Can fire doors be held open legally?
Only with a suitable hold-open device that releases the door automatically when the fire alarm sounds. Wedges, fire extinguishers and door stops are never acceptable, and the device should be covered by your fire risk assessment.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
Why doors get propped open
Fire doors are heavy and busy. People prop them for ventilation, deliveries, accessibility, supervision in schools or so residents in care homes can move freely. A propped fire door protects nothing.
The legal way
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Hold-open device | Holds the door open magnetically and releases it when the fire alarm sounds |
| Free-swing closer | Lets the door move freely like a normal door, then closes it when the alarm sounds |
| Acoustic release | Releases the door when it detects the alarm sound (check it suits your alarm and building) |
Any of these should be included in your fire risk assessment, and tested along with the fire alarm.
Never acceptable
- Wedges, door stops or hooks
- Fire extinguishers or furniture
- Disconnecting or removing the closer
Where it comes up most
Care homes, schools, offices and hotels, where doors are in constant use. If your doors are often propped open, the Compliance Check will flag it as an action.