Fire Door Inspection Checklist: Comprehensive List

A fire door checklist is a tool used to inspect and ensure that fire doors in a building are functioning properly and meet safety standards.

Fire doors are specially designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke, providing critical protection in emergencies by compartmentalising areas and allowing safe evacuation.

The goal is to make sure the door follows rules like NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) or local fire codes, and to find any problems that need fixing or replacing.

The checklist typically includes key points to verify that the door, its components, and its installation comply with fire safety regulations, such as those set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or local building codes.

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What are Fire Doors?

Fire doors are specially designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke within a building, playing a crucial role in passive fire protection systems.

Their primary function is to compartmentalise fires, helping to maintain the integrity of escape routes and preventing the quick spread of flames and smoke to other areas.

Fire doors are usually made from fire-resistant materials such as timber, steel, gypsum, and aluminium. They are often fitted with intumescent seals that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps between the door and frame.

These doors are rated based on their ability to withstand fire for a set period, typically 30 minutes (FD30), 60 minutes (FD60), or longer. Proper installation, maintenance, and regular inspections are necessary to ensure fire doors function effectively in emergency situations.

Fire doors help stop fires from spreading and keep escape paths safe. This helps save people and protect buildings from fire damage.

Fire Door Inspection Checklist Steps

1. Preparation:

• Gather necessary tools (e.g., tape measure, torch, screwdriver) and documents (e.g., building fire safety plan, previous inspection records).
• Find the fire door’s location and its expected fire rating (e.g., 20, 30, 60, or 90 minutes) from building plans or labels.

2. Visual Identification:

• Look for a fire-rating label or certification mark on the door or frame to confirm it’s a tested fire door.
• Ensure the door matches its role in the building’s fire safety plan.

3. Inspect the Door Leaf:

• Check the door surface for any damage like dents, holes, or warping that could weaken its fire resistance.
• Look for any unauthorised changes (e.g., non-fire-rated paint, added panels) that might affect its fire rating.

4. Check the Frame:

• Ensure the frame is securely fixed to the wall, with no gaps or loose fixings.
• Look for damage, corrosion, or misalignment that could affect the door’s seal.

5. Measure Gaps and Clearances:

• Use a tape measure to check the gaps around the door: 3-4mm at the top and sides, 8-10mm at the bottom.
• Ensure the gaps are small enough to stop smoke or fire from getting through, while allowing the door to function properly.

6. Examine Seals:

• Check for intumescent seals (which expand in heat) and smoke seals along the edges.
• Ensure the seals are undamaged, securely attached, and continuous without breaks.

7. Test Hinges and Hardware:

• Inspect hinges to make sure they’re fire-rated, securely fastened, and free from wear or missing screws.
• Verify that all hardware (e.g., latches, closers) is original or fire-rated.

8. Check the Closing Mechanism:

• Test the self-closing device by opening the door fully and releasing it—ensure it closes completely and latches without assistance.
• Check that the closer isn’t blocked or adjusted so it doesn’t close fully.

9. Assess Latch and Lock Functionality:

• Confirm the latch engages fully when the door closes and holds under light pressure.
• Ensure any locks or panic hardware are fire-rated and don’t block emergency exits.

10. Verify Signage:

• Check for required signs (e.g., “Fire Door Keep Closed” or “Fire Door Keep Locked”).
• Ensure the signage is clear, easy to read, and not covered or faded.

11. Check Door Operation:

• Open and close the door manually to ensure it moves smoothly without sticking, binding, or needing extra force.
• Ensure it aligns properly with the frame when closed.

12. Inspect Glazing (if applicable):

• Check any glass panels for cracks or damage and verify they’re fire-rated (e.g., wired glass or listed glazing).
• Ensure the glazing beads and seals are secure and undamaged.

13. Record Findings:

• Write down the inspection date, door location, and condition of each component.
• Note any issues (e.g., missing seal, broken hinge) and recommend fixes.

14. Take Action on Issues:

• Flag any failed items for immediate repair or replacement by a qualified professional.
• Ensure repairs comply with fire safety standards before signing off.

15. Finalise and Store Records:

• Sign and date the inspection report, including the inspector’s name.
• File the report for future reference, audits, or compliance checks (e.g., by fire marshals).

Key Aspects of the Fire Door Inspection Checklist

Certification and Labeling

The first thing to check in a fire door inspection is the door’s certification:

• Look for a certification label or plug on the top edge or side of the door.
• Make sure the label shows that the door is a certified fire door and includes the manufacturer’s name.
• Check all parts of the door match the details in the certification documents.

If there is no certification label, you need to check if the door is a certified fire door. A door without certification may not protect you properly during a fire.

Door Leaf and Frame

The door leaf and frame must be strong and in good condition to work properly in a fire:

Door Leaf

• Look for any damage, bending, or changes in shape.
• Check for dents, holes, or other visible problems.
• If the door has a veneer or lip, make sure these parts are securely attached.
• Make sure the door closes against the door stop without any gaps.

Door Frame

• Check that the frame is firmly fixed to the wall.
• Look for any cracks or damage in the frame.
• Make sure any door stops are securely attached.
• Measure the gap between the door edge and the frame. It should be 3-4mm without any changes.

Gaps and Seals

Good sealing is very important to keep fire and smoke from spreading:

Gaps

• Use a gap tester to measure the spaces around the door.
• Gaps on the sides and top should be 3-4mm (with a tolerance of +/- 1mm).
• The gap at the bottom of the door (threshold) should be no more than 10mm for a regular door, or 3mm for a door with a smoke seal.

Intumescent and Smoke Seals

• Check for intumescent seals around the door and frame.
• Make sure the seals are continuous and not damaged.
• If there are smoke seals, make sure they are intact and fit properly.

