Fire Doors & Compartmentation
What is it?
Fire doors are engineered passive safety assemblies designed to resist the passage of smoke, toxic gases, and flames for a specified period (typically FD30 or FD60), safeguarding protected escape corridors and stairwells.
Who is responsible?
The Responsible Person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (in residential buildings over 11m, specific quarterly/annual checks fall under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022).
What needs to happen?
- 01Inspect perimeter gaps: clearance between door leaf and frame should be consistent (typically 3mm to 4mm) and threshold undercut ≤8mm (≤3mm for smoke control without drop seal).
- 02Verify intumescent strips and cold smoke seals are undamaged and continuous along frame or leaf edges.
- 03Check self-closing devices shut the leaf completely into the rebate without binding, overcoming latch resistance from any angle.
- 04Ensure vision panels retain certified fire-rated glazing and glazing beads are secure without missing screws.
- 05Verify hinges (minimum 3 CE/UKCA marked grade 13 fire-rated hinges) have no missing screws and no signs of metal wear or leakage.
How often?
Commercial: Routine 6-monthly inspections recommended by BS 9999 / BS 8214. Residential (>11m): Quarterly communal fire doors, annual flat entrance doors per Fire Safety (England) Regs 2022.
Source: BS 8214:2016, BS 9999:2017 & Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 Regulation 10.
What evidence should I hold?
Failure to maintain fire doors can lead to rapid compartmentation failure during a fire. Fire and Rescue Authorities can issue Article 30 Enforcement Notices or Article 31 Prohibition Notices closing premises.
Official Sources
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022: Fire Door Guidance
BS 8214:2016 Timber-based fire door assemblies. Code of practice
EntireFM Practical Guidance
EntireFM recommends fitting all high-traffic communal fire doors with mechanical push-plates and certified magnetic hold-open devices linked directly to the fire alarm system, eliminating wedging and closer arm damage.
EntireFM practical interpretation is separate from official statutory guidance. Always verify against primary legislation.