Eight years on from Grenfell, the consequences of ignoring fire safety remain sharply in focus. As the tower is prepared for dismantling, the recent silent march serves as a reminder of the lives lost and the responsibilities carried. Among the many failures exposed by the Grenfell Inquiry was the condition of the fire doors. These particular doors, essential to the fire strategy at the building, were not fit for purpose and allowed toxic smoke and fire to spread.
Your legal duty under Regulation 10
Following the Inquiry’s recommendations, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 introduced new legal duties for responsible persons. Since January 2023, responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings above 11 metres must carry out:
- Quarterly checks of all fire doors in common areas
- Annual checks, on a best endeavours basis, of flat entrance doors that open onto communal areas
- Information-sharing with residents about the importance of fire doors
What a Regulation 10 fire door check involves
These are not full technical inspections. They are designed to identify obvious signs of damage, disrepair or removal of essential parts. For each fire door, the responsible person should confirm:
- No visible damage to the door or frame
- A working self-closing device that shuts the door fully and unaided
- Intumescent strips and smoke seals are in place and undamaged
- The door closes snugly into the frame
- Hinges, glazing and grilles are secure and appropriately fitted
- There are no unauthorised alterations
- Signage is in place where required
Checks can be done by a responsible person using available guidance. If concerns arise, a fire risk assessment or specialist inspection may be required. Recording findings is good practice and a suitable checklist is available for that purpose.
Understanding ‘best endeavours’ and access challenges
Annual checks of flat entrance doors must be attempted using best endeavours. This includes setting access dates, contacting residents and keeping a record of all correspondence. If access is denied, responsible persons must show they have made every reasonable attempt.
Best endeavours means doing everything a reasonable person would do under the circumstances. Without clear evidence of such attempts, owners could face legal action.
Do these checks replace other duties?
No. Regulation 10 adds to the existing legal duty under the Fire Safety Order, which requires fire doors to be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. This duty applies to all buildings with two or more domestic premises, regardless of height.
What about buildings below 11 metres?
The Fire Safety Act 2021 confirms that general fire precautions must still be in place for residential buildings with two or more domestic premises, even if they are under 11 metres high. Fire doors, including flat entrance doors, must still provide adequate protection, and residents must be given clear information about their importance.
Professional inspections: when and why
If surface checks raise concerns, or a fire risk assessment recommends action, a specialist fire door inspection may be needed. At Fire Doors Complete, we carry out detailed surveys and provide clear, practical reports to help you ensure your fire doors are safe, compliant and effective.
Fire door checks are more than a legal obligation. They are an essential act of care for everyone who lives or works in your building.
For expert support with inspections, training or specialist consultancy, call 07970 201231 or visit www.firedoorscomplete.com.