Responsible Person Fire Door Checklist

• Door location or reference

  Note which door you are checking — floor, corridor, flat number or asset reference — so follow-up is easier if issues are found.

• Door leaf condition

  Look for visible damage, warping, delamination or deterioration on the door leaf that may affect performance.

• Frame condition

  Check the frame for cracks, distortion, loose fixings or damage where visible and accessible.

• Gaps and alignment

  Observe gaps around the door leaf and whether the door sits square in the frame when closed.

• Intumescent and smoke seals

  Check seal continuity, damage, missing sections or poor fit where seals are visible along the frame.

• Hinges and fixings

  Look for loose hinges, missing screws, damaged fixings or signs of unsuitable hardware.

• Self-closing device

  Where safe to test, check whether the door closes fully from a typical open position without being held.

• Latch and lock operation

  Confirm the latch engages when the door closes and that locks or access hardware operate as expected.

• Ironmongery condition

  Review handles, kick plates and visible hardware for damage, wear or fittings that may not suit a fire door.

• Glazing and vision panels

  Check glazed sections for cracks, missing beads, damaged glass or signs of non-fire-rated glazing.

• Fire door signage

  Confirm signage is present, legible and appropriate so occupants can identify fire doors and keep them closed.

• Fire stopping around the frame

  Look for visible gaps, damage or incomplete fire stopping around the frame and surrounding wall where accessible.

• Threshold condition

  Check threshold gaps or damage where thresholds are visible and may affect closing or smoke control.

• Damage or unauthorised alterations

  Note repairs, holes, added hardware or changes that may affect certification or door performance.

• Wedged or obstructed doors

  Fire doors should not be held open without an approved hold-open device linked to the alarm system.

• Access limitations

  Record doors or areas you could not access so a competent inspection can be planned where needed.

• When to arrange professional inspection

  If visible issues are found, or duties require formal inspection, arrange a competent fire door inspection.

• Responsible person records

  Duty holders may use checklist notes alongside wider fire safety management and internal record keeping.

Any remedial works, risk assessment actions or legal duties should be reviewed by the appropriate competent person or duty holder.

1. 01

   Confirm property type and inspection scope

   Property type, door numbers, areas to include and reporting requirements are confirmed before booking.

2. 02

   Agree access arrangements

   Access arrangements, resident notification where applicable and on-site coordination are agreed with the property team.

3. 03

   Review visible fire door items where accessible

   Fire door sets are assessed on site against agreed checklist items where access is available on the day.

4. 04

   Record observations and evidence where included

   Condition observations, defects and photographic evidence are recorded where captured during inspection.

5. 05

   Issue report with defect notes and priorities

   A structured report is issued with door schedule, observations and remedial priority guidance where applicable.

6. 06

   Use findings to plan follow-up action

   Reports can support internal records and remedial planning. Follow-up actions should be reviewed by the appropriate competent person or duty holder.