Building Safety Checklist: Essential Safety Measures for Houston Building Owners

Building Safety Checklist

Doors and Aisles

  • Doors and aisles should be clear and unobstructed

Doors

  • Doors should have proper locks/hardware and be easily accessible
  • Doors with panic hardware should not have any other locking devices

Exit Signs

  • Exit signs should be illuminated and in good working order

Means of Egress

  • Means of egress should be kept clear

Emergency Lights

  • Emergency lights should be regularly maintained and in good working order

Maximum Occupancy Signage

  • Maximum occupancy signage should be posted near the main entrance for assembly occupancies

Fire Extinguishers and Protection Equipment

  • Fire extinguishers and protection equipment should meet specific criteria:
  • At least 2A108BC extinguishers should be installed
  • Extinguishers should be serviced within the past year
  • Extinguishers should be mounted or secured in an approved cabinet
  • Nothing should obstruct the fire extinguisher
  • Top of fire extinguisher should not exceed 5′ from the floor

Standpipe

  • Standpipe should be tested every 5 years

Hood Extinguishing System

  • Hood extinguishing system should be maintained and documented
  • A Class K extinguisher should be installed within 30′ of hood and duct system

Fire Alarm Systems

  • Fire alarm systems should be tested annually and records kept

Storage and Sprinkler Head

  • 18′ clearance between storage and sprinkler head

Private Hydrants

  • Private hydrants should be painted red and maintained

Electrical Issues

  • Extension cords should not replace permanent wiring
  • Cords/wires should not be spliced or frayed
  • Electrical panel should have spacers in gaps
  • Switches and outlets should not be broken or faulty
  • Electrical panel should not be overloaded or obstructed
  • Only approved power strips should be used for multi-plug adapters
  • Circuit breakers should be labeled
  • Electrical cords should not extend through ceilings, walls, or floors
  • No exposed wire in conduit
  • Electrical cover plates accounted for
  • Appliances and mechanical devices properly connected and vented

Flammable Liquids

  • Properly stored

No Smoking

  • Signs installed

Combustible Material

  • Not stored near ignition sources

Fire Connections

  • Clear and visible access maintained
  • No accumulation of combustible materials
  • Compressed gas cylinders secured
  • Area around building free of combustible materials
  • Storage not in exit stairways
  • Fire and smoke walls maintained and no unauthorized openings
  • Fire lanes approved by fire department
  • Address numbers posted on front and rear doors for commercial establishments
  • Rapid key entry box maintained by property owner
  • Charcoal or propane grills not located on combustible balconies

Contact Us

Contact ASAP Fire Protection or call us at 346-537-FIRE to learn more about our services.