As mentioned, fire door inspection requirements may vary depending on which regulations are being followed and complied. These requirements provide clarity and guidance on what building owners and managers should take note upon routine inspection checks, the criteria to be followed for installation and maintenance, and corrective actions like immediate repairs and replacements.

Standards and requirements may vary, but they follow a common goal which is to safeguard lives and secure fire escape routes. Below is a general summary of fire door inspection requirements from common international standards.

1. Inspection frequency should be annually, every after installation, every after maintenance work, and every after repair or replacement works. The frequency also varies depending on the type of fire door, type of building usage, occupancy type, and even the location of a fire door. Fire doors that are located in high traffic touchpoints that have a constant flow of people should be inspected more frequently.

2. Fire door inspections should be conducted by a qualified inspector, who has the background, skills, degree, certification, and professional expertise to inspect aligned to the set standards, regulations, and requirements. These inspectors typically use a fire door inspection checklist that they use, which contains the breakdown of the requirements and criteria. They run through the checklist in every fire door making sure they’re up to standards and that defects are addressed promptly, and repairs/replacements are done as swiftly as possible.

3. The inspections should be documented by keeping the checklists in record. Aside from the Fire Door Inspection Checklist, inspectors should also create a Fire Door Inspection Report or Form that outlines all doors that comply with the standard and those that need to be repaired and replaced immediately. It contains the corrective actions, operational and functional test results, notes on modifications or alterations, impact of defects/modifications on the general fire safety, recommended actions, and follow up actions.

4. Checks on fire door visuals, and operation or function should be done thoroughly and should adhere to the standards and specifications from the manufacturer. In general, there should be no signs of damage or alterations in the first installment of the door, frame, and seals. The fire door should also function properly. It should open, close, and latch without requiring excessive force. Inspect all the fire door hardware and other elements if they are operating properly. These include the hinges, locks, latches, closers, and panic hardware. If a replacement is necessary, it should be the same as the original part. The seals and gaskets should be properly attached and if their integrity checks out. Fire door manufacturers provide a specification on their products. The clearances between the door and frame, and the door and floor should be followed and should not exceed the specifications. The glass should be fire-rated and certified if it has undergone testing. There should be no cracks or breaks in the glass.

5. Exterior obstructions that block the door should be removed. These compromise secure fire safety routes.

6. Unauthorized modifications should not be done and that proper documentation and workflow should be followed in inspecting, installing, maintaining, and repairing fire doors.