Fire doors are only effective if they close properly. A door closer (self-closer) is one of the most critical – and commonly overlooked – components of a fire door system.
In this guide, we explain what door closers do, why they are essential for fire safety, and how they affect legal compliance, particularly in the context of a professional fire risk assessment.
What Is a Door Closer?
A door closer is a mechanical device that automatically closes a door after it has been opened.
On fire doors, door closers are not optional – they are a fundamental safety feature designed to ensure the door performs as intended during a fire.
What Do Door Closers Do?
Door closers ensure that fire doors:
• Close fully and automatically after opening
• Remain shut in the event of a fire
• Prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases
• Maintain the integrity of fire compartments
• Protect escape routes and stairwells
A fire door that is wedged open or fails to close is effectively useless in a fire.
Why Are Door Closers So Important for Fire Safety?
Fire doors are designed to compartmentalise a building, slowing the spread of fire and smoke. This compartmentation:
• Buys time for occupants to escape
• Reduces smoke spread (the leading cause of fire fatalities)
• Limits damage to the building
Without a functioning door closer, occupants fleeing in an emergency are unlikely to ensure a fire door is closed after them — this allows fire and smoke to spread rapidly into protected areas such as escape routes.
Are Door Closers a Legal Requirement?
In most cases, yes.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, 1 (1) a the Responsible Person must ensure that there are ‘measures to reduce the risk of fire on the premises and the risk of the spread of fire on the premises’: Because fire doors are certified as complete systems, missing, damaged, or disabled door closers can result in:
- Fire door non-compliance
- Failure during a fire
- Enforcement action from fire authorities
- Increased risk to life
These issues are frequently highlighted during fire risk assessments.
Common Door Closer Issues Found During Fire Risk Assessments
Fire risk assessors commonly identify:
- Missing door closers on fire doors
- Door closers that are disconnected or broken
- Closers adjusted incorrectly, causing doors to slam or not latch
- Fire doors wedged or held open without approved devices
- Unsuitable closers for the door size or fire rating
Any of these defects can seriously compromise fire safety.
Can Fire Doors Be Held Open?
Fire doors must not be wedged or propped open. (Find out what to do with your old door stops)
However, they can be held open safely using approved hold-open devices that automatically release the door when the fire alarm sounds or power fails.
A fire risk assessment will confirm whether hold-open devices are appropriate for your building and whether existing arrangements are compliant.
How to Check If Your Door Closers Are Compliant
You should check that:
- All fire doors have a suitable door closer fitted
- Doors close fully into the rebate and latch from any open position
- Closers are not damaged, leaking, or disconnected
- Doors are not wedged open
- The closer is appropriate for the door’s size and fire rating
A competent fire risk assessor will assess all of this as part of a full fire risk assessment.
Book a Fire Risk Assessment – Get a Free Quote
If you’re unsure whether your fire doors and door closers meet current fire safety requirements, a professional assessment can provide clarity and peace of mind.
At Fireriskassessments.com, we carry out thorough, compliant fire risk assessments for residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do all fire doors need door closers?
Yes. In almost all cases, fire doors must have a door closer to ensure they close automatically in a fire.
Can I remove a door closer if it’s inconvenient?
No. Removing or disabling a door closer on a fire door is a serious fire safety breach and may result in enforcement action.
Why does my fire door slam shut?
This usually means the door closer is incorrectly adjusted. Slamming doors can cause damage and should be rectified.
Are overhead door closers the only option?
No. There are various types of door closers, including concealed and floor-sprung closers, self-closing hinges etc but they must be suitable for the fire door’s rating.
Will a fire risk assessment check door closers?
Yes. Door closers are a key inspection point during a professional fire risk assessment.