While a fire alarm system provides an essential warning, it is the building’s passive fire protection measures, particularly its fire doors, that provide the critical time needed for safe evacuation.
How does a fire door work?
The primary purpose of a fire door is to contain a fire and prevent its spread. This is achieved through a principle known as “compartmentation,” where a building is divided into smaller, self-contained fire zones.
A fire door acts as a physical barrier that keeps a fire and the deadly smoke it produces from moving from one area to another for a specified period. This containment provides a crucial window of time for occupants to safely evacuate along a protected escape route, which can be either horizontal (leading to a safer area on the same floor) or vertical (leading to a stairwell).
In the UK, fire doors have a specific fire rating, with the most common being FD30 and FD60. These ratings indicate the number of minutes the door has been certified to resist the passage of fire and smoke, 30 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively. In multi-storey residential buildings, all flat entrance doors must be fire-rated, as they form the last line of defence before a fire can enter the communal escape route. The door must serve as both a means of escape for the occupant and a protective barrier for the rest of the building.
What components make up a fire door?
A fire door is not just a door. Every component must be certified to ensure the 30-minute or 60-minute fire resistance is upheld. Here are the key features that differentiate a fire door from a normal door.
Self-Closing Devices
These are a mandatory component of a fire door. Their function is to ensure that the door automatically and firmly closes from any open position, latching securely. A door that is propped open or fails to close completely is a fire safety breach, as it renders the entire system ineffective.
Intumescent Strips
These are heat-sensitive seals fitted into the frame or the door itself. When exposed to the high temperatures of a fire, they expand to create a tight, fire-resistant seal in the gap between the door and the frame. This is crucial for preventing the passage of flames and hot gases.
Smoke Seals
Often fitted alongside intumescent strips, cold smoke seals are designed to prevent the passage of smoke. This is a vital component, as smoke is often more dangerous and a more common cause of death than the fire itself.
Unique Hardware
The hinges, locks, and any other hardware fitted to the door must also be fire-rated and certified to resist fire for the same duration as the door itself.
Any damage or defect to a single component can compromise the integrity of the entire door, making regular inspection a non-negotiable part of a landlord’s duties.
What is the current failure rate?
According to data from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), a staggering 75% of fire doors inspected in 2021 across the UK failed to meet the required standards. This alarming statistic highlights a widespread problem of neglect and a misconception that once a door is installed, it will function as intended forever.
These failures are often the result of minor issues like damaged seals, broken closers, or excessive gaps, which can drastically reduce a door’s ability to protect occupants. This underscores why regular, professional inspections are not just recommended, but are a legal necessity in most multi-occupancy residential buildings.
Identifying Common Defects
The most common reasons for fire door failure are easily preventable and often visible to the naked eye. You can give yourself a simple visual checklist to conduct regular preliminary checks between the recommended yearly professional inspections. This proactive approach can identify problems early, ensuring the property remains safe and demonstrating due diligence in the event of an incident.
Here are six of the most common defects and how to spot them:
Warped or Ill-Fitting Doors
Over time, a door can warp or swell, particularly in damp environments. If the door no longer fits snugly within its frame, it will allow fire and smoke to pass through the gaps. A gap gauge can be used to check that the space between the door and the frame is no more than 4 mm.
Damaged or Missing Intumescent Seals
These strips are designed to expand in heat to form a seal. If they are missing, torn, or have been painted over, the door’s ability to compartmentalise a fire is severely compromised. They must be continuous and undamaged.
Broken or Ineffective Door Closers
A fire door must self-close from any angle and latch firmly into the frame. If the closer is broken or has been tampered with, the door may remain ajar, defeating its purpose entirely. A simple test is to open the door and let it go; it should close without slamming within 6 seconds and from any angle.
Large Gaps Around the Door or Threshold
Gaps larger than 4 mm at the top or sides of the door, or any visible gap underneath, will allow smoke to pass through. This compromises the door’s function and can be fatal to occupants. Drop-down seals or threshold seals should be fitted to address gaps at the bottom of the door.
Inappropriate or Missing Signage
Fire doors must be clearly marked. The most common sign is “Fire Door Keep Shut,” which must be on both sides of the door. This signage ensures that the door is not propped open or obstructed.
Unapproved Alterations or Damage
Drilling holes for non-certified hardware, installing letterboxes, or cutting into the door’s leaf can compromise its certification and render it useless in a fire. The certification label, usually located on the top edge of the door, should be checked for signs of tampering.
How often should your doors be inspected?
The frequency of fire door inspections is often a point of confusion for landlords due to various, seemingly conflicting guidelines. In reality, a robust maintenance strategy involves a multi-tiered approach that combines frequent visual checks with less frequent but more in-depth professional inspections.
The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 mandate specific frequencies for high-rise residential buildings (over 11m or 7 storeys): communal fire doors must be inspected quarterly, while flat entrance doors must be checked annually. For all other properties with fire doors, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that they be properly maintained and regularly inspected in line with the annual review of the fire risk assessment. Some professional bodies and British Standards recommend more frequent checks, such as every six months.
The crucial distinction lies between a visual check and a professional inspection. A landlord’s own visual check, which can and should be done monthly, is a preliminary, superficial inspection to identify obvious damage, such as a propped-open door, a loose hinge, or a large, visible gap. This is an excellent best practice for ongoing due diligence.
In contrast, a full professional inspection must be carried out by a “competent person,” who possesses the necessary training, knowledge, and experience to conduct a thorough examination in line with current UK regulations and standards. This professional will identify hidden defects, ensure all components are functioning correctly, and provide the necessary compliance documentation.
Failing to have a certified professional inspection and relying only on simple visual checks is a common compliance error and could be seen as negligence in the event of an incident.
At Expyro Fire Safety Group, our team are fully aware of fire safety regulations, and our Assess team is fully trained and accredited for fire door inspections. For more information about our fire door inspections, get in touch with our team:
