For property managers and building owners, ensuring fire doors are inspected is a legal duty. But a common and critical question is: who is actually qualified to do it? The responsibility of a fire door inspection should not be taken lightly. It requires expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of a complex legal framework
UK fire safety law does not explicitly state that a fire door inspection must be carried out by a specific body or person. Instead, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) requires that all fire safety measures, including inspections, are carried out by a “competent person.” A competent person is defined as someone who has sufficient training, knowledge, experience, and other qualities to enable them to carry out their duties correctly.
Routine In-House Checks: A responsible person can and should carry out routine visual checks of fire doors. This includes ensuring doors are not propped open and that there is no obvious damage. However, these checks are not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Professional Accredited Inspections: An in-depth fire door inspection requires specialised knowledge that goes far beyond a visual check. This is where you need a professional who can assess the integrity of the door assembly, including hidden components and compliance with current standards.
What to Look for in a Qualified Professional
To ensure you are meeting your legal duties under the FSO and recent legislation, you should only engage a specialist who meets the following criteria.
Relevant Certifications and Qualifications
A competent fire door inspector should hold recognised certifications. While there are several, reputable inspectors will have qualifications from recognised bodies that prove their expertise. This includes certifications related to fire doors, passive fire protection, and fire risk assessment.
Accreditation and Membership
Look for membership in respected industry schemes or trade associations. These bodies often require their members to meet strict standards of competence, ethics, and professional conduct. Working with an accredited professional ensures they have been independently vetted and audited.
Expert Knowledge of Legal Standards
A qualified inspector must be up-to-date with the latest UK fire safety laws. This includes an understanding of:
Engaging a professional who is not adequately qualified or insured can expose you to significant legal risk.
A fire door inspection is a crucial safeguard for your building. To meet your legal obligations and ensure the safety of occupants, it is essential to work with a professional who is not just competent, but fully qualified and independently vetted
Don’t leave your building’s safety to chance. Request a Fire Door Inspection Quote today to secure your building’s fire safety and your peace of mind.
This quick, easy form takes just a few minutes to complete. We’ll ask for your building’s key details and any existing plans or fire-related reports. The more information you provide, the faster our accredited fire engineers can prepare an accurate, fixed-scope Fire Strategy Report quote.
Only Accredited Fire Door Inspectors. No Exceptions. We only work with professionals who are accredited by the industry’s most respected bodies. Every inspector we connect you with has been independently vetted and holds the specific qualifications required to assess your fire doors to the highest standards.
Our inspectors are not just knowledgeable; they have been certified by leading third-party schemes such as the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) and other UKAS-accredited certification bodies like BM TRADA. This ensures every inspection follows the correct British Standards (BS 8214:2016), with no shortcuts.
We provide a due diligence pack with every quote, so you can check each specialist’s credentials and professional memberships yourself. With us, you get the peace of mind that your inspection is being carried out by a professional who is verifiably competent, fully insured, and committed to industry best practices.