Fire doors are only effective when every component is present, correctly installed, and properly maintained. Signage is one of the most visible and most frequently neglected parts of that picture. A fire door without the right sign is not just a compliance issue; it is a door that occupants may prop open, obstruct, or ignore entirely.
In this guide, we explain what fire door signage is required, what a complete fire door inspection checklist should cover, and why both matter to the outcome of a fire risk assessment.
For detail on the physical performance of fire door components, see our guides to intumescent strips and smoke seals, fire doors fittings & gaps, and the importance of self closers.
What is fire door signage?
Fire door signage refers to the set of mandatory signs that must be displayed on or near fire doors throughout a building. Each sign type communicates a specific instruction about how the door must be used and why. They exist because fire doors regularly fail not through mechanical fault but through misuse by the people around them. For a broader look at the role of signage across a building, see our guide to fire safety signs.
There are four main sign types specific to fire doors:
| Sign type | Required when | Typical location |
| Fire door keep shut | Door must remain closed at all times when not in use | Corridors, stairwells, plant rooms |
| Fire door keep locked shut | Door must remain locked, typically for access-controlled areas | Roof access, service areas, storage |
| Fire door Keep Clear | Where obstruction of the door is a risk | Final exits, high-traffic escape routes |
| Fire exit / running man | All final exits | Above or on all exit doors |
Fire exit and directional signs must comply with BS ISO 7010 and the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. They must use the recognised green running man symbol and be illuminated or photoluminescent where lighting conditions require it. For guidance on planning the escape routes these signs direct people along, see our blog on planning your means of escape.
What does fire door signage do?
The function of fire door signage is to manage human behaviour around fire doors consistently, without relying on anyone remembering what they have been told. When correctly in place, fire door signs:
- Prevent occupants from wedging doors open, which is one of the single most common and dangerous fire door deficiencies.
- Direct people to the nearest exit quickly during an evacuation, reducing confusion and delay.
- Provide visible evidence of compliance during fire safety inspections and enforcement visits.
- Deter unauthorised obstruction of escape routes and final exits.
It is worth noting that a fire door left open, even for a short period, offers no meaningful resistance to fire or smoke. For more on why smoke control matters in the wider building, see our blog on smoke ventilation and fire risk assessments.
Signage is the most cost-effective control measure available for managing how occupants interact with fire doors day to day.
What is a fire door checklist?
A fire door checklist is a structured inspection tool that assesses a fire door as a complete certified assembly, covering the door leaf, frame, ironmongery, seals, glazing, and signage. It exists because fire doors are not assessed by any single component in isolation. They are tested and certified as systems, and a deficiency in any one element can undermine the performance of the whole door in a real fire.
Checklists are used both for routine in-house checks carried out by a responsible person within the building and as part of a formal fire risk assessment conducted by a competent assessor.
What does a fire door checklist cover?
Signage
- The right sign is fitted correctly and is clearly legible and undamaged.
- Fire exit signs are in place and correctly orientated.
- Signs conform to the required standard and are illuminated or photoluminescent where necessary.
Certification
- A legible fire door certification label or plug is present, confirming the door’s fire rating.
- The fire rating is appropriate for the door’s position and purpose within the building.
Door gaps and fit
- Gaps around the top and sides of the door do not exceed 3mm.
- The bottom gap does not exceed 10mm, or 8mm where smoke control is required.
- Gaps are consistent around the full perimeter with no warping or distortion to the door or frame.
Intumescent strips and smoke seals
- Intumescent strips are fitted, continuous, and undamaged.
- Smoke seals are present where required and free from gaps, tears, or compression damage.
- Neither strips nor seals have been painted over, which would prevent them from functioning correctly.
For a detailed explanation of how these components work and what to look for, see our guide to intumescent strips and smoke seals.
Self-closing device
- A self-closer is fitted and brings the door fully to the latch from any open position without manual assistance.
- The closer has not been removed, disabled, or adjusted to prevent the door from closing.
- Any hold-open device is linked to the fire alarm system and releases automatically on activation.
Hinges and ironmongery
- Hinges are the correct type and specification for a fire door, correctly fitted, and free from damage.
- Handles, locks, and latches are in good working order and appropriate for the door’s fire rating.
Glazing
- Any glazed panels are fire-rated to at least the same standard as the door leaf.
- Glazing beads and seals are intact, with no cracking, gaps, or signs of deterioration.
General condition
- The door leaf and frame are free from significant damage, impact marks, or structural alteration.
