1 · Identification & certification
Certification label or colour-coded plug present (top edge or hanging stile)Proves the leaf was manufactured under a certification scheme — without it the door's rating cannot be verified
Rating identified (FD30/FD60) and matches what the location requiresThe fire strategy or risk assessment dictates the rating for each location
Door and frame supplied as a compatible, tested combinationA certified leaf in an untested frame is not a fire doorset
No unauthorised modifications (trimming beyond limits, new glazing, cut-ins)Modifications outside the certificate's scope void the fire rating
2 · Gaps & fit
Gap between leaf and frame 2–4 mm along top and both sidesLarger gaps let fire and smoke pass before the intumescent seal activates
Threshold gap consistent and within the doorset specification (typically up to 8–10 mm, or ~3 mm where smoke control is required)The certificate states the tested threshold gap — smoke-rated doors need the tighter figure
Leaf not warped, bowed or binding against the frameA distorted leaf cannot seal against fire or smoke
Frame firmly fixed to the wall with no movement or damageThe doorset only works as a complete restrained assembly
3 · Seals
Intumescent seals fitted in leaf or frame grooves, continuous, undamaged and unpaintedThese expand in heat to seal the gap — gaps, breaks or paint stop them working
Smoke seals (brush or fin) present and intact where smoke control (s suffix) is requiredCold smoke kills before heat — smoke seals are the only barrier at ambient temperature
No seals painted over, compressed flat or hanging looseDamaged seals fail exactly when needed
4 · Ironmongery
Three hinges minimum (typically), CE/UKCA-marked, fire-rated, all screws present and tightHinges carry the leaf through the fire — missing screws or light-duty hinges fail early
No metal fatigue, wear, or oil leakage on hingesFailing hinges drop the leaf out of alignment
Self-closer closes the door fully onto the latch from any opening angle, including from 75 mm ajarAn open fire door is not a fire door — the closer must overcome the latch every time
Closer is fire-rated (EN 1154) and not disconnected or weakenedDisconnected closers are the most common failure found in inspections
Hold-open devices (if any) are electromagnetic and release on alarm (EN 1155) — no wedges, hooks or chocksMechanical props defeat the door entirely and are a common enforcement finding
Latch engages and holds the leaf firmly closedPositive latching keeps the leaf in the frame as pressure builds
5 · Glazing
Glazing is fire-rated and undamaged; beading intact with correct sealsOrdinary glass fails in minutes; damaged beading releases the pane
No cracked, loose or replaced-with-ordinary glass panesAny replacement glazing must match the tested specification
6 · Leaf & frame condition
No holes, deep scratches, delamination or impact damage to leaf faces or edgesVoids and damage create paths for fire and smoke
Lippings intact and bondedEdge lippings protect the core and carry the seals
Old hardware holes properly filled with intumescent-compatible fillerUnfilled holes breach the leaf
7 · Signage & operation
'Fire door keep shut' (or 'keep locked') signage present on both faces as requiredMandatory signage under BS 5499 for most non-domestic fire doors
Door opens and closes freely through its full swing without obstructionObstructed doors get wedged open
Escape-route doors openable without a key from the direction of escapeMeans of escape must never depend on finding a key
Based on BS 8214 guidance, certification scheme inspection criteria and the GOV.UK fire door check fact sheet. A checklist supports — it does not replace — inspection by a competent person. Record date, door location, inspector and outcome for every check.