door Gaps: The gaps around the door should be no more than 4mm. You can easily check this by using a coin (about 3mm thick) to measure the gap between the door and the frame. If the gaps are larger, the door may not provide adequate protection during a fire.
• Intumescent Seals: Located along the edges of the door or frame, intumescent seals expand when exposed to high temperatures, sealing the gaps between the door and the frame. To check for these, open the door and look for a continuous strip along the edges.
• Hinges: A fire-rated door should have at least three hinges that are firmly secured and in good condition. Missing screws or damaged hinges can compromise the door’s ability to function properly in a fire.
• Automatic Closing Mechanism: To test this, open the door halfway and release it. The door should close without assistance, indicating that the mechanism is functioning correctly.

What to Do After Fire Door Inspections?

After completing a fire door inspection, the next steps are critical in ensuring the safety and compliance of your building. 

First, it is essential to document the inspection findings meticulously. This involves recording any deficiencies, observations, and compliance issues identified during the fire door inspection. Ensure that the documentation is detailed, including photographs, descriptions of issues, and the exact locations of the fire doors inspected.

Once the findings are documented, the next step is to share the fire door inspection report with relevant stakeholders. They typically include building management, facility maintenance teams, and safety officers. It’ll ensure that everyone involved is aware of the current status of fire doors and any urgent issues that need addressing. 

Next, schedule regular fire door risk assessments to maintain ongoing compliance and safety. Fire door inspections should be conducted at intervals recommended by fire safety regulations, typically on an annual or bi-annual basis. Regular fire door assessments help identify any new issues that may arise over time, allowing for timely maintenance and ensuring that fire doors continue to function as intended in the event of a fire.

Finally, it is crucial to prioritize repairs and maintenance. Addressing any identified issues should be done swiftly to prevent potential fire risks. Prioritization should be based on the severity of the defects found; for example, compromised fire door seals or damaged door frames may need immediate attention. 

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