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How to Know When Your Workplace Needs FD30 or FD60 Fire Doors
- Protest ES Ltd
- Oct 7
- 8 min read
Fire doors are among the unsung heroes of workplace safety. Their job is to hold back fire and smoke long enough for people to escape and for firefighters to control the blaze. Choosing between FD30 vs FD60 fire doors is a critical decision. The rating you pick can mean the difference between safe evacuation and uncontrolled damage, both legally and operationally.
What Are FD30 and FD60 Fire Doors?
In simple terms, “FD” stands for fire door, and the number indicates how many minutes the door should resist fire under test conditions.
An FD30 fire door is designed to provide 30 minutes of resistance to fire, heat, and smoke.
An FD60 fire door must maintain its integrity for 60 minutes before failing.
These ratings come from standardised tests (for example, BS 476-22 or EN 1634) under controlled furnace conditions. A door that performs for 30 minutes earns the FD30 label, while one that endures 60 minutes gets FD60.
Fire doors are part of a building’s compartmentation strategy. They act as internal fire barriers, dividing buildings into zones or compartments so that if a fire starts in one area, it is contained. The right fire door slows down smoke and flames, keeping escape routes safer and giving people more time to evacuate.
Why Fire Door Ratings Matter for Compliance
Selecting the proper fire door rating is not just a technical preference. It’s a legal and safety requirement.
Legal Framework in the UK
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” (often the building owner or manager) must take all reasonable steps to reduce fire risk, including providing appropriate fire doors, and ensure regular maintenance.
The Building Regulations 2010, particularly Approved Document B (Fire Safety), sets performance standards for fire safety in buildings. It includes guidance on where fire doors and what ratings should be used to ensure safe escape routes and proper compartmentation.
These laws mean that you must install the right kind of fire doors for each location and maintain them properly.
Safety and Liability
Installing a door with too low a rating, or failing to maintain it, can have serious consequences:
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Faster fire spread: A weaker door may collapse early, allowing smoke and flames to spread.
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Voided insurance: Insurers often require proof of compliance with fire safety regulations, and failure to meet them can invalidate your policy.
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Enforcement and fines: Fire and rescue authorities can issue enforcement notices under the Fire Safety Order or local building regulation powers.
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Legal liability: If damage or injury occurs and you are found negligent, penalties can be severe.
Choosing between FD30 fire door requirements and FD60 doors is therefore a vital part of legal compliance and overall safety.
The Key Differences Between FD30 and FD60 Doors
It helps to compare how FD30 and FD60 fire doors differ in practice.
Fire Resistance Duration
FD30 provides 30 minutes of protection, usually sufficient if escape routes are short and risk is moderate.
FD60 doubles that time to 60 minutes, offering critical extra protection in complex buildings, extended escape routes, or higher-risk areas.
The longer the escape path or the higher the risk, the more valuable the extra protection becomes.
Construction and Core Materials
Thickness and core: FD30 doors are typically around 44 mm thick. FD60 doors are usually thicker at 54 mm or made with denser materials.
Seals and intumescent strips: Both use materials that expand when heated to seal gaps, but FD60 doors require seals that last longer under fire conditions.
Glazing: If glass panels are included, FD60 glazing must hold integrity for 60 minutes.
Frame and ironmongery: Hinges, latches, locks, and closers all need matching ratings. Non-rated components can compromise performance.
Installation accuracy: FD60 doors demand tighter tolerances, precise sealing, and correct fixings to meet their rating.
Typical Locations and Use Cases
FD30: Common for standard office corridors and low-risk internal areas.
FD60: Used in plant rooms, kitchens, electrical risers, boiler rooms, stairwells, lift lobbies, and escape corridors.
A single building often includes both FD30 and FD60 doors depending on risk levels.
Cost, Installation, and Maintenance
Cost: FD60 doors are more expensive due to thicker materials and higher-rated components.
Installation complexity: FD60 installations require more precision and control.
Maintenance: Higher-rated doors need careful inspections to ensure seals, glazing, and hardware remain intact.
Professional installation and maintenance are essential to maintain compliance and performance.
How to Determine Which Fire Door Rating Your Workplace Needs
Choosing between FD30 and FD60 should be a structured decision. Here’s how to assess your requirements.
Assess the Building’s Fire Risk Level
Start with occupancy type, layout, and activities.
A standard office is lower risk than a workshop with flammable materials.
Larger buildings with more people or complex layouts carry higher risk.
Consider how much combustible material (fire load) is present.
Classify zones as low, moderate, or high risk. High-risk zones typically require FD60 doors or higher.
Review Building Compartmentation Plans
Study your fire compartmentation plan. Identify fire zones and walls that act as barriers. Doors that sit on these boundaries must match or exceed the wall’s fire resistance level and be certified fire-rated doorsets.
Evaluate Escape Routes and Critical Access Points
Escape routes must remain clear and protected for as long as possible.
Doors on main escape routes, stairwells, and final exits need higher resistance ratings.
Areas deep within buildings or with multiple occupants may require FD60 protection.
Long corridors or lobby connections should also use higher-rated doors.
Align with Fire Risk Assessment Findings
Your Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) outlines the type and rating of fire doors needed. Use it to determine which doors must be FD30 or FD60.
Seek Guidance from Competent Fire Door Inspectors
Always seek professional guidance.
