Fire door requirements in the UK are governed by multiple pieces of legislation and guidance, all designed to ensure fire doors provide adequate protection for building occupants. Understanding these requirements is essential for building owners, landlords, and responsible persons under fire safety law.
Are you confident your fire doors meet legal requirements?
Let's identify what you need to check.
Legal requirements overview
Fire door requirements stem from several key pieces of legislation and guidance:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO)
The primary fire safety legislation for England and Wales:
- Applies to: All non-domestic premises and common areas of residential buildings
- Duty holder: The "responsible person" (usually the employer, owner, or landlord)
- Key requirement: Fire precautions must be adequate for the premises, including fire doors where the fire risk assessment identifies they're needed
- Enforcement: Fire and Rescue Authorities can issue notices and prosecute for non-compliance
The Fire Safety Order doesn't specify exactly where you need fire doors. Instead, it requires you to conduct a fire risk assessment, which will identify whether fire doors are necessary and where they're needed based on your specific premises.
The Fire Safety Act 2021
Amended the FSO to explicitly cover:
- Flat entrance doors in multi-occupied residential buildings
- External walls and attachments (cladding, balconies)
- Clarification: Made clear that flat entrance doors are part of the building's fire precautions
Impact: Landlords and building owners now have explicit legal duties regarding flat entrance doors, not just common area doors.
Building Regulations 2010 (Approved Document B)
Applies to new buildings and certain refurbishments:
- Sets out technical specifications for fire doors
- Defines where fire doors must be installed in new construction
- Specifies minimum fire resistance periods for different locations
- Applies when building or significantly altering premises
While Building Regulations apply to new construction, existing buildings must still meet the performance standards identified in their fire risk assessment, even if built before current regulations.
BS 476-22:1987 and BS 8214:2016
British Standards providing technical guidance:
BS 476-22:1987:
- Standard test method for fire resistance of door assemblies
- Defines how fire doors are tested and rated
- Establishes FD30, FD60 classifications
BS 8214:2016:
- Code of practice for fire door assemblies
- Covers installation, maintenance, and inspection
- Practical guidance on achieving compliance
Where fire doors are legally required
Your fire risk assessment will identify specific requirements, but fire doors are typically required in:
Residential buildings
Multi-occupied residential buildings (flats, HMOs):
- Flat entrance doors (FD30s minimum, FD30 acceptable in some older buildings)
- Doors to protected stairways and escape routes
- Cupboard doors housing gas or electric meters
- Communal area room doors (bin stores, plant rooms)
Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs):
- All bedroom doors (typically FD30)
- Doors to kitchen if not separate compartment
- Doors to protected escape routes
- Doors between different floor levels
Post-Grenfell changes: The Fire Safety Act 2021 makes landlords explicitly responsible for flat entrance doors meeting required fire resistance standards. This closed a previous regulatory gap.
Commercial premises
Offices, shops, factories:
- Doors protecting escape stairways
- Corridor subdivision doors
- Doors to high-risk areas (storage, plant rooms)
- Doors between different fire compartments
Places of assembly (pubs, restaurants, halls):
- All escape route doors
- Kitchen doors
- Staff accommodation doors
- Storage area doors
Care homes and hospitals
Stringent requirements due to vulnerability:
- Bedroom doors (often FD30s with smoke seals)
- Day room and lounge doors
- Treatment and consultation room doors
- Doors to protected escape routes and stairways
Standard Fire Door vs Flat Entrance Door Requirements
Standard Commercial Fire Door
- •FD30 rating typical
- •Self-closing device required
- •Intumescent strips required
- •Smoke seals recommended but not always required
- •Regular visual inspection sufficient
- •Part of general fire risk assessment
Flat Entrance Door (Post-FSA 2021)
Recommended- •FD30s rating (with smoke seals) preferred
- •Self-closing device required
- •Intumescent strips required
- •Smoke seals strongly recommended/required
- •Regular inspection and specific assessment required
- •Explicit legal duty under Fire Safety Act 2021
Bottom line: Flat entrance doors have enhanced requirements due to their critical role in protecting escape routes in residential buildings. Post-Grenfell, these requirements are now explicit in law.
Fire door specifications and standards
Fire resistance ratings
Fire doors must provide fire resistance for a specified period:
FD30 (30-minute rating):
- Most common standard for general use
- Suitable for most commercial buildings
- Minimum for flat entrance doors (though FD30s preferred)
- Used for internal compartmentation and corridor protection
FD60 (60-minute rating):
- Higher protection level
- Required for basement access doors
- High-risk area protection
- Some tall or complex buildings
- Between different occupancies
FD30s and FD60s:
- The "s" suffix indicates smoke control
- Includes smoke seals as well as intumescent strips
- Provides cold smoke protection
- Preferred for residential premises
The fire resistance rating must be appropriate for the risk and building design. Your fire risk assessment should specify which rating is needed in each location. Using FD30 where FD60 is needed could have fatal consequences.
