Fire doors are one of the most important passive fire protection measures in any building. They’re designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke, safeguard escape routes, and help save lives. But to do that, they need to be properly installed, maintained—and regularly inspected.
So, who’s legally allowed to inspect them? And what counts as “competent” in the eyes of UK fire safety law? Here’s what you need to know.
What the Law Says
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the person responsible for fire safety in a building—often the landlord, employer, or managing agent—must ensure that:
- Fire doors are in good working order
- They are inspected at appropriate intervals
- And any issues are identified and remedied quickly
You don’t necessarily need a specific licence to inspect fire doors, but you must be competent. That’s where recognised training and qualifications come in.
What Does “Competent” Mean?
The law defines a competent person as someone with:
- Relevant training and/or experience
- The knowledge, skills and ability to carry out the task safely and correctly
In the case of fire door inspections, this means understanding:
- Fire door construction and performance standards
- Installation and maintenance best practices
- The legal and compliance requirements
Competence can be demonstrated through practical experience and/or recognised qualifications, which is where FireQual comes in.
Recognised FireQual Qualifications
FireQual is a nationally recognised awarding organisation dedicated to fire safety qualifications. Backed by the Fire Sector Federation, FireQual provides high-quality training that is designed to support professional competency in line with UK fire safety legislation.
For fire door inspectors, relevant FireQual qualifications may include:
- Level 3 Award in Fire Door Inspection
- Level 3 Award in Fire Risk Assessment
- Specialist units for fire door installation and maintenance
FireQual qualifications are respected across the fire safety industry and are aligned with national occupational standards. They are a solid way to demonstrate that someone has the theoretical knowledge and practical understanding to inspect fire doors competently.
Other Routes to Competence
Aside from FireQual, other organisations also provide recognised fire door inspection schemes and training, including:
- FIRAS (Fire Door Inspection Scheme)
- BM TRADA Q-Mark
- IFSM (Institute of Fire Safety Managers)
- IFE (Institution of Fire Engineers)
- ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection)
These schemes often require inspectors to:
- Pass practical and written assessments
- Undertake CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Adhere to industry codes of practice
At ESI, we take competency seriously. Our team includes individuals trained to these recognised standards, giving our clients confidence and peace of mind.
Can You or Your Staff Carry Out Inspections?
Basic visual checks can often be carried out in-house—especially in smaller or low-risk premises. These checks include:
- Making sure the fire door closes fully
- Ensuring the seals and hinges are intact
- Checking the door hasn’t been propped open or damaged
But for formal fire door inspections—such as those now legally required in residential buildings over 11 metres tall, or part of a fire risk assessment—you should use someone with recognised qualifications and industry experience.
What’s Involved in a Fire Door Inspection?
A competent inspector will check:
- The certification label or plug on the door
- That the door closes and latches correctly
- That gaps are within permitted limits (usually 3–4mm)
- The intumescent and smoke seals are present and in good condition
- Hinges, closers, locks, and handles are secure and fire-rated
- The door leaf and frame are not warped, damaged or altered
They’ll also issue a report detailing any defects and what needs fixing, so you can stay compliant and keep occupants safe.
Fire Door Inspections with ESI
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help building owners, landlords, and property managers across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire region.
Our team:
- Is trained and competent in fire door inspection
- Understands British Standards, including BS 8214 and BS 9999
- Knows how to spot both obvious and hidden compliance issues
- Delivers clear reports and actionable advice
Whether you’re looking for a routine inspection, or you’ve had fire doors flagged in a recent fire risk assessment, we’re here to help.
Don’t Take Chances with Fire Door Safety
Fire doors are only effective when they’re regularly checked by people who know what to look for. If you’re unsure who should be inspecting your fire doors—or when they were last assessed—now’s the time to act.
Contact ESI today to book a professional fire door inspection with a qualified, competent team you can trust.
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