Fire Door Check: How to Complete This Monthly Safety Inspection

Why fire door checks matter

Fire doors are not just heavy doors — they are engineered fire protection systems tested to withstand fire for specific periods (typically 30 or 60 minutes). In a fire, they create compartments that contain flames and smoke, preventing rapid spread throughout a building.

A properly functioning fire door:

• Contains fire — Keeping it within one area while other areas remain safe for evacuation
• Blocks smoke — Smoke kills more people in fires than flames; doors prevent smoke spreading through corridors and stairwells
• Protects escape routes — Keeping corridors and stairways clear for evacuation
• Buys time — Giving fire services the time they need to arrive and tackle the fire

But a fire door can only do these things if it works correctly. Common problems that compromise fire doors include:

• Damaged self-closers — If the door does not close fully on its own, fire and smoke will spread freely
• Compromised seals — Gaps around the door edges allow smoke and eventually flames to pass
• Propped open — A fire door held open with a wedge or bin provides no protection at all
• Holes or damage — Any penetration of the door leaf compromises its fire rating
• Loose hinges — Doors that sag or stick may not close properly in a fire

Monthly inspections catch these problems before they become critical.

Legal requirements

Fire safety legislation in virtually all jurisdictions requires that fire doors be maintained in working order. They are a fundamental part of the passive fire protection that buildings rely on.

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure that fire safety equipment (including fire doors) is maintained in efficient working order. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, requirements have been strengthened, and fire door inspection has received increased regulatory attention.

In the US, NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) and the International Fire Code require regular inspection and maintenance of fire door assemblies.

Similar requirements exist in Australia, Canada, and across Europe. The principle is universal: fire doors are life safety equipment that must be regularly checked to ensure they will perform in an emergency.

Building insurance policies typically require evidence that fire doors are maintained. Claims following fires may be rejected if fire doors were not properly maintained.

The consequences of failure

When fire doors fail, the consequences can be catastrophic:

• Rapid fire spread — What could have been contained to one room engulfs entire floors
• Smoke-filled escape routes — Corridors that should have remained clear become impassable
• Loss of life — People become trapped or overcome by smoke
• Massive property damage — Fires that could have been limited destroy entire buildings
• Legal liability — If fire doors were not maintained, responsible persons face prosecution

The few minutes each month spent checking fire doors is an investment in preventing these outcomes.

Frequency and timing

Standard frequency

Fire doors should be inspected at least monthly. This is the minimum frequency recommended by fire safety guidance worldwide.

More frequent checks may be appropriate for:

• High-traffic doors — Doors that are used constantly experience more wear
• Doors in vulnerable areas — Kitchens, plant rooms, and other high-risk areas
• Doors with a history of problems — If issues keep recurring, check more often
• After building works — Any construction or maintenance work near fire doors should trigger immediate checks

Best timing

Combine fire door checks with other monthly fire safety inspections — emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, escape routes. This creates a comprehensive monthly fire safety check routine.

Choose a time when you can access all areas and check doors without disrupting operations excessively.

Quarterly and annual requirements

In addition to monthly visual checks, many fire safety standards require:

• Quarterly checks — More detailed inspections by competent persons
• Annual inspections — Formal assessment by fire door specialists

Monthly checks by your own staff complement but do not replace these more detailed periodic inspections.

How to complete the check

1. Fire door location

Record which fire door you are inspecting. This creates accountability and ensures no doors are missed.

Why it matters:

Buildings often have many fire doors — sometimes dozens. Recording the location ensures systematic coverage and creates a maintenance history for each door. If problems recur with a specific door, the location record helps identify patterns.

What good answers look like:

• "Kitchen to corridor — FD30S"
• "Stairwell B, Level 2"
• "Office partition door — Room 12"
• "Plant room entrance"
• "FD-01" (if using a numbering system)

How to answer this for yourself:

Use consistent identification that allows anyone to locate the specific door:

• Location descriptions — "Kitchen to corridor" is clearer than "kitchen door"
• Numbering systems — FD-01, FD-02, matching a site plan
• Reference points — "Next to Room 12" or "opposite lifts"
• Fire rating if known — FD30, FD60 indicates the rating

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Fire door" — Which one? Be specific
• "The back door" — May not be clear to someone unfamiliar with your building
• Inconsistent naming — Use the same name each month

Best practices to follow:

• Create a numbered schedule of all fire doors
• Walk a logical route to check them all
• Mark fire doors on your floor plan for reference
• Update the schedule when doors are added, removed, or modified

2. Fire door inspection

This is the systematic check of all components that make the fire door function correctly.