Certification requirements
Fire doors must be certified to demonstrate they meet required standards:
Third-party certification schemes:
- BWF-CERTIFIRE — Most widely recognized UK scheme
- Warrington Certification — Independent testing body
- FIRAS (Fire Industry Association) — Industry scheme
Certification evidence:
- Certification plug or label (usually on door top edge)
- Certificate number and manufacturer details
- Fire rating clearly marked
- Installation instructions included
What certification proves:
- Door assembly tested to BS 476-22 or equivalent
- Performance verified by independent body
- Correct installation will deliver stated fire resistance
- Traceability for inspection and maintenance
Non-certified "fire doors" are a major problem. Some doors are marketed as fire doors but lack proper certification. Always insist on doors certified under recognized schemes. The certification label is your proof of compliance.
Component requirements
Every fire door must include these elements as a complete assembly:
1. Door leaf:
- Certified fire-resistant construction
- Solid core with fire-resistant materials
- Specific thickness and weight requirements
- No unauthorized modifications
2. Frame and architrave:
- Compatible with door leaf rating
- Properly fixed to structure
- Gap tolerances maintained (maximum 3mm)
3. Intumescent strips:
- Expand when heated to seal gaps
- Correctly sized for gap and fire rating
- Usually fitted in grooves in door or frame edge
- Not painted over or damaged
4. Smoke seals (for FD30s/FD60s):
- Prevent cold smoke penetration
- Often combined with intumescent strips
- Critical for smoke control in residential premises
5. Self-closing device:
- Door must close and latch from any position
- Overhead closer, concealed closer, or rising butt hinges
- Adjustable closing speed and latching force
- Regular maintenance required
6. Hinges:
- Minimum three hinges (more for heavy doors)
- Steel hinges, typically 100mm grade 13 or better
- All screws fitted and secure
7. Latch:
- Holds door closed in frame
- Minimum 12mm engagement
- Mortice latch or lock required
- Cylinder lock alone insufficient
8. Glazing (if present):
- Fire-resistant glass only
- Size restrictions (typically max 25% of door area)
- Properly sealed with intumescent glazing tape
- Certification marks visible on glass
Installation requirements
Proper installation is critical — even a certified fire door will fail if incorrectly fitted.
Professional installation
Fire doors should be installed by competent persons who:
- Understand fire door construction and function
- Follow manufacturer's installation instructions exactly
- Use compatible components (frame, seals, hardware)
- Maintain correct gap tolerances
- Don't make unauthorized modifications
Competent installer: Look for installers who are members of trade associations like BWF (British Woodworking Federation) or have attended fire door installation training courses.
Installation standards
Frame fixing:
- Securely fixed to structure at appropriate intervals
- Fire-stopping materials used correctly around frame
- No gaps between frame and structure
- Plumb and level installation
Gap tolerances:
- Maximum 3mm at top and sides (check with £1 coin)
- Maximum 8mm at bottom (unless 3mm specified for enhanced smoke control)
- Consistent gaps all around
- No binding or rubbing
Hardware installation:
- All components certified for fire door use
- Correct positioning according to manufacturer's instructions
- No additional holes drilled unnecessarily
- Letter plates, viewers must be fire-rated
Seals and strips:
- Intumescent strips in routed grooves (not surface-mounted)
- Correct size and type for door rating
- Continuous seal around perimeter (except bottom if not specified)
- Smoke seals fitted where required
Installation records
Keep records of:
- Date of installation
- Installer details and qualifications
- Door manufacturer and model
- Certification documents
- Installation location and reference number
- Photographic evidence
Housing association prosecuted for non-compliant flat entrance doors
A housing association managed several tower blocks containing over 400 flats. Following Grenfell, fire officers conducted inspections and found serious fire door deficiencies across multiple buildings.
- ✗Many flat entrance doors were standard timber doors, not fire doors
- ✗Some doors had been replaced by tenants without landlord knowledge
- ✗Where fire doors existed, many lacked certification labels
- ✗Self-closers missing or not functioning on 60% of flat entrance doors
- ✗Gaps around doors exceeded 3mm tolerances
- ✗No inspection regime in place to check door condition
- ✗The housing association couldn't produce evidence of door specifications
The housing association received Enforcement Notices covering all blocks. They were required to survey every flat entrance door, provide detailed remediation plans, and replace over 280 non-compliant doors at a cost exceeding £400,000. They were prosecuted and fined £75,000 plus costs.
The Fire Safety Act 2021 places explicit responsibility on landlords for flat entrance doors. Not knowing the specification of your doors, or having no inspection regime, is not a defense. The cost of non-compliance was 20 times what a proactive inspection and remediation program would have cost.
