FIRE DOOR FAQs - KEEPSHUT LONDON
Your guide to fire door compliance, inspections, repairs and certification in London and the South East
FIRE DOOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE FAQ's
RRFSO requires fire door remedial works in London to be performed by competent passive fire professionals. We are a certified fire contractor to deliver fire door services and compartmentation works in London, Kent and surrounding areas.
FIRE DOOR FAQs – KEEPSHUT LONDON
Keepshut London specialises in fire door inspections, remedial works, maintenance and certified installations for residential blocks, student accommodation, care homes, social housing, hospitals and commercial buildings. We help responsible persons, managing agents and property owners meet their legal obligations under UK fire safety legislation with clear documentation, standards-based fire door compliance and evidence accepted by local authorities and insurers.
What is a fire door and why are they important?
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:
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correctly installed,
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regularly inspected,
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maintained and
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tested or certified where required.
Keepshut London helps ensure fire doors perform as intended, reducing risk and supporting compliance.
Who is responsible for fire door inspections and maintenance?
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.
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Keepshut London works with Managing Agents, block managers, housing associations and other duty holders to provide certified fire door inspections and professional documentation.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Inspection frequency can vary by building type and use, but typical guidance is:
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At least twice yearly for communal fire doors in residential buildings
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Annually for other fire doors, with additional checks where required under statutory guidance
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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.
What does a fire door inspection involve?
A professional inspection typically includes:
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Checking door operation and closers
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Assessing gaps around the door and frame
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Verifying intumescent and smoke seals
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Checking hardware such as hinges and latches
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Confirming certification labels where present
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Producing a detailed report with findings and recommendations
Keepshut London’s fire door inspections provide auditable records and support compliance planning.
What is the difference between a fire door inspection and a fire risk assessment (FRA)?
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A fire door inspection focuses specifically on the condition and compliance of individual fire doors and related hardware.
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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
What is the difference between a fire door inspection and a fire risk assessment (FRA)?
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A fire door inspection focuses specifically on the condition and compliance of individual fire doors and related hardware.
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A Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) is a broader evaluation of a building’s overall fire safety, including escape routes, compartmentation, and management systems
Can fire doors be repaired rather than replaced?
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:
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Replacing or adjusting hinges
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Fitting compliant fire and smoke seals
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Repairing frames and closing mechanisms
Remedial works are often suitable where doors fail compliance but do not require full replacement.
What documentation do I receive after fire door work?
Keepshut London provides:
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Certification and compliance documents
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Photographic evidence of work completed
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Fire door registers or asset records
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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
What is BM TRADA Q-Mark certification?
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.
Does this cover residential blocks, student accommodation and other sectors?
Yes, we work across:
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Residential blocks
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Student accommodation
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Care homes
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Social housing
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Commercial and high-occupancy buildings
Each sector has its own compliance context, and we tailor inspections, remedial works and documentation accordingly.
What laws and regulations apply to fire doors in the UK?
Fire doors in the UK must be managed under:
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The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
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Fire Safety Act (England) 2022
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Relevant parts of Building Regulations
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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
How quickly can you inspect or repair fire doors?
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.
Are your technicians qualified and competent?
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.
How do I get started with a fire door inspection or remedial plan?
You can:
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Upload your existing inspection report
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Request a tailored consultation
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Book an on-site survey
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Contact us directly for a compliance review
Our team supports clients from initial inspection through to certified completion.
Need help with fire door compliance?
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.
