Building Safety Inspection Checklist | Download FREE PDF

Building safety inspection checklist template

About the Building safety inspection checklist template

Keeping a building safe involves routine maintenance as well as staying ahead of potential hazards. This building safety inspection checklist helps you standardize your team’s safety inspections so nothing gets overlooked. From structural integrity to emergency systems, this template serves as a reliable tool for documenting your findings and assigning corrective actions efficiently.

A step-by-step guide to using the building safety inspection checklist

You can document findings consistently, assign actions, and track progress with this template—all in one place. Here’s how to get started:

Customize the template to fit your facility’s needs. Begin by tailoring the checklist to match the specific safety requirements of your building. Add or remove sections, adjust inspection criteria, and include details unique to your industry or property, such as specialized equipment or structural features.
Plan and assign the inspection. Schedule inspections at regular intervals or in response to specific events, like renovations or severe weather. Assign the task to a team member through the app, and clearly communicate the scope and priority of the inspection.
Conduct the inspection on-site. Use a mobile device to conduct the inspection in real-time. Document findings with photos, notes, and even QR codes to identify equipment or specific areas. Make use of response types like multiple choice or text to capture accurate data quickly.
Identify and track corrective actions. For any issues discovered, add action tasks directly to the checklist. Assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and track progress to ensure timely resolution.
Analyze and improve over time. Review inspection reports regularly to identify recurring issues or patterns. Use the analytics feature to generate insights and improve safety measures in the long term.

Why you should use the building safety inspection checklist

A building safety inspection checklist helps you simplify and standardize safety audits, saving time while ensuring no critical detail is overlooked. By using a template, you create a consistent process for identifying risks, documenting findings, and addressing issues—whether you’re inspecting stairways, fire exits, or electrical systems.

One major advantage is improved accountability. With everything clearly laid out, you can track what’s been checked and what needs attention. This also makes it easier to share detailed, actionable reports with your team or stakeholders.

Using a template reduces errors, keeps your inspections thorough, and improves compliance with safety regulations. Whether you manage a single site or multiple facilities, it’s a reliable tool for maintaining safe and efficient operations.

Download Lumiform’s building safety inspection checklist today

Make your inspections more efficient and reliable with this checklist. It guides you through key steps of the process, helping you track findings, assign corrective actions, and keep your building compliant. It’s simple, effective, and designed to meet your safety needs.

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Preview of the template

Stairs/ Floors/ Laundry

Instructions: ------------------------------------- 1. Answer "Yes", "No", "N/A" for the questions below. 2. Add photos and notes by clicking on the paperclip icon. 3. To add a Corrective Measure click on the paperclip icon then "Add Action", provide a description, assign to a member, set priority and due date. 4. Complete audit by providing digital signature. 5. Share your report by exporting as PDF, Word, Excel or Web Link.

Stairs

Stairs maintained, inspected, and repaired if defective

Stairs free of trip hazards

Stair treads, including front edges, have non-slip/slip resistant surfaces

Worn or broken treads repaired promptly

All stairs have firm railings and good lighting

Stairs kept clear of obstructions

The stairs are in safe condition

Stairs are provided where there is a change in structure level

Fixed stairs are at least 22 inches wide

All stairs have railings on all open sides of the Stairways and stair platforms

Stair railings are provided on at least one side of a closed stairway

Every flight of stairs four (4) or more risers high has standard hand rails

Stairways less than 44 inches wide with both sides enclosed, have railing on the right side descending, as a minimum

Stairways less than 44 inches wide with one open side have at least one railing on the open side

Stairways less than 44 inches wide with both sides open have railings on both sides

Stairways between 44 and 88 inches wide have railings on both sides

Stairways more than 88 inches wide have railings on both sides and one in the middle

Lighting is adequate (including emergency lighting)

Ramps have non-slip surfaces

Stair treading is in good condition

Stairways are kept clear and are not used for storage

Handrails are in good condition

Guardrails are installed (where needed)

Corridors are kept clear of equipment and supplies

No storage is allowed within 18 inches of sprinkler heads (24 inches of ceiling where no sprinkler system exists)

Appropriate ladders are provided for high storage area access

Floors and Open Floors

Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above an adjacent floor level or ground level is guarded by a standard railing on all open sides

The following are protected by either standard guard rails or other methods (i.e. covers, gates, etc.): stairway floor openings, ladder way floor openings, hatchway and chute openings, skylight pit and trapdoor openings, and manhole floor openings

The top surface of the railing is 42 inches (nominal) from upper surface of top rail to floor, platform, runway, or ramp level

The top rail is smooth-surfaced throughout the length of the railing

The intermediate rail is approximately halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway, or ramp

