Enhance Your Professional Growth with our CPD-Certified Fire Door Inspection Course

Ensure you are current with legislation and standards and enhance your professional development with the Phoenix STS Fire Door Inspection Training Course. This comprehensive course is now accredited by the CPD Standards Office and provides 6 hours of valuable CPD points upon completion.

Enrol Today: Essential Fire Door Inspection Training Course. Our intensive, one-day Fire Door Inspection Course is meticulously designed to equip you with the necessary expertise for fire safety compliance and professional competence. This fully immersive programme ensures you stay up-to-date with the latest Irish legislation and international fire door standards through focused theory and practical fire door inspection training, achievable in a single day. Gain real-world skills in identifying critical fire door defects, verifying proper fire door installation, and ensuring ongoing fire door compliance, which is vital for building safety.

Benefit from personalised learning in small classes (max. 16 participants) led by tutors with over 25 years of fire safety industry experience. They’ll translate complex fire door regulations into immediately actionable steps you can implement to enhance fire safety within your organisation and ensure legal compliance. Through practical demonstrations, group exercises, and concise case studies, you will master core fire door inspection techniques and build confidence to conduct thorough assessments, recognise non-compliance swiftly, and understand rectification needs. From CE marking and fire door standards to intumescent seals and hardware checks, our focused one-day course ensures you gain essential knowledge of fire safety best practices, empowering you to safeguard premises better, strengthen your professional credibility, and champion a robust fire safety culture.

Employees in the private healthcare sector can benefit from subsidised training through the Leading Healthcare Providers (LHP) Skillnet.

Benefits of the CPD-Certified Fire Door Inspection Course

Core Skill Development & Knowledge Acquisition:

• Become a Competent Fire Door Inspector: The main benefit is gaining the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to confidently and competently inspect fire doors. The course aims to equip you to spot faults, understand the relevant standards, and ensure fire doors are fit for purpose. You’ll be able to tell if a fire door is up to snuff.
• In-depth Understanding of Fire Door Components & Function: You’ll learn about all bits of a fire door assembly – the door itself, frame, seals, ironmongery (hinges, latches, closers), and signage. Crucially, you’ll understand how each part works and contributes to the fire door’s overall job in preventing fire and smoke spread. Think of it as understanding the nuts and bolts of fire doors.
• Mastering Relevant Legislation & Standards: The course emphasises Irish and potentially UK and European standards and building regulations related to fire doors. This is vital for ensuring compliance and avoiding legal trouble. You’ll understand Ireland’s legal requirements for fire door maintenance and inspection. No getting caught out by the rules!
• Practical Inspection Techniques & Fault Identification: The course is on-site, suggesting a strong practical element. You’ll likely learn hands-on inspection techniques and be able to identify common faults and defects that compromise fire door performance. Getting your hands dirty and learning in the real world is invaluable.
• Documentation & Reporting Skills: Properly documenting inspection findings is critical. The course likely covers creating accurate and compliant fire door inspection reports. This includes documenting faults, required remedial actions, and overall assessments. Being able to write it all down properly is key.

Professional & Career Advancement:

• Enhanced Employability & Career Opportunities: Having this qualification can significantly enhance your employability in roles such as:
  • Fire Safety Officer/Manager
  • Facilities Manager/Building Manager
  • Health & Safety Officer
  • Construction Site Manager/Supervisor
  • Fire Door Installer/Maintenance Technician
  • Property Inspector/Surveyor
• Increased Value to Your Current Role: If you already work in a related field (construction, facilities management, fire safety, property management, etc.), this course will add a valuable and specialised skill set to your repertoire, making you more valuable to your employer or clients. Upping your game.
• Professional Recognition & Credibility: Completing a recognised course like this, especially from a provider like PhoenixSTS (who appear to be reputable in safety training in Ireland), provides professional recognition and credibility. This can be important for career progression and client confidence. Looking good on paper, as they say.
• Potential for Independent Services/Consultancy: With the skills and qualifications, you could offer fire door inspection services independently or as a consultant. Going it alone, if that’s your cup of tea.

