Fire Door Inspection Requirements Under Regulation 17
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Connecting Inspections to Your fire risk Assessment
Fire door inspections should never be treated as an isolated administrative task. They are a fundamental part of your ongoing fire risk assessment process.
Your fire risk assessment identifies the general fire precautions required for your premises, including the need for compartmentation to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. If fire doors are defective, your compartmentation strategy fails. Regular inspections under Regulation 17 provide the documentary evidence needed to demonstrate that you are actively managing the risks identified in your fire risk assessment. Keeping accurate records of these inspections is essential for proving compliance to the local fire and rescue authority.
Commercial Buildings and Non-Residential Premises
It is important to note that while Regulation 17 explicitly targets multi-occupied residential buildings, the requirement to maintain fire doors applies to all commercial and non-residential premises under the RRO 2005.
If you operate a shop, office, warehouse, or industrial unit, you are not subject to the quarterly and annual checks mandated by Regulation 17. However, you must still implement a "suitable system of maintenance" for your fire doors. The frequency of these checks should be determined by your fire risk assessment, taking into account the building's usage, footfall, and the risk of doors being damaged. Best practice suggests that commercial fire doors should be inspected at least every six months, with high-traffic doors potentially requiring more frequent checks.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Navigating fire door inspection requirements and ensuring your broader fire safety compliance can be complex. At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors are experienced in identifying fire door defects and ensuring your building's passive fire protection meets the required British Standards. We provide comprehensive fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, with detailed 48-hour reports that highlight any deficiencies in your fire doors and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
To get a court-defensible, RRO 2005-aligned assessment, please book a fire risk assessment with our team today.
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Your duties under the RRO 2005 on fire doors
- Article 17 requires fire doors to be maintained in efficient working order.
- A door that does not self-close fails the duty; propping open is an offence unless via an approved hold-open device linked to the alarm.
- Intumescent seals and certified installation matter at inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a written fire risk assessment? Yes, if you employ 5+ people, are a licensable or higher-risk premises, or the building is not a private home (Art. 9). How often should I review it? At least annually and immediately after any significant change. Can I do my own? Only if you are competent; many use a qualified NEBOSH-assessed assessor for a court-defensible report. Where do I start? Book a HawkSwift assessment — general guidance, not formal legal advice.
*General guidance, not formal legal advice — book a HawkSwift assessment for your premises.*