Fire doors are one of the most critical elements in any fire safety strategy. Properly installed and maintained, they can delay the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and ultimately save lives. Their role is not merely advisory—fire door compliance is a legal obligation under UK fire safety legislation, with significant consequences for non-compliance.
Navigating the regulatory landscape for fire doors can be complex. Requirements are drawn from multiple sources, including the Building Regulations (Approved Document B), British Standards such as BS 476 and BS EN 1634, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Each plays a vital role in shaping fire door standards and expectations.
At Kingfisher Professional Services, we specialise in helping organisations understand, implement, and maintain fire door compliance. From audits to record-keeping support and staff training in fire safety roles, our expertise ensures your fire safety measures are both effective and legally sound.
Fire Door Legislation & Standards
Building Regulations & Approved Document B
Under the Building Regulations, specifically Approved Document B, it is a legal requirement that fire doors are fitted in areas critical to a building’s evacuation plan. These include escape routes, stairwells, and high-risk zones such as kitchens and boiler rooms. The doors must meet specific performance criteria and be appropriate for their intended location within the building’s fire strategy.
The guidance sets out the appropriate door rating—typically FD30 (30 minutes fire resistance) for standard areas and FD60 or higher for higher-risk locations. Approved Document B also addresses placement, signage, and accessibility, requiring all fire doors to support the safe evacuation of occupants during a fire emergency.
British & European Standards
British and European Standards provide the technical benchmarks for fire doors and their components. BS 476-22 specifies test methods for fire resistance in the UK, while BS EN 1634-1 outlines European testing procedures. Both standards are used to verify that fire doors can contain fire for the specified duration.
Hardware such as hinges, locks, and latches must meet additional standards. For example, BS EN 1935 covers hinges, BS EN 12209 addresses locks and latches, and BS EN 16034 is used for doorsets. Following Brexit, CE marking has been replaced with UKCA marking for products sold within the UK. This is an important distinction for compliance and procurement, as using incorrectly marked hardware could result in regulatory breaches.
Key Components & Installation Requirements
Doorset Components
A fire door is only as effective as its components. These include the door leaf, frame, intumescent seals, smoke seals, glazing (if present), and all associated hardware. Each part must be tested as part of a complete doorset to ensure compatibility and performance under fire conditions.
The gaps around the sides and top of a fire door should be between 2 and 4 mm, with a maximum of 10 mm underneath. These measurements are crucial—too large, and smoke or fire can pass through; too small, and the door may not close properly. All seals must be intact and properly fitted to perform in the event of a fire.
Hardware & Hinge Requirements
Fire door hardware must be robust and fire-tested. Hinges—typically three or more—must be UKCA-marked and meet BS EN 1935. They should also have a melting point of at least 800°C to prevent failure during a fire.
Locks, latches, and closers must also be fire-rated. They should comply with BS EN 12209 and possess the appropriate UKCA marking. The melting points of these components must be suitable for high-temperature conditions, typically between 800°C and 900°C, to ensure continued functionality during a fire.
Competent Installation
Fire doors must be installed by competent individuals. The BS 8214 code of practice provides guidelines for correct installation, including the treatment of gaps, fixings, and intumescent products. While Kingfisher does not offer installer training, we do assist organisations in understanding their obligations under the Fire Safety Order and ensuring that any installers used are qualified and competent.
Fire Door Ratings & Usage
FD30 vs FD60 Doors
Fire doors are rated by the amount of time they can resist fire. FD30 doors provide at least 30 minutes of fire resistance, while FD60 doors are rated for 60 minutes. In most non-specialist environments, FD30 doors are sufficient for corridors, staircases, and standard escape routes. FD60 doors are used in areas with higher fire risk, such as plant rooms or storage areas containing flammable materials.
The selection of fire doors should be based on a thorough fire risk assessment. The door rating must match the intended location’s fire containment requirements to allow adequate time for evacuation and fire service intervention.
Smoke-Control (‘s’ Ratings)
Some fire doors are also rated for smoke control, indicated by an ‘s’ suffix (e.g., FD30s or FD60s). These doors incorporate smoke seals that prevent the ingress of smoke through the gaps around the door. Smoke is often more dangerous than flames, as it can quickly render escape routes impassable.
In residential buildings, especially those with shared escape corridors, smoke-sealed fire doors are a legal necessity. Their correct installation and ongoing maintenance are critical to ensuring they perform as expected in the event of a fire.
Inspection, Maintenance & Record-Keeping
Inspection Frequency
Regular inspections are essential to maintain the performance of fire doors. Communal fire doors in multi-occupancy buildings should be inspected quarterly. Flat entrance doors require six-monthly inspections, while the front doors of individual units should be checked at least annually. In areas with high traffic or recent occupancy changes, more frequent checks may be warranted.
Inspections should assess the condition of seals, gaps, hardware, and signage. Any damage, warping, or misalignment must be addressed promptly to maintain the fire integrity of the door.
Maintenance Checklist
A structured checklist ensures nothing is missed during inspections. This should include:
- Measuring gaps at the sides, top, and bottom
- Checking the condition and fit of intumescent and smoke seals
- Verifying the operation and resistance of door closers
- Inspecting hinges for wear and secure fixing
- Ensuring that certification labels are intact and legible
Maintenance should be carried out by trained individuals and logged for audit purposes.
Certification & Compliance Records
Documentation is a key part of compliance. Records should include product certification, UKCA conformity documentation, and evidence from fire risk assessments. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the duty on the Responsible Person to ensure that fire precautions are “suitable and sufficient,” which includes record-keeping.
Demonstrating due diligence through robust records can be a critical defence in the event of enforcement action or legal scrutiny following a fire.
Common Failures & Remediation
Gap & Seal Failures
One of the most common issues is improper gap sizes. If the gap exceeds 4 mm at the top or sides, or 10 mm underneath, the door may fail in a fire. Intumescent strips or specialist sealants can often be retrofitted to correct this.
Damaged or missing seals are also a major risk. These should be replaced immediately with products that meet the appropriate standards and match the door’s tested specification.
Hardware or Closure Faults
Door closers that don’t fully close the door, or doors that are wedged or held open improperly, are significant hazards. In such cases, consider using compliant devices like Dorgard retainers or electromagnetic holders that automatically release upon fire alarm activation. All devices must comply with UKCA requirements and be tested to the relevant standards.
Checklists
Every organisation responsible for fire doors should use a detailed inspection checklist. This document should guide users through each element to inspect, from gap measurements and seal integrity to the function of door hardware and presence of certification marks. A consistent checklist ensures compliance and simplifies auditing.
How Kingfisher Can Help
Kingfisher Professional Services provides expert support to help you meet your fire door responsibilities. Our services include:
- Consultancy: We conduct fire risk assessments, support policy development, and carry out detailed fire door audits. Our approach helps identify compliance gaps and practical steps to address them.
- Training: While we do not provide installation training, we offer internal fire safety officer training to help your designated personnel understand fire door regulations and how to inspect and manage them effectively.
- Maintenance Support: We assist with scheduling regular fire door inspections, provide technical advice, and help maintain up-to-date compliance documentation in line with legal requirements.
With our support, your organisation can ensure its fire doors are compliant, well-maintained, and legally defensible.
Conclusion
Fire doors are a fundamental legal safeguard, not an optional extra. Their presence, condition, and correct use can mean the difference between life and death in a fire emergency. Regular inspection, competent installation, and thorough documentation are not just best practices—they are legal necessities.
Partnering with Kingfisher Professional Services ensures your fire safety approach is robust, compliant, and up to date with current regulations, helping to reduce liability and enhance occupant safety.