Ongoing maintenance requirements
Fire doors require regular inspection and maintenance to remain compliant.
Inspection frequency
Visual inspections:
- Daily/weekly: Casual checks by building users (door closes properly, not wedged open)
- Monthly: Structured checks by responsible person or facilities staff
- Six-monthly to annually: Detailed professional survey
When to inspect more frequently:
- High-traffic locations (wear accelerates)
- Following building works
- After any fire or near-miss incident
- If defects reported by users
What to inspect
Professional fire door surveys should check:
Documentation:
- Certification labels present and legible
- Installation records available
- Previous inspection records reviewed
Physical condition:
- Door leaf — no damage, delamination, holes
- Frame — secure, no cracks or damage
- Gaps — within 3mm tolerance
- Seals — present, intact, not painted over
- Self-closer — functions correctly, closes door fully
- Hinges — minimum three, all secure, no sagging
- Latch — engages properly, holds door closed
- Glazing — fire-rated, certification visible, no cracks
- Signage — present, legible
Functionality:
- Door closes from any position
- Latches shut every time
- No obstruction to closing
- Not wedged or propped open
Record keeping
Maintain records of:
- Inspection dates and inspector name
- Findings for each door
- Defects identified with photos
- Remedial actions required
- Completion dates for repairs
- Replacement of components or whole doors
Create a register of all fire doors in your premises with unique reference numbers. Record location, rating, installation date, and inspection history for each door. This demonstrates systematic management and helps plan maintenance budgets.
Common maintenance issues
Doors dropping or sagging:
- Cause: Worn hinges, inadequate hinges, or warped door
- Fix: Adjust or replace hinges, check for minimum three hinges, replace door if warped
Self-closer not working:
- Cause: Worn closer, incorrect adjustment, missing closer
- Fix: Adjust closing force, replace closer if worn, ensure proper installation
Seals damaged or missing:
- Cause: Paint build-up, physical damage, age deterioration
- Fix: Replace seals with correct specification, avoid painting over new seals
Gaps too large:
- Cause: Door dropped, frame movement, incorrect installation
- Fix: Rehang door, pack frame, replace if beyond adjustment
Doors wedged open:
- Cause: User convenience, poor understanding of fire safety
- Fix: Remove wedges, educate users, fit hold-open devices linked to fire alarm if needed
Common compliance issues
Fire officers frequently identify these problems during inspections:
No certification evidence
The problem: Fire doors without certification labels, or labels removed/painted over
Why it matters: Cannot verify the door meets required standards. May not be a fire door at all.
The solution: If certification cannot be found, assume the door is non-compliant and arrange professional assessment. May need replacement.
Wrong rating for location
The problem: FD30 door used where FD60 required, or non-fire-rated door in critical location
Why it matters: Inadequate fire resistance for the risk
The solution: Fire risk assessment should specify required ratings. Replace doors with correct rating.
Missing or inadequate smoke seals
The problem: FD30 door used where FD30s required (especially flat entrance doors)
Why it matters: Smoke kills more quickly than fire. Cold smoke bypasses intumescent strips.
The solution: Retrofit smoke seals if possible, or replace with FD30s rated doors
Flat entrance doors don't meet standards
The problem: Standard doors, non-certified doors, or inadequate fire doors as flat entrance doors
Why it matters: Explicit legal requirement under Fire Safety Act 2021
The solution: Survey all flat entrance doors, replace non-compliant doors with FD30s minimum
Unauthorized modifications
The problem: Holes drilled for cables, cat flaps fitted, door trimmed excessively
Why it matters: Compromises fire resistance, invalidates certification
The solution: Replace compromised doors, or certify repairs with appropriate fire-stopping
No inspection regime
The problem: Fire doors installed but never inspected
Why it matters: Defects develop over time, doors may fail when needed
The solution: Implement regular inspection schedule, keep records
Enforcement and penalties
Fire and Rescue Authorities enforce fire door requirements:
Enforcement powers
Informal action:
- Advice letters highlighting deficiencies
- Informal notices requesting remedial action
- Timescales for compliance
Formal enforcement:
- Alterations Notice — requiring changes to premises
- Enforcement Notice — requiring specific actions within timescales
- Prohibition Notice — prohibiting use of premises until defects rectified
Prosecution:
- Criminal offence to fail to comply with Fire Safety Order
- Fines up to unlimited amounts
- Imprisonment for serious breaches (up to 2 years)
- Corporate manslaughter charges if death results from negligence
Prohibition Notices immediately affect your business. If fire doors are so deficient that there's imminent risk to life, the fire authority can prohibit use of the premises. This means immediate closure until you fix the problems.