Safety & Compliance Focused Benefits:

• Contribute to Building Safety & Occupant Protection: Becoming a competent fire door inspector makes buildings safer for occupants. Properly functioning fire doors are crucial for containing fires, saving lives, and playing your part in keeping people safe.
• Ensure Legal Compliance for Your Organisation/Clients: Understanding fire door regulations allows you to help organisations meet their legal obligations regarding fire safety, reducing the risk of penalties and legal trouble and keeping everyone on the right side of the law.
• Reduce Fire Risk & Potential Damage: Regular and effective fire door inspections and maintenance, which this course enables, minimise the risk of fire spread and potential damage to property and assets—cutting down on the chance of things going wrong.
• Demonstrate Due Diligence: Having trained and certified fire door inspectors for employers and building owners demonstrates due diligence in fire safety management, which is important for insurance and legal purposes. It shows that you’ve done your homework and taken things seriously.

CPD-Certified Fire Door Inspection Course

Ensuring building safety and regulatory compliance is paramount across all building types. Strict adherence to fire safety legislation and standards is essential to protecting building occupants and safeguarding property. Comprehensive fire safety measures, including the meticulous inspection and maintenance of fire doors, are not just best practices but a critical legal and ethical obligation for building owners, managers, and responsible personnel. This Fire Door Inspection Course equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet these obligations and ensure fire doors perform effectively when needed.

Legal Requirements: Your Foundation in Fire Door Safety

For anyone responsible for fire safety, a thorough understanding of legal requirements is not just essential – it’s the foundation of competent practice. Our Fire Door Inspection Course provides in-depth coverage of the key legislation underpinning fire safety in Ireland, ensuring you are fully informed and compliant. We meticulously examine the following critical Acts and Regulations:

• Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003 2003 Amendment:
  • Core Responsibilities Defined: Learn the specific duties and powers assigned to fire authorities under this key legislation.
  • Building Owner & Occupier Obligations: Understand the detailed responsibilities placed upon building owners and occupiers regarding all aspects of fire safety within their premises.
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005:
  • Employer’s Fire Safety Mandate: Explore the Act’s clear mandates for employers to create and maintain a safe workplace environment for all employees.
  • Risk Assessment & Safety Statements: This section examines the crucial provisions for conducting thorough fire safety risk assessments and developing comprehensive safety statements.
• Building Control Regulations 1990 to 2024:
  • Ensuring Building Regulation Compliance: Understand how these Regulations enforce adherence to building standards, focusing on all fire safety elements.
  • Building Control & Certification Processes: Learn about the processes involved in building control and the necessary certification to demonstrate compliance.

CE Marking for Fire Doors in the EU/Ireland

• Conformity to European Standards: CE marking indicates that a fire door product conforms to all relevant European standards for safety and performance. This means the door has been assessed and meets rigorous requirements for fire resistance, durability, and overall quality.
• Legal Compliance under the EU CPR: The marking is a legal requirement under the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which mandates that construction products—including fire doors—comply with specific performance criteria before they are placed on the market.
• Implications for Fire Door Inspections: Understanding CE marking is crucial for fire door inspectors because it provides key information about the door’s fire-resistance performance and intended application. During inspections, CE marking assures that the door has been independently tested and certified, helping inspectors verify that the product is fit for purpose and compliant with current legislation.
• Broader Relevance—UKCA Marking: While CE marking remains the primary certification for products in Ireland and the EU, UKCA marking is also relevant for those working in British contexts. UKCA marking indicates that a product complies with applicable UK standards, which is particularly important for manufacturers and inspectors dealing with products across both jurisdictions.

Third-Party Certifications: Q-Mark and Certifire

• Independent Assurance of Quality and Performance: Third-party certifications like Q-Mark and Certifire assure product quality, performance, and ongoing compliance. They involve rigorous testing, auditing, and quality control measures that verify a fire door’s performance beyond essential manufacturer claims.
• Benefits of Specifying Certified Fire Doors: Using fire doors that have recognised third-party certifications demonstrates a commitment to fire safety. It provides added confidence in the product’s reliability, ensuring that the door has been subjected to thorough testing and meets stringent safety criteria.

