FDIS becomes first UK scheme with UKAS fire door inspector accreditation

FDIS gains UKAS accreditation

FDIS has become the first organisation in the UK to receive UKAS accreditation for certifying fire door inspectors under BS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012.

FDIS, owner of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme, confirmed the accreditation relates to certification of individuals and is intended to demonstrate that inspectors meet the scope and rules defined in the FDIS Competence Person Certification Scheme standard.

The accreditation focuses on individual competence and requires periodic reassessment to maintain certification.

It comes as the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) place greater emphasis on demonstrable competence across the built environment.

Under the BSR framework, individuals must demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role.

Organisations must also evidence capability through management systems, resources and supervision.

Louise Halton, FDIS Scheme Manager, said: “The Building Safety Act and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 are clear that individuals must be able to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required for their role.

“Fire doors are a critical life-saving component of a building, so the competence of the professionals responsible for inspecting them should not be assumed – it should be evidenced through recognised training, assessment and third-party accreditation.

“In essence, ISO/IEC 17024 ensures a person is qualified to perform a job, while ISO/IEC 17065 ensures a product, process, or service meets specific standards.

“Both standards aim to build confidence and trust through impartial, competent, and consistent third-party assessment.”

FDIS-approved inspectors are assessed through the FDIS Certificated Inspector Workbook and online activities.

The process also includes a portfolio of evidence, a practical on-site assessment in a live environment and a written examination.

Inspectors must complete annual checks including continued professional development and are reassessed every three years.

FDIS data shows remediation demand

Inspection data from 2025 shows that 72% of fire doors inspected did not meet the required standard to pass inspection.

Common issues included excessive gaps and problems with smoke sealing.

Issues relating to care and maintenance were also recorded.

FDIS reported that 70% of non-compliant fire doors required only minor remedial works.

Poor maintenance and incorrect installation were listed among the main safety concerns.

Fire doors being wedged or propped open was also identified during inspections.

Among the doors that failed inspection, hospitals, local authority and housing association buildings, and hotels and residential healthcare homes required the most remediation work.

These environments often experience high footfall and are used by more vulnerable occupants, which can increase wear on fire door assemblies and the need for regular inspection.

Changes in sector practice have also been observed since the introduction of the Golden Thread of information in building safety.

Nearly a third of FDIS-approved inspectors reported an increase in Responsible Persons carrying out due diligence when appointing a fire door inspector.

A further 59% reported rising demand for professional inspections, and 15% reported improved documentation.

Halton said: “It’s encouraging to see a growing awareness and focus on competence and documentation across the sector.

“However, to ensure fire doors continue to meet the required standard once installed, it’s vital that competent fire door inspectors, such as those approved by the FDIS, carry out fire door inspections.

“For building owners, managers and Responsible Persons this means recognising the level of competency required, proactively verifying inspector competence, keeping accurate maintenance records and quickly addressing maintenance needs.”

The accreditation places the FDIS certification scheme within the ISO/IEC 17024 framework while inspection data continues to show widespread fire door defects across inspected buildings.