A common point of confusion is the difference between a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and a Fire Door Inspection (FDI). It is, however, very important to understand the distinction as both are legal requirements under the Fire Safety Order 2005.

In simple terms:

• A Fire Risk Assessment is the overall, strategic review of all fire risks in a building.
• A Fire Door Inspection is a detailed, tactical examination of a specific element within that plan.

Fire Risk Assessment versus Fire Door Inspection

Feature	Fire Risk Assessment	Fire Door Inspection
Scope	Broad and Holistic. Covers the entire premises and all aspects of fire safety.	Narrow and Specific. Focuses solely on the fire door assemblies (door leaf, frame, hinges, seals, etc.).
Purpose	To identify fire hazards, assess the risks to people, and determine the necessary measures to remove, reduce, and manage those risks.	To verify that each individual fire door is correctly installed, maintained, and will perform as intended in a fire.
What it Looks At	Sources of ignition and fuel. Fire detection and alarm systems. Emergency lighting and signage. Means of escape (stairs, corridors, exits). Fire fighting equipment (extinguishers, hose reels). Fire doors and compartmentation (as one of many items). Management procedures (evacuation plans, staff training). Vulnerable persons.	Door leaf: Certification, condition, gaps. Door frame: Fixings, condition. Seals: Intumescent and smoke seals. Hardware: Hinges, closers, latches. Glazing: Fire-resistant glass and beads. Signage: 'Fire Door Keep Shut' signs.
Expected Result	A written document (required for most businesses with 5 or more employees) outlining: Significant findings. Actions to be taken (with priorities and deadlines). An emergency plan.	A detailed report (often with photos) on the condition of each door, typically using a traffic-light system (Red/Amber/Green) with specific repair recommendations for each fault.
Legal Basis	The primary duty under Article 9 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.	A specific requirement that flows from the FRA, as part of the general duty to maintain safety provisions (Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform Order).
Competence	Carried out by a "Competent Person" with broad knowledge of fire safety principles, hazards, and building use.	Carried out by a "Competent Person" with specific, technical knowledge of fire door standards, construction, and hardware.

The Relationship: How They Work Together

Think of the Fire Risk Assessment as the boss that gives orders to the Fire Door Inspection.

1. The FRA Identifies the Need: The Fire Risk Assessment will identify fire doors as a key component of the building's fire strategy. It might state something like: 'Fire doors are provided to protect the escape stairs. They must be maintained in good working order to ensure effective compartmentation.'
2. The FRA Triggers the Inspection: As part of its action plan, the FRA should recommend a regime of regular inspection and maintenance for the fire doors. For example: 'Arrange for a competent person to undertake an inspection of all fire doors every six months.'
3. The Inspection Provides the Detail: The fire door inspector then conducts the detailed survey. Their report provides the specific evidence needed to fulfil the FRA requirement. It answers the question: "Are the fire doors actually in good working order?"
4. The Inspection Informs the Next FRA: The findings of the fire door inspection (e.g., '10% of doors have critical faults') become a 'significant finding' that must be recorded and addressed in the next review of the Fire Risk Assessment.

Conclusion

You cannot have one without the other.

A Fire Risk Assessment is a legal requirement that sets the strategy, and it will always highlight the need for fire door maintenance. A Fire Door Inspection is the specialised task that delivers on that specific part of the strategy, providing the technical assurance that these life-saving components are fit for purpose.