Fire Life Safety Pre-Inspection Checklist

The following are some of the most common fire code violations found during inspections. Please be sure to walk through your facility and correct any conditions that meet these requirements.

Fire Protection Systems

Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler Systems must be inspected by qualified personnel at least once a year. Any deficiencies noted during the inspection are to be corrected immediately. Inspection reports are to be made available to the fire inspector during the annual inspection.

Housekeeping

• Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms or electrical equipment rooms. Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures.
• Outside dumpster shall be kept at least 5 feet away from combustible walls, windows, doors, overhangs and lid shall be closed.
• Combustible storage shall be at least 2 feet below the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinkler heads. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling.

Storage is not allowed near electrical panels or in electrical equipment rooms.

Dumpsters are too close to building.

Exits

• Exit ways and doors shall not be visually or physically obstructed. Exit doors shall be operable without tight grasping or twisting of the wrist – no twist type locks.
• Exit must be unlocked by one operation.
• Surface or edge mounted dead-bolt type locks are prohibited.
• Exit ways and doors shall be unlocked when building is occupied.
• Exit signs shall be illuminated.
• Emergency lighting systems shall be functional.
• Fire assemblies shall not be obstructed or otherwise impaired from their proper operation at any time.
• Main door shall have a sign above door stating "This door to remain unlocked when building is occupied."

Exit door is blocked and exit sign is not illuminated.

Items are not to be stored in hallway.

Fire Protection

• All fire lanes, hydrants, fire department connections (FDC) or control valves shall be clear and unobstructed.
• Sprinkler or fire alarm systems shall be serviced annually.
• Fire protection systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and repaired where defective.

Fire hydrant is blocked by pallets.

This is a fire department connection with a missing protective cap. Trash and debris can be lodged into the piping if not properly maintained.

Commercial Cooking Processes

• A Class K fire extinguisher shall be mounted within 30 feet of commercial food equipment using vegetable or animal oils.
• Commercial cooking systems shall be serviced semi-annually.
• Hoods, grease removal devices, fans, ducts and other appurtenances shall be cleaned to bare metal. Cleaning shall be recorded, and records shall state the extent, time and date of cleaning. Records shall be maintained on premises.

Building Maintenance

• The building address shall be clearly visible from the street, minimum 4 inches in height with a contrasting background.
• Provide Knox box.
• Provide keys for Knox box.
• Fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained.
• Provide legible & permanent sign with occupant load posted in conspicuous location.
• Emergency lighting must be tested every six months and records must be maintained on site.
• Hazardous materials are properly secured, stored and under the allowable amounts.

Electrical

• A working space of not less than 30 inches wide (or width of equipment), 36 inches deep and 78 inches high shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. No storage within this designated work space.
• Power taps shall be polarized or grounded equipped with over-current protection and shall be listed.
• Power taps shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.
• Power tap cords and extension cords shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.
• Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring.

Electrical panel is obstructed.		All openings must be covered and breakers that continue to trip should not be tied off.
Power strips must be plugged directly into an outlet and not daisy-chained.		This is the correct method.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

• A minimum of one 2A-10:BC portable fire extinguisher shall be provided within 75 feet of travel distance from anywhere in the business on each floor.
• Fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed and shall be in a conspicuous location.
• When visually obstructed, an approved means shall be provided to indicate location.
• Fire extinguisher shall be mounted on wall with hanger between 44"-48" above the floor.

Permits

Any new construction in any commercial occupancy requires a permit. Permits ensure that proper egress is maintained, and the facility is compliant with all applicable codes.