The importance of Fire Door Surveys: Protecting people and property

In this article we talk about the importance of fire door inspections and why you should choose and expert fire door survey company to protect you and the people you’re responsible for.

What is a Fire Door Survey?

A Fire Door Survey is a thorough assessment of your building’s fire doors to ensure they meet compliance standards and are fit for purpose. Typically conducted after a Fire Risk Assessment, the survey identifies issues, potential hazards, and areas requiring maintenance or replacement.

“A Fire Door Survey is not just a check box exercise. It ensures your doors will actually perform in the event of a fire.”

Erik Hudson, Managing Director, Pyro Fire

A trained and knowledgeable inspector will evaluate the condition, suitability, and compliance of each door. Over time, daily use and wear can compromise a door’s effectiveness. Gaps can fall out of tolerance, seals may degrade, and hardware can fail. Without proper inspection and maintenance, fire doors may not perform when it matters most.

Why fire door inspections are critical

• Fire doors are a vital component of a building’s fire protection measures.
• They not only help contain fire but also prevent the spread of smoke, providing crucial time for occupants to evacuate safely.
• Fire Door Surveys check for issues or confirm compliance after a Fire Risk Assessment.
• They are carried out by expert inspectors who assess the condition and suitability.
• Many doors are old and rarely checked – so regular maintenance is key.
• Daily wear and tear can create gaps or damage, reducing effectiveness.
• Fire door inspections include the integration of smoke seals, intumescent strips, fire-rated glass, and ironmongery.

“Great company. Excellent service. Our booking was made quickly and easily through the head office. Barry, our fire safety assessor, was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and the paperwork was completed and sent through to us swiftly. I would highly recommend.”

Sophie Foster, October 2025, Trustpilot review

Despite common misconceptions, a Fire Risk Assessment does not fully inspect all fire doors. It typically samples a few doors and recommends improvements. To gain a complete picture of compliance, a Fire Door Survey by a specialist fire door survey company is essential.

Regulations reinforce this responsibility. According to Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), the ‘responsible person’ must ensure all fire safety measures, including fire doors, are properly maintained and in efficient working order. Fire doors are not optional – they are legally required to protect lives.

Understanding the fire door inspection process

1. Initial Fire Risk Assessment

Before a survey, a Fire Risk Assessment determines whether a full Fire Door Survey is needed.

2. Identify ‘Certificated’ vs ‘Nominal’ fire doors

As part of the inspection, the fire door survey company will assess the different types of fire doors, to ensure all relevant doors are surveyed:

1. • ‘Certificated’ fire doors carry identification marks, such as a sticker or plug, proving they have been tested, manufactured and installed as a fire resisting door as part of a fire door set or a fire assembly.
   • ‘Nominal’ fire doors appear to have fire-resistant characteristics but lack formal certification, and in the professional opinion of the survey, should be treated as a fire door.

3. Detailed inspection by a competent fire door surveyor
A certified fire door surveyor evaluates which doors should be fire-resisting, checking:

• • Frames, hinges, and locks
  • Glazing and seals
  • Door structure and signage
  • Self-closing devices and gaps

4. Reporting & recommendations
If a fire door fails any inspection criteria or is significantly damaged, the surveyor would mark this as ‘works required’ and recommends repair or replacement. At Pyro Fire Services we provide you with a comprehensive report, including:

• • Fire door register and conditions table
  • Detailed action plan with risks, photos, and recommendations
  • Online portal access to Block 7, our industry-leading risk assessment software. Where you can view and action outstanding risk actions.

5. Remedial works

As long-standing experts in fire safety, we work with a trusted network of partners, including fire door contractors, to help remediate any non-conformities. These partners rely on us to conduct thorough and accurate surveys for their customers, drawing on our extensive experience with large multi-property organisations, including government and local councils.

“Our goal is to make compliance simple and actionable. The survey report gives you all the information needed to keep your property safe.”

Erik Hudson, Managing Director, Pyro Fire

Final thoughts: Safety, compliance, and peace of mind

Fire Door Surveys are not optional, they are essential. Regular inspections, maintenance, and the use of competent fire survey companies ensure that fire doors perform when it matters most. By taking these steps, property owners protect occupants, maintain compliance, and mitigate risk.

At Pyro, we work hard every day as your trusted expert in fire compliance. Our reports play a vital role in ensuring fire safety, protecting both people and property.

Contact us today

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