Three-quarters of UK fire doors fail to meet standard, inspection data shows

The most common reasons for inspection failure – which can be a result of one or multiple issues – were excessive gaps between the door and the frame (77%), care and maintenance issues (54%), and issues over smoke sealing (37%). 

The data showed inspectors’ top three fire safety concerns: a lack of fire door maintenance; poor knowledge of fire safety responsibilities; and a limited understanding by those responsible for building fire safety of the role fire doors play in keeping people safe.

Since the introduction of the Building Safety Bill (now the Building Safety Act 2022), 77% of FDIS inspectors have seen an increase in demand for inspections.

Louise Halton, FDIS scheme manager, said: “With the vast majority of fire doors in the UK failing inspections, it’s sad to say that a tragedy is simply waiting to happen, especially so in buildings that are home to vulnerable residents. 

“But this situation is entirely preventable and, at this stage, still reversible. 

“A fit-for-purpose fire door can save lives, so now is the time for all of those responsible for fire safety to urgently inspect fire doors in their buildings and act immediately if faults are identified.”