Fire Door Inspection Requirements Under UK Reg 17
If you are a business owner, PAS 79 and the RRO 2005, you must be able to demonstrate that you have taken appropriate steps to manage fire safety. This means keeping a clear, accurate record of all fire door inspections. Your documentation should detail the date of the inspection, the doors checked, any defects identified, and the remedial actions taken to fix those defects.
If you do not have the in-house competence to identify fire door defects, it is highly recommended that you use a qualified professional. A poorly inspected or maintained fire door is effectively useless in a fire and represents a significant breach of your legal duties.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Navigating fire door inspection requirements and wider fire safety legislation can be complex. At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors can help you stay compliant and keep your premises safe. We provide comprehensive fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT, which include a thorough evaluation of your fire doors and their condition. We pride ourselves on delivering detailed, actionable 48-hour reports so you can quickly address any identified safety gaps.
To ensure your premises meet UK fire safety standards, 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.*
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What a competent fire risk assessment covers
A suitable and sufficient FRA follows the PAS 79-1 methodology:
- Stage 1 — Preliminary: gather premises info, identify responsible person and previous assessments.
- Stage 2 — Identify hazards: sources of ignition, fuel and oxygen across all areas.
- Stage 3 — People at risk: occupants, visitors, contractors and anyone needing assistance.
- Stage 4 — Evaluate & protect: whether risks are eliminated or reduced, and whether fire precautions are adequate.
- Stage 5 — Record & plan: write it down, set an action plan with owners and dates, and set the review date.
HawkSwift delivers this as a written, court-defensible report — general guidance, not formal legal advice.