Ensuring Building Safety and Legal Compliance Across London and the South East
Fire doors are a critical component of any building’s passive fire protection system, acting as a vital barrier against the spread of fire and smoke. However, a fire door is only effective if it is correctly installed, maintained, and routinely inspected.
At Hodgson Fire, part of Hodgson-Group Ltd, we provide comprehensive fire door inspection and maintenance services across London and the South East, helping Duty Holders, building owners, and facilities managers meet their statutory obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) and the new Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA).
The Legal Requirement: Your Duty as the Responsible Person
The FSO and related legislation mandate that the Responsible Person (RP) ensures that fire doors and frames are kept in an efficient state, in good repair, and in working order.
Ignoring or delaying inspection poses significant risks:
- Safety Risk: A failing fire door compromises compartmentation, putting lives at risk.
- Legal Risk: Failure to comply is a breach of the FSO, leading to potential prosecution, hefty fines, or even imprisonment.
- Golden Thread: Under the BSA, all inspection and maintenance records contribute to the Golden Thread of information, which must be accurate and readily available.
- Hodgson Fire provides the documented evidence you need to demonstrate due diligence and compliance.
Our Comprehensive Fire Door Inspection Process
Our trained and certified inspectors use a rigorous, systematic approach to evaluate every component of your fire door sets, covering the essential “Five Areas of Compliance.”
We inspect against the criteria defined by fire safety standards, focusing on the critical GAPS required for effective compartmentation:
| Area Inspected | Critical Compliance Check | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Gaps (Threshold & Frame) | Gaps around the perimeter, floor gap (typically max 3mm), and correct perimeter sealing. | Prevents the passage of hot smoke and fire. |
| Intumescent & Smoke Seals | Correct installation, condition, and full functionality of intumescent strips and smoke seals. | Seals gaps in heat (intumescent) and prevents cold smoke leakage. |
| Hinges & Ironmongery | Three or more hinges fitted correctly (without missing screws); proper functioning of the closer; correct latch engagement. | Ensures the door closes fully and automatically under fire conditions. |
| Door Leaf & Frame | No damage, holes, or unauthorised modifications; correct certification markings (e.g., FD30/FD60); ensuring the frame is correctly specified. | Maintains the door’s fire-rating and structural integrity. |
| Closing Device | Confirmation that the door closes reliably and effectively from any angle into the frame latch without undue force. | Ensures the door remains closed and locked during an incident. |
Maintenance, Remedial Work, and Certification
Inspection is only the first step. If defects are identified, prompt maintenance is required to restore compliance.
- Defect Remediation: Our experienced maintenance team carries out necessary repairs—from adjusting door closers and replacing faulty ironmongery to sealing perimeter gaps—using only compatible, certified replacement components to maintain the door's original fire rating.
- Non-Conformance Tracking: All remedial work is meticulously documented and logged, providing a clear record of when the non-compliant door was restored to a safe and compliant condition.
- Certification: Following successful inspection and maintenance, we provide a certificate of conformity for your records, fulfilling your reporting requirements for the Golden Thread.
Partner with Hodgson Fire for Peace of Mind in London & the South East
Partner with Hodgson Fire for Peace of Mind in London & the South East
Don’t wait for an inspection visit from your local Fire Authority. Proactive fire door maintenance is essential for safety and compliance. We are ready to serve your needs throughout London and the South East as a proud member of the Hodgson-Group Ltd.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive Fire Door Inspection.
