Fire Doors v Fire Risk Assessments

An inspection of a fire door does not assess fire risk.

However, there is still confusion between the two in the industry.

A fire door inspection is a technical evaluation of the door set itself. It examines the condition and components of the assembly, such as the leaf, frame, seals, glazing, hinges, and closers, identifying any defects or deviations at that time.

A fire risk assessment is different. It evaluates the building as a whole and considers how fire doors fit into the broader fire safety strategy, including compartmentation, fire detection, evacuation strategy, building use, and occupancy, including vulnerabilities.

The issue arises when these areas operate independently.

If fire door inspections are conducted without considering the building’s fire strategy, decisions about repair or replacement may not accurately reflect the overall fire risk. Similarly, if risk assessments are performed without detailed inspection input, critical technical issues may be overlooked.

The best outcomes occur when fire risk assessors and specialist inspectors collaborate closely, sharing information and applying professional judgment within the context of the building. This results in decisions that are proportionate, evidence-based, and focused on what truly matters: protecting staff, residents, visitors and other building users while maintaining effective compartmentation throughout the building.

Fire safety is not about merely checking boxes or obtaining certificates.

It involves understanding how the system functions as a whole.