What You’ll Learn on the CPD-Certified Fire Door Inspection Course

Upon successful completion of the Fire Door Inspection Course, you will confidently achieve the following transformative learning outcomes:

• In-depth Legal Expertise: Master in-depth knowledge of critical Irish and UK fire door legislation and standards, empowering you to ensure full legal compliance and provide expert guidance confidently.
• Practical Fire Door System Mastery: Gain a practical and comprehensive mastery of all essential fire door components and their crucial role in robust passive fire protection systems, enabling you to assess their effectiveness accurately.
• Hands-On Inspection Proficiency: Develop hands-on proficiency in conducting thorough and systematic fire door inspections, equipping you to confidently identify common defects, assess fire door conditions, and determine compliance with pinpoint accuracy.
• Professional Reporting Skills: Acquire professional-level skills in documenting fire door inspection findings and generating clear, concise, actionable reports. This enables you to communicate crucial information and effectively drive remedial actions.
• Defined Roles & Responsibilities: Clearly define and confidently embrace your roles and responsibilities as a skilled fire door inspector and a knowledgeable duty holder. This will empower you to lead actively and champion fire safety best practices within any organisation.

Your Roles and Responsibilities as a Fire Door Inspector (Course Participants)

Upon completing this Fire Door Inspection Course, you will assume vital roles in upholding fire safety. We equip you with the knowledge and skills to confidently embrace the following responsibilities:

• Competent and Confident Inspection Performance: Equip yourself to conduct thorough fire door inspections confidently, expertly applying industry best practices and your acquired legal knowledge to each assessment.
• Discernment in Maintenance & Referrals: Develop the critical discernment to identify when minor fire door adjustments or repairs are permissible within your competency and, crucially, when to escalate issues to qualified fire door specialists or certified technicians for more complex interventions.
• Commitment to Continuous Professional Development: Embrace the ongoing professional responsibility to maintain up-to-date knowledge of evolving fire safety legislation, relevant Irish Standards, and industry best practices. This course provides the critical foundation for your continuous professional development in fire safety, but ongoing learning is paramount.
• Upholding Ethical Practice & Legal Compliance: Commit to upholding the highest ethical practices in fire door inspection and consistently ensuring your work adheres to all applicable legal requirements and standards.

Who is This Fire Door Inspection Course For?

This CPD-Certified Fire Door Inspection Course is ideal for professionals who must demonstrate competence and maintain professional development.

• Building Owners
• Facilities Managers
• Fire Door Installers
• Fire Safety Managers
• Building Managers
• Maintenance Personnel
• Construction Professionals
• Health and Safety Consultants

Note: Participants are expected to have some prior knowledge or experience in fire safety or a related field.

Course Aims

• Provide training on inspecting fire doors.
• Ensure participants understand and can apply relevant legislation and standards.
• Develop practical skills for identifying defects and performing minor repairs.
• Enhance participant’s ability to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders.

Key Course Objectives of the Fire Door Inspection Course

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Conquer Legal Frameworks: Master the legal requirements and standards governing fire door inspections across Ireland, the UK, and the EU, ensuring your expert guidance is always legally sound.
• Decipher Fire Door Systems: Acquire a comprehensive and practical understanding of all critical fire door components and their vital functions within effective passive fire protection systems.
• Execute Expert Inspections: Develop and hone expert-level practical skills for thorough fire door inspections. This enables you to confidently identify defects and accurately assess fire door compliance in any setting.
• Generate Actionable Inspection Reports: Master the ability to document inspection findings meticulously and produce clear, professional, and actionable reports detailing fire door condition and compliance status, providing clear direction for necessary actions.
• Embrace Your Fire Safety Role: Confidently understand and embrace your essential roles and responsibilities as a duty holder and a skilled fire door inspector. This will empower you to champion fire safety and ensure robust compliance.

Pre-Course Requirements

• English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English is essential for effective communication during the training. Learners must be able to understand, speak, read, and write in English to fully engage with the course material and participate actively in discussions.
• Educational Background: A basic understanding of fire safety principles is recommended.
• Experience: Prior experience in building maintenance, construction, or fire safety is beneficial.
• Disclosure of Relevant Medical Conditions: To maintain safety during practical modules, learners are required to disclose any medical conditions that could make physical activities unsafe. This information will be treated confidentially and used solely to ensure the well-being of all learners during the course.

Our Instructors

• Our instructors are members of professional bodies such as NAHFO, IFE, IOSH, IIESMS, IIRSM, IHEEM, and L&DI.
• Expertise in both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• Hold a degree in Fire Engineering.
• Skilled in adult education and training.
• Committed to participant success and professional development.

