Fire Door Inspections & Fire Safety Compliance Checks

1. Introduction

Shield Building Safety and Compliance provides professional fire door inspection services and fire safety compliance checks for residential buildings of varying heights and occupancy types. This method statement outlines the procedures, standards, and controls used to ensure safe, accurate, and compliant delivery of services.

This document aligns with the relevant British Standards for fire door inspection and residential fire safety management, including:

  • BS 8214 – Fire door assemblies: Code of practice
  • BS 9991 – Fire safety in residential buildings
  • BS 9999 – Fire safety in the design, management, and use of buildings
  • BS EN 1634-1 / BS EN 1634-3 – Fire and smoke resistance test standards
  • BS 476-22 – Fire resistance of building elements (legacy door sets and older buildings)
  • BS 5266 – Emergency lighting (where compliance checks include emergency lighting)
  • BS 5499 / ISO 3864-1 – Fire safety signage (where applicable)

2. Scope of Works

Shield Building Safety and Compliance will carry out:

2.1 Fire Door Inspections

Including but not limited to:

  • Flat entrance doors
  • Communal fire doors
  • Cross-corridor doors
  • Stairwell doors
  • Plant room/risers/service cupboard fire doors

Inspections will assess compliance with the standards listed above and statutory requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.

2.2 Fire Safety Compliance Checks

Visual and functional checks including:

  • Fire safety signage (BS 5499 / ISO 3864-1)
  • Emergency lighting (BS 5266) – functionality tests where instructed
  • Fire doors (detailed inspection)
  • Escape routes – obstructions, integrity, compartmentation observations
  • Communal areas and fire safety equipment (as instructed by client)
  • Reporting of defects, hazards, and non-compliances

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Inspectors

Shield inspectors are responsible for:

  • Carrying out all inspections in line with BS 8214, BS 9991, and BS 9999
  • Recording photographic evidence of findings
  • Using calibrated measuring tools and approved templates
  • Ensuring accuracy and impartiality in their assessment

3.2 Client / Responsible Person

Where Shield is appointed as the Responsible Person (RP) for specific checks, Shield will act within the scope defined by legislation and building management instructions.

Where Shield is not the RP, responsibility for implementing remedial works and managing fire safety lies solely with the appointed RP or building management.

4. Training & Competence

All Shield inspectors will:

  • Hold recognised fire door inspection qualifications
  • Undertake CPD in line with relevant fire safety standards
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of BS 8214, BS 9991, BS 9999, and associated testing standards
  • Be familiar with the Fire Safety Order and relevant residential fire safety regulations

5. Methodology – Fire Door Inspections

Inspections follow a structured process aligned with BS 8214, BS EN 1634, and residential requirements under BS 9991.

5.1 Pre-Inspection Preparation

  • Obtain building plans, access permissions, and fire strategy (if available)
  • Confirm inspection schedule with building management
  • Prepare PPE and calibrated tools
  • Conduct pre-start briefing, including hazards and access arrangements

5.2 Inspection Procedure

Each fire door is checked for:

  • Door leaf condition and damage
  • Frame integrity and gaps
  • Compliance with fire rating evidence (certification, test data)
  • Hinges and fixings – alignment and suitability
  • Door closers – operation, speed, and full closure
  • Intumescent seals – presence, condition, correct size
  • Smoke seals – compliance with BS EN 1634-3
  • Glazing, beading, and apertures
  • Threshold gaps (required tolerances per BS 8214)
  • Signage (BS 5499 where applicable)
  • Ironmongery suitability and functionality

All findings are photographed and logged digitally.

5.3 Post-Inspection

  • Findings compiled into a full report
  • Doors rated according to risk level (critical/major/minor)
  • Recommendations made for remedial works
  • Report sent securely to client/Responsible Person

6. Methodology – Fire Safety Compliance Checks

6.1 Emergency Lighting (where requested)

Visual checks or functional tests aligned with BS 5266:

  • Luminaires present and unobstructed
  • Damage or defects
  • Functional test (as instructed)

6.2 Signage

Checked against BS 5499 / ISO 3864-1:

  • Correct location
  • Visibility and legibility
  • Damaged/missing signage

6.3 Escape Routes

  • Free from obstruction
  • Fire doors operational
  • No breaches in compartmentation (visual only)

6.4 General Fire Safety Observations

  • Fire equipment accessible
  • Communal areas free of storage
  • Hazard identification

6.5 Fire Alarm Testing (where requested)

Fire alarm testing will be carried out in accordance with client instructions and the relevant system design category. Duties include:

  • Weekly or monthly functional tests as instructed
  • Activation of call points (rotated weekly where applicable)
  • Audible alarm confirmation throughout common areas
  • Visual confirmation of panel status and fault indicators
  • Logging all tests, activations, and faults in the site's fire logbook
  • Reporting faults or non-compliances to the Responsible Person immediately
  • Ensuring detectors, MCPs, and sounders are unobstructed and undamaged
  • Resetting the system following test procedures
  • Fire equipment accessible
  • Communal areas free of storage
  • Hazard identification

7. Equipment Used

  • Gap gauges (calibrated)
  • Moisture meters (if required)
  • Digital camera/inspection software
  • PPE (gloves, safety footwear, eye protection)
  • Torches and inspection mirrors
  • Fire alarm call point keys (where fire alarm testing is required)

8. Health & Safety

All works are carried out in compliance with:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
  • Working at Height Regulations (if applicable)
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations
  • Site safety rules provided by client

Inspectors will:

  • Conduct dynamic risk assessments
  • Wear appropriate PPE
  • Maintain safe working distances in corridors and stairwells
  • Avoid creating obstructions in escape routes

9. Risk Assessment Summary

Hazards include:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Closing fire doors
  • Obstructed escape routes
  • Working in high-traffic communal areas

Controls include:

  • Good housekeeping
  • Barriers when required
  • Clear communication with residents and staff
  • Avoid inspection during peak movement times

10. Reporting & Record Keeping

All inspection data is stored securely and includes:

  • Full photographic record
  • Defect descriptions
  • Priority grading
  • Required remedial actions
  • Compliance observations (for fire safety checks)

Reports are delivered to the client or RP digitally in PDF format.

11. Completion of Works

Upon completion:

  • Inspectors confirm all areas inspected
  • Final report issued within agreed timeframe
  • Client may request review meeting to discuss findings and actions

12. Sign-Off

This method statement is approved for use by Shield Building Safety and Compliance for all fire door inspections and fire safety compliance checks.