Door Group, a division of the physical security product manufacturer ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, is urging building owners, facilities managers and duty holders to prioritise regular, professional fire door inspections to ensure escape routes remain safe and compliant.
Fire doorsets play a critical role in protecting lives by containing fire and smoke, maintaining compartmentation, and safeguarding escape routes. However, even the best-quality, certified products can fail in an emergency if they are damaged, incorrectly installed, or poorly maintained.
Brian Sofley, Managing Director at Door Group, said: “Inspections are one of the most important aspects of fire door safety, yet they are often overlooked. A compliant fire escape route depends on every doorset functioning as it should. If even one door fails to close properly, has gaps, or has been altered outside of certification, it can compromise the safety of the entire building. Regular, third-party accredited inspections give building managers the confidence that their fire doors are fit for purpose, and that any issues are identified and resolved before they put lives at risk.”
Obligations
While regulations such as the Building Safety Act place responsibilities on those managing buildings, industry research suggests many duty holders are still uncertain about their obligations around fire door maintenance and inspection. However, neglecting this responsibility could have devastating consequences in the event of a fire.
Door Group offers an inspection service carried out by BRE-certified inspectors. Tailored to suit specific building requirements, inspections can be scheduled every three, four, six or 12 months. Each inspection delivers a detailed report with practical recommendations, from remedial works to replacement where necessary, ensuring escape routes remain fully compliant and operational.
Brian added: “Fire Door Safety Week is a valuable reminder to the industry, but fire door inspections are not a once-a-year consideration, they should be part of an ongoing life safety strategy.”
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