High Rise Buildings and Fire Door Compliance: What Responsible Persons Need to Know

Fire door compliance in high rise buildings is a critical safety requirement. Where large numbers of residents live above ground level the performance of fire doors is essential for compartmentation smoke control and safe evacuation.

With increased enforcement activity and the Fire Door Regulations 2026 approaching Responsible Persons must ensure fire doors are inspected maintained and documented correctly. This guidance focuses on fire door condition inspection and maintenance rather than design or specification.

Why Fire Doors Are Critical in High Rise Buildings

In high rise residential buildings fire doors are relied upon to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between floors corridors and flats. Where doors fail the risk to occupants and firefighters increases significantly.

Fire doors in high rise buildings include

• Flat entrance doors

• Communal corridor doors

• Stairwell and lobby doors

• Service riser doors

Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure these doors perform as intended.

Fire Door Compliance Standards for High Rise Buildings

Fire door inspection and maintenance should follow the principles set out in BS 8214 Code of practice for fire door assemblies. This standard provides guidance on identifying defects monitoring condition and maintaining performance.

Inspections focus on visible condition operation and integrity. They do not relate to fire strategy or door design which remain the responsibility of appointed professionals.

A professional fire door survey in London provides documented evidence of compliance in line with BS 8214 guidance.

Fire Door Compliance Checklist for High Rise Buildings

Door Condition

• Fire doors are certified and identifiable

• Door leaves and frames show no damage or warping

• No unauthorised modifications

Gaps and Seals

• Gaps appear consistent and within acceptable limits

• Intumescent seals are present and intact

• Smoke seals are undamaged where fitted

Door Operation

• Door closers operate correctly

• Doors fully close and latch without assistance

• Doors are not wedged or restricted

Ironmongery and Hardware

• Hinges locks and handles are appropriate for fire doors

• All ironmongery is secure and operational

• Fire rated glazing appears intact

Signage and Use

• Fire door signage is present where required

• Residents and contractors are advised not to tamper with doors

Inspection and Records

• Regular visual checks completed

• Periodic professional inspections carried out

• Defects recorded and tracked

• Remedial works documented

Fire door remedial works in London should be completed promptly where issues are identified to maintain compliance.

Fire Door Inspection Frequency in High Rise Buildings

Best practice inspection regimes for high rise residential buildings include

• Quarterly checks of communal fire doors

• Annual professional fire door surveys

• Additional inspections following vandalism or building works

Flat entrance doors should be included as part of the building fire risk assessment and inspected accordingly.

Laws and Regulations That Apply to High Rise Buildings

Fire door compliance in high rise buildings is governed by several key regulations.

Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005

Places responsibility on the Responsible Person to maintain fire safety measures including fire doors.

Fire Safety Act 2021

Confirms that flat entrance doors fall within fire safety duties in multi occupied residential buildings.

Fire Safety England Regulations

Require routine checks and documented inspections of fire doors in high rise residential buildings.

Building Safety Act 2022

Introduces enhanced accountability for higher risk buildings including clear responsibilities for building safety and fire protection measures.

Fire Door Regulations 2026

Increase inspection requirements documentation and accountability. High rise buildings are a priority focus area.

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement notices fines or criminal prosecution.

Why Early Compliance Matters for High Rise Buildings

High rise buildings are subject to increased scrutiny from fire authorities regulators and insurers. Fire doors are one of the most common areas of failure identified during inspections.

A documented fire door survey in London supported by completed fire door remedial works in London demonstrates proactive compliance and reduces long term risk.

Fire Door Services for High Rise Buildings by Keepshut London

Keepshut London provides professional fire door surveys and fire door remedial works in London for high rise residential buildings. Inspections are carried out in line with BS 8214 focusing on condition performance and maintenance.

If you are responsible for a high rise building now is the time to review fire door compliance and prepare for the Fire Door Regulations 2026.