Fire inspections aren’t just important for making sure that your business is prepared for a fire; they’re also a way to make sure the property is compliant with all of the relevant fire safety regulations and that it is safe for all occupants.

Whether you’re running a small office or are in charge of a major industrial facility, preparing for a fire inspection can save you time and money, as well as make sure your property is in the best possible condition to deal with a fire.

To help you prepare your business, here’s a fire inspection compliance checklist, along with some practical advice for keeping your business protected, such as investing in tools like the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool.

Fire Inspection Compliance Checklist

Here are the six most important things you need to take care of before your business undergoes a complete fire inspection:

🗹	Fully understand the relevant codes and regulations
🗹	Conduct your own fire safety audit
🗹	Ensure all evacuation routes are clear
🗹	Keep thorough records and locate them
🗹	Review potential hazards
🗹	Train your staff and equip them with the right tools

1. Fully Understand the Relevant Codes and Regulations

In Canada and the United States, fire safety is regulated by a combination of national codes, like the National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) and the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), as well as more local and industry-specific regulations.

Depending on where your business is located, you will need to familiarize yourself with all of the relevant fire codes and regulations.

For example, businesses in Ontario would need to be compliant with the Ontario Fire Code, which includes annual checks on all smoke and fire alarms, as well as fire sprinkler systems. According to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, the responsibility falls directly on the business owner.

If you’re unsure where to start, you can contact a certified fire inspection company ahead of time.

2. Conduct Your Own Fire Safety Audit

Before a fire inspection team visits your business, you can conduct your own safety audit, which can include reviewing and testing your fire protection systems and equipment. Check sprinkler heads for leaks and ensure that all fire extinguishers have been tested within the correct timeframe.

Part of this audit should include verifying that your fire alarm and sprinkler system have been tested and maintained at the correct intervals. Ensuring that all staff are familiar with fire safety protocols and evacuation routes is another critical component of an effective audit.

3. Ensure All Evacuation Routes Are Clear

Check that all exits, corridors, stairwells and other entry points are not blocked by any obstructions.

Your audit can also include making sure that emergency signage is visible and in the correct places. Part of the fire inspection involves checking that doors close properly, so it’s a good idea to test this for yourself ahead of time.

4. Keep Thorough Records and Locate Them

You’ll want to make sure that any records of past fire inspections and tests are readily available when your upcoming fire inspection is being conducted. It’s also a good idea to keep track of all fire safety equipment and system maintenance records.

Not only will this save you time during the inspection, but most fire codes also require these types of records to be kept for a minimum of two years.

5. Review Potential Hazards

You’ll want to ensure that fire inspectors can see that you’ve proactively managed any potential risks. Addressing any frayed wiring and overly crowded outlets is a good start.

It’s also important to make sure that all flammable materials are stored properly and that they are within reach of the correct type of fire extinguisher. This is also a good time to make sure that none of your fire sprinkler heads are blocked.

6. Train Your Staff and Equip Them with the Right Tools

Any fire safety plan should include clear instructions for all staff and regular fire drills.

This should cover not only the safe use of fire extinguishers and proper storage of flammables, but also how to evacuate the building. It should also include training with tools that can help prevent other types of fire-related damage, such as water damage caused by a faulty fire sprinkler.

For example, keeping a Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool close to every fire extinguisher can allow your staff to quickly and easily deactivate a sprinkler that has misfired or been damaged. This can help reduce water damage and save your business thousands of dollars.

With Shutgun models designed for specific sprinkler heads and situations, like the Concealed Head Shutgun for recessed or hidden sprinklers, Sheared Head Shutgun for damaged sprinkler heads and the Institutional Shutgun for tamper-resistant heads, it’s possible to make sure your business is prepared for anything.

Final Words

While the most important thing is making sure that all of your fire safety equipment is maintained, preparing for a fire inspection does not have to be a costly or stressful thing.

The more often you check your equipment and conduct your own fire inspections, the more prepared you will be for a real inspection. You can also improve your chances of passing an inspection by providing regular training refreshers for all of your staff and ensuring that all of the relevant fire codes are being adhered to at all times.

On top of that, you can help keep your business safe from water damage by investing in the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Tool.