Fire Door Compliance Checklist for Care Homes and the Laws That Apply

Fire safety in care homes is a critical responsibility. Residents are often vulnerable and may require assistance during evacuation. Fire doors play a vital role in protecting escape routes containing smoke and allowing staff time to respond.

With the Fire Door Regulations 2026 approaching care home operators must ensure fire doors are compliant inspected and properly maintained. This checklist is focused on inspection and maintenance in line with BS 8214 and does not relate to fire door design or specification.

Fire Door Compliance Checklist for Care Homes

This checklist applies to care homes of all sizes including residential nursing and assisted living facilities. It reflects best practice inspection and maintenance guidance set out in BS 8214 Code of practice for fire door assemblies.

Fire Door Condition

• Fire doors are certified and clearly identifiable

• No visible damage to door leaves or frames

• Frames are secure with no signs of movement or splitting

Gaps and Seals

• Gaps appear consistent and within acceptable limits

• Intumescent seals are present and continuous

• Cold smoke seals are intact where fitted

Door Operation

• Door closers are fitted and operate correctly

• Doors fully close from any open position

• Doors latch properly without assistance

• Doors are not wedged open or restricted

Ironmongery and Hardware

• Hinges locks and handles are appropriate for fire doors

• No missing or loose ironmongery

• Glazing and vision panels appear intact and undamaged

Signage and Use

• Fire door keep shut signage is present where required

• Staff understand the importance of keeping doors closed

• No unauthorised alterations have been made

Inspection and Records

• Daily visual checks completed by on site staff

• Monthly operational checks recorded

• Periodic professional fire door inspections carried out in line with BS 8214

• Inspection records retained for audit and regulatory review

A professional fire door survey in London provides a documented assessment of fire door condition and maintenance status in accordance with BS 8214 guidance.

Fire Door Inspection Frequency for Care Homes

BS 8214 recommends a structured inspection and maintenance regime supported by competent persons.

Best practice inspection frequency for care homes includes

• Daily visual checks by trained staff

• Monthly recorded operational checks

• Six monthly professional fire door inspections

• Additional inspections following damage misuse or building works

Where defects are identified fire door remedial works in London should be completed promptly to maintain performance and compliance.

Laws and Regulations That Apply to Care Homes

Fire door inspection and maintenance in care homes is governed by the following legislation and guidance.

Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005

Places responsibility on the Responsible Person to maintain fire safety measures including fire doors in effective working order.

Fire Safety Act 2021

Clarifies that fire doors within residential buildings and care facilities fall within fire safety duties.

Fire Safety England Regulations

Require regular checks and documented inspections of fire doors. Care homes are included due to occupant risk profile.

Fire Door Regulations 2026

Introduce increased accountability inspection requirements and record keeping. Care homes are expected to meet higher scrutiny standards.

Care Quality Commission Expectations

The CQC expects evidence of effective fire safety management. Fire door inspection records maintenance logs and remedial actions form part of compliance evidence.

This guidance relates to inspection maintenance and condition assessment only. Fire door design specification and fire strategy remain the responsibility of the appointed design professionals.

Why Early Compliance Matters for Care Homes

Care homes are routinely prioritised for inspection by fire authorities and regulators. Fire doors are one of the most common areas of non compliance.

Carrying out a fire door survey in London and completing required fire door remedial works in London demonstrates a proactive approach to resident safety regulatory compliance and duty of care.

Fire Door Services for Care Homes by Keepshut London

Keepshut London provides professional fire door surveys and fire door remedial works in London for care homes. Inspections are carried out in line with BS 8214 with clear reporting to support audits inspections and regulatory reviews.

If you manage or operate a care home now is the time to review fire door compliance and prepare for the Fire Door Regulations 2026.