Over the last few months, I’ve shared posts here on iDigHardware about each of the 13 criteria for swinging fire door inspections, as documented in NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Thank you to all of my guest bloggers for your help in taking a closer look at the inspection requirements!
I’m excited to report that I’m seeing much more state and local enforcement of the inspections, which are required after installation, after maintenance or repair work, and annually. In turn, I expect to see the condition of fire door assemblies in the field improving, which will enhance the protection provided during a fire.
This final post in the series is a wrap-up of the past posts; I also wanted to share a list of information that NFPA 80 requires to be included in each inspection and testing report:
- Inspection date
- Facility name and address
- Inspector name, company name and address, signature of inspector
- Individual record of each fire door assembly that was inspected and tested, including opening identifier and location, type and description
- Verification of visual inspection and functional operation
- Listing of deficiencies
The format of the inspection report is not dictated by NFPA 80 – I have seen reports with one assembly per page and others that are more like a spreadsheet, with one door opening per line. The inspection can be documented in hard copy (paper/pencil) but many facilities and inspectors use fire door inspection software.
If you missed any of the posts, here are the links:
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 1 – Labels
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 2 – Open Holes
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 3 – Glazing
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 4 – Proper Working Order
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 5 – Missing/Broken Parts
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 6 – Clearances
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 7 – Closing Operation
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 8 – Coordinators
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 9 – Positive Latching
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 10 – Auxiliary Hardware Items
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 11 – Job-Site Preps and Field Modifications
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 12 – Gasketing
- FDAI: Inspection Criteria 13 – Signage
To learn more about fire door assemblies, the Fire Door page of iDigHardware includes a video, a free laminated card, and links to additional info. Click here to check it out!
If you have information or experience that you’d like to share about fire door inspection, feel free to leave a comment!
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Is there an update on what Markings are Required, and what they look like?
https://idighardware.com/2025/10/fdai-inspection-criteria-3/
Hi Charles –
I don’t think those requirements have changed.
– Lori