Building Safety Checklist
A practical walkthrough for Houston commercial buildings before a fire marshal visit, insurance walkthrough or routine self-check. Walk the building, note what fails, then call us for the work that needs a licensed technician.
How to use this checklist
Walk the building with this list. Mark anything blocked, missing, expired or not working. Staff can clear blocked exits and storage the same day; licensed inspection, testing and repair should be scheduled with a fire protection company. Quotes from ASAP are free.
Means of egress — doors, aisles and exits
- Exit doors open easily in the direction of egress and are not locked, chained or blocked during occupied hours
- Aisles, corridors and exit paths are clear of storage, merchandise and equipment
- Exit discharge to the public way is clear (no dumpsters or parked vehicles blocking the door)
- Fire doors close and latch; door stops or wedges are not holding rated doors open
Exit signs and emergency lights
- Exit signs are lit and visible along the egress path
- Emergency lights and exit signs are tested on a schedule: a monthly functional check and an annual 90-minute battery test (NFPA 101)
- Any dark, damaged or failed unit is tagged for repair or replacement
Fire extinguishers
- The right type is mounted for the hazard (ABC for ordinary combustibles; Class K near commercial cooking)
- Extinguishers are visible, unobstructed and mounted at the correct height with signage where required
- Pressure gauge in the green; pin and seal intact; no obvious damage or corrosion
- Current annual inspection tag from a licensed company (NFPA 10); monthly visual checks by staff in between
Fire alarm systems
- Panel shows normal (no unexplained trouble, supervisory or alarm signals)
- Pull stations, detectors, horns and strobes are unobstructed and in place
- System has a current inspection/test record under NFPA 72
- If the building requires monitoring, the communicator is supervised and signals reach the monitoring center
Kitchen hoods and cooking areas (if applicable)
- Hood and filters are cleaned on schedule; grease buildup is not excessive
- Manual pull for the hood system is accessible and labeled
- Class K extinguisher is within reach of the cooking line
- Hood fire-extinguishing system has a current inspection tag
Standpipe hose stations (if present)
- Cabinets and hose stations are accessible — not blocked by storage
- Glass, latches and signage are intact; report damage to your fire protection vendor
Electrical, flammables and housekeeping
- Electrical panels have clear working space; covers are on; no open junction boxes
- Extension cords are not used as permanent wiring; cords are not daisy-chained
- Flammable liquids are stored in approved containers/cabinets and away from ignition sources
- No-smoking rules are posted where required and ashtrays (if any) are safely placed
- Combustible storage is kept off stairs, out of mechanical rooms and away from heaters
Codes this checklist draws on
Means of egress kept clear: International Fire Code (IFC) maintenance of means of egress.
Portable extinguishers: NFPA 10.
Fire alarm inspection and testing: NFPA 72.
Emergency lighting periodic testing: NFPA 101.
Local Houston / AHJ amendments can add requirements — when in doubt, ask your fire marshal or call us.
When to call ASAP
Failed emergency lights or exit signs, expired extinguisher tags, fire alarm trouble that won't clear, monitoring failures, kitchen hood inspection, or a full life safety inspection before a survey or sale. Call (346) 537-3473 — quotes are free.
Next step
Found something that needs a licensed tech? Call (346) 537-3473 or request a free quote.
Call (346) 537-3473 · Mon–Fri 8am–5pm CT · 24/7 Emergency Service · Licenses: ACR-2949596 · ECR-2958332
Why Choose ASAP
- Fast Response Prompt scheduling, plus 24/7 emergency service.
- Code Compliant Work done to NFPA and local fire marshal requirements.
- Reliable Service Certified, licensed technicians on every job.
- Local Houston Team Based in Houston and serving the Greater Houston area.
Building safety checklist FAQ
How often should emergency lights be tested?
A quick functional test monthly and a 90-minute battery test annually (NFPA 101). ASAP offers monthly and annual testing.
How often do fire extinguishers need a professional inspection?
At least once a year under NFPA 10, with monthly visual checks by your staff in between.
What does a fire marshal usually look at first?
Clear exits and aisles, working exit signs and emergency lights, current extinguisher tags, and fire alarm inspection records.
Can ASAP fix what this checklist finds?
Yes — fire alarm, extinguisher, emergency light and life safety work, plus kitchen hood inspection for restaurants. Call (346) 537-3473.
Want a pro to walk your building?
Found something that needs a licensed tech? Call (346) 537-3473 or request a free quote. Fast. Reliable. Code Compliant.