- No unauthorised modifications have been made that could affect the door’s certified performance.
- The door closes fully and latches on every attempt without being forced.
Is fire door signage a legal requirement?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies in England and Wales, the responsible person is required to ensure that escape routes and exits are clearly indicated at all times. This includes the proper display of fire door signage and fire exit signs throughout the premises.
The specific design and placement requirements for signs are set out in BS 5499-4 conforming to BS EN ISO 7010. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action from the Local Fire and Rescue Service and will be formally recorded during a fire risk assessment. Premises in Scotland and Northern Ireland are subject to separate fire safety legislation with equivalent requirements.
For a full overview of the legal requirements that apply to your premises, see our fire risk assessment legal requirements page.
Common problems found during fire risk assessments
Fire door deficiencies are among the most frequently recorded issues in a professional fire risk assessment. Assessors regularly identify:
- Missing, damaged, or illegible fire door keep shut signs.
- Incorrect sign type fitted, for example a keep shut sign on a door that should be kept locked.
- Fire exit signs absent, incorrectly positioned, or pointing in the wrong direction.
- Doors propped or wedged open, directly undermining the purpose of the signage.
- Self-closers that have been removed, disabled, or set so lightly that the door does not latch.
- Missing, damaged, or painted-over intumescent strips or smoke seals.
- Excessive gaps around the door perimeter, often due to wear or building movement over time.
- Non-fire-rated glazing installed in place of certified panels or glazing obscured
- Structural alterations to the door or frame that invalidate the original certification.
Left unaddressed, any of these issues can result in a fire door failing to perform its function at the moment it is most needed.
How to check if your fire doors are compliant
As a responsible person, you should ensure:
- Every fire door displays the correct, legible sign appropriate to its use and location.
- Fire exit signs are in place on all escape routes and clearly visible.
- All self-closing devices are fitted, functional, and bringing doors fully to the latch.
- Intumescent strips and smoke seals are continuous, undamaged, and have not been painted over.
- Door gaps are within permitted tolerances across the full perimeter.
- No door has been wedged open, modified, or had its closer removed.
- All glazed panels in fire doors are fire-rated to the correct standard.
Routine visual checks should be carried out regularly by a responsible person within the building. A full fire risk assessment will review all or a sample of fire doors as part of its scope and provide prioritised recommendations for any deficiencies found.
Book a fire risk assessment and get a free quote
If you have concerns about fire door compliance in your building, a professional assessment will give you a clear picture of what needs attention and in what order.
At FireRiskAssessments.com, we carry out practical, fully compliant fire risk assessments for all building types across England and Wales. We hold BAFE certification, audited by SSAIB, and are members of the Fire Protection Association.
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Fire Door Signage and Fire Door Checklist FAQs
Does every fire door need a sign?
Yes. Every fire door should display the appropriate sign for its intended use. A door that must remain closed needs a fire door keep shut sign. A door that is locked at all times needs a fire door keep locked shut sign. The absence of an appropriate sign is a recordable deficiency in a fire risk assessment.
What standard must fire exit signs meet?
Fire exit signs in England and Wales must conform to BS ISO 7010 and comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. They must feature the recognised green running man symbol and must be illuminated or photoluminescent where natural or artificial lighting levels are insufficient to make them clearly visible.
Can a fire door be legally held open?
Only if it is held open by an approved electromagnetic device linked to the fire alarm system. These devices release automatically when the alarm activates, allowing the door to close and restore compartmentation. Any door held open by a wedge, door stop, or other manual means is non-compliant and creates a direct fire safety risk.
How often should fire doors be checked?
Routine visual checks should be part of regular building management. Formal inspections by a competent person should be carried out at least every 6 to 12 months, with higher-traffic doors inspected more frequently. A fire risk assessment will also cover fire doors as part of its full scope.
Will a fire risk assessment identify fire door signage issues?
Yes. A professional fire risk assessment will review all fire doors within scope, including signage, seals, self-closers, gaps, glazing, and the general condition of the door and frame. Deficiencies are recorded in the report with recommended actions and priority ratings so you know exactly what to address and when.
What happens if fire door issues are found during an enforcement visit?
The Local Fire and Rescue Service can issue an enforcement or prohibition notice requiring deficiencies to be remedied within a specified timeframe. In serious cases, where there is an imminent risk to life, a prohibition notice can restrict the use of all or part of the building immediately. Non-compliant fire doors can also affect the validity of your insurance cover.