Regulation 10 Fire Door Checks – What the Law Requires
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Regulation 10 is part of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, introduced to improve the safety of residential buildings following recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. The regulation came into effect on 23 January 2023 and places new legal duties on the Responsible Person for buildings in England that meet certain criteria.
Who Does Regulation 10 Apply To?
Regulation 10 applies to multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres in height. These include blocks of flats, residential conversions, and any similar property where multiple households share common areas.
The law defines a “Responsible Person” — usually the building owner, manager, or appointed duty holder — who is legally required to carry out the checks listed below.
What Does Regulation 10 Require?
There are two distinct requirements under Regulation 10:
1. Communal Fire Doors
Fire doors in communal areas (such as corridors, lobbies, stairwells, and plant rooms) must be:
Checked at least every 3 months
Assessed for damage, function, and obvious defects
Kept clear of obstructions and operate properly
2. Flat Entrance Fire Doors
Entrance doors to individual flats must be:
Checked at least once every 12 months
With “best efforts” made to gain access and complete the check
Assessed to ensure they provide fire and smoke protection
In both cases, checks should include door closers, gaps, seals, hinges, handles, and signs of tampering or wear.
What Does a Regulation 10 Fire Door Check Involve?
While the regulation does not require a full inspection by a fire door specialist, the checks must be meaningful, recorded, and acted upon. A typical fire door check includes:
Ensuring the door closes fully and latches
Checking that seals and intumescent strips are present and undamaged
Looking for visible gaps (typically should not exceed 4mm at the top and sides)
Confirming the closer is operational
Identifying damage to the leaf, frame, or glazing
Verifying signage and correct hardware are in place
If any concerns are identified, further inspection or remedial works by a competent person may be necessary.
Record-Keeping and Evidence
The Responsible Person is expected to:
Keep a record of checks and findings
Document any follow-up actions taken
Ensure evidence can be produced if requested by the Fire and Rescue Service or a regulator
These records do not have to be submitted automatically, but should be kept up to date and stored securely.
How Regulation 10 Connects to Other Fire Safety Laws
Regulation 10 sits alongside other requirements under:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
The Fire Safety Act 2021
PAS 9980:2022 (for fire risk appraisal of external walls)
Together, they aim to ensure that fire safety is proactively managed — particularly in taller residential buildings.
Need help with Regulation 10 fire door checks or professional inspections? Anchor Fire provides nationwide fire door inspection services, full compliance reporting, and remedial support.
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