Three-Year Validity Period

• Certificates are valid for three years from the date of issuance.
• Ensures that individuals maintain up-to-date knowledge.
• Reflects changes in legislation, standards, and industry best practices.

Maximum Number of Learners

Limited to 16 Participants

• Ensures personalised attention.
• Facilitates effective learning and interaction.

Course Duration

• Total Duration: 1 Day
• Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

Certification

• A Phoenix STS Certificate of Completion validates your practical fire door inspection training.
• A CPD Certificate of Attendance, formally recognising your 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development accredited by the CPD Standards Office. This certificate will be official evidence of your CPD for professional bodies and employers.

Elevate your organisation’s fire safety beyond compliance. In addition to our comprehensive Fire Door Inspection Course, Phoenix STS provides expert safety consultancy services designed to mitigate risk and proactively strengthen your fire safety culture. Our experienced consultants deliver in-depth fire risk assessments, site-specific vulnerability evaluations, and tailored compliance strategies that go beyond tick-box exercises. We pinpoint critical hazards, meticulously analyse your existing systems, and propose high-impact, cost-effective solutions to ensure unwavering compliance with the latest Irish, UK, and EU fire safety legislation. With Phoenix STS consultancy, you’ll gain more than just compliance – you’ll achieve a demonstrably safer environment, protect your business continuity, and foster a genuinely robust, proactive fire safety culture that safeguards your people and premises for the long term. Let us guide you through every step, from upgrading passive fire protection to optimising staff training protocols, and build a fire safety framework that truly protects what matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is responsible for fire door inspections in commercial buildings in Ireland?

The legal responsibility for fire safety, including fire door maintenance, falls on the building owner or manager, often referred to as the ‘Responsible Person’.

Is CE certification required for fire door components in Ireland?

Yes, certain fire door components sold in the EU market must have CE certification. This includes single point locks, hinges, door closing devices, and door co-ordinator devices.

How often are fire door inspections legally required in Ireland?

Currently, there is no specific legal requirement in Ireland mandating the frequency of fire door inspections. However, it is widely recommended by fire safety experts and industry bodies that fire doors be professionally inspected every 6 months.

What are the key elements checked during a fire door inspection?

While not a legal requirement, it is strongly recommended to maintain detailed inspection reports. These should include findings for each door tested, recommended maintenance, and proposed retesting dates.

What documentation should be available after a fire door inspection?

Yes, certain fire door components sold in the EU market must have CE certification. This includes single point locks, hinges, door closing devices, and door co-ordinator devices.

What specific aspects of the door leaf should be examined during a fire door inspection?

During a fire door inspection, you should check the door leaf for any visible damage such as warping, dents, or cracks. Ensure the door is not modified in any unauthorised way and that its structural integrity is intact.

How do you check if a fire door is properly certified?

Look for a label, plug, or similar marking on the top or occasionally on the side of the door. This certification mark should be clearly visible and legible, indicating that the door has been certified as a fire door.

What are the acceptable gap measurements for a fire door?

The gap between the door and frame should typically be constant and less than 4mm when the door is closed. The gap under the door can be slightly larger (up to 10mm) unless it’s a fire/smoke door, in which case it should also be less than 4mm.

How can you measure the gaps around a fire door?

You can use a purpose-made gap gauge or, as a quick check, use a coin (about 3mm thick) to measure the gap between the door and the frame.

What should be checked if the fire door has glazing?

Examine the glazing to ensure it’s firmly fixed and free from damage. Check that the seal between the glass and beading is continuous and present. Clear glass should display manufacturer and fire resistance performance marks etched in the top or bottom corner.

Can fire doors be painted or modified?

Fire doors can be painted, but it’s crucial to use appropriate materials that don’t compromise the door’s fire-resistant properties. Any modifications should be done in consultation with the manufacturer’s guidelines or a fire safety professional to ensure compliance is maintained.

Who should install fire doors?

While not a legal requirement, it is highly recommended that fire doors are installed by a 3rd party accredited fire door installation company with installers trained in proper fire door installation. This helps ensure compliance with safety standards.

Are fire doors solid wood?

Not necessarily. Fire doors can be made with various core materials, including solid timber, but also engineered composite cores. The key is their fire-resistant construction, not just solid wood.

Are fire doors required in houses?

Building Regulations often require fire doors in specific locations in houses, especially for doors leading to integral garages, or between the house and a loft conversion. Regulations vary, so check local requirements.