Every flight of stairs having four or more risers is equipped with standard stair railings or standard hand rails

The railing is able to support 200 lbs. in any direction, at any point on the top rail

The railings and supports are securely fastened

All railings, covers, grates, screens, etc. are capable of withstanding 200 lbs. of force applied in any direction except upward

Laundry

Work spaces are properly ventilated and illuminated

Spaces are neat, clean, and free of clutter

Equipment, belts, gears, and steam lines are guarded to prevent accidents

Dryer lint traps are cleaned on a regular basis

Fire regulations are prominently displayed and enforced

Dryer vents are connected to metal exhaust ducting where they terminate to the exterior

Emergency shutoff valves and switches are conspicuous and easily operated

Please proceed to the next section for Part 2.

Lighting/ Ramps/ Housekeeping/ Playground

Lighting

General lighting in all unit locations are adequate

Ramps and Loading Docks

Ramps have limited slope and nonskid surfaces

Changes in floor level clearly marked

Loading docks have metal plates and drainage

Outside Good Housekeeping

Loose/missing tiles, broken concrete and turned-up rugs fixed immediately

All indoor and outdoor walkways have adequate lighting

Lights kept clean and burned-out bulbs replaced promptly

All holes in the side walks covered

Walkways kept clear of obstacles

Trash disposed of promptly and properly

All drop offs marked and protected

Construction and cleaning areas blocked off and clearly marked

Icy areas sanded promptly

All spills cleaned up immediately

Playground Equipment

Playgrounds are inspected regularly to ensure that equipment and surfacing are in good condition

Surfaces around playground equipment are covered with an appropriate level of acceptable material (e.g., wood chips, sand, pea gravel, mats made of safety-tested rubber or rubber-like materials) for the height of equipment present

Protective surfacing extends at least 6 feet in all directions from play equipment. For swings, surfacing extends, in back and front, twice the height of the suspending bar (except for tot swings)

Surfacing material is maintained (prevent compaction or displacement) at appropriate depths throughout the play area

Sharp points, edges, and corners, protrusions, suspension hazards, and head or finger traps are eliminated

Dangerous hardware, like open "S" hooks or protruding bolt ends are eliminated

Spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs, measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches

Elevated surfaces, such as platforms and ramps, are provided with guardrails to prevent falls

Tripping hazards, such as exposed concrete footings, tree stumps, and rocks are eliminated (footings should be under the protective surfacing material)

Lightweight plastic or rubber swing seats are used in place of wood or metal seats (to reduce severity of impact injuries)

Deteriorated paint (peeling, cracking, chipping, or chalking) on playground equipment is evaluated and tested (if necessary) for lead content and appropriate action(s) taken

Fiber ropes are not utilized to suspend swings (unraveled fiber ropes have resulted in strangulation incidents)

All playground equipment is well maintained

Supervision of children on playgrounds occurs where appropriate (e.g., Child Day Care Centers) to ensure their safety

The play area has satisfactory drainage, especially under swings and slide discharge areas

Play structures which are more than 30 inches high are spaced at least 9 feet apart

The average incline angle of slides is not greater than 30 degrees (no single portion of the slide chute exceeds 50 degrees)

Please proceed to the next section for Part 3.

Outside Area/ Swimming Pools

Outside Areas

All vehicle travel areas and parking areas free from hazards

All ponds have adequate protection from children falling into them

The pool have proper signs

The pool have proper life saving equipment

The pool area free from obvious hazards

All pool chemicals and facility maintenance chemicals properly stored in a locked area

All fire extinguisher checked monthly by maintenance and semi-annually by the fire extinguisher service company

All resident entry areas free from obstructions where intruders could hide

The outside playground area been checked and all playground equipment checked for unprotected sharp edges, missing covers on bolts and broken pieces

Any sprinklers causing wet areas on sidewalks that could cause the growth of algae and pose a slipping hazard

Maintenance have a card they leave in a resident’s apartment to let them know they were in their apartment when the resident was not home

All repairs to any stair, handrail, landing rails, sidewalk, and raised walking surfaces been made and documented

Aisles are established and are kept clear (minimum 36")

No tripping hazards present

Floors are even (no holes or cracks)

Carpets, rugs, and mats do not present a tripping hazard

Floors are kept dry as practical

Entrance mats are available for wet weather

Outside walkways and stairs are in good repair

Swimming Pools

Pools are constructed of materials which are nontoxic, impervious and enduring, and watertight with a smooth and easily cleaned surface

Stairs, ladders, or recessed steps are provided at both the shallow and deep ends of the pool

Stairs, ladders, and recessed steps are located so they do not interfere with racing lanes

