The Most Overlooked Areas During Fire Safety Inspections

Fire safety inspections are vital for protecting lives, maintaining code compliance, and ensuring that fire protection systems function properly. But even in well-managed properties, certain areas and details are frequently overlooked, often leading to costly violations or increased risk during emergencies.

At Relay Safety, we help property owners identify and correct these commonly missed issues during our Fire Risk Assessments and Violation Removal services. Understanding these blind spots can help your team avoid surprises and stay prepared.

Commonly Overlooked Fire Safety Issues

While the big items like sprinkler systems and fire alarms usually get attention, inspectors often find recurring problems in these areas:

  • Blocked or Obstructed Exit Routes
    • Hallways cluttered with storage, furniture, or temporary signage
    • Exit doors locked, blocked, or difficult to access
    • Emergency egress paths poorly marked or illuminated
  • Inadequate or Damaged Exit Lighting
    • Burned-out bulbs in emergency exit signs
    • Non-functioning battery backup systems
    • Missing signage in stairwells or hallways
  • Poorly Positioned or Missing Fire Extinguishers
    • Fire extinguishers not mounted or easily accessible
    • Units without up-to-date inspection tags
    • Missing signage above extinguisher locations, especially in large or open areas
  • Outdated Fire Safety Documentation
    • Missing maintenance logs or inspection records
    • No emergency evacuation plans posted in common areas
    • Incomplete staff training documentation
  • Obstructed or Inaccessible Fire Protection Equipment
    • Sprinkler heads painted over, covered, or blocked by storage
    • Fire alarm pull stations not clearly visible or reachable
    • Control panels or shut-off valves behind locked or cluttered enclosures

Many of these issues are easily correctable but frequently go unnoticed in daily operations, especially in high-traffic environments or multi-use buildings.

How to Catch These Issues Early

Staying ahead of these commonly missed violations starts with proactive planning and periodic reviews.

Best practices include:

  • Schedule regular walkthroughs with a fire safety professional who isn’t part of your day-to-day operations
  • Use a fire inspection checklist tailored to your property’s layout and systems
  • Conduct staff training refreshers to remind employees what to look for and how to report problems
  • Maintain clear documentation of all service visits, inspections, and internal checks

Relay Safety offers customized Fire Risk Assessments that help you uncover these often-overlooked hazards before the fire department does.

Industries Most at Risk for Overlooked Issues

Some environments are especially prone to these oversights due to their layout, use patterns, or tenant turnover. Our team commonly identifies violations in:

  • Multifamily Housing – Tenant storage in common areas, exit signage issues
  • Commercial Real Estate – Blocked fire equipment or obscured emergency signage in retail and office settings
  • Healthcare Facilities – Medical equipment blocking hallways or egress points
  • Industrial Warehouses – High shelves or inventory obscuring sprinklers or alarms

Avoid Violations with Relay Safety

Missing the small things can lead to big consequences. Relay Safety’s expert team helps you identify these hidden risks through detailed Fire Risk Assessments and support with Violation Removal to restore compliance before your next inspection.

Protect your property, your people, and your peace of mind. Get ahead of the most overlooked fire safety issues with Relay Safety.