Fire Safety Checklist Template | Editable & Free Download

Fire safety checklist template

Effective fire safety inspections are about protecting lives and assets while meeting stringent compliance standards. This fire safety checklist ensures your team covers all critical aspects, from prevention to escape planning, leaving nothing to chance. With this template, you can conduct consistent, thorough inspections, with sections for prevention, control measures, and procedural compliance.

Effective prevention and response with a fire safety checklist

A fire safety checklist template is a document used to assess the level of fire safety in a building or facility. It provides a comprehensive list of items that should be checked to ensure that appropriate fire safety measures are in place to prevent and respond to fires.

The checklist typically includes items such as the presence and condition of smoke detectors, the availability and accessibility of fire extinguishers, the maintenance of fire alarms and sprinkler systems, and the identification and labelling of emergency exits.

By using a fire safety checklist template, building owners, managers, and safety officers can easily and systematically evaluate the fire safety of a facility. They can then take necessary steps to address any identified deficiencies, such as repairing or replacing equipment, improving evacuation routes, or conducting fire safety training for staff.

How to use the fire safety checklist

Here’s how you can get a smoother workflow and better safety outcomes with the template:

Customize the template for your environment. Edit the template in the app to include specifics like high-risk areas or unique equipment. For example, add items related to flammable materials if you operate in a factory or kitchen.
Train your team on what to look for. Walk frontline staff through the checklist. Point out critical items like fire extinguisher placement and escape route clearance, ensuring they understand the importance of each step.
Assign tasks and set priorities. Delegate the checklist to specific team members, such as having maintenance test fire alarms weekly. Use the app’s action management feature to assign responsibilities with clear deadlines.
Document observations in real-time. Encourage staff to log findings during inspections directly in the template. They can attach photos of hazards or completed fixes to ensure accountability and add context.
Track progress and follow up. Use tracking and analytics features to monitor trends, like recurring issues with electrical outlets. This allows you to refine your fire safety measures and take preventative actions.

Download Lumiform’s fire safety checklist today

Upholding fire safety doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With this template, you’ll cover critical areas like prevention, control, and escape routes in one clear and concise tool. Assign tasks, log findings, and empower your team to conduct reliable inspections.

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Preview of the template

Instructions

Instructions ------------------- 1. Complete the following sections "Prevention", "Control and Containment", "Means of Escape" and "Procedures, Information and Training" 2. Answer "Yes", "No", "N/A" for the relevant questions. Add any photos and notes by clicking on the paperclip icon 3. To create a corrective action click on the paperclip icon and then "Action", provide a description, assign to a member, set priority and due date 4. Complete audit by providing digital signature in final "Completion" section 5. Share your report by exporting as "PDF", "Word", "Excel" or "Web Link"

Prevention

Are all flammable fuels, gases and chemicals stored correctly?

Are oxygen cylinders and oxidising substances stored appropriately to minimise fire risk?

Are all materials that need to be stored separately kept on their own?

Are sources of ignition adequately controlled?

Have suitable measures been taken to reduce the risk of arson, including the avoidance of combustible materials stored close to buildings?

If hot work takes place, are fire risks adequately controlled?

Are combustible materials, e.g. paper, dry waste, kept to a minimum and properly stored?

Are electrical sockets being used safely and not overloaded?

Are portable electrical appliances subject to PAT testing?

Has the fixed electrical wiring been subject to a test and inspection within the last five years? Note that this is recommended more frequently for higher risk premises

Is the use of portable heaters appropriately controlled?

Are there signs displayed where needed to highlight fire hazards, i.e. smoking rules, gas storage, flammables?

Are smoking rules adhered to?

Are all rubbish bins emptied regularly?

If paper is recycled, are storage vestibules emptied regularly?

Are combustible and flammable materials kept away from ignition sources?

Are high housekeeping standards maintained?

If there is a risk of an explosive or flammable atmosphere developing, are the risks assessed and properly controlled?

