Fire doors are one of the most critical, and most frequently misunderstood, elements of a building’s fire safety strategy. When they perform correctly, they save lives by containing fire and smoke, protecting escape routes, and buying precious time. When they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.
As fire safety consultants, we regularly encounter buildings where fire doors are poorly surveyed, inconsistently assessed, and inadequately maintained. Raising the standard of fire door surveys is no longer optional. It is essential.
Why fire door surveys matter more than ever
Regulatory expectations have increased significantly in recent years, and rightly so. Fire doors are not static products; they are safety systems that degrade over time through daily use, alterations, and poor repairs. Hinges loosen, seals are painted over, glazing is replaced incorrectly, and self-closing devices are disconnected ‘temporarily’, but often permanently.
A fire door survey is not a box-ticking exercise. It is a detailed inspection that informs risk assessments, maintenance priorities, and legal compliance. If the survey is flawed, everything that follows is compromised.
The limitations of traditional survey methods
Too many surveys still rely on handwritten notes, generic checklists, and disconnected photographs stored on personal devices. This approach introduces risk at every stage:
- Inconsistency between assessors
- Incomplete data and missed defects
- Poor traceability when challenged by enforcing authorities
- Delays between inspection and remedial action
- Limited audit trails for duty holders
In a post-Grenfell environment, this level of informality is no longer acceptable.
The role of software in raising standards
Specialist fire door survey software has transformed how surveys should be conducted, recorded, and managed. Used correctly, it brings consistency, transparency, and accountability to the process.
Modern survey platforms allow assessors to:
- Follow structured, standardised inspection workflows
- Record door-by-door data, not assumptions or averages
- Seamlessly upload photographs of doors and their defects
- Pinpoint the door’s precise location on a floorplan
- Easily assign door defects to contractors and manage progress
- Generate clear, prioritised reports allowing you to filter defects
- Maintain a robust digital audit trail
From a consultant’s perspective, this is not about convenience – it is about defensibility. When a survey is challenged by a responsible person, a client, or a fire and rescue service, digital evidence matters.
For organisations managing large or complex estates software also enables long-term asset management. Trends can be tracked, recurring issues identified, and budgets planned intelligently rather than reactively.
Competence: the foundation of any credible survey
Software alone does not guarantee quality. The most sophisticated system is only as good as the person using it.
Competent fire door assessors must have:
- A clear understanding of fire door design
- Knowledge of relevant Standards and guidance
- Practical experience identifying installation and maintenance defects
- The ability to interpret risk, not just record defects
- Ongoing training to keep pace with changing standards
We often see surveys carried out by individuals who have been given a tablet and a checklist, but lack the underlying competence to make informed judgements. This creates a dangerous illusion of compliance.
Raising standards means investing in people as well as technology. Third-party accreditation, regular CPD, and clear competency frameworks are no longer ‘nice to have’, they are essential.
Better surveys lead to better outcomes
When fire door surveys are carried out by competent assessors using appropriate software, the benefits are tangible:
- Clearer responsibilities for duty holders
- Faster remediation of high-risk defects
- Improved compliance with fire safety legislation
- Greater confidence for residents, staff, and building users
- Reduced enforcement and reputational risk
Ultimately, this is about protecting life. Fire doors rarely attract attention when they work, but they are unforgiving when they don’t.
Total Fire Group’s Approach
At Total Fire Group, we believe that raising the standard of fire door surveys requires a commitment to professionalism, competence, and accountability. By combining qualified assessors with robust digital systems, we can move beyond compliance theatre and deliver genuine fire safety.
By working with an expert consultancy like Total Fire Group, you gain peace of mind that your fire door inspections are being handled by professionals who understand both the legal requirements and the real-world risks.
Contact Total Fire Group today and take the first step towards fulfilling fire safety responsibility.
