Care Home Fire Door Regulations Explained

Fire safety in care homes is critical due to the presence of vulnerable residents, reduced evacuation capability, and high occupancy levels. Fire doors play a vital role in protecting life by containing fire and smoke, supporting safe evacuation, and maintaining effective compartmentation.

Understanding and complying with care home fire door regulations is a legal requirement for duty holders and Responsible Persons under UK fire safety legislation.

Which Regulations Apply to Fire Doors in Care Homes?

Fire doors in care homes are governed by several key pieces of legislation and guidance, including:

• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRFSO)

• The Building Safety Act

• Relevant British Standards and Approved Documents

• Fire risk assessments (FRA) specific to care environments

These frameworks require that fire doors are suitable, correctly installed, maintained, and capable of performing as intended in the event of a fire.

Why Fire Doors Are Especially Important in Care Homes

Care homes often rely on progressive horizontal evacuation, meaning residents are moved into adjoining fire compartments rather than evacuated immediately from the building. Fire doors are essential to this strategy, helping to:

• Contain fire and smoke

• Protect escape routes and refuge areas

• Buy critical time for staff and residents

• Support safe evacuation without panic or harm

If fire doors fail, evacuation strategies may be compromised.

Key Fire Door Requirements in Care Homes

Fire doors in care homes must:

• Be correctly rated for their location (e.g. FD30, FD60)

• Close fully and latch without obstruction

• Maintain correct gaps around the door leaf

• Have compliant intumescent and smoke seals

• Be fitted with suitable ironmongery and door closers

• Remain free from damage that could affect performance

High-use areas such as bedrooms, corridors, and communal spaces require regular inspection and maintenance due to increased wear.

Inspection and Maintenance Obligations

Under the RRFSO, Responsible Persons must ensure fire doors are:

• Inspected at appropriate intervals

• Maintained in effective working order

• Repaired promptly where defects are identified

Fire risk assessments often specify inspection frequencies and remedial actions, which must be addressed to maintain compliance and demonstrate due diligence.

Common Fire Door Compliance Issues in Care Homes

Typical non-conformities found during inspections include:

• Excessive gaps caused by wear or building movement

• Missing or damaged seals

• Faulty or disconnected door closers

• Non-compliant glazing or alterations

• Fire doors wedged open or obstructed

Left unaddressed, these issues can significantly reduce fire door effectiveness.

Fire Door Remedial Works and FRA Actions

Where fire door defects are identified, remedial works must be carried out by competent professionals. This may include:

• Adjusting or rehanging doors

• Replacing seals and ironmongery

• Repairing or replacing damaged door leaves

• Upgrading fire doors to meet current standards

These works are often directly linked to FRA actions and should be documented as part of ongoing compliance management.

How Keepshut London Supports Care Home Compliance

Keepshut London supports care home operators with:

• Fire door inspections and condition surveys

• Fire door maintenance and remedial works

• FRA-aligned compliance support

• Evidence-based reporting and documentation

• Planned maintenance programmes to reduce repeat failures

We understand the operational sensitivities of live care environments and deliver works safely, discreetly, and in line with regulatory expectations.

Final Thoughts

Fire door compliance in care homes is not optional. It is a legal and moral responsibility that directly affects resident safety. Regular inspections, timely remedial works, and structured maintenance are essential to maintaining compliance and protecting life.

For care home providers, a proactive approach to fire door compliance helps reduce risk, demonstrate due diligence, and support safe, compliant care environments.