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Fire door wedged open without an approved hold-open device recorded during inspection

Defect Guide

Fire Doors Wedged Open

A fire door that is wedged, propped or held open without an approved hold-open device may not protect the escape route or compartment when needed. This is a common operational defect recorded during fire door inspections.

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Defect Overview

What Are Fire Doors Wedged Open?

Fire doors should normally remain closed or be held open only by suitable approved devices designed to release when required. Unapproved wedges, furniture, hooks or obstructions can prevent the door from closing.

For property managers, landlords, facilities managers and responsible persons, wedged-open doors are often an operational and management issue as well as a physical defect, particularly in busy buildings and escape routes.

Risk & Impact

Why This Defect Matters

A wedged-open fire door cannot provide the intended level of protection if a fire or smoke incident occurs.

  • The fire door cannot close when needed
  • Smoke may spread into escape routes
  • Compartmentation may be defeated
  • Occupants may become used to unsafe door operation
  • The issue may indicate poor building management or access problems

Inspection Notes

How Inspectors Record Wedged-Open Defects

Where a door is found held open without approval, inspection notes should record the method used and the door location.

  • Door reference or location
  • Evidence photo of wedge or hold-open method
  • Description of how the door is held open
  • Self-closing test result where checked
  • Related closer or obstruction notes
  • Suggested remedial priority where applicable

Wedged-open defects are typically recorded as observed on site. Management action and closer retesting may be needed to confirm the door can operate correctly once the obstruction is removed.

Visible Indicators

Common Signs of Wedged-Open Doors

These are examples of visible indicators that may be recorded where observed during inspection.

  • Door wedge placed under the leaf

    A physical wedge is one of the most common methods used to hold a fire door open.

  • Door held open by furniture or equipment

    Chairs, bins, trolleys or other items may be used to prop the door in an open position.

  • Hook, chain or unapproved retainer fitted

    Informal retainers can prevent the door from closing unless removed manually.

  • Door propped open for ventilation or convenience

    Routine convenience practices can defeat the protective function of the door set.

  • Closer disconnected to keep the door open

    Disabling the closer removes the door's ability to self-close when required.

  • Damaged flooring or threshold causing users to prop the door

    Practical access problems may lead occupants to hold doors open informally.

  • Door repeatedly left open in a high-traffic area

    Frequent open use in busy locations may indicate management or layout issues.

Remedial Planning

What Should Be Done Next?

The next action depends on severity, building type and inspection findings. Wedged-open defects usually require immediate management action and may need closer adjustment or approved hold-open solutions where appropriate.

Recommended next steps may include:

  • Record the door location and method used to hold it open
  • Photograph the wedge, obstruction or unapproved retainer
  • Check whether the self-closing device works correctly
  • Remove unsafe hold-open practices through management action
  • Consider approved hold-open solutions where appropriate, then re-inspect if needed

Typical journey after a defect is recorded: inspection finding → defect noted in the fire door report → remedial works planned → re-inspection confirms the issue has been addressed where appropriate → door register or report evidence updated. See also inspection limitations and next steps after defects are found. For London bookings, see fire door inspections London.

Seeing a different visible issue? Use the Fire Door Defect Identifier to find the closest guidance and next steps.

FAQ

Common Questions About This Defect

Is wedging a fire door open treated as an inspection defect?
Yes — fire doors held open with wedges, hooks, furniture or other unapproved means are commonly recorded because the door cannot close and protect the compartment when needed. It is often treated as both a management and a physical-condition issue. Exact reporting still depends on what the inspector finds on the day.
How do approved hold-open devices differ from wedges or door stops?
Approved hold-open devices are designed to release the door on fire alarm or power failure so it can self-close. Wedges, tied-back closers and improvised retainers do not provide that controlled release and are not a substitute. Where doors need to stay open for access, a competent assessment of suitable hold-open options is usually the safer route.
What should building managers do as soon as a wedged fire door is found?
Remove the wedge or obstruction promptly, confirm the door closes and latches, and brief staff or occupants so the practice does not continue. If the door is being wedged because of ventilation, access or a faulty closer, address the underlying cause rather than leaving the door held open. Record the finding and any immediate action taken.
Do wedged-open findings always need a formal re-inspection?
If the only issue was an improvised hold-open and it has been removed with the closer working correctly, management follow-up and updated records may be enough. Where closers need adjustment, approved hold-open devices are fitted, or related defects were noted, a re-check after remedial works is usually advisable.

Related Defects

Related Fire Door Defects

Other common fire door inspection defects that may be recorded alongside this issue.

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