Planned Maintenance vs Reactive Repairs: The Case for a Fire Door Maintenance Programme

Planned fire door maintenance is a structured approach to condition checks, repairs, record keeping and review. The appropriate programme depends on the building, its fire strategy, manufacturer guidance and inspection findings.

A reactive approach deals with a reported fault or visible defect as it arises. A planned approach sets out how condition checks, repairs, responsibilities and records are managed over time. Neither approach should replace the building’s wider fire-risk assessment or fire-door obligations.

Managing Reactive Repairs

The response to a reported fault or visible defect depends on the defect, access, replacement parts, building use, urgency and the building’s fire-safety arrangements. A planned programme can help a duty holder define responsibilities, checks and records over time.

A defect should be assessed in the context of the building’s fire strategy and wider fire-safety arrangements. The responsible person should determine and record the appropriate action, including any interim measures, escalation or remedial work.

What a Planned Maintenance Programme Includes

A planned maintenance programme should be designed around the premises, its fire strategy, manufacturer guidance, inspection findings and the duties that apply. Its scope may include:

• Condition checks defined for the premises
• Regulation 10 checks where the building is within scope of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
• Inspection of relevant components against the doorset evidence and manufacturer guidance
• Adjustment or replacement of compatible components where required
• Record keeping and review of completed work
• Escalation of defects that require a different scope of assessment or remediation

Managing Doorset Condition

The service life of a doorset and its components depends on the product, use, exposure, maintenance history, modifications and compatibility of replacement parts. Replacement decisions should be based on the product evidence, condition and fire strategy for the premises.

Compliance Risk Reduction

A planned programme can support consistent record keeping and review. Records should be considered alongside the fire risk assessment, building fire strategy and decisions made by the responsible person.

Eagle Fire's Planned Maintenance Service

Eagle Fire provides planned maintenance work across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.