Recent prosecutions
Courts are taking fire safety breaches increasingly seriously:
- £75,000+ fines for landlords with non-compliant flat entrance doors
- £100,000+ fines for care homes with inadequate fire doors
- Custodial sentences where negligence leads to death or serious injury
- Corporate manslaughter charges in the most serious cases
Insurance implications
Non-compliant fire doors can:
- Invalidate building insurance
- Invalidate public liability insurance
- Result in refused claims after fire incidents
- Lead to increased premiums
Upgrading and replacing fire doors
When replacement is required
Replace fire doors when:
- No certification — Cannot verify fire rating
- Wrong rating — Doesn't meet fire risk assessment requirements
- Significant damage — Beyond economic repair
- Repeated failures — Won't close properly despite repairs
- Regulatory change — Building use change requires higher standard
Specifying replacement doors
When replacing fire doors:
- Confirm required rating — Check fire risk assessment
- Specify smoke seals if needed — FD30s/FD60s for residential premises
- Use certified products — CERTIFIRE, FIRAS, or equivalent
- Engage competent installers — Trade association members or trained installers
- Match existing openings — Or prepare to modify frames/openings
- Budget for complete assemblies — Door, frame, hardware, installation
Cost considerations
Typical costs (indicative):
- Basic FD30 fire door assembly: £150-300
- FD30s flat entrance door assembly: £250-450
- FD60 fire door assembly: £300-600
- Professional installation per door: £150-300
- Frame replacement (if needed): £100-250
- Professional survey (small block): £500-1,500
Budgeting tips:
- Get multiple quotes for large projects
- Consider phased replacement if budget constrained
- Prioritize highest-risk locations first
- Factor in ongoing inspection costs
Proactive vs Reactive Fire Door Compliance
Reactive Approach
- •Wait for fire officer inspection
- •Face potential enforcement action
- •Emergency remediation at premium cost
- •Business disruption from prohibition notices
- •Reputational damage
- •Potential prosecution and fines
Proactive Approach
Recommended- •Regular professional surveys
- •Planned remediation and budgeting
- •Maintain compliance continuously
- •Demonstrate responsible management
- •Protect occupants effectively
- •Avoid enforcement action and fines
Bottom line: The cost of proactive fire door compliance is a fraction of the cost of reactive enforcement. Regular inspections identify issues early when they're cheap to fix, and demonstrate you're taking your legal duties seriously.
Frequently asked questions
Flat entrance doors should be FD30s (30-minute fire door with smoke seals) as a minimum, though FD30 without smoke seals may be acceptable in some older buildings. The Fire Safety Act 2021 makes landlords explicitly responsible for ensuring flat entrance doors provide adequate fire resistance. Your fire risk assessment should specify the required standard for your building.
No, you cannot reliably upgrade a standard door to achieve fire resistance. Fire doors require specific core materials, construction methods, and testing to achieve their rating. The only compliant approach is to replace non-fire doors with properly certified fire door assemblies.
Visual checks should be done regularly (weekly or monthly). Professional fire door surveys should be conducted every 6-12 months depending on premises type and risk level. Your fire risk assessment should specify an appropriate inspection frequency for your premises.
If you cannot verify certification, you cannot be sure the door meets required fire resistance standards. You should arrange a professional assessment. If the door cannot be verified as compliant, you may need to replace it with a certified fire door.
In residential tenancies, the landlord is typically responsible for fire doors, especially flat entrance doors protecting common escape routes. For commercial leases, responsibility depends on the lease terms, but the landlord usually remains the 'responsible person' for common areas and must ensure fire doors meet requirements.
Not all fire doors legally require smoke seals, but they're strongly recommended. FD30s and FD60s (with 's' suffix) include smoke seals. Flat entrance doors should have smoke seals. Doors protecting sleeping accommodation should have smoke seals. Your fire risk assessment should identify where smoke seals are necessary.
No, unless the door has an automatic hold-open device linked to the fire alarm system. Propping fire doors open defeats their purpose and is a serious fire safety breach. Fire officers can issue enforcement notices for propped-open fire doors.
The Fire and Rescue Authority can issue enforcement notices requiring remedial action. Failure to comply can result in prosecution with unlimited fines. Serious breaches can result in imprisonment up to 2 years. Prohibition notices can close premises immediately. Recent fines for landlords with non-compliant flat entrance doors have exceeded £75,000.
Next steps
Ensure your fire doors meet legal requirements:
Understand your overall fire safety duties:
What is a fire risk assessment? →
Concerned about fire door compliance? A qualified fire door surveyor can assess your premises, provide a detailed compliance report, and recommend prioritized actions to meet legal requirements.
Related articles:
- What is a fire door?
- Fire Safety Order explained
- What is a fire risk assessment?
- Fire safety in blocks of flats
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