Can You Spot a Faulty Fire Door in Your Building?

At Ranmoor Health and Safety, we know how critical fire doors are in protecting lives and property. They’re not just another compliance requirement, they’re a life-saving barrier designed to contain fire and smoke, keeping escape routes clear and giving occupants time to evacuate safely.

Many fire doors across the UK are not fit for purpose. Even more concerning, most people wouldn’t recognise the signs of a problem.

Research conducted by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) in 2023 found that 57% of the UK public could not identify a faulty fire door. That means in workplaces, housing blocks, and high-rise buildings, issues often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

The Risks for Landlords and Housing Providers

For landlords and housing providers, especially those managing HMOs, social housing, or high-rise blocks, the stakes are even higher. Fire doors are often the first and last line of defence in containing a blaze, particularly in buildings with shared corridors and stairwells.

Failure to maintain them properly can have devastating consequences not only in terms of safety, but also legally and financially. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and recent fire safety legislation updates, landlords are required to ensure fire doors are regularly inspected, maintained, and compliant. Enforcement action, heavy fines, and prosecution are very real risks for those who fall short.

With lithium-ion battery fires from e-bikes, e-scooters, and other devices on the rise, effective fire doors are no longer optional, they are essential.

Common Faults We See Every Day

As fire safety consultants, we regularly identify problems that building occupants might miss. These include:

·      Gaps around the frame that are wider than 3mm

·      Missing or damaged intumescent seals

·      Faulty hinges or door closers that stop the door from shutting properly

·      Fire doors wedged open or fitted incorrectly

Any one of these faults could cause a fire door to fail when it’s needed most.

How Ranmoor Health and Safety Supports You

We work closely with businesses, landlords, housing associations, and high-rise building managers to ensure fire doors are always up to standard.

Our services include:

·      Comprehensive fire door inspections carried out by competent professionals

·      Detailed fire risk assessments covering the whole building, not just the doors

·      Clear recommendations and action plans for repairs, replacements, or upgrades

·      Staff awareness training so employees and tenants can recognise and report issues

·      Ongoing compliance support, ensuring your responsibilities are met

·       

We also supply competitively priced fire safety signage and equipment, providing a full-circle solution for your compliance needs.

Why Proactive Action Matters

Too often, faults are only discovered after an inspection by the fire service, or worse, after a fire. By then, it’s too late. Regular checks and professional oversight not only keep people safe but also demonstrate due diligence, protecting you from liability.

At Ranmoor Health and Safety, we believe fire safety should never be reactive. We help our clients build a proactive approach that safeguards lives and property, while keeping them compliant with the latest regulations.

Take Action Today

If you’re a landlord, business owner, or responsible person for a high-rise or HMO property, ask yourself this:

Would you or your team recognise a faulty fire door?Do you have the evidence to prove your fire safety responsibilities are being met?

If the answer is “no” or even “not sure,” now is the time to act.

Contact Ranmoor Health and Safety today to arrange a fire risk assessment or fire door inspection. Together, we can make sure your fire doors, and your fire safety measures, are ready to do their job when it matters most.