[fire doors](https://www.hawkswift.co.uk/blog/fire-doors-legal-requirements): Why Propping Them Open Is a Legal Offence
Propping open a fire door is a common sight in many UK workplaces. Staff often wedge doors open to improve ventilation, make it easier to carry goods through corridors, or encourage social interaction. However, this everyday action undermines your building's passive fire protection and constitutes a breach of compliance requires employers to provide a safe working environment. To comply with the RRO and HSWA, business owners must actively prevent the propping open of fire doors.
This can be achieved through staff training, clear signage, and routine management checks. If there is a genuine operational need for doors to remain open for accessibility or ventilation, businesses must invest in electromagnetic hold-open devices. These devices are legally compliant because they are wired into the building's fire alarm system and automatically release the door to close upon activation of the alarm.
How HawkSwift Can Help
Ensuring your fire doors are correctly specified, maintained, and used is a fundamental part of your fire safety duties. A professional fire risk assessment will identify if your fire doors are fit for purpose and highlight any unsafe practices, such as the use of door wedges.
At HawkSwift Ltd, our NEBOSH-qualified assessors provide thorough evaluations of your premises. We deliver detailed reports within 48 hours, helping you rectify compliance issues promptly. Our fire risk assessments start from £199 + VAT. To ensure your premises meet UK fire safety standards, book a fire risk assessment with our team today.
*This article is provided as general guidance and is not formal legal advice.*
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Frequently asked: "Propped Open"
This topic is covered in detail in the HawkSwift guide above. For a premises-specific assessment, our NEBOSH-qualified team delivers court-defensible PAS 79 / RRO 2005 reports across England and Wales, starting from £199 + VAT.
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Related fire safety guides
- Care Home Fire Safety Cqc Alignment
- Fire Risk Assessment Sheffield Mixed Use Buildings
- Care Home Fire Safety And Cqc Alignment
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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.*