regulations
Fire Door Regulations Made Simple:
What You Need to Know as a Property Owner
Fire doors aren’t just a box to tick — they are a legal requirement and a vital part of keeping people safe. Understanding the basics of UK fire door regulations helps you stay compliant and, most importantly, protect lives.
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1
Where Fire Doors Are Required
Flats & Apartments: Entrance doors must be fire doors (usually FD30s). Commercial Buildings: Offices, schools, shops, and workplaces require fire doors in escape routes and between fire compartments. Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs): Fire doors are needed between habitable rooms, escape routes, and kitchens.
2
Fire Resistance Ratings​
FD30 = Withstands fire for 30 minutes. FD60 = Withstands fire for 60 minutes. The correct rating depends on building type, use, and layout.
3
Installation & Certification
Fire doors must be: Installed by a competent person. Supplied with certification showing they have been tested as a complete doorset. Fitted with approved components only (hinges, closers, locks, seals, etc.).
4
Your Responsibility​
Under the Fire Safety Order 2005 and Building Regulations (Regulation 38), the Responsible Person (landlord, building owner, or employer) must ensure fire doors are compliant and properly maintained.
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Maintenance & Inspection
It’s not enough to just install a fire door — they must be regularly checked. Look for: Damaged seals or glazing. Gaps larger than 3–4mm around the door. Missing or broken self-closers.
Why Fire Doors Are Essential for Your Safety at Home and Work
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When it comes to fire safety, few features are as important as a properly fitted and maintained fire door. Designed to hold back flames and smoke, fire doors play a vital role in protecting lives and property in both homes and workplaces. ​ 1. Life-Saving Protection Fire doors are specifically designed to resist fire for a set amount of time (commonly 30 or 60 minutes). This crucial delay gives occupants valuable time to escape safely and allows emergency services a better chance to respond. ​ 2. Containing Smoke and Flames It’s not just fire that poses a threat — smoke is often more dangerous. Fire doors, fitted with intumescent strips and smoke seals, help stop toxic smoke from spreading rapidly through a building. ​ 3. Legal Compliance UK regulations require fire doors in certain locations, such as flat entrances, stairwells, corridors, and commercial properties. Without them, property owners risk not only fines but also the safety of everyone inside. ​ 4. Protecting Property and Assets By containing fire within one area, fire doors help minimise damage to the rest of the building. This protection can be critical for both homeowners and businesses. ​ 5. Peace of Mind Knowing you have compliant fire doors installed by qualified specialists gives confidence that your home or workplace is as safe as possible in an emergency. to Our Site
75%
Failed Inspection
Approximately 75% of fire doors in the UK fail to meet required safety standards, according to data from the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) based on over 100,000 inspections conducted in 2021.
Step Guide
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How to Spot if Your Fire Door Is Compliant​​
