Fire door inspection checklist template

When inspecting fire door seals, check that intumescent strips and smoke seals are continuous around the frame or door edge with no gaps or damage. Ensure seals aren’t painted over, as this prevents proper expansion during a fire. Verify that smoke seals make proper contact when the door is closed, creating an effective barrier against smoke penetration.

The most common fire door defects include excessive gaps between the door and frame (should be 3-4mm), damaged or missing intumescent seals, improperly functioning self-closing devices, and unauthorized modifications like removed door closers. Also watch for improper signage and wedged-open doors, as these compromise the entire fire compartmentation strategy.

Use the severity ratings in the checklist to categorize defects as critical, major, or minor. Critical issues (like non-functioning closers or damaged door leafs) require immediate action. Address major issues within weeks, and schedule minor cosmetic issues during routine maintenance. This prioritization ensures safety-critical repairs happen promptly.

Yes, you can customize this checklist to reflect the specific requirements of different building types. For healthcare facilities, add sections on radiation protection or specific evacuation requirements. For historic buildings, include assessment of heritage considerations. For high-rise residential buildings, incorporate the specific quarterly inspection requirements from the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.