Fire Marshal Inspection Checklist

Walk it the way they will

A fire marshal walks your building looking for a short list of things that keep people safe in a fire. Can people get out? Can they see where they're going? Is there an extinguisher close by that works? Is anything going to start a fire, or make one worse? Most of what they write up is simple stuff somebody could have caught on a walk-through.

So take this list and walk your building the same way. Start at the front door, follow the path out of every room, and check each item as you go. If something's wrong, fix it now, while it's cheap and nobody is standing there with a clipboard.

Your city or county may have its own items on top of these. Our local code checklist covers the ones we see most around here.

1. Exits and the path out

• Every exit door opens easily from the inside and isn't locked while people are in the building.
• The path to each exit is clear. Codes generally call for about 36 inches, and boxes, carts, and "just for today" storage in a hallway is one of the most common write-ups.
• Fire doors close on their own. They aren't wedged or tied open.
• Exit signs point the right way and nothing blocks them.

2. Exit signs and emergency lights

When the power goes out, the exit signs and emergency lights have to come on and stay on for 90 minutes.

• Every exit sign is lit.
• Every emergency light comes on when you push the test button.
• Somebody does the 30-day, 30-second test. Once a month, hold the test button for 30 seconds and make sure the light stays on. Your own people can do it, or we can.
• The full 90-minute battery test gets done once a year. We do that one at the yearly visit.

3. Fire extinguishers

This is where a lot of businesses get written up, and most of it is easy to fix.

• Each extinguisher is where it's supposed to be, out in the open and easy to reach, along the normal path people walk.
• Nothing is stacked in front of it or hanging over it.
• It's on a proper hanger or in a cabinet, not sitting on the floor. The handle on an extinguisher under 40 pounds should be no higher than 5 feet. On a heavier one, no higher than 3.5 feet.
• The gauge is in the green, the pin and seal are in place, and the hose isn't cracked or plugged.
• It's the right kind for what's around it. A kitchen needs a Class K by the fryers, and a server room or a shop full of flammable liquids needs something different than an office does. We match the extinguisher to the hazard.
• Somebody checks them every month and writes it down.
• A certified tech has done the yearly maintenance within the last 12 months.

For more on the monthly check, read how often fire extinguishers need to be inspected.

4. Fire alarm panel

• The panel shows normal. No trouble lights, no beeping, nobody has silenced it and walked away.
• Pull stations are easy to see and nothing is in front of them.
• Smoke detectors aren't covered, painted, or bagged up from a remodel.
• The whole system got tested within the last year, and you have the paperwork to show it.

5. Kitchen hood system

If you cook, the fire marshal is going to look at the hood.

• The hood suppression system has been serviced within the last six months.
• The pull station is easy to reach and nothing blocks it.
• The Class K extinguisher is near the cooking line.
• The system is UL 300. If it's an older system that isn't, it has to be replaced.

6. Sprinklers, if you have them

• Keep at least 18 inches clear below the sprinkler heads. Stacking storage too close is a common write-up in warehouses and stock rooms.
• Heads aren't painted, bent, or hung with anything.
• The fire department connection outside is easy to see and get to. No shrubs, snow piles, or parked cars in front of it.
• The yearly sprinkler inspection is done, and you have the paperwork. If you don't have anybody doing it, we can set it up through a sprinkler company we work with.

7. Electrical

• There's about 3 feet of clear space in front of every electrical panel, and nothing is stored in front of it.
• Panel covers are on, and empty breaker slots have filler plates.
• Extension cords aren't plugged into other extension cords, and they aren't being used as permanent wiring.
• Cords aren't frayed, pinched in doors, or run under rugs.

8. Flammable storage

• Flammable liquids like gas, solvents, and paint thinner are in a flammable storage cabinet, not on an open shelf.
• Oily rags go in a metal can with a lid.
• Trash and cardboard aren't piled up against the building or near anything that gets hot.

9. Paperwork

The fire marshal is going to ask to see records, and missing paperwork gets written up even when the equipment is fine. Keep these where you can find them:

• Your monthly extinguisher checks
• The yearly extinguisher service report
• Your exit and emergency light tests
• The yearly fire alarm test
• Hood system service from the last six months
• Your sprinkler inspection, if you have sprinklers

We leave a report after every visit, so most of that is already in your hands. We keep the due dates. You don't have to think about them.

When the fire marshal is there

Walk with them, answer what you know, and don't guess at what you don't. If they write something up, get it in writing so you know exactly what needs fixing and by when. Most write-ups come with time to fix them. If it's something we handle, call us and we'll get it taken care of.

For a shorter version of this, read our four steps to pass your Kentucky fire marshal inspection.

Get ready before they come

Call 1-800-348-9604 and tell us what you've got. We'll come walk it with you and take care of anything that's ours to fix.