Fire doors are a vital part of any building’s fire safety strategy. But they’re only effective if they’re inspected regularly and maintained in line with fire safety regulations. One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
“Who can inspect fire doors, and what qualifications are needed?”
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- What UK fire safety law says about competence
- Who is responsible for arranging inspections
- The qualifications required to inspect fire doors
- Why using a certified fire door inspector is strongly recommended
Why Fire Door Inspections Are Essential
Fire doors are designed to hold back fire and smoke, buying precious time for evacuation. But if they’re damaged, incorrectly fitted, or poorly maintained, they can fail when needed most.
Regular inspections are essential to:
- Ensure compliance with UK fire safety regulations
- Protect lives in the event of a fire
- Avoid fines or legal consequences for non-compliance
Who Is Responsible for Fire Door Inspections?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” must ensure that fire doors are properly maintained and inspected.
The responsible person could be:
- A building owner
- A landlord
- A property manager
- A designated facilities or safety officer
Even though the responsible person doesn’t have to personally carry out the inspections, they are legally accountable for ensuring they are completed correctly.
Who Can Inspect Fire Doors?
UK fire safety law doesn’t specify a single required qualification. Instead, it states that inspections must be carried out by a “competent person.”
They must:
- Understands fire door regulations and compliance standards
- Can identify defects and potential safety risks
- Knows how to assess gaps, seals, closers, glazing, and hardware
- Has relevant training or certification in fire door inspections
Recognised Certification Schemes
While not legally mandated, using a certified inspector is strongly recommended. The main UK certification schemes include:
- FIRAS — Fire Door Inspection Certification Scheme
- FDS — Fire Door Safety Certification
- BRE Global — Third-party fire door inspection accreditation
Hiring a certified inspector demonstrates due diligence and provides documented proof of compliance.
Why Use a Professional Fire Door Inspector
While basic visual checks can be carried out internally, professional inspections offer significant benefits:
- Comprehensive assessment of every component
- Formal inspection reports for your records
- Early detection of potential failures
- Peace of mind that you’re compliant with regulations
Tip: For buildings with multiple fire doors, annual professional inspections are strongly recommended.
DIY vs Professional Fire Door Inspections
You can carry out basic visual checks in-house — looking for obvious issues like gaps, damaged seals, or faulty closers.
However, this does not replace a professional fire door inspection. A certified inspector will:
- Check every component in detail
- Provide a formal compliance report
- Spot issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye
Tip: Use internal checks to catch minor issues early, but always arrange a certified inspection at least annually to stay compliant.
Conclusion
Anyone can perform a basic visual fire door check, but for full compliance and safety, inspections should be carried out by a competent person — ideally a certified professional.
Failing to use a qualified inspector could leave you non-compliant, at risk of fines, and, most importantly, putting lives at risk.
Book a certified fire door inspection today and ensure your building is safe, compliant, and fully protected.
