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Fire Safety Compliance
Fire Door Inspections
Fire doors are a critical component of your building's passive fire protection system. Regular inspections ensure they will perform as certified in the event of a fire — and keep you compliant with UK fire safety legislation. Below is the 11-point fire door inspection checklist our FDIS members work to, the same criteria used in a BM TRADA Q-Mark fire door inspection. Every door we supply is fully certified and documented.
Every 6 Months
BS 8214 recommends fire doors are inspected at least every 6 months
Legal Requirement
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require regular fire-door checks in buildings over 11m
Non-Compliance Risk
Failure to maintain fire doors can result in enforcement notices and prosecution
Peace of Mind
Regular inspections identify issues before they compromise fire safety
11-Point Fire Door Inspection Checklist
Based on BS 8214 guidelines, every fire door should be checked against these eleven points:
UK Fire Door Legislation
Fire Safety Act 2021 — Requires the "responsible person" for all multi-occupied residential buildings to ensure fire doors in communal areas are regularly inspected and maintained.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 — For buildings over 11m in height, the responsible person must carry out quarterly checks of fire doors in communal areas and, on a best-endeavours basis, annual checks of flat entrance doors.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 — The responsible person must ensure all fire safety measures, including fire doors, are maintained in good working order.
BS 8214:2016 — The British Standard for fire door assemblies, recommending inspection intervals and maintenance procedures.
FAQ
Fire door inspections — common questions
What is a BM TRADA fire door inspection?
BM TRADA operates a Q-Mark Fire Door Inspection scheme under which competent, certificated inspectors assess each fire doorset against its certification and BS 8214, then issue a documented report. The inspection covers the door leaf, frame, seals, gaps, self-closer, hinges, glazing, hardware and signage. Our team are members of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) and produce reports suitable for HMO licensing, CQC compliance and the building safety case.
What does a fire door inspection checklist include?
A fire door inspection checks roughly eleven key points: the door closes fully into the frame from any angle; intumescent and smoke seals are intact and continuous; gaps are 2-4mm (max 8mm at the threshold); the self-closing device works; there are at least three secure hinges; the leaf is undamaged and unmodified; glazing is fire-rated with intact beading; all hardware is fire-rated; "Fire Door Keep Shut" signage is present; the door is not wedged open; and the certification label is present and matches the documentation. The full checklist is set out on this page.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
BS 8214 recommends fire doors are inspected at least every six months. For buildings over 11 metres, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require the Responsible Person to carry out quarterly checks of fire doors in communal areas and, on a best-endeavours basis, annual checks of flat entrance doors. High-traffic doors (schools, hospitals, busy communal corridors) may warrant more frequent checks.
Who can carry out a fire door inspection?
The Responsible Person must ensure inspections are done by a competent person — someone with the training, knowledge and experience to identify defects that compromise fire performance. For documented compliance, use an FDIS-accredited inspector or a BM TRADA Q-Mark certificated inspector. We are FDIS members and can carry out condition surveys and produce formal inspection reports.
What is an 11-point fire door inspection?
It is shorthand for a structured visual inspection that checks a fire door against around eleven critical criteria — closing action, seals, gaps, self-closer, hinges, leaf condition, glazing, hardware, signage, hold-open status and certification labelling. These mirror the BS 8214 checklist on this page. For a quick periodic self-check between professional inspections, the British Woodworking Federation's five-step check is a useful free tool, but it does not replace a competent documented inspection.