Hardware

All parts of the door must work properly:

Hinges

• Make sure there are at least 3 hinges on wooden doors, and 4 on steel doors.
• Check that all screws are there and tightly screwed in.
• Look for signs of wear, like metal bits or oil leaks.
• Make sure the hinges don’t have any packing that can catch fire.

Door Closer

• Test if the door closes completely from any angle using only the closer.
• Make sure the door closes within 6 seconds.
• Check that the door closer is installed correctly and there are no fluid leaks.
• Ensure the door closer keeps the door in line with the frame and seal when the door is not locked.

Locks and Latches

• Test if the latch keeps the door tightly shut without making any noise.
• Make sure the handles and panic hardware work properly.
• For emergency exits, ensure the door can be opened without a key.

Door Coordinator (for double doors)

• Check that the door coordinator is in place and works properly.
• Ensure the doors close in the right order when both are opened.

Glazing and Apertures

• If the fire door has glass panels, check the seal around the glass to make sure it’s intact.
• Ensure the beads around the glass are securely attached and not damaged.
• Look for any cracks or damage in the glass.
• Make sure that any glass replaced is fire-rated.
• If the glass panel is lower than 1500mm from the bottom of the door, confirm that safety glass is used.

Signage

• Make sure there is clear signage on the door, like “Fire Door Keep Shut.”
• Ensure the signs are easy to see and securely attached.
• Verify that the signs match the function of the door, such as “Automatic Fire Door.”

Operation and Functionality

• Open the door to 5 degrees or 75mm and release it.
• Check that the door closes and locks on its own.
• For double doors, make sure they close properly when both are opened and released.
• If there are hold-open devices, ensure they release the door when needed, like when the fire alarm goes off.

Additional Considerations

• Threshold:
  • Check that there is a consistent gap under the door so it can swing freely.
  • If there are seals on the threshold, make sure they properly touch the floor.
• Automatic Hold-Open Devices:
  • Test that electromagnetic hold-open devices release the door when the fire alarm goes off.
  • Ensure the device is securely attached and working correctly.
• Damage and Modifications:
  • Look for signs of incorrect repairs or changes that were not approved.
  • Check for any damage that could affect the door’s ability to resist fire.

Documentation

Proper record-keeping is essential:

• Document all inspection findings.
• Note any issues or required repairs.
• Keep records of all inspections and maintenance for future reference.

Training and Competence

Fire door inspections should be carried out by trained professionals:

• Ensure inspectors are familiar with current regulations and standards.
• Provide regular training updates to keep staff informed of new requirements or best practices.

Fire Door Types

Here are the different kinds of fire doors you can get:

Swinging fire doors (these open like normal doors):

• With builders’ bits (normal hinges and handles).
• With special fire door bits (made to stop fire better).
• Single action (swings one way).
• Double action (swings both ways).

Sliding fire doors (these slide side to side or up and down):

• Side-sliding (one piece, two pieces, lots of pieces, or splitting in the middle).
• Special folding or accordion side-sliding ones.
• Up-and-down sliding (like a guillotine).

Rolling steel fire doors (roll up like a big metal curtain).

Service counter fire doors (for small openings, like at a shop counter).

Fire shutters (like rolling doors but for windows or big gaps).

Lift doors (for lifts and small goods lifts).

Chute doors (for rubbish or laundry chutes).

Access doors (small doors for getting into tight spots).

Fire windows (windows that stop fire too).

Fire doors are also sorted by how long they stop fire:

• FD30: Stops fire for 30 minutes (44 or 45mm thick).
• FD60: Stops fire for 60 minutes (54mm thick).
• FD90: Stops fire for 90 minutes (64mm thick).
• FD120: Stops fire for 120 minutes (64mm thick).

They can also be grouped by how they close:

• Self-closing: Shut on their own.
• Automatic closing: Shut when a fire alarm goes off.
• Power-operated: Use electric power to open and close.

These different fire doors fit all sorts of buildings, safety rules, and designs.

Most common issues found during fire door inspections

The most common issues found during fire door inspections include:

• Excessive gaps: Gaps between the door and frame that are bigger than 4mm, which can affect the door’s ability to stop fire and smoke.
• Damaged or missing seals: Problems with fire or smoke seals, including intumescent seals, which are important for expanding and closing gaps during a fire.
• Damaged door components: Issues with parts like hinges, handles, locks, or damage to the door itself, which can affect how well the door works and its fire resistance.
• Incorrect installation: Doors or parts being installed wrongly, leading to gaps or not enough fire-resistant material around the door.
• Faulty door closers: Doors that don’t close properly because of broken or wrongly installed door closers.
• Improper maintenance: Not looking after the door properly, leading to problems over time.
• Non-compliant hardware: Using parts that aren’t fire-rated or don’t meet required standards.
• Obstructions: Fire doors being held open or blocked, stopping them from working as they should.
• Incorrect signage: Missing or wrong signs on fire doors in public places.
• Warping or distortion: Doors becoming bent or misshaped over time, which stops them from closing properly and staying fire-resistant.

These problems show why it’s so important to do regular inspections and keep fire doors well-maintained to make sure they protect people and property in case of a fire.

Conclusion

A thorough fire door inspection is very important for keeping a building’s fire safety system working well. By following this checklist, inspectors can make sure fire doors will work as they should in an emergency.

Regular inspections, along with quick repairs and maintenance, are essential to keeping fire doors effective and protecting people and property.

It’s important to remember that this checklist covers the main points, but specific requirements might be different depending on local rules and the type of fire doors.

Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and local fire safety rules for the most accurate and up-to-date inspection details.