Why Fire Doors Matter

A properly fitted and maintained fire door can mean the difference between safe evacuation and disaster. According to the UK Government, businesses and building owners have a legal duty of care under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure that fire safety measures, including fire doors, are in place and functional.

Fire doors help to:

Contain fire and smoke in one area of a building

Protect escape routes and stairwells

Provide occupants with more time to evacuate safely

Reduce damage to property

Common Fire Door Compliance Mistakes

Many businesses assume that if they have a fire door installed, their job is done. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here are the most common issues we see in Cumbria and across the UK:

• Wedges or props keeping fire doors open (illegal and dangerous)
• Damaged seals or gaps around the frame
  
• Incorrect signage or missing “Fire Door Keep Shut” notices
• Untrained staff not recognising faults in fire doors
• Skipped inspections – doors aren’t checked regularly

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Checked?

In the UK, fire doors should be inspected at least every 6 months. High-traffic areas, such as schools, hospitals, or offices, may require checks every 3 months.

During inspections, trained professionals will check:

• Door alignment and frame integrity
• Intumescent seals and hinges
• Self-closing mechanisms
• Glazing and vision panels
• Correct signage

Fire Door Regulations in 2025

The latest updates to fire safety legislation emphasise:

Responsible Persons (building owners, employers, or managers) must maintain clear fire safety records.

New guidance around residential high-rise buildings requires more stringent fire door inspections.

Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and, in severe cases, criminal charges.

Businesses should be proactive in arranging inspections with qualified fire safety providers, such as Beacon Fire Protection, to remain compliant and avoid penalties.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Fire Doors

Avoid slamming or forcing doors open

Never drill or alter a fire door without professional advice

Train staff on correct fire door usage

Book regular maintenance visits with accredited providers

Fire Door Safety Checklist

We’ve created a simple Fire Door Inspection Checklist for business owners and facility managers. This resource helps you carry out quick checks between professional inspections.

Fire doors save lives, but only when they’re fitted, used, and maintained correctly.

At Beacon Fire Protection, we help organisations across Cumbria stay safe and compliant with professional fire door inspections, fire alarm installations, CCTV systems, and fire training.