Fire doors are a fundamental part of passive fire protection in any building, as they’re designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes and save lives. Though they may look like any other door, fire doors are highly engineered safety systems, and they are legally required in many building types under UK fire safety legislation.
What is a fire door?
A fire door is a specially designed door set that, when correctly installed, can resist fire and smoke for a specified period, typically 30, 60 or 120 minutes (FD30, FD60, FD120). Key components of a compliant fire door include:
- A certified fire-rated door leaf
- Intumescent seals (which expand when exposed to heat)
- Fire-rated hinges and ironmongery
- Self-closing devices
- Approved frames and installation methods
When even one component is missing or damaged, the door’s fire performance can be compromised.
Legal framework and standards
Fire door requirements in the UK are governed by several laws and standards, depending on the building type and its use:
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO)
Applies to all non-domestic premises and multi-occupied residential buildings. The “responsible person” must ensure fire doors are in place where needed and maintained in good working order.
Building Regulations 2010 – Approved Document B
Sets out when and where fire doors are required in new or altered buildings. Common locations include:
- Communal corridors and stairwells
- Between escape routes and fire compartments
- Entrances to flats and apartments
- Plant and storage rooms
- Service risers and cupboards
Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
Specifically targets multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres in height. Landlords must conduct annual checks of flat entrance doors and quarterly checks of fire doors in communal areas.
Where are fire doors required?
Fire doors are typically required in:
- Commercial buildings to protect stairwells, corridors and between offices and plant rooms.
- Hospitals and care homes to compartmentalise wards and protect vulnerable occupants.
- Schools and universities to secure classrooms, student accommodation and escape routes.
- Social housing and flats to separate individual units from common areas and stairwells.
Even in smaller buildings, fire doors may be required depending on layout, escape distances and risk assessments.
Inspection and maintenance
Fire doors must be regularly inspected to ensure they remain safe and effective. Checks should include:
- Gaps around the door (ideally 3mm at the top/sides and 8mm at the bottom)
- Condition of seals, hinges and closers
- Signs of damage, warping or wear
- Confirmation of third-party certification markings
- A record of inspections
How to stay fire door compliant
- Know your responsibilities under fire safety law
- Install certified fire door sets from trusted suppliers
- Schedule regular inspections and maintenance
- Educate staff and occupants on the importance of keeping fire doors closed
Get in touch with CMC Fire Stopping
Thanks to our in-house partners who are BM Trada certified manufacturers and installers of high-quality fire doors, we can help your organisation to protect lives, limit damage and keep your premises compliant with current fire safety regulations. Contact us today to find out more about fire door installations.
