There is a common misconception that fire doors only need to be inspected once a year. While an annual comprehensive survey is a strong best practice, recent legislation has introduced more specific requirements.
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
This is the most direct piece of legislation on the matter. For high-rise residential buildings, the “Responsible Person” must:
- Check communal fire doors every three months. This includes communal-use fire doors and doors that lead into the building.
- Check flat entrance fire doors every twelve months. This is a mandatory annual check to ensure the door and all its components are fully functional.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO)
The FSO is the overarching law that requires a fire risk assessment and subsequent fire safety measures. The assessment may recommend a more frequent inspection schedule for specific doors based on their use and the building’s risk profile. It is the responsibility of the building owner or manager to implement this recommended schedule.
BS 8214:2016 and Best Practice
The British Standard BS 8214:2016 provides comprehensive guidance on the inspection and maintenance of fire doors. It recommends that a formal, professional inspection should be carried out at least every six months for high-traffic buildings. For other buildings, an annual inspection by a qualified professional is considered the minimum standard.
