Building Safety - Pre Fire Inspection Check Lists

Pre-Fire Inspection Checklist

Please note that the following checklists indicate only the most common violations found and that the lists do not represent the entire Code.

Premises Identification

  1. Building address numbers must be clearly displayed on the street side.  Minimum size required is 4" high with 1/2" stroke width for each number.         

 Exits

  1. Must be free from obstructions. 

  2. Exits with sliding dead bolt locks, hasps, or lock bars are prohibited.

  3. Exit signs must be in place and be illuminated.

  4. Emergency lighting inoperable or does not provide enough illumination.

Fire Extinguishing and Alarm Systems

  1. Minimum extinguisher rating of 2A: 10BC. Also, commercial kitchens cooking with fats must be equipped with a Class K extinguisher.

  2. Extinguishers must be wall mounted, no higher than 5' high and be placed in a clearly visible location. 

  3. One extinguisher for every 3000 square feet of floor area, at least one per floor, and one within 75' of any point in the building.

  4. Fire extinguishers not maintained or inspected. Extinguishers must be checked annually by certified inspection company.  Inspection companies can be found in the Yellow Pages telephone books under “Fire Extinguishers.”

  5. Extinguishers must be inspected monthly by YOUR facility staff.

  6. Commercial cooking hood extinguisher system must inspected every 6 months by certified inspector. Must also be inspected monthly by YOUR facility staff.

  7. Commercial cooking hood must be professionally cleaned every 6 months. Cleaning records shall be posted for review. 

  8. * Sprinkler system and Fire alarm system must be inspected annually by certified inspection company. * Fire Alarm and sprinkler system test records must be on site and available to the Inspector for review during the inspection.

Electrical Issues  

  1. Extension cords in place of hard wire.  UL Listed power taps/strips with over current protection may be used.

  2. Open junction boxes or electrical outlets and/or exposed wiring.

  3. Must have 30" D x 36" W x 78" H free space around electrical & mechanical equipment.

  4. Combustible Storage in electrical and mechanical rooms and/or and around furnaces and hot water tanks. 

  5. Electrical and/or mechanical rooms not labeled.  

 Housekeeping Issues

  1. Flammable liquids and/or hazardous chemicals must be stored in proper containers.

  2. Storage of combustible items within 2' of ceiling in an unsprinkler building or storage within 18" of ceiling in a sprinkler building is prohibited.

  3. Pressurized tanks must be secured from tipping/falling.

  4. Aisles must be kept clear with a minimum 36" width. 5. Combustibles may not be stored in exits, electrical rooms or mechanical rooms.

 Other Issues Checked While On Site:

  1. Storage - Outside storage is prohibited in residential and business zones.  No permanent storage in a trailer or other non-permanent structure. 

  2. Canvas Storage Huts - May be installed for no more than 180 days per year.

  3. Rubbish, Refuse, & Trash -  Must be stored in approved receptacles / containers and must be regularly emptied. 

            A. Trash receptacles / containers must be 5' from any combustible wall, roof or building opening.

  4. Property Maintenance - Any/all structures must be in good repair, be kept clean, be structurally sound, and must be treated to prevent decay.