Every year, Fire Door Safety Week shines a light on one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of a building’s fire protection system: the fire door. 

This year’s theme, “Fire Travels Fast,” is a powerful reminder of just how quickly smoke and flames can spread through a building.

In a matter of minutes, a fire can take hold and make escape routes impassable. That’s why it is vital to properly fit and maintain fire doors, so that it can do its job of buying precious time, and holding back fire and smoke long enough for people to get out safely.   

But here’s the danger: if a fire door is damaged, poorly installed, or propped open, it can fail almost instantly, leaving occupants exposed.   

A False Sense of Safety 

The statistics around fire door compliance are sobering. Despite their importance, too many doors fail the basic checks: 

• 75% of fire doors don’t meet regulations, most often because of faulty installation, damage, or poor maintenance. 
• The British Woodworking Federation found 53% of inspected fire doors had faults that could prevent them from working in an emergency. 
• In residential settings, 39% of tenants admit to seeing fire doors wedged open.
• Alarmingly, one in three people don’t even know what a fire door is.   

It’s easy to assume that a fire door “must be fine”, but this false sense of safety can have devastating consequences when a fire breaks out. 

What Makes a Fire Door Effective? 

A fire door isn’t just any door. Every detail matters, from the seals and hinges to how it closes: 

• Fit and alignment – The door should close snugly against the frame with no gaps larger than 4mm. 
• Seals – Intumescent seals around the edge expand when exposed to heat, blocking smoke and fire. 
• Closers – A compliant fire door closes automatically; if it doesn’t, it isn’t doing its job.   

Even the highest-quality fire door won’t perform if it’s poorly maintained or misused.   

Common Failures We See   

At Metro Safety, our inspections frequently uncover the same recurring problems: 

• Doors wedged open – A door held open can’t effectively protect people or property. 
• Damaged seals or missing hinges – Just one missing screw can compromise performance. 
• Poor installation – If a fire door doesn’t fit properly, it won’t hold back fire and smoke. 
• Lack of education – Many building users don’t understand how vital these doors are. 

The Role of Regular Inspections  

Fire doors endure daily wear and tear by being repeatedly kicked shut, scuffed, or knocked about. Without routine checks and maintenance, even the best-installed door can become a liability.  

That’s why fire door inspections should be scheduled at least every six months. These inspections catch damage early and keep your building compliant with fire safety law.  

At Metro Safety, we specialise in comprehensive fire door inspections and remedial works, helping landlords, housing providers, and businesses stay compliant and safe.

Metro Safety Fire Door Services   

Fire door compliance isn’t just a legal obligation - it’s a life-saving measure. Metro Safety provides a complete fire door service designed to keep your building protected at all times: 

• Fire Door Inspections – Thorough checks carried out by trained specialists to identify damage, wear, or installation issues. 
• Remedial Works – From replacing damaged seals and hinges to repairing misaligned doors, we carry out the corrective actions needed to restore compliance. 
• Ongoing Maintenance – Regular, scheduled checks ensure that your fire doors continue to perform as intended, year after year. 
• Compliance Support – Clear reporting and guidance, helping landlords and building managers meet their legal fire safety responsibilities.   

By combining inspections with remediation, Metro Safety ensures your fire doors are never just “ticked off a checklist” - they’re working, compliant, and ready to do their job in an emergency.  

The 5-Step Fire Door Check   

Not sure if your fire doors are up to scratch? The 5-Step Fire Door Check is a quick way to spot issues: 

1. Certification – Look for a certification mark or label on the door. 
2. Gaps – Ensure the gap around the door is consistent and less than 4mm. 
3. Seals & Hinges – Check seals are intact and hinges are secure, with no missing screws. 
4. Door Closer – Open the door halfway and release it. It should close smoothly and fully. 
5. No Obstructions – Make sure it isn’t wedged open or held by objects.   

If you notice any of these issues, don’t ignore them. Report them.   

Fire Travels Fast So Don’t Leave It To Chance   

Fire doors are a frontline defence in the event of a fire. Recognising the signs of damage and reporting them immediately can make all the difference between safe evacuation and disaster.   

This Fire Door Safety Week, let’s remember the theme: Fire Travels Fast. A few minutes can be the difference between life and loss, and a compliant fire door gives you that time.   

At Metro Safety, we’re proud to support this campaign by providing: 

• Specialist fire door inspections 
• Remedial works and maintenance 
• Expert advice for landlords, housing providers, and building managers   

Fire doors are a frontline defence in the event of a fire. Recognising the signs of damage and reporting them immediately can make all the difference between safe evacuation and disaster. 

This Fire Door Safety Week, let’s turn awareness into action. Contact Metro Safety today to schedule your fire door inspection.