Fire door inspection might not be a career you considered back in school. But those who are in it say it’s a hugely rewarding job – both personally and professionally.

We had a chat to a handful of fire door inspectors – including our very own General Manager – to find out why they love it.

Paul Fisher, Glasgow

“I’ve been working in fire door inspection for about 15 years now. Before this, I worked as a fire safety engineer, but I wanted to focus more specifically on fire doors and their inspection.

“Fire door inspection is fast paced and there’s lots of variety – no two inspections are the same. On a typical day though, I’ll visit several high-rise residential properties to inspect fire doors and make sure they’re compliant with the latest safety standards. I also provide consultancy services to local authorities to help them improve their fire safety protocols.

“My job gives me a lot of satisfaction. I love knowing that my work is making a difference to the safety of people and their homes. Fire doors play a critical role in providing an escape route in the event of a fire. And my role as an inspector is essential in protecting lives and homes.”

Thomas Kilroy, London

“Prior to my career in fire door inspection, I worked as a carpenter. But I always had an interest in safety and fire protection, so I decided to switch careers.

“I love that I get to play a part in ensuring the safety of people and their properties. Every time I complete an inspection, I feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that I’ve helped to minimise the risk of fire and ensured people have a safe escape route in an emergency.

“I wish people understood the critical role that fire doors play in protecting lives and property in the event of a fire. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that fire doors are functioning properly and can provide the protection they are designed to in the event of a fire.”

Anthony Hughes, Warrington

“Fire door inspection is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. I enjoy the challenge of identifying potential fire hazards and coming up with solutions to ensure the fire doors are compliant. But it’s also massively rewarding to see the difference that a proper fire door installation can make in an emergency situation.

“A typical day for me involves travelling to different properties to conduct fire door inspections and recommending any necessary repairs or upgrades. I also spend some time reviewing and updating my inspection reports and staying current on the latest fire safety regulations and best practices.

“I take great pride in my job as a fire door inspector. Fire doors are critical in saving lives and it’s an honour that the work I do plays a part in that.”

Jonny Millard, General Manager at UK Fire Door Training

“I’ve always had an interest in fire safety. And it was this interest that led me to take on a summer job with a fire safety company. Eventually, after deciding it was definitely the right career for me, I transitioned into a full-time fire door inspector in 2019.

“The fire safety industry is both challenging and rewarding. And it also carries a lot of responsibility. As a fire door inspector, it’s down to me to ensure that fire doors meet the latest safety standards and regulations. This requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of fire safety protocols.

“One of the benefits of working in the fire safety industry is the sense of community among professionals. I’ve met many knowledgeable and experienced individuals who are always willing to share their insights and best practices. It’s an industry that also offers opportunities for growth and development, which is very fulfilling, both personally and professionally.”

If you’re looking for a new challenge and have an interest in fire safety, a career in fire door inspection may be a good fit. It’s a field that requires dedication and attention to detail, but the rewards of knowing that you’re helping to keep people and properties safe are well worth it.

If you’re just starting out in the industry, take a look at our industry-leading fire door training courses, designed to help you prove competency and win more work.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re thinking about becoming a fire door inspector, there are plenty of reasons why this career path could be an excellent fit for you. For one, being a fire door inspector provides the opportunity to manage your own time, allowing for a better work-life balance. This means that you can work around other commitments, such as family or other jobs, and have more control over your schedule.

Another significant benefit of becoming a fire door inspector is the fact that it is a growing industry. With more and more regulations being put in place to ensure that buildings are fire safe, there is an increasing demand for qualified inspectors. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for career advancement and job security.

Additionally, the law now requires properties to have regular fire door inspections. This means that being a fire door inspector provides a valuable service that is always going to be in demand. By helping building owners ensure that they are meeting necessary safety standards, you’ll be playing a crucial role in maintaining the safety of buildings and their occupants. This is an incredibly rewarding aspect of the job and can provide a sense of fulfilment that is hard to find in other careers.

Finally, being a fire door inspector can be a highly satisfying job. Knowing that you are contributing to the safety of the community by ensuring that buildings are meeting necessary safety standards can provide a great sense of purpose. By choosing to become a fire door inspector, you’ll be able to make a positive impact on the world around you, which is truly a rewarding experience.

In summary, becoming a fire door inspector has many benefits. From the flexibility of managing your own time to the potential for career growth and the satisfaction of contributing to the safety of the community, this career path is definitely worth considering.