doorbot

Sign in to unlock advanced procedures, troubleshooting guides, and save favorites.

← All procedures

Fire Door Annual Inspection (Non-Drop Test)

Annual visual and operational inspection of fire-rated door assemblies per NFPA 80, separate from the drop test. Covers label verification, clearance checks, hardware condition, signage, and documentation required between drop test cycles.

BasicTesting20–45 min per door1 person

Warnings

This inspection must only be performed by a technician who holds an active fire door certification (e.g., FDAI Certified Fire Door Inspector or equivalent recognized by the AHJ). Uncertified personnel must not perform fire door inspections.

This inspection does NOT replace the annual drop test required by NFPA 80. Both the visual/operational inspection and the drop test are required annually.

Do not stand directly under the fire door during any phase of inspection. The door can release unexpectedly if release devices are compromised.

Fire doors are life-safety devices. Any deficiency found during inspection must be documented and corrected promptly — a non-functional fire door puts building occupants at risk.

Required PPE

  • Safety glasses
  • Hard hat
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Leather gloves

Tools Required

  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Tape measure
  • Feeler gauges (set up to 3/4 in.)
  • Digital camera or phone camera
  • Inspection mirror (telescoping)
  • Inspection form / clipboard
  • NFPA 80 reference guide

Procedure — 11 Steps

1

Verify technician fire door certification

Confirm the inspector holds a current, active fire door certification (e.g., FDAI Certified Fire Door Inspector or equivalent recognized by the AHJ). Record the technician's name, certification number, issuing body, and expiration date on the inspection form.

⚠ Do not proceed if the inspector's fire door certification is expired or cannot be verified.

2

Locate and photograph the fire door label

Find the UL or FM label on the door assembly. Photograph the label for the inspection record. Record the manufacturer, model, fire rating, and label number. If the label is missing, illegible, or damaged, document this as a critical deficiency — the AHJ may require a field-applied label or door replacement.

3

Verify door type and fire rating

Confirm the door type (rolling steel fire door, fire shutter, fire curtain, swinging fire door) matches the label and building plans. Verify the fire rating (typically 1-hour, 1.5-hour, or 3-hour) is appropriate for the wall or opening in which the door is installed.

4

Inspect the door for physical damage

Examine the entire door assembly for physical damage: dents, holes, rust, corrosion, missing slats or panels, and broken or bent components. For rolling steel fire doors, inspect each visible curtain slat for damage and verify interlocking joints are engaged. For swinging fire doors, check the door face, edges, and frame for damage, warping, or delamination.

5

Inspect guides, tracks, and frame

Examine the guide channels or tracks for obstructions, debris, damage, or corrosion that could impede door closure. For rolling steel doors, verify the curtain ends ride freely in the guides. For swinging doors, inspect the door frame for integrity and proper anchorage. Check that no storage, equipment, or materials are blocking the guide channels or door swing path.

6

Verify clearance zone

NFPA 80 requires that nothing be stored within the path of the fire door that could obstruct closure. Verify a minimum 4-foot clearance zone on both sides of the door opening. Check for shelving, pallets, equipment, furniture, or any other items that could prevent the door from closing fully during a fire event. Document any obstructions as deficiencies.

7

Inspect closing device and release mechanism

Inspect the closing device (governor, closer, spring, or automatic operator) for visible damage, corrosion, or tampering. For fusible link systems, visually inspect all links for paint, corrosion, physical damage, or replacement with non-rated materials (wire, zip ties). For electromechanical release systems, verify the hold-open device appears intact with no visible wiring damage. Do NOT activate the release during a non-drop-test inspection unless performing the annual drop test.

8

Inspect the bottom bar, astragal, and seals

Check the bottom bar for straightness and secure attachment. Inspect the astragal or smoke seal for wear, tearing, compression, or missing sections. The seal must be intact and capable of making full contact with the sill when the door is closed. Document any deficiencies in the sealing components.

9

Check signage and access

Verify that required signage is present: fire door labels, 'DO NOT BLOCK' signs if required by the AHJ, and inspection tags from the last drop test. Confirm the door is accessible for emergency operation and not padlocked, bolted, or obstructed in a way that would prevent closure during a fire.

10

Review previous inspection and drop test records

Request the previous inspection report and drop test report from the building owner. Verify the last drop test was conducted within the required interval (annually per NFPA 80). Check whether previous deficiencies have been corrected. If the drop test is overdue, flag this as a critical deficiency and schedule the drop test.

11

Document inspection results

Complete the inspection report with all findings, including: date and time; building name and address; door location and identification; inspector name and certification number; label information; physical condition assessment; clearance zone compliance; release device condition; seal condition; previous test review; and a pass/fail determination for each criterion. Photograph all deficiencies. Provide the report to the building owner with recommended corrective actions and timelines. Affix a new inspection tag to the door.

References & Standards