Why it matters:

Fire doors are assemblies — the door leaf, frame, seals, closer, hinges, and hardware all work together. A problem with any component can compromise the whole assembly. This checklist ensures you examine every critical element.

What good answers look like:

Every item should be checked and ticked if satisfactory. An item you cannot tick identifies a problem that needs attention.

How to answer this for yourself:

Work through each item methodically:

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Door closes fully into frame

Open the door fully, then let go. It should close completely on its own, with the latch engaging in the frame.

Why this matters: A fire door that does not close fully is not a fire door — it is just a heavy door. Any gap allows smoke and eventually fire to pass through.

What to look for: Does the door close all the way without assistance? Does the latch click into the keep? Is there any gap visible between the door and frame when closed?

Common issues: Swollen door sticking on frame. Dropped door catching on floor. Weak closer not pulling door fully shut. Latch not aligned with keep. Obstruction preventing full closure.

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Self-closer operates correctly

The door closer (usually mounted at the top of the door) should pull the door closed from any open position at a controlled speed.

Why this matters: Self-closing is fundamental to fire door function. In a fire, there will be no one to close the door manually. The closer must work automatically.

What to look for:

• Open the door to various positions (45°, 90°, fully open) and release
• Door should close smoothly from each position
• Closing speed should be controlled, not slamming
• Final latch action should pull the door firmly into the frame

Common issues: Closer arm detached from door or frame. Closer mechanism worn out and weak. Oil leaked from hydraulic closer. Closing speed incorrectly adjusted (too fast or too slow). Closer mounting screws loose.

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Intumescent seals intact around edges

Intumescent seals are strips fitted around the door edges (usually in a groove). They expand massively when heated, sealing gaps between door and frame.

Why this matters: Even a well-fitting door has small gaps around its edges. In a fire, these gaps would allow flames through. Intumescent seals expand to fill these gaps when exposed to heat.

What to look for:

• Seals should be present around all edges (both sides and top)
• Seals should be continuous, not broken or missing sections
• Seals should not be painted over (paint can prevent proper expansion)
• Seals should not be pulling out of their grooves

Common issues: Sections of seal missing. Seal painted over during decoration. Seal damaged by impact. Seal pulling out of groove. Wrong type of seal fitted.

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Smoke seals in good condition

Smoke seals (often combined with intumescent seals as "combined seals") provide a brush or rubber seal that blocks smoke even before the fire reaches the door.

Why this matters: Smoke spreads faster than fire and is often more deadly. Smoke seals prevent smoke passing around the door edges in the early stages of a fire.

What to look for:

• Brush or rubber seal strips present around door edges
• Seals making contact with frame when door is closed
• No gaps, damage, or missing sections
• Seals clean and not matted or compressed flat

Common issues: Brush pile matted down and no longer making contact. Rubber seals perished or torn. Seals missing completely. Accumulated dirt preventing proper seal.

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No gaps around frame edges

When the door is closed, there should be minimal gap between the door and frame — typically no more than 3mm.

Why this matters: Gaps allow smoke and fire to pass. Even small gaps significantly reduce the door's fire rating.

What to look for:

• With door closed, examine the gap around all edges
• Gap should be consistent and no more than about 3mm
• No light visible through gaps (especially at corners)
• Bottom gap appropriate (may be larger if undercut for ventilation, but check if smoke seal or drop seal is fitted)

Common issues: Door warped creating uneven gaps. Frame damaged or out of square. Hinges worn allowing door to drop. Door swollen in humid conditions (may be too tight rather than too loose).

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Door not wedged or propped open

Fire doors must be able to close freely. Wedges, bins, extinguishers, or any other items used to hold doors open defeat the door's purpose.

Why this matters: A propped-open fire door provides no fire or smoke protection whatsoever. In a fire, it becomes a gaping hole in your compartmentation.

What to look for:

• No wedges under the door
• No objects placed to hold the door open
• No rope, hook, or improvised hold-open device
• If the door has an approved hold-open device, it should be linked to the fire alarm

Common issues: Wedges used for "convenience." Fire extinguishers placed in doorways. Bins or furniture used to prop doors. Closers deliberately weakened so doors stay open.

Note: If staff routinely prop doors open, this indicates a need for proper hold-open devices linked to the fire alarm. These devices release the door automatically when the alarm activates.

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Hinges secure and not damaged

Fire door hinges must be fire-rated (typically steel, not aluminium or nylon) and securely fixed.

Why this matters: Hinges bear the weight of heavy fire doors. If hinges fail, the door cannot close properly. In a fire, weakened hinges could allow the door to collapse.

What to look for:

• All hinge screws present and tight
• Hinges not bent or damaged
• No excessive wear (door should not sag on hinges)
• Correct number of hinges fitted (typically three for fire doors)

Common issues: Screws loose or missing. Hinges bent from impact. Hinge pins worn allowing sagging. Wrong type of hinges fitted (non-fire-rated).

