Fire doors are not just another feature in a building; they are a legal and life-saving necessity. Across Surrey – whether in office blocks, schools, healthcare facilities, residential flats, or commercial properties, fire doors form a critical line of defence. They contain fire and smoke, safeguard escape routes, and ultimately save lives.
However, fire doors only perform effectively if they are correctly installed, maintained, and inspected at regular intervals. A door that looks fine at a glance may have hidden faults that could compromise its integrity in an emergency. This is why routine fire door inspections in Surrey are essential, not only to meet UK regulations but to ensure the highest level of safety for occupants.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from regulations and responsibilities, to what an inspection involves, and how to ensure you remain compliant and protected.
The Legal Framework for Fire Door Inspections
In the UK, fire door inspections are not optional – they are a statutory requirement under fire safety law.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO): This law places the duty on the “Responsible Person” (such as landlords, employers, or building managers) to ensure fire safety measures – including fire doors are properly maintained.
Fire Safety Act 2021 and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: These updates strengthened obligations, particularly for multi-occupancy residential buildings. They require fire doors in communal areas and flat entrances to be inspected more frequently, with clear records kept.
BS 8214 & BS EN 1634 standards: These standards set out the performance and testing requirements for fire doors, giving a benchmark for safety and compliance.
In Surrey, as across the UK, ignoring these regulations not only risks fines and prosecution but also endangers lives.
How Often Should Fire Doors Be Inspected?
The frequency of inspections depends on the type of building and its use:
- High-traffic buildings (schools, hospitals, commercial offices): Monthly inspections are recommended due to the heavy wear and tear on doors.
- Low-traffic buildings (small offices, less-frequented communal areas): Inspections can be carried out quarterly or bi-annually, though annual checks remain a minimum expectation.
- Residential blocks: Under the 2022 Fire Safety Regulations, communal fire doors must be inspected every three months, and flat entrance doors at least annually.
Put simply, the more your fire doors are used, the more often they should be inspected.
What Does a Fire Door Inspection Involve?
Professional fire door inspectors in Surrey follow a systematic process to assess the condition and compliance of each door. Key checks include:
- Certification: Every fire door must have a certification label or plug confirming its fire rating. Missing labels can render the door non-compliant.
- Door leaf: Inspectors look for cracks, warping, or damage that could compromise performance.
- Door frame: Gaps between the door and frame are measured; anything beyond 3–4mm may allow smoke or flames to pass through.
- Intumescent and smoke seals: These seals expand under heat, blocking smoke and fire. If they are missing, damaged, or incorrectly fitted, the door may fail in an emergency.
- Glazing: Any glass panels must be fire-rated and securely fitted with the correct seals.
- Ironmongery (hinges, handles, locks, closers): Hardware must be fire-rated and installed correctly, with no missing screws or damaged components.
- Self-closing mechanism: A fire door must always close fully and securely on its own. Faulty closers are one of the most common failures.
- Signage: Mandatory “Fire Door Keep Shut” signs must be in place and visible.
Each of these elements contributes to the overall performance of the fire door. If one component is faulty, the entire door could fail in its duty.
Common Failures Found During Inspections
In Surrey, as in the rest of the UK, certain fire door failures appear time and again. These include:
- Excessive gaps around the door edges.
- Missing or damaged smoke seals.
- Doors wedged open or closers disabled.
- Incorrectly fitted hinges or missing screws.
- Damaged door leaves or frames due to impact.
- Non-compliant glazing or untested glass.
- Lack of proper certification or records.
While these may seem like small issues, in the event of a fire, even a slight defect can be the difference between safe evacuation and tragedy.
Who Should Carry Out Fire Door Inspections?
Fire door inspections must be performed by a competent person – someone with the knowledge, training, and experience to identify faults. In practice, this means engaging certified professionals.
Companies like Fire Door Solutions specialise in fire door inspections across Surrey. Their accredited inspectors understand the latest regulations, carry out thorough checks, and provide detailed reports. Attempting to inspect fire doors without expertise risks overlooking critical flaws, leaving the building non-compliant.
The Benefits of Regular Fire Door Inspections
Carrying out regular inspections brings multiple benefits:
- Compliance with the law: Protects Responsible Persons from legal penalties.
- Peace of mind: Occupants and stakeholders can feel confident in the safety measures.
- Early detection of issues: Small problems are identified and fixed before they become costly or dangerous.
- Extended lifespan of fire doors: Regular maintenance ensures doors remain in good working order.
- Reputation protection: For businesses and property managers, maintaining safety standards reinforces trust and responsibility.
Fire Door Solutions: Professional Inspections Across Surrey
At Fire Door Solutions, we understand that compliance is only part of the picture – safety is the ultimate goal. Our certified team offers:
- Thorough inspections for all types of properties.
- Clear, detailed reporting to help you understand any issues.
- Expert remedial works and replacements where needed.
- A customer-focused service tailored to your building’s unique needs.
With years of expertise, industry accreditations, and a commitment to safety, we are trusted by businesses, landlords, and housing associations throughout Surrey.
Conclusion
Fire door inspections are a legal duty, but more importantly, they are a moral responsibility. In Surrey, where properties range from historic listed buildings to modern developments, every door must be capable of performing when it matters most.
By engaging professional inspection services, ensuring regular checks, and addressing any defects promptly, you not only remain compliant but actively safeguard the lives of those who live, work, and visit your premises.
Don’t leave safety to chance – schedule your fire door inspection today with Fire Door Solutions.