Is heating and cooking equipment subject to regular servicing, maintenance and cleaning, as appropriate?

Control and Containment

Are all fire extinguishers in their designated places, readily accessible and in good condition, including fire blankets and hose reels where applicable?

Have fire extinguishers been serviced within the last twelve months?

Are all fire doors and doorframes free from damage with fire doors closing properly under their own weight, where fitted with closing devices?

Are all fire doors either kept shut or held open on a device which releases automatically in the event of a fire alarm?

Are fire doors signed correctly on both sides of the leaf (except for cupboard doors which are to be signed on the front only)?

Have breaches of floors, or compartments been filled with fire resistant materials, e.g. holes made for pipes and cables?

If there is a fire sprinkler system is it subject to a weekly pressure/bell test and routine servicing?

Are there service and testing arrangements for fire-fighting lifts, lightning protection and rising mains, where present?

Means of Escape

Are escape routes kept clear?

Can all fire exits be opened immediately and easily?

Are all fire exits clearly identifiable?

Are directional signs in place to direct occupants to the fire exits?

Are metal fire escapes in good condition?

Is there an effective means of raising the alarm which can be heard throughout the building(s)?

Is the fire alarm system routinely serviced and also tested weekly?

Is the fire alarm panel showing that the system is fully functional?

Is there a zone plan adjacent to the alarm panel?

Is there sufficient emergency lighting covering internal and external escape routes?

Is emergency lighting subject to monthly activation testing and annual discharge testing?

Is there a designated fire assembly point?

Procedures, Information and Training

Is the fire risk assessment up to date?

Are there written fire arrangements for the premises designating responsibilities for fire safety and outlining emergency procedures?

Are all staff named in the procedures still fulfilling these roles?

Have staff with specific responsibilities under the procedures, been trained in their role, e.g. fire marshals, those testing the alarm?

Has a manager been given overall responsibility for fire safety for the premises and are they named within the written fire arrangements?

Do all staff know what the fire alarm sounds like?

Have all tests identified as necessary in your fire risk assessment been completed and recorded?

Are fire drills being undertaken at the frequency identified in your risk assessment (usually six monthly, but more frequent for higher risk premises)?

Are there records of fire drills and have improvements been made if deficiencies were identified?

Are false alarms investigated and action taken as necessary to prevent further occurrences?

Are all Fire Action Notices clearly displayed and completed properly?

Have all staff been trained in what to do in the event of a fire or on hearing the fire alarm?

Are new starters instructed in the fire procedure on day one?

Have sufficient numbers of staff, including fire marshals, been trained in the practical use of fire extinguishers?

Are there arrangements to call the fire brigade to all suspicions of fire?

Are visitors made aware of emergency arrangements or otherwise kept under supervision at all times?

Are there suitable arrangements for checking that the premises has been evacuated?

Have staff who need a personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) assisted in developing one and is it up to date?

If any staff require a PEEP, are others trained in how to implement it?

If there is a need for special evacuation arrangements for groups of visitors with disabilities, have these been put in place?

Are there routine fire safety inspections?

Completion

Final comments

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most overlooked fire safety measures in workplaces?

One common oversight is poor housekeeping. Cluttered storage areas and blocked escape routes increase fire risks and hinder evacuations. Another is failing to regularly check and maintain electrical systems, which are a leading cause of workplace fires.

What is the difference between a fire risk assessment and a fire safety inspection?

A fire risk assessment identifies potential hazards and evaluates the level of risk, like assessing how likely it is for a fire to occur in a factory or office. On the other hand, a fire safety inspection focuses on ensuring all safety measures are in place, such as checking fire doors, alarms, and extinguishers.

How can I train employees to identify fire hazards effectively?

Start with scenario-based training that reflects real workplace situations. Use examples like spotting overloaded electrical outlets or storing flammable materials too close to heat sources. Pair hands-on training with visual aids, like photos of common hazards.

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.