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Fire door signage visible

Fire doors should be clearly signed, typically with a "Fire Door Keep Shut" sign on both faces.

Why this matters: Signage reminds occupants that the door must not be propped open and should be kept closed. It also helps identify fire doors during emergencies.

What to look for:

• Sign present on both sides of door
• Sign text legible
• Sign securely fixed (not hanging loose or missing)

Common issues: Signs fallen off and not replaced. Signs obscured by notices or posters. Signs faded or damaged. Wrong signage ("Fire Exit" instead of "Fire Door Keep Shut").

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No holes or damage to door leaf

The door leaf itself must be intact with no penetrations or damage.

Why this matters: Fire doors are tested as complete assemblies. Any penetration of the door leaf — cable holes, letterboxes, damage — compromises the fire rating.

What to look for:

• No holes drilled through the door
• No damage from impacts
• No cracks or splits in the door material
• No unauthorised modifications

Common issues: Holes drilled for cables. Damage from trolleys or equipment. Unauthorised letterbox or cat flap fitted. Kick plates installed incorrectly (penetrating seals).

Note: Any modification to a fire door requires careful consideration. Items like letterboxes must be fire-rated and properly fitted to maintain the door's rating.

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Glazing (if any) intact and correctly rated

If the fire door has glass panels, these must be fire-rated glass properly fitted.

Why this matters: Standard glass shatters when heated. Fire-rated glass maintains integrity in fire, maintaining the door's protection.

What to look for:

• Glass intact, no cracks or damage
• Glazing beads secure
• Fire-rated glass marking visible (usually etched or printed on glass)
• No signs of failed seals around glazing

Common issues: Cracked glass not replaced. Fire-rated glass replaced with standard glass after breakage. Glazing beads loose or missing. Seals around glazing damaged.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Only checking from one side — Problems can be visible on one face but not the other
• Not physically operating the door — You must open and release it to test the closer
• Assuming the closer is the only issue — All components matter
• Missing doors in less-visited areas — Check every fire door, including storerooms and plant areas

Best practices to follow:

• Check each door from both sides
• Physically operate the door, do not just look at it
• Run your hand around the seals to feel for gaps or damage
• Look at the door closed and open
• Check the floor immediately in front of the door for obstructions

3. Inspection result

Based on your inspection, record whether the fire door passes or fails.

Why it matters:

This creates a clear record of each door's status. A pass confirms the door is providing protection. A fail triggers immediate action to restore protection.

What good answers look like:

• Pass — All checklist items satisfactory. Door closes fully, seals intact, no damage.
• Fail - issue found — One or more problems identified that need attention.

How to answer this for yourself:

Fire doors are critical life safety equipment. If you have any doubt about the door's ability to contain fire and smoke, record it as a fail.

What triggers a fail:

• Door does not close fully on its own
• Self-closer not working correctly
• Seals missing, damaged, or painted over
• Door propped open (record the fail even if you remove the wedge)
• Any holes or damage to door leaf
• Cracked or non-fire-rated glazing
• Loose or damaged hinges

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Passing a door that "nearly" closes — Nearly is not good enough
• Ignoring minor seal damage — Fire does not ignore minor damage
• Passing propped doors after removing wedge — Record the fail to create a record

Best practices to follow:

• When in doubt, fail — it is better to investigate than to assume
• Record the specific reason for failure in notes
• Treat recurring fails seriously — there may be an underlying cause
• Follow up on every fail until resolved

4. Notes

Record details of any issues found, actions taken, or observations.

Why it matters:

Notes capture the detail that a pass/fail result cannot. They explain what exactly was wrong, what was done about it, and what follow-up is needed.

What good answers look like:

For passing doors:

• "All satisfactory" or blank is fine if everything passed

For issues found:

• "Self-closer not pulling door fully shut — door stops 2cm from frame. Closer arm may need adjusting. Reported to maintenance."
• "Section of intumescent seal missing from hinge side, approximately 15cm length. Will need replacement by fire door specialist."
• "Found door wedged open with fire extinguisher. Removed wedge, spoke with staff about fire door requirements. Consider hold-open device if door needs to be open during service."
• "Glazing cracked — appears to be impact damage. Door needs immediate attention, glazing must be replaced with fire-rated glass."

