Guide · updated 9 October 2026
Who can inspect fire doors?
Short answer: Basic visual checks can be done by the responsible person. Detailed inspections should be carried out by a competent person with the training and experience to judge doors against their evidence. Individual certification schemes exist, and you can ask any inspector to show theirs.
- Basic checks: the responsible person
- Detailed inspections: a competent person
- Inspector certification schemes exist
- Always ask for evidence of competence
Can I inspect my own fire doors?
For basic visual checks, yes. The government's regulation 10 fact sheet says the responsible person should be able to carry out the routine checks without a specialist. Those checks look for obvious damage, gaps, missing seals and doors that do not close.
Who should carry out a detailed inspection?
A competent person: someone with the training, knowledge and experience to assess each door against what its test evidence allows, recognise non-compliant alterations and recommend the right repairs. Fire doors are a specialist area, and general maintenance staff are not always familiar with the detail.
Are there certification schemes for fire door inspectors?
Yes. Schemes certify individual inspectors after training and assessment. The Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), for example, reported in March 2026 that it had gained UKAS accreditation to certify fire door inspectors under ISO/IEC 17024, with periodic reassessment of certified inspectors. Other industry training and certification routes also exist.
What should I ask an inspector before booking?
- What training and certification do you hold, and can I see the certificate?
- What does your report include for each door?
- Do you photograph every defect?
- Do you price remedial work separately, so I can compare?
- What insurance do you hold?
Does an inspection need to be independent of the repair contractor?
There is no legal requirement for separation, but some responsible persons prefer it. At minimum, ask for every remedial item to be priced individually with photos, so you can see exactly what is being recommended and why, and get comparison quotes if you wish.
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Related questions
How long does a fire door inspection take?
Typically 10 to 20 minutes per door, depending on access and how many defects need photographing. A block with 40 communal doors is usually a single day on site.
Do you need to remove the doors?
No. Inspections are non-intrusive. The inspector measures, operates and photographs each door in place and only lifts away removable items such as letter-plate covers where it is safe to do so.
What is the difference between a fire door inspection and a survey?
An inspection records whether each door passes or fails. A survey goes further: it grades each defect, recommends repair, upgrade or replacement, and costs the work so you can budget.
Can the survey support a section 20 consultation?
Yes. The costed schedule gives a clear description of the proposed works and their budget, which you can use when consulting leaseholders. Formal consultation remains the landlord's responsibility.
Sources checked 9 October 2026: GOV.UK Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 fact sheets; BSI and FPA announcements on BS 8214:2026; FDIS published inspection data. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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