Fire Door Inspection in London: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Agatha CandyKitty
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Introduction
In a city like London, where fire safety legislation is strictly enforced, routine fire door inspections are not just best practice — they’re a legal requirement. Whether you’re managing a residential block, commercial property, healthcare facility, or educational site, ensuring your fire doors are fully compliant could be the difference between life and death in an emergency.
This guide breaks down what’s involved in a professional fire door inspection, how often it should be carried out, and why it's essential for meeting UK regulations and insurance obligations.
Why Is Fire Door Inspection in London Important?
Fire doors are a critical part of a building’s passive fire protection system. When correctly installed and maintained, they:
Slow the spread of fire and smoke
Protect escape routes
Provide vital time for evacuation
Minimise damage to property
Support compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Failing to carry out regular fire door inspections can result in legal action, invalid insurance, and increased risk to life.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
Communal and high-traffic areas: Every 3 months (quarterly)
Flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings over 11m high: Annually
Healthcare or complex commercial buildings: As recommended by the fire risk assessment (often quarterly or more)
Step-by-Step Fire Door Inspection Process
Below is a typical structure followed by competent professionals when inspecting fire doors in London properties:
1. Check for Certification
Look for a label or plug indicating the fire rating (e.g., FD30, FD60)
Ensure it hasn’t been painted over or removed
2. Inspect the Gaps
Gap between door and frame should be 2-4mm at the sides and top
Threshold gap should typically be no more than 10mm or 3mm, depending on the door type(3mm for smoke sealing doors)
3. Check Intumescent and Smoke Seals
Ensure seals are continuous and undamaged
Replace any that are missing, broken, or painted over
4. Inspect the Hinges
Minimum of three hinges required
All screws should be in place, tight, and not damaged
Hinges must be fire-rated and free from wear
5. Verify Self-Closing Mechanism
Door must close fully and latch without manual assistance
Check closer strength, speed, and smoothness of operation
6. Assess the Door Leaf and Frame
No warping, cracks, or damage to the leaf
Frame should be secure and undamaged
Check for signs of impact or tampering
7. Inspect Locks and Latches
Locks must not prevent the door from closing or latching
Ensure thumb-turn locks are compliant where required
8. Check Fire Signage
Correct “Fire Door Keep Shut” or “Keep Locked” signage must be installed
Signage should be clearly visible and compliant with BS 5499
Common Issues Found During Inspections
Overly large gaps around the door
Missing or non-fire-rated hardware
Damaged seals or closers
Doors wedged open or not closing properly
Inconsistent installation or unapproved modifications
Who Should Perform Fire Door Inspections?
Fire door inspections should be carried out by a competent person — that is, someone with specialist knowledge and training in fire door assemblies and maintenance. Ideally, this person should hold formal fire door qualifications and be affiliated with a recognised industry body such as NAFDI (National Association of Fire Door Inspectors).
NAFDI is a UK-based professional organisation that ensures its members are trained, qualified, and regularly assessed to carry out fire door inspections to the highest standards. Being a part of NAFDI demonstrates a commitment to competency, continuous development, and third-party accountability — something increasingly expected by insurers, regulators, and responsible persons.
Final Thoughts
Regular fire door inspections are not optional — they are a vital component of your building’s fire strategy. They protect lives, reduce liability, and ensure compliance with London’s stringent fire safety regulations. Investing in routine checks and early remedial works saves costs long term and contributes to the overall safety of your building and its occupants.
Need a fire door inspection you can trust?
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