At Gerda Security, we know that fire door management is essential for keeping people and buildings safe. Fire doorsets are a critical part of a building’s fire protection system. They slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving people time to escape and protecting emergency routes. However, for fire doorsets to do their job, they must be properly inspected, maintained, and recorded.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about managing fire doorsets, including inspection schedules, common faults, maintenance best practices, and how our G-Smart fire doorset software can help you stay compliant.

Key Takeaways

• Fire door management is a legal requirement and essential for building safety.
• Inspection of fire doors should be done at least every six months.
• High-traffic buildings may require more frequent inspections.
• Regular fire doors maintenance prevents costly repairs and safety risks.
• Tools like G-Smart make tracking inspections and maintenance simple.

Why Fire Door Management Matters

Fire doorsets are not like regular doors. They are built to resist fire and stop smoke from spreading into escape routes. This containment allows people more time to exit the building safely and protects critical areas, such as stairways and corridors. But even a small fault in a fire doorset can mean the difference between life and death.Without proper fire doors maintenance, gaps in seals, damaged frames, or worn hinges can prevent the door from closing correctly. This compromises the entire fire safety system of the building. It is not enough to install fire doorsets; keeping them in good condition through active fire door management is vital.

How Often Should Fire Doorsets Be Inspected?

The inspection of fire doors is required to be routine and consistent. These regular inspections help catch issues early and avoid emergency repairs. They also provide proof of compliance, which is essential during fire safety audits.

Buildings meeting certain criteria will need checks more frequently – for example, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 outline that residential buildings over 11 metres high require checks to communal fire doorsets every three months, and to flat entrance fire doorsets every twelve months.

What Does a Full Inspection of Fire Doors Involve?

A complete fire doors maintenance inspection is more than just a glance at the doorset. It covers several crucial parts:

• Door Frame: Must be firmly attached with no signs of movement or damage. A loose or distorted frame prevents the doorset from sealing correctly.
• Hardware: Includes hinges, latches, handles, and closers. These must work smoothly, without sticking or excessive wear.
• Door Leaf: The main part of the door should not have any cracks, warping, or dents. Even small damage can stop it from closing properly.
• Seals: Both intumescent and smoke seals should be intact. These expand under heat to block fire and smoke. Missing or damaged seals compromise the entire doorset.
• Glazing: Any glass in the doorset must be fire-rated and securely fixed, with no cracks or loose sections.
• Signage: Every fire doorset needs clear signs stating it is a fire doorset, and that it should be kept shut.
• Surrounding Wall: The wall holding the doorset must be in good condition to support the fire doorset’s performance.
• Certification: Check for labels proving the doorset has been tested and certified to meet fire safety standards.

Maintaining Fire Doorsets After Inspections

After every inspection of fire doors, any faults found must be fixed straight away. Delaying repairs can turn a small issue into a major hazard.

Fire doors maintenance includes:

• Routine Visual Checks: Between formal inspections, regular visual checks help spot early problems, like minor seal wear or hardware becoming loose.
• Repairs: Replace damaged parts immediately, including seals, closers, and signage. Proper repairs keep the doorset functioning as designed.
• Professional Inspections: In addition to your own checks, qualified professionals should perform detailed inspections regularly to keep your building compliant.
• Records: Documentation is key. Keep a log of every inspection, repair, and check to prove compliance during safety audits.

For a deeper look, see our guide on regular fire doorset maintenance.

Common Fire Doorset Problems and How to Prevent Them

Gerda Security doorsets are designed for longevity, but issues can arise with any doorset if not maintained properly. The most common faults seen during fire door inspection include:

• Missing or damaged seals, which stop the doorset from containing smoke and fire.
• Warped frames, which prevent the doorset from closing properly.
• Broken hinges or latches that make the doorset difficult to operate.
• Doorsets propped open, which means they can’t work during a fire.

Gerda provides comprehensive maintenance services to ensure that doors remain in optimal working condition throughout their lifespan. 

Regular inspections and upkeep helps prevent common issues such as seal or hinge failures, which can compromise performance over time. Proper maintenance also supports the overall performance of complete doorsets, ensuring they continue to function effectively..

Prevention comes from regular inspections, quick repairs and awareness. Ensuring everyone in the building understands the purpose of fire doorsets – and why they should never be blocked or held open – is just as important as physical maintenance.

How G-Smart Simplifies Fire Door Management

Managing fire doorsets across large buildings or estates can become complex. That’s why Gerda Security created G-Smart.

G-Smart is a digital platform that tracks the complete history of every fire doorset, from installation to inspections and repairs. The system provides real-time updates, making it easier to stay compliant and plan proactive maintenance. With mobile access, inspectors can update records on-site, reducing paperwork and improving accuracy.

Fire door management is not optional. It is a vital part of protecting lives and property. Through careful inspection of fire doors, proactive fire doors maintenance, and accurate record-keeping, you can keep your building safe and compliant. With advanced solutions like the G-Smart app, managing fire doorsets has never been simpler.