Fire doors compartmentalise a structure to halt the spread of flames and smoke. These barriers are only effective when correctly installed and fully functional. Business owners and the Responsible Person must grasp their specific legal duties to ensure compliance and safety.
Under UK fire safety legislation, simply installing fire doors is not enough. There is a distinct duty to maintain them. This article explains the requirements under Regulation 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) and how to ensure your doors remain compliant.
The Legal Basis: Regulation 17
The primary legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Within this, Regulation 17 places a clear duty on the Responsible Person to ensure that fire safety facilities, equipment and devices are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
This applies explicitly to fire doors. Unlike general health and safety laws which might focus on risk assessment generally, the RRO requires physical maintenance of safety features. If a fire door is damaged, poorly fitted, or the self-closing mechanism is broken, it is not in an "efficient state" and therefore breaches Regulation 17.
Defining "Suitable" Maintenance
The law does not specify an exact frequency for inspections (e.g., "every six months") for every building type. Instead, it requires a maintenance regime that is suitable for the premises. The level of scrutiny depends on the usage and risk profile of the building.
For example, a busy office block with heavy foot traffic will require more frequent checks than a small storage unit with few employees. The Responsible Person must determine the frequency based on their fire risk assessment. However, industry best practice and guidance from the Fire Safety Advice Centre suggest that inspections should be carried out at least every six months, or more frequently for high-usage doors.
What to Look For During an Inspection
A thorough inspection goes beyond simply checking if the door closes. It involves a detailed check of the door leaf, the frame, and the ironmongery. To assist with this, many organisations follow the guidance laid out in standards such as BS 8214 (Code of practice for fire door assemblies).
Key elements to check include:
- Gaps and Clearance: Check the gaps around the door leaf and frame. As a general rule, these should be between 2mm and 4mm (or up to 8mm at the bottom of the door) to resist the passage of fire and smoke.
- Intumescent Seals: Ensure the intumescent strips are intact, not painted over, and are securely fixed within the door or frame.
- Self-Closing Devices: The door must close firmly onto the latch from any open position without assistance. If the closer is weak or missing, the door is non-compliant.
- Hinges and Ironmongery: Check that all hinges are firmly fixed with no missing screws. Door handles and locks should operate smoothly.
- Damage: Look for signs of wear, tear, or deliberate damage to the door leaf or glazing apertures.
- Signage: Ensure a relevant "Fire Door Keep Locked" or "Fire Door Keep Shut" sign is clearly visible.
Competence and Record Keeping
Inspections must be carried out by a competent person. While a member of staff can perform daily visual checks (e.g., ensuring a fire door is not wedged open), a more detailed periodic inspection often requires specific knowledge of fire door construction and hardware.
Under the RRO, you must keep records of these maintenance checks. If the Fire and Rescue Authority inspect your premises, they will ask to see evidence that fire doors have been inspected and that any defects have been rectified. A logbook showing the date of inspection, the name of the inspector, and a list of any remedial actions taken is standard practice.
New vs. Existing Doors
The requirements for existing doors can differ slightly from those installed in new builds or major refurbishments. New fire doors are generally required to meet the standards of BS 476 or the European standard BS EN 1634-1, and be CE marked or UKCA marked.
For existing buildings, the duty is to ensure the door provides adequate protection. If an older door does not meet modern standards but still offers sufficient fire resistance for the risk identified in the assessment, it may be acceptable. However, if an old door is damaged or has unsuitable modifications (such as large holes drilled for cables), it must be replaced or repaired immediately.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Navigating the specifics of fire door compliance can be technical and time-consuming. As part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy, regular professional assessments are vital. At HawkSwift, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors can evaluate your premises, identify fire door defects, and help you meet your obligations under the RRO.
We provide detailed fire risk assessments starting from £199 + VAT, with reports delivered within 48 hours. To ensure your fire safety measures are up to standard, contact us today to book a fire risk assessment.
Quick answers
Q: What are the legal duties for maintaining fire doors?
Under Regulation 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person must ensure fire doors are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair. A fire door that is damaged or has a broken self-closing mechanism breaches this regulation.
Q: How often should fire doors be inspected?
The law does not specify a fixed frequency, requiring instead a maintenance regime suitable for the premises based on a fire risk assessment. Industry best practice suggests inspections should be carried out at least every six months, or more frequently for high-usage doors.
Q: What gaps are allowed around a fire door?
Gaps around the door leaf and frame should generally be between 2mm and 4mm to resist the passage of fire and smoke. A gap of up to 8mm is permitted at the bottom of the door.
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