This checklist helps your crew capture the important details during fire safety inspections.
Question
Response Type
Has the fire alarm subcontractor performed their pre-test to ensure that all devices are named appropriately to match specific areas and room numbers?
Yes No N/A
If yes, have they also performed a battery backup test of their equipment?
Yes No N/A
Has the HVAC subcontractor performed a test with the Fire Alarm Subcontractor to ensure that the mechanical systems react appropriately in a fire scenario?
Yes No N/A
Are all paths of egress from the inspection free and clear of material and debris?
Yes No N/A
Are all egress pathway doors fully functional with panic bars, locking mechanisms, magnetic locks, etc (as required by plans and specifications)?
Yes No N/A
Are all rooms, exits and areas appropriately labelled to coincide with the fire alarm system?
Yes No N/A
Have all specific jurisdiction requirements been researched, identified and verified before the inspection?
Yes No N/A
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In construction, a fire safety inspection is conducted to ensure a project meets all National Fire Protection Association codes and standards.
While the exact regulations may vary depending on a structure’s location and purpose, most fire safety inspections confirm the functionality and proper installation of fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, and exit routes.
A fire marshal or other government representative ultimately needs to approve your project at some point before it is opened for public use. However, construction companies often conduct their own internal fire safety inspections to make sure they’re prepared for official review or keeping their employees safe while a project is in progress.
The larger and more complex a structure is, the more complicated fire safety becomes. When working on large-scale projects you’ll likely employ several different subcontractors that each handle a different aspect of the project, and sometimes their work will relate directly or indirectly to fire safety. For example, your HVAC subcontractors are not fire safety specialists, but they may need to coordinate with your fire alarm subcontractor if their systems will be integrated.
A fire safety inspection helps General Contractors organize fire safety for the project as a whole, correcting mistakes and misunderstandings before the project is inspected for government approval.
A GC may also want to conduct an internal fire safety inspection to make sure their crew is kept safe while working on a building or structure. They’ll review exit routes, identify potential hazards, and closely inspect fire extinguishers, alarm systems, and any other fire safety tools that are installed on the jobsite.
Following these steps to conduct a proper internal fire safety inspection:
Verify fire alarm testing
Review exit routes and paths of egress
Research jurisdiction rules
Use a fire safety inspection checklist
The GC should check with the fire alarm system subcontractor to make sure all the necessary testing has taken place. This includes verification of the alarm system’s functionality, organizational system, and battery testing.
In the case of a finished project, review that all exit routes are property installed. Does the structure meet exit route standards, and are all routes labeled with the proper signage? Are features like automatic locks and panic bars installed properly if necessary?
If you are inspecting the worksite, make sure all paths of egress are clearly marked and clean of debris or obstacles.
Fire alarm and suppression systems should also be clearly labeled and easily accessed.
Use the fire safety inspection as a chance to review the laws of your local jurisdiction.
Fire safety laws can vary depending on the nature of your project and the service area, so research is often needed to ensure you’re following the right standards.
Using a checklist makes inspections easier. You won’t forget crucial steps and you can follow a predetermined workflow.
Our construction safety management app comes with a free library of safety checklists your crew can access in the field via phone or tablet. You’ll also get toolbox talks, daily report templates, photo and video capture tools, and tons of other risk-reducing features.
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