Fire Door Safety Week 2026 is focused on ‘Check it, close it: Protection starts at the door’, highlighting the importance of recognising how they work and keeping them in effective condition.
Research carried out for this year’s campaign found 38% of Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 29 feel safe when a fire door is wedged open, while 29% believe a fire door can safely remain wedged open if smoke alarms are installed. Only 40% said they understand how fire doors are designed to slow the spread of fire and smoke and help people escape.
The survey also found 21% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents believe a fire door is simply a door painted red, while 22% of Gen Z respondents believe it is a door painted with fire-resistant paint.
For those responsible for building safety, fire doors need to be correctly installed, maintained and capable of performing as part of the building’s passive fire protection strategy.
What should be checked
A fire door’s performance depends on the complete door assembly, including the door leaf, frame, intumescent and smoke seals, hinges, glazing where applicable, ironmongery and self-closing device.
Inspections should check for:
- Damage to the door leaf or frame
- Missing, damaged or incorrectly fitted seals
- Excessive or inconsistent gaps
- Loose, damaged or unsuitable hinges
- Defective or incorrectly adjusted closers
- Damaged or inappropriate hardware
- Damaged or missing glazing and glazing components
- Signs of unauthorised alterations or modifications
The door should close fully into the frame without obstruction. Wedging or propping it open prevents the assembly from performing its intended function.
Defects need to be addressed
Only 48% of Gen Z respondents said they would report a damaged fire door. Among those who would not, the main barriers were not knowing how to identify a problem, being unsure who to contact and assuming someone else would deal with it.
Inspection findings should be recorded, assessed and addressed within an appropriate timeframe. Maintenance should consider the complete door assembly and ensure replacement components are suitable for the specific door and its intended performance.
Amthal provides fire-door inspection and maintenance as part of its fire protection services, regularly assessing the condition and operation of fire doors and identifying defects requiring remedial attention.
Regular inspection and appropriate maintenance help ensure fire doors continue to perform as designed and in compliance with latest legislation to remain an effective part of the building’s passive fire protection strategy.