Project Overview – Large-Scale Fire Door Survey in a Commercial Building
This project involved a comprehensive fire door survey at 8 Finsbury Circus, a prominent commercial property in central London. The purpose of the survey was to assess the condition, performance, and compliance of all communal fire doors throughout the building and to confirm alignment with current UK fire safety regulations.
Project Location – 8 Finsbury Circus, London
- Commercial office and communal building
- High-occupancy, multi-storey environment with shared escape routes and plant areas
Scope of Fire Door Survey Works – Communal Areas and Service Zones
The survey covered all communal fire doors within the building, including corridors, stairwells, plant rooms, and service areas.
| Survey Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Total fire doors surveyed | 140 |
| Door locations | Communal corridors, staircases, plant rooms |
| Door types | Timber fire doors and metal fire doors |
| Building type | Commercial office building |
| Survey purpose | Compliance, safety and performance assessment |
What the Fire Door Survey Included
Each fire door was individually inspected in line with best practice guidance and current legislation. The survey assessed both visual condition and functional performance to identify any non-compliances or maintenance requirements.
Key checks carried out during the survey included:
• Door leaf condition and integrity
• Door frame condition and fixing
• Gaps around door edges and thresholds
• Presence and condition of intumescent and smoke seals
• Hinges, handles, closers and fire-rated ironmongery
• Self-closing operation and latch engagement
• Door signage and fire safety markings
• General suitability for use as a fire-resisting door
Where required, measurements were taken to confirm tolerances, and detailed notes were recorded for each door.
Why a Fire Door Survey Was Required
Fire doors play a critical role in compartmentation and safe evacuation within commercial buildings. Due to the size and occupancy of the building, a fire door survey was required to:
• Confirm compliance with current fire safety regulations
• Support the building’s fire risk assessment
• Identify any defects or non-compliant doors
• Reduce liability for the building owner or managing agent
• Prioritise remedial works where required
• Ensure escape routes remain protected
Regular fire door inspections are a legal and practical requirement for large communal buildings.
Fire Door Compliance Standards Considered During the Survey
| Compliance Area | Standard / Requirement |
|---|---|
| Fire safety legislation | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Door performance | Correct fire resistance for location |
| Smoke control | Effective intumescent and smoke seals |
| Operation | Reliable self-closing and latching |
| Maintenance | Doors fit for continued safe use |
All findings were assessed against current guidance and industry best practice.
Survey Findings and Reporting Outcome
Following completion of the survey, a detailed written report was produced covering all 140 fire doors. The report provided:
• A clear pass/fail status for each fire door
• Photographic evidence where relevant
• Identification of defects and non-compliances
• Clear recommendations for remedial works
• A practical overview to assist with compliance planning
This enables the client to take informed action and maintain ongoing fire safety standards across the building.
This project demonstrates our experience delivering large-scale fire door surveys for complex commercial buildings, ensuring safety, compliance, and clear reporting for property owners and managing agents.
