Fire doors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of building occupants in the event of a fire. In the UK, the regulations regarding fire doors can be found in the "The Building Regulations 2010 (Part B) Fire Safety" and "BS 9999: 2017 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings". These regulations set out the requirements for the inspection and maintenance of fire doors in order to ensure they function properly in the event of a fire.
Residential buildings
According to the "Building Regulations 2010 Part B Fire Safety", the requirement for fire doors in residential buildings is dependent on the use and the size of the building. For example, in a residential building, a fire door may be required to separate the common areas from the individual dwelling units.
The "BS 9999: 2017 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings" states that fire doors in residential buildings should be inspected at least every 12 months. However, the frequency of inspections may be increased if the fire doors are subject to heavy use or are located in areas with a higher risk of fire. Additionally, any defects or damage to the fire doors should be repaired immediately.
Commercial buildings
When it comes to commercial buildings, the regulations are more strict, fire doors are required to separate different areas of the building, such as corridors and stairways, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The inspection frequency for commercial building fire doors may also be more frequent than residential ones.
It is the responsibility of the building owner or manager to ensure that fire doors are properly maintained and inspected at regular intervals (recommendation is every 6 months). It is always recommended to consult with the local fire department or a qualified inspector to confirm the specific requirements for your building, and to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.