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In bustling London offices, hotels, gyms and residential blocks, fire doors are one of your last lines of defence—but only if they’re properly maintained. With new regulations since Grenfell and stronger enforcement by the London Fire Brigade, regular fire door inspections are essential. In this post, we explain what a fire door inspection involves, why it matters, and how London-based businesses can stay compliant.

🔍 Why Fire Door Inspections Matter in London

  • Containment saves lives: Well‑maintained fire doors can prevent flames and smoke spreading, buying crucial time for evacuation and firefighters to respond.
  • Compliance with Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022:
    • Quarterly checks of communal fire doors in buildings over 11 m
    • Annual checks of flat entrance doors
  • Insurance & legal protection: Certified inspection logs protect you from enforcement action, liability and insurance refusals.
  • Golden Thread documentation: Digital, traceable records required under the Building Safety Act for high-rise and multi-occupied buildings.

🚪 What a London Fire Door Inspection Covers

  1. Door‑leaf & frame – check alignment, warping, no damage, consistent 4 mm clearances
  2. Intumescent & smoke seals – intact, no compression or wear
  3. Ironmongery & hinges – at least 3 certified hinges, secure screws, functional closers & latches
  4. Self‑closing mechanism – closes fully from 90°, speed ~10 seconds, no sticking or hold‑open
  5. Glazing & foam intumescent pads – intact, fire‑rated and unmodified
  6. Signage – Fire-rated door signs (“Fire Door – Keep Shut/Locked”) legible & properly located

✅ How Often Should London Inspections Happen?

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require:

  • Quarterly communal door checks in flats/blocks >11 m high
  • Annual checks of flat entrance doors
  • Buildings under 11 m: at least bi‑annual inspections are good practice
  • High‑use areas: more frequent checks (e.g., monthly in hotels, busy offices)

🏙️ London-Specific Considerations

  • Heritage & listed buildings: May have non‑standard door sets—require expert assessment to retain fire integrity.
  • Mixed‑use & high-rise developments: Demand rigorous documentation and digital “Golden Thread” records.
  • Shared tenancy properties: Must coordinate inspections and reporting among multiple responsible persons.

🛠️ Total Safe UK Fire Door Inspection Service

Total Safe UK provides specialist fire door inspections across Greater London:

  • Certified inspectors (FDIS/FIRAS/BM TRADA) with deep London building experience
  • Comprehensive 100‑point inspection covering seals, hardware, signage and frames
  • Fully compliant digital reporting, QR-tagged doors, photo‑evidence—ideal for audits and golden thread traceability
  • Repair & maintenance advice alongside trusted local contractors
  • Tailored schedules: quarterly for communal zones, annual for flat doors

📣 Take Action: Keep London Safe & Compliant

Don’t let overlooked fire doors put your London property or occupants at risk. Book a professional fire door inspection with Total Safe UK and ensure:

  • Legal compliance with London Fire Brigade and Building Safety Regimes
  • Full insurance coverage and duty-holder protection
  • Real safety for tenants, staff and visitors

Book your fire door inspection in London today with Total Safe UK—ensure your doors close, seal and save lives.