Use BM TRADA Q-Mark or FIRAS-certified inspectors and installers.
Experts will confirm suitable ratings, inspect installation quality, and identify weak points.
Surveys may reveal that some FD30 doors should be upgraded to FD60.
This ensures your building has the right level of protection in every location.
Common Workplace Scenarios and Which Door Rating They Require
Here are examples of how FD30 and FD60 fire doors are used across different sectors.
Offices and Commercial Buildings
Internal office and meeting room doors: FD30
Server rooms, plant closets, stairwells, corridor divisions: FD60
Educational Institutions
Classrooms, offices, and low-risk rooms: FD30
Laboratories, workshops, kitchens, and boiler rooms: FD60
Healthcare Facilities
Because occupants may not be able to evacuate quickly, most doors in wards, treatment rooms, and corridors should be FD60 or higher. Critical or sterile areas may require more than 60 minutes of resistance.
Industrial and Warehouse Environments
Due to higher fire loads, FD60 is usually the minimum standard, with FD90 or FD120 doors used for high-risk areas like chemical stores or plant zones.
Hospitality and Residential Developments
Guest rooms or apartments: FD30
Corridors, basements, communal spaces: FD60
Each environment demands a tailored mix of fire door ratings based on layout and fire risk.
How to Verify if Your Current Fire Doors Are Correctly Rated
You can perform simple checks to verify that your doors meet compliance standards.
Certification labels or plugs: Look for a label or plug showing FD30 or FD60 and the certification scheme (for example, Q-Mark).
Frame compatibility: Ensure the frame and installation match the door’s rating.
Seals, glazing, and hardware: Verify that all components are fire-rated and intact.
Gaps and alignment: Gaps between door and frame should be 3–4 mm. Excess gaps reduce fire resistance.
Inspection records: Review previous inspection logs for faults or repairs.
Professional inspection: Certified inspectors can verify compliance and provide documentation.
Maintenance and Inspection Requirements for FD30 and FD60 Doors
Fire doors must be regularly inspected and maintained to stay effective.
Frequency of Fire Door Inspections
Conduct inspections at least every 6 months, as advised by BS 9999 and BS 8214.
In high-traffic or high-risk areas, quarterly checks are recommended.
In residential buildings, communal doors should be checked quarterly, and flat entrance doors annually.
What Inspections Should Include
Checks should cover:
Labels and certification plugs
Door leaf condition
Frame gaps and seals
Hinges, closers, and locks
Glazing, handles, and signage
Door operation (closing fully and smoothly)
Documentation of faults and actions
Maintain records for every inspection.
Partnering with Certified Inspectors
For guaranteed compliance, work with BM TRADA Q-Mark or similar accredited companies such as Protest ES Ltd. Certified inspectors identify hidden defects, provide professional reports, and help plan remedial works.
How FD30 and FD60 Selection Integrates with a Wider Passive Fire Protection Strategy
Fire doors form one part of a complete passive fire protection system, which also includes:
Fire stopping to seal wall or floor penetrations
Compartmentation using fire-resistant walls and ceilings
Fire-rated glazing and dampers
Smoke control and signage
When combined, these systems slow down fire spread, protect escape routes, and give emergency services more time to respond.
Consequences of Installing the Wrong Fire Door Rating
Using an incorrect fire door can result in serious issues:
Quicker fire and smoke spread
Voided insurance policies
Enforcement notices from local fire authorities
Legal and financial liability for responsible persons
Installing correctly rated doors protects lives, assets, and your organisation’s reputation.
How a Professional Fire Door Inspection Company Like Protest ES Ltd Can Help
Hiring a professional ensures total compliance and peace of mind.
Comprehensive surveys to check ratings, condition, and installation
Detailed reports with clear remedial recommendations
Upgrade and replacement planning for non-compliant doors
Nationwide service for multi-site organisations
Maintenance contracts to keep inspections on schedule
Professional partners such as Protest ES Ltd deliver expertise, certified work, and ongoing compliance support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FD30 and FD60 stand for?
“FD” means fire door. The number (30 or 60) shows how many minutes the door resists fire during testing.
Who decides which fire door rating is required?
The Responsible Person (owner, manager, or agent) decides based on the Fire Risk Assessment and Building Regulations.
How can I check if my fire doors are certified?
Check for labels or plugs showing the FD30 or FD60 mark and certification scheme, along with matching frames, seals, and fittings.
What are the regulations governing fire doors in the UK?
Key regulations include the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Building Regulations (Approved Document B), and Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Can FD30 doors be upgraded to FD60?
Usually not. You should replace an FD30 door with a certified FD60 doorset rather than attempting upgrades.
How often should fire doors be inspected?
Every six months in most workplaces. Higher-risk areas may need quarterly checks.
What happens if my fire doors fail an inspection?
Repairs or replacements must be carried out promptly. Document all actions to remain compliant.
Do glazed fire doors offer the same protection?
Yes, if the glazing is rated for the same duration and correctly installed.
Are FD60 doors always required for escape routes?
Not always. Simpler buildings may only need FD30, but complex or high-risk areas should use FD60.
How can I arrange a professional fire door survey?
Contact a BM TRADA Q-Mark or FIRAS-certified provider such as Protest ES Ltd for inspection, installation, and remedial services.
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