How to use this checklist: use it as a quick, high-level visual walk-through of common areas and building fire-safety conditions. It is intentionally not a compliance checklist and does not replace the detailed forms, required inspections, testing or maintenance performed under your building’s applicable program.
Exits, corridors and stairs
- Exit routes, corridors and stairs are generally clear, usable and free of obvious storage or obstructions.
- Exit doors, exit signs and emergency-lighting equipment appear accessible, visible and free of obvious damage.
- Conditions that could interfere with safe egress are recorded for prompt follow-up.
Fire doors and separations
- Fire and smoke doors are not visibly damaged, obstructed, wedged or held open by improvised methods.
- Door hardware, closers and latching arrangements appear present and free of obvious damage or interference.
- Concerns with fire doors or separations are referred for appropriate inspection or repair rather than improvised fixes.
Fire alarm and detection
- Fire alarm devices and key equipment areas are accessible and not obviously obstructed or damaged.
- Known alarm, supervisory, trouble or impairment conditions have an active follow-up process.
- Authorized work affecting the fire alarm system is tracked through restoration and documentation.
Sprinklers, standpipe and fire department access
- Visible sprinkler, standpipe and fire-protection equipment appears accessible and free of obvious damage, leakage or obstruction.
- Fire department connections and responding-firefighter access points are not blocked.
- Valves, controls and fire-protection rooms remain accessible to authorized personnel.
Do not operate valves or fire-protection controls as part of a casual visual check. Operation and testing should follow approved procedures and be performed by trained/authorized persons.
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The handbook explains the systems and management approach behind these checks, while the Resource Package adds practical forms, logs and implementation tools.
See the Resource Package & Bundle →Portable fire extinguishers
- Portable extinguishers are in their designated areas, accessible and free of obvious physical damage.
- Extinguisher locations and cabinets are not blocked or obscured.
- Required inspection or service is tracked under the building’s applicable program.
Housekeeping and ignition hazards
- Service, electrical and mechanical areas are not being used for inappropriate combustible storage.
- Combustible materials, contractor work and temporary hazards are being managed under the building’s procedures.
- Charging, storage and use of lithium-ion battery equipment in common or service areas follows manufacturer instructions and building rules.
Records and follow-up
- Observed deficiencies are documented and assigned for follow-up.
- Required inspection, testing and maintenance records are current and retrievable.
- Open impairments, corrective actions and restoration status can be identified without relying only on memory or verbal updates.
Authoritative references and further reading
This guide is educational and intentionally jurisdiction-neutral. Always follow the requirements that apply to your building, including adopted codes and standards, approved procedures, manufacturer instructions and direction from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).