How to answer this for yourself:

Record:

• Exactly what the problem is (specific and detailed)
• What action you took (removed wedge, reported to maintenance, etc.)
• What action is still needed (replacement parts, professional repair, etc.)
• When follow-up is expected

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Door not closing properly" — Why? Where is it catching? What is the closer doing?
• Not recording action taken — Note what you did, not just what you saw
• Vague descriptions — Be specific enough that someone else could understand the issue

Best practices to follow:

• Include the location of damage or problems (e.g., "hinge side" or "top corner")
• Record who you reported the issue to
• Include expected resolution timeframe if known
• Reference previous notes if this is a recurring issue

What to do when issues are found

Immediate actions by severity

Critical issues (door not providing protection):

• Door propped or wedged open
• Door not closing at all
• Large sections of seal missing
• Significant damage or holes in door

Action: The door is not functioning as a fire door. Remove wedges immediately. If the door cannot close, assess whether the opening can be closed by other means temporarily or whether the area needs to be taken out of use. Report to fire safety manager immediately.

Significant issues (protection compromised):

• Door not closing fully (small gap)
• Self-closer weak but functional
• Minor seal damage
• Loose hinges

Action: Door is partially compromised but providing some protection. Schedule repair as soon as possible. Consider interim measures (more frequent checks, warnings to staff). Do not allow the situation to persist.

Minor issues (need attention but not urgent):

• Signage missing or damaged
• Minor cosmetic damage
• Closer needs adjustment but door functions

Action: Schedule repair at next appropriate opportunity. Note in records for follow-up.

Never acceptable

Some issues are never acceptable and require immediate escalation:

• Fire doors deliberately wedged open and left
• Locks or bolts fitted that prevent closing
• Fire doors removed entirely
• Holes cut through fire doors for cables or services

These represent serious fire safety failures that need immediate management attention.

Hold-open devices

If staff routinely prop fire doors open, the solution is not disciplinary action but proper hold-open devices. These are magnetic devices that:

• Hold the door open during normal operation
• Release automatically when the fire alarm activates
• Allow the door to close and protect the building

Hold-open devices must be connected to the fire alarm system and professionally installed.

Understanding fire door ratings

Fire doors are rated by the time they can resist fire:

FD30 (30 minutes)

Most common in commercial premises. Provides 30 minutes of fire resistance. Typically used for:

• Office partitions
• Hotel room doors
• Store cupboards
• Internal corridors

FD60 (60 minutes)

Higher protection level. Provides 60 minutes of fire resistance. Typically used for:

• Stairwell doors
• Kitchen to restaurant separations
• Plant room doors
• High-risk areas

The 'S' suffix

When you see FD30S or FD60S, the 'S' indicates the door is also smoke-rated — it has smoke seals in addition to intumescent seals.

Door sets vs door leaves

A fire door only achieves its rating when installed as a complete assembly (door set) including:

• Door leaf of correct specification
• Frame of correct specification
• Correct hinges (number and type)
• Appropriate seals
• Approved closer
• Compatible hardware

Replacing any component with non-compatible parts can void the rating.

Common mistakes to avoid

Only checking that doors close

Closing is essential but not sufficient. Seals, hinges, door condition, and signage all matter too.

Ignoring 'temporary' propping

There is no such thing as temporarily propping a fire door. Fires do not wait for convenient moments.

Accepting painted-over seals

Paint on intumescent seals can prevent them expanding properly. Seals should never be painted.

Forgetting the frame

Fire doors need fire-rated frames. Check the frame for damage and integrity, not just the door.

Not checking both sides

Damage or problems may only be visible from one side. Check every door from both faces.

Treating inspection as formality

Fire door checks are not paperwork exercises. They verify that life safety systems are working.

Building good practice

Educate staff

Many fire door problems come from staff who do not understand why the doors matter. Training should cover:

• Why fire doors exist
• What happens when they fail
• Why propping them open is dangerous
• How to report problems

Address the causes

If doors are repeatedly propped open, address why:

• Is the closer too strong, making the door hard to use?
• Would a hold-open device be appropriate?
• Is ventilation inadequate, making people want doors open?

Regular professional inspection

Monthly staff checks complement but do not replace professional fire door inspections. Schedule specialist surveys at appropriate intervals.

Maintain records

Keep records of all fire door inspections, issues found, and remedial work completed. These demonstrate compliance and help identify patterns.

Summary

Fire doors are critical life safety equipment. They contain fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and limiting damage. But they only work if maintained properly.

Monthly inspections verify that:

• Doors close fully on their own
• Self-closers are working
• Seals are intact
• Doors are not propped open
• All components are in good condition

Remember:

• Check every fire door, every month
• Record the specific location of each door
• Work through all inspection items systematically
• Note the exact details of any issues found
• Follow up until problems are resolved
• A failing fire door is a serious matter — treat it as such

Your fire doors sit quietly doing nothing most of the time. In a fire, they could save lives. Regular checking ensures they are ready.