Fire Door Inspection Checklist: Ensure Compliance in 2025 🔥

Why Fire Door Inspections Matter

Fire doors play a vital role in building safety. They are specifically designed to contain fire and smoke, giving people crucial time to evacuate and limiting damage to property. However, a fire door can only do its job if it is properly maintained and inspected. Regular inspections ensure that all parts of the fire door assembly are working correctly and that the door is in compliance with fire safety laws and standards.

Our Fire Door Inspection Checklist is a comprehensive, easy-to-use guide for landlords, property managers, and business owners to perform thorough fire door checks and stay compliant in 2025. It has been developed in line with the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which mandate regular fire door inspections to ensure building safety and legal compliance.

Fire door inspector recording the condition and safety compliance of a fire door.

🔍 Key Criteria in a Fire Door Inspection Checklist:

✅ Fire Door Signs & Certification Are Visible

• Fire doors must have clear fire safety signs on both sides.

• A certification label or plug must be present on the door’s top or edge.

✅ Correct Door Gaps & Seals

• The gap between the door and frame should not exceed permitted tolerances.

• The gap beneath the door must also comply.

• Fire-resistant seals (intumescent strips) must be fitted, continuous, and undamaged.

✅ Door Closer Works & Door Fully Closes

• The door should close fully within 25 seconds from any open position.

• If opened slightly (5° or 75mm), it must self-close and latch.

• If fitted with a hold-open device, it should release when the fire alarm triggers.

✅ Secure Hinges & Door Hardware

• There must be at least 3 fire rated hinges, with intumescent protection all within the manufacturers guidelines

• Locks and latches must have fire-resistant protection and hold the door without rattling.

• The handle should work smoothly and return to position.

✅ Door & Frame Are in Good Condition

• The door must be free from damage, bowed, twisted or cracks.

• The door should not protrude more than 1mm from the frame.

• No unauthorized modifications that affect fire safety are allowed.

✅ Glass Panels Are Fire-Rated & Secure

• Any glass in the door must be fire-rated and securely installed.

• Glass must have a certification mark and no damage.

✅ Self-Latching & Proper Door Closure Sequence

• The door must latch securely when closed—no gaps, no looseness.

• For double doors, the correct leaf must close first.

✅ No Obstruction or Interference

• No extra locks, bolts, or wedges should interfere with door movement.

• Doors must NOT be propped open.

✅ All Seals & Gasketing Intact

• Edge seals and gasketing should be present, continuous, and in good condition.

• Required especially in corridors and smoke barrier doors.

✅ Signage is Properly Installed

• Signs must cover less than 5% of the door face.

• Installed with approved adhesive or screws; must not damage or interfere with door function.