Are fire doors always closed?

Yes, fire doors are designed to be kept closed to effectively compartmentalize fire and smoke. They should only be held open by approved fire door hold-open devices that release automatically in a fire alarm.

Are fire doors heavy?

Generally, yes. Fire doors are typically heavier than standard internal doors due to their solid core construction and fire-resistant materials.

Are all fire doors doors fire-rated?

Yes, all certified fire doors must be fire-rated. This rating (e.g., FD30, E30, FD60, E60) indicates how long they can resist fire. Look for certification labels.

Can fire doors be cut down?

No, generally fire doors should not be cut down or modified on site. This can compromise their fire rating and certification. If size adjustments are needed, it must be done by a certified professional, and may void the certification.

Can fire doors have glass?

Yes, fire doors can incorporate fire-rated glass panels. This glass must be specifically certified fire-resistant to maintain the door’s overall fire rating.

Can fire doors be propped open?

No. Propping fire doors open defeats their purpose and is a serious fire safety risk. They should be kept closed unless held open by approved fire door hold-open devices.

Can fire doors be locked?

Yes, fire doors can and often should be fitted with appropriate locks and hardware that are also fire-rated and compatible with the door’s certification.

How fire doors work?

Fire doors work by compartmentalizing fire and smoke. They are constructed with fire-resistant materials and seals that prevent flames and smoke from spreading for a specific time, allowing occupants to escape and firefighters to respond.

How are fire doors made?

Fire doors are manufactured with fire-resistant cores (like solid timber, mineral cores, or composites) and faced with various materials. They include intumescent seals that expand in heat and cold smoke seals to prevent smoke passage. They must be manufactured and tested to meet specific fire safety standards.

How fire doors are rated?

Fire doors are rated based on fire resistance tests that measure how long they can withstand fire. Ratings are typically expressed in minutes (e.g., FD30 = 30 minutes, FD60 = 60 minutes). Ratings are certified by independent bodies.

What are fire doors designed to do?

Fire doors are designed to save lives and protect property by slowing or stopping the spread of fire and smoke, providing crucial escape time and compartmentalising buildings to limit fire damage.

What are fire doors?

Fire doors are specialised doors designed and constructed to resist fire for a specific period. They are a critical component of passive fire protection in buildings.

What characteristics should fire doors have?

Fire doors should be correctly specified, certified, properly installed, and regularly maintained. They must have the appropriate fire rating for their location, and all components (frame, seals, hardware) must be fire-rated and compatible.

What are fire doors used for?

Fire doors are used in various locations within buildings to compartmentalize different areas, protect escape routes (like corridors and stairwells), and safeguard high-risk areas. They are essential in commercial, public, and residential buildings.

When should fire doors be locked?

Fire doors should generally be kept closed and, depending on location and security needs, may be locked when a room or area needs to be secured, or outside of operational hours. Locking should never compromise emergency escape routes.

Where are fire doors required in Ireland?

Building Regulations in Ireland (specifically Part B – Fire Safety) dictate where fire doors are required. Common locations include between garages and houses, flats and common areas, loft conversions, and protecting stairwells in multi-story buildings. Always refer to the current Irish Building Regulations and seek professional advice.

Where can fire doors be used?

Fire doors can be used in a wide range of settings where fire safety is important. This includes commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, apartments, hotels, industrial buildings, and even residential homes in specific locations as per regulations.

Who are fire doors for?

Fire doors are for everyone in a building. They protect occupants by providing escape time and safe routes, and they protect property by limiting fire spread. They are a vital part of overall building safety.

Why fire doors should be kept closed?

Fire doors must be kept closed to perform their life-saving function. If left open, they cannot block fire and smoke spread, defeating their purpose and putting lives at risk.

Why should fire doors have a specific rating like FD30S or E30s?

The required fire rating (like FD30S, E30s, FD60, E60setc.) depends on the location of the fire door within the building and the specific fire safety requirements outlined in Building Regulations. FD30S or E30s means the door provides 30 minutes of fire resistance and has smoke seals (the “S”). The specific rating needed is determined by a fire risk assessment or building regulations.

Why are fire doors important?

Fire doors are critically important because they save lives and protect property in the event of a fire. They are a vital part of passive fire protection, providing time for escape, limiting damage, and aiding firefighting efforts.