Facility teams are on the front lines of fire and life safety. While professional inspections and system testing are essential, your in-house staff also plays a vital role in identifying day-to-day hazards, verifying system readiness, and supporting a culture of safety. One of the most effective tools to support that effort is a fire safety checklist.
Relay Safety helps building owners and managers develop customized safety checklists and procedures that align with industry best practices. By equipping your facility staff with the right checklist, you improve response readiness, reduce risk, and stay prepared between professional service visits.
Why a Fire Safety Checklist Matters
Checklists help standardize important safety tasks and make it easier for teams to perform routine walkthroughs. They also ensure nothing is missed and allow for easy documentation and accountability. While fire alarms and sprinkler systems are tested by certified professionals, there are many smaller but critical items your team can verify regularly.
Benefits of a fire safety checklist include:
- Improved consistency during facility walkthroughs
- Early detection of compliance issues or safety risks
- Reduced likelihood of overlooked maintenance tasks
- Increased accountability and awareness among team members
- Better documentation to support inspections or audits
What Should Be on a Fire Safety Checklist?
The best checklists are clear, repeatable, and relevant to your building type. Your staff should be able to complete the checklist quickly but thoroughly during daily, weekly, or monthly walkthroughs.
Here are the key elements to include:
Fire Extinguishers
- Check that extinguishers are mounted and are clearly visible
- Ensure tamper seals are intact and pressure gauges are in the green
- Verify up-to-date inspection tags
Exit Routes and Doors
- Make sure all exit paths are clear of obstructions
- Confirm that emergency exit lights are illuminated and functioning
- Test push bars and door hardware for smooth operation
Fire Alarm Equipment
- Check that pull stations and strobe lights are not blocked or damaged
- Confirm that alarm control panels show normal status
- Ensure access to the panel is secure but not restricted
Sprinkler System Readiness
- Visually inspect sprinkler heads for damage, obstruction, or dust buildup
- Verify that riser rooms and valve areas are accessible and locked
- Check gauges for normal pressure readings
Emergency Signage and Lighting
- Inspect all exit signs and emergency lights for visibility
- Test battery backup systems where applicable
- Replace any missing or damaged signs
Housekeeping and Hazard Reduction
- Ensure that storage is kept away from electrical panels and sprinkler heads
- Identify improper storage of flammable materials
- Keep mechanical and electrical rooms clean and organized
Documentation and Reporting
- Note any issues and escalate them for service or repair
- Log inspection completion with date and initials
- Keep completed checklists on file for fire department review if needed
Relay Safety provides Fire and Safety Training to help staff understand how to complete these checks effectively and spot warning signs early.
Who Should Use This Type of Checklist?
Any facility with onsite maintenance or management staff can benefit from having a standardized checklist. It is especially important for:
- Multifamily Housing
Where maintenance teams manage several units and shared spaces - Commercial Real Estate
Office buildings or retail centers with tenant access and complex layouts - Healthcare and Education Facilities
Where occupant vulnerability or high traffic increases risk - Industrial Warehouses
Locations with specialized hazards and fire loads
Support Your Team with Expert Training and Tools
Facility staff are your first line of defense in maintaining fire and life safety. With a well-designed checklist and proper training, your team can help keep your building prepared between official inspections.Relay Safety can assist with developing building-specific checklists and offers Fire and Safety Training to ensure your team is confident and capable. Start building a safer workplace by putting fire safety in the hands of your frontline staff.
