Fire & Life Safety Inspection Checklist

Ensuring fire and life safety in any environment is essential for the protection of people, property, and assets. A fire and life safety inspection checklist is a valuable tool that can help identify potential hazards and deficiencies that need to be addressed. Whether you’re a building owner, property manager, or safety professional, conducting regular inspections and addressing issues promptly can help mitigate risks and promote a safer environment. In this checklist, we’ve outlined common areas and items to inspect, including exits, electrical systems, building interior and exterior, storage, fire prevention and detection equipment, and fire and smoke spread. Use this checklist to identify potential hazards and make sure your facility is up to code and safe for all occupants.

Egress:

• Exit door is difficult to open
• Exit door lacks markings
• Exit door/aisle is obstructed
• Storage present in exit corridors/stairways
• Exit doors locked during working hours
• Exit sign not illuminated
• Exit sign does not point towards escape route
• Inadequate installation of exit signs
• Emergency lights malfunctioning

ELECTRICAL:

• Extension cords used as permanent wiring
• Multi-adapter without internal circuit breaker in use
• Power strips connected in series
• Electrical cords extend through walls and ceilings
• Exposed wire present in conduit
• Electrical panel lacks blanks
• Electrical panel box lacks cover
• Electrical panel access obstructed
• Electrical cords create tripping hazard
• Electrical outlets within 6 feet of wet area lack GFCI protection
• Electrical outlet covers missing or damaged
• Electrical outlet switch plates missing or damaged
• Electrical junction box missing cover
• Exposed electrical wiring

BUILDING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR:

• Fire department connection not labeled
• Obstruction present for fire department connection access
• Interior valve post is closed
• Guard rails/hand rails missing, damaged or not secured
• Mechanical room not properly identified
• Electrical room not properly identified
• Roof access not properly identified

STORAGE:

• Storage within 24 inches of ceiling
• Storage within 18 inches of sprinkler heads
• Electrical room used as storage
• Mechanical room used as storage
• Storage in exit corridors/exit stairways
• Combustible materials excessively stored near open flame, heat/electrical source
• Flammable liquids not stored in flammable liquid storage cabinet
• Compressed gas cylinder not properly secured

FIRE PREVENTION & DETECTION EQUIPMENT:

• Fire extinguisher inspection out of date
• Fire extinguisher not mounted or in cabinet
• Fire extinguisher access obstructed
• Missing sprinkler escutcheon
• Damaged/missing pin/missing tamper seal or discharged fire extinguisher
• Fire alarm panel obstructed and/or damaged
• Pull stations obstructed and/or damaged
• Smoke/heat detectors obstructed and/or damaged
• Inadequate installation of smoke/heat detectors
• Obstructed or damaged fire alarm notification device

FIRE AND SMOKE SPREAD:

• Missing/damaged ceiling tiles
• Wall/ceiling penetrations lacking fire stopping
• Fire doors blocked open
• Fire door does not properly close or latch.

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