What should a fire door check cover?
A routine check should confirm: the door closes fully onto the latch from any angle; gaps around the leaf are consistent (typically around 3mm); intumescent strips and smoke seals are intact; hinges are firm with no missing screws; glazing and signage are sound; and there is certification evidence.
How often should each check happen?
Communal doors in tall residential buildings: at least quarterly. Flat entrance doors: at least annually. Other premises: as set by the fire risk assessment. Between formal inspections, staff should report obvious faults immediately.
How do I keep a defensible record?
Record each check with the date, the door's location, the findings, photographs and any remedial action with its completion. A planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programme makes this continuous and audit-ready.
Frequently asked questions
What gap should there be around a fire door?
Typically around 3mm around the leaf (with the threshold gap as specified), though always follow the doorset's certification.
Can our caretaker do the checks?
Routine visual checks can be done by trained staff, but formal inspections should be by a competent, ideally independent, inspector.
What if a door fails a check?
Record it, prioritise the remedial, and arrange a compliant repair promptly under Article 17.