The finished texture of walks are non-slip and cause no discomfort to bare feet

Water depths are plainly marked at or above the surface on the pool wall, or on the edge of the deck or walk next to the pool

Depth markings are in numerals of 4 inch minimum height, of a color contrasting with background, and are provided on both sides and ends of pool

Electrical wiring for power and lighting associated with the pool conforms to Article No. 680 of the National Electric Code

All portions of the potable water supply system that serve the swimming pool and auxiliary facilities are protected against backflow

All potable water introduced (directly or through a recirculation system) is supplied through an air gap

Recirculation and filtration equipment is of adequate size to turnover the entire pool water capacity at least three (3) times every twenty-four (24) Hour period

Disinfecting residuals in the pool water are equivalent to 0.6 to 1.0 ppm of free available chlorine (FAC)

Monthly pool bacteriological tests are conducted, daily chlorine residual samples are taken, and results logged and available

Chlorinating procedures for the pool maintain minimum acceptable free available chlorine residuals based on pH and other factors

Free available chlorine readings are obtained every 2 hours during pool use at varying locations with one test made at peak occupant load

A life line is provided two feet toward the shallow portion from the break in grade between shallow and deep portions, with its position marked with colored floats at not greater than 5 feet

Calcium hypochlorite compound is not stored or subject to spillage, moist or wet environment, or with oxidizing material

Adequate dressing and sanitary plumbing facilities are provided for pool patrons

Drinking fountains are provided at the pool and in the bathhouse

Metal or plastic soap dispensers are provided at each lavatory and between each pair of shower heads

Patrons are required to take showers before entering the pool

Swimming pool inspections are conducted at least monthly by a Maintenance Department representative

Both a Coast Guard approved ring buoy with an attached 1/4" rope (minimum length = 1 ½ width of pool) and a life pole or shepherd's crook with minimum length handle of 12' is provided for every 2,000 sq. ft. of pool area

Outdoor swimming pools are protected by a 4' high (minimum) barrier with self-closing, positively latching door/gate capable of being locked

A telephone is provided in the immediate deck area for possible emergency needs

Glass containers are prohibited in the pool area and food and beverage consumption is prohibited on the pool walks

Pool managers are qualified in pool and filter operation and principles and practices of sanitation

The pool is supervised by a person with a Red Cross or equivalent certifications in life saving, first aid, filter operation, and sanitation

Sanitary facilities (e.g., showers, lavatories) are provided for use by hot tub patrons

Please proceed to the next section for Part 4.

Electrical/ Fire/ Emergency

Electrical Hazards

Extension cords are not used as permanent wiring and/or are unplugged from wall outlet when not in use

When used, all extension cords are 3-wire type and in good condition - no splices or broken insulation are allowed

If used, multi-outlet power strips are UL listed and have circuit breakers

Extension cords and power strips are plugged directly into wall outlet, not other extension cords or power strips

Equipment power cords are in good condition with no splices or broken insulation

Plugs are in good condition - there are no exposed wires and the ground is not removed from 3-way plugs

All wall outlet and junction box covers are in place

Electric circuit panels are kept clear (at least 36 inches open area)

Electrical circuits are not overloaded

Wires or extension cords do not run under carpets or rugs, through doorways, or placed in other traffic areas

Fire Prevention, Emergency Exits, Housekeeping

Fire extinguishers are not obstructed

Fire doors are not blocked open

Exits are unobstructed and kept unlocked during normal business hours or special events

Exits properly marked, exit signs illuminated

Good housekeeping is practiced - liquid spills are absorbed, (especially oils), and excess paper and trash is removed

Flammable/Combustible liquids are stored properly

Electric space heaters are UL listed with working temperature controls and tip switches

There are no holes through walls or ceilings, and all ceiling tiles are in place

Occupancy limits are observed

Inspected by:

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Frequently asked questions

What should be checked during a building safety inspection?

A building safety inspection should cover critical areas such as structural integrity, fire safety systems, stairways, electrical systems, and emergency exits. Inspect for issues like cracks in walls, malfunctioning alarms, trip hazards, or blocked escape routes. Don’t overlook less obvious areas, such as lighting in stairwells or the condition of railings.

Who is responsible for conducting building safety inspections?

Typically, building managers, facility supervisors, or safety officers are responsible for conducting inspections. In some cases, specialized professionals, like structural engineers or fire safety consultants, may be required. If your team handles inspections, make sure they’re trained to spot risks and document findings accurately.

What are common safety hazards found during building inspections?

Frequent hazards include faulty wiring, blocked emergency exits, slippery floors, and damaged stair railings. Other common issues might be outdated fire extinguishers, inadequate lighting in key areas, and improper storage of flammable materials. Regular inspections can uncover these problems before they escalate into serious risks.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.