FIRE DOOR FAQs - KEEPSHUT LONDON

A fire door is a passive fire protection component that slows the spread of fire and smoke in a building, protecting escape routes and giving occupants more time to evacuate. Fire doors are part of the fire compartmentation strategy required under UK Building Regulations and fire safety law.   For a fire door to work effectively, it must be: • correctly installed, • regularly inspected, • maintained and • tested or certified where required.   Keepshut London helps ensure fire doors perform as intended, reducing risk and supporting compliance.

The Responsible Person under UK fire safety law, typically a building owner, managing agent or facilities manager, must ensure that fire doors are inspected and maintained appropriately. Failure to do so can lead to enforcement action, fines or insurance issues. ​ Keepshut London works with Managing Agents, block managers, housing associations and other duty holders to provide certified fire door inspections and professional documentation.

Inspection frequency can vary by building type and use, but typical guidance is: ​ • At least twice yearly for communal fire doors in residential buildings • Annually for other fire doors, with additional checks where required under statutory guidance • More frequent checks may be needed in high-traffic or high-risk areas such as student accommodation or care homes   Regular inspections help identify defects early and ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

A professional inspection typically includes: • Checking door operation and closers • Assessing gaps around the door and frame • Verifying intumescent and smoke seals • Checking hardware such as hinges and latches • Confirming certification labels where present • Producing a detailed report with findings and recommendations Keepshut London’s fire door inspections provide auditable records and support compliance planning.

• A fire door inspection focuses specifically on the condition and compliance of individual fire doors and related hardware.   • A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a broader evaluation of a building’s overall fire safety, including escape routes, compartmentation, and management systems.   Fire door inspection reports can be used to inform or close out FRA actions

Yes, in many cases fire doors can be remedied rather than replaced, saving cost and material waste. Keepshut London offers fire door remedial works, including: • Replacing or adjusting hinges • Fitting compliant fire and smoke seals • Repairing frames and closing mechanisms   Remedial works are often suitable where doors fail compliance but do not require full replacement.

Keepshut London provides: • Certification and compliance documents • Photographic evidence of work completed • Fire door registers or asset records • Inspection reports suitable for audits and insurance reviews Our documentation is accepted by local authorities and building control as evidence of compliance under UK fire safety standards

BM TRADA Q-Mark is a third-party independent certification scheme for fire door installation, maintenance and inspection. It provides assurance that work is carried out to accredited standards and is independently audited. Keepshut London is BM TRADA Q-Mark certified for fire door services.

Yes, we work across: • Residential blocks • Student accommodation • Care homes • Social housing • Commercial and high-occupancy buildings Each sector has its own compliance context, and we tailor inspections, remedial works and documentation accordingly.

Fire doors in the UK must be managed under:   • The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 • Fire Safety Act (England) 2022(https://www.keepshutlondon.co.uk/post/deep-dive-building-safety-update-fire-safety) • Relevant parts of Building Regulations • Guidance from British Standards such as BS 8214 and testing standards recognised by certification bodies   Keepshut London helps building managers comply with all applicable requirements

Response times vary by workload and site access, but we aim to schedule inspections and remedial works promptly. You can request a quote or send us your inspection report to fast-track compliance planning.

Yes, all works are delivered by trained, competent operatives under certification schemes. Our directors hold industry qualifications and memberships, reinforcing our commitment to professional standards in passive fire protection.

You can: • Upload your existing inspection report • Request a tailored consultation • Book an on-site survey • Contact us directly for a compliance review Our team supports clients from initial inspection through to certified completion.

If you manage fire doors in London, Kent or the South East and require inspection, remedial work or certified replacement, contact Keepshut London for a professional, compliant solution.

The Building Safety Act 2022 places a greater emphasis on demonstrating and maintaining fire safety in high-rise residential buildings. For fire doors, this means there is a heightened require‐ ment for building owners and appointed “Accountable Persons” to manage and reduce the risk of fire spread. The Act reinforces the need for a “golden thread” of information, which includes maintaining accurate, up-to-date records of fire door inspections, maintenance, and certification. This ensures a clear and auditable trail of compliance. As a BM TRADA certified contractor, Keepshut London provides the necessary documentation, including certification and photographic evidence, to help you meet these stringent record-keeping obligations and demonstrate proactive management of fire door safety as mandated by the Act.

Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, fire doors in multi-occupied residential buildings must be subject to regular checks. In practice, inspection frequency should be proportionate to risk and building type, and integrated into a structured passive fire protection compliance programme that ensures ongoing oversight rather than isolated assessments.