Fire Door Safety Week has put a useful question back in focus: would someone notice and report a fire door that was not working properly? A fire door may look ordinary, but its condition and the way it closes matter when a fire occurs.
For managing agents and those responsible for blocks of flats, the question goes further than whether a door is present. There needs to be a clear way to check doors, record concerns and see repairs through.
What should people report
A door that does not close properly deserves attention. So does visible damage, a problem with its frame or a door that is routinely held open in a way that stops it doing its job. Residents and staff do not need to diagnose a fault themselves. They do need to know who to tell, and their reports need to reach someone who can act.
A quick visual check can flag a concern, but it is not the same as a detailed inspection of the doorset.
Are the same checks required in every block
No. The duties depend on the building. The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced requirements for blocks of flats, with additional measures at certain building heights. These regulations came into force in January 2023, so they are not a new rule for 2026.
The building’s fire risk assessment, the applicable regulations and the condition of its doors should inform what needs doing. If you manage several buildings, one standard checklist may not answer every question.
What happens when a problem is found
Record where the door is, what was noticed and when it was reported. Arrange for a competent person to assess the concern, decide what work is needed and keep a record of the outcome. If a repair is recommended, make sure it is completed and followed up.
Fire doors are part of the wider fire safety arrangements for a building. A good process makes it easier to spot concerns early and helps everyone understand what happens after they report one.
Practical support for managing agents
FRA Compliance carries out Fire Door Inspection Surveys and Fire Risk Assessments across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. If you manage a block and need a clearer picture of its fire doors, get in touch for independent advice or a quotation.
