Fire safety compliance isn’t something most property managers think about until a violation notice shows up or, worse, there’s an emergency.
At RAEL, we’ve spent more than 90 years helping commercial buildings stay ahead of risks and stay up to code. From system inspections to emergency planning, fire protection has a lot of moving parts. It’s the reason we’ve put together this comprehensive fire safety compliance checklist for commercial properties to help you keep everything running safely and legally.
Sprinkler Systems
Sprinkler systems are one of the most critical lines of defense in fire safety. To stay compliant, they must be inspected in accordance with NFPA 25. Monthly visual checks should confirm that sprinkler heads are unobstructed and appear in good working order.
Annual inspections need to verify water pressure levels, valve positions, and clear access to the fire department connection.
Look for signs of corrosion or damage, ensure spare sprinkler heads are available, and confirm that all system components are accessible. Make sure your maintenance provider is certified and available for emergency service when needed. Keeping detailed inspection records is essential for future inspections and proving compliance with local building codes.
Fire Alarm & Special Hazard Systems
Fire alarm systems must meet the standards set by NFPA 72, which includes routine testing of smoke detectors, manual pull stations, control panels, and backup batteries. These systems are your building’s first alert during a fire, so ensuring their reliability is non-negotiable.
Check that all alarms are audible in every part of the building, that strobe lights function correctly, and that power backups are tested regularly. Any updates or repairs should be handled by authorized personnel, with clear documentation of each service visit kept on file for inspections.
Special hazard systems, such as clean agent suppression or high-sensitivity smoke detection, require inspection schedules and procedures. These systems are typically installed in areas with sensitive equipment or high-risk materials and must be regularly inspected to ensure compliance and performance in the event of a small fire or emergency.
Fire Extinguishers & First-Aid Equipment
Fire extinguishers are a building’s first line of defense against small fires, and staying compliant with NFPA 10 means conducting monthly visual inspections and scheduling professional servicing at least once a year. Every unit should be clearly tagged, fully charged, and free of any visible damage or corrosion.
Make sure the right extinguisher types are in place—Class ABC is for general use, and Class K is for commercial kitchens. Placement matters, too: extinguishers must be easily accessible, properly mounted, and located near potential fire hazards like electrical panels or cooking equipment.
First-aid stations, including kits and AEDs, should also be regularly checked to confirm supplies are stocked and devices are functional. Proper maintenance not only supports compliance but also protects occupants in an emergency.
Commercial Kitchen Fire Suppression + Exhaust Hood and Duct Cleaning
Commercial kitchens pose a high fire risk, so compliance with NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A is crucial. Commercial kitchen fire suppression systems must be inspected and serviced every six months. This includes testing control heads, checking agent pressure levels, and replacing fusible links that activate the system during high-heat events.
Commercial kitchen exhaust systems—hoods, ducts, and fans—should also be professionally cleaned at least twice a year to remove grease buildup and prevent blockages. Maintaining proper clearance around equipment and ensuring all components are in good working order helps reduce fire hazards and supports code compliance.
Neglecting these systems can lead to major fire damage, property loss, and health code violations. Regular maintenance keeps kitchens safe and operating without interruption.
Emergency Lighting & Exit Signage
Emergency lighting and illuminated exit signs are critical for safe evacuation during a power outage or fire. To meet code requirements, these systems should be tested monthly, and a full functional test should be conducted annually. Don’t overlook the battery backup! Make sure it holds a charge long enough to guide occupants out safely.
Exit signs must be clearly visible from all directions, properly illuminated at all times, and correctly marked on building floor plans. Evacuation routes should be free from obstructions, with fire exit maps posted in high-traffic areas to assist quick decision-making in an emergency.
Means of Egress & Fire Doors
Safe and accessible exit paths are a core part of any fire safety plan. All exits should remain unlocked during business hours and must be kept completely unobstructed. Panic hardware, like push bars, should function smoothly and be regularly tested to ensure quick, easy egress.
Fire doors play a key role in containing smoke and flames. They should close automatically, stay latched when shut, and never be propped open. Stairwells must be clear of storage or clutter, and every fire-rated door should be clearly labeled and properly maintained.
In addition, ensure that access to electrical panels, sprinkler risers, and other fire safety equipment is not blocked. Clear paths not only help during emergencies but are also a requirement for compliance with most building codes.
Electrical Systems & Flammable Storage
Electrical issues are a common cause of commercial fires, making routine inspections essential. Check for damaged wiring, loose connections, and proper labeling in all electrical panels. Ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) should be tested regularly, and circuits must not be overloaded with equipment that draws excessive current.
Flammable liquids and materials should always be stored in approved, clearly labeled containers. Keep these containers in well-ventilated areas, away from heat sources, and maintain proper clearance from equipment that could ignite vapors.
Mechanical rooms, especially those with boilers or furnaces, need special attention. Verify that all safety controls are functional and that rooms are ventilated to prevent buildup of heat or fumes. Regular maintenance of these systems supports both safety and code compliance.
Fire Department Connections (FDCs) & Hydrants
Fire department connections (FDCs) play a crucial role in supporting sprinkler systems during an emergency. To remain compliant, they must be accessible with at least 36 inches of clearance on all sides and clearly labeled for fast identification. Caps should be intact, threads in good condition, and the area around the FDC should be free from debris or obstructions.
Hydrants and control valves must also remain visible and unobstructed at all times—no matter the season. Regular checks should ensure these fixtures aren’t blocked by landscaping, snow, or parked vehicles. Keeping these components accessible helps first responders act quickly and can significantly reduce property damage during a fire.
Staff Training & Drills
Even the best fire protection systems won’t be effective if building occupants don’t know how to respond in an emergency. Fire safety training should be conducted at least once a year and cover basics like how to use a fire extinguisher, identify fire hazards, and follow evacuation procedures.
Scheduled fire drills are equally important. These should be conducted regularly, with results documented and emergency plans adjusted based on what’s learned. After each drill, review how long it took to evacuate, where bottlenecks occurred, and whether all alarms and systems worked as expected.
To support readiness, post up-to-date floor plans throughout the building and clearly mark designated meeting points outside. A well-informed staff is one of the most effective tools for minimizing property damage and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Documentation & Code Review
Accurate documentation is essential for staying compliant and prepared for inspections. Maintain organized records of all fire safety activities, including inspection logs, system test results, service reports, and equipment certifications.
Copies of NFPA compliance forms, local code permits, and any notices or corrections related to code violations should be kept in a secure and accessible location. These documents serve as proof of due diligence and can help resolve disputes or avoid penalties during regulatory reviews.
Using a digital reporting platform can improve accuracy and make it easier to track service intervals, flag upcoming deadlines, and generate compliance reports. Regardless of the method, consistent record-keeping supports a proactive fire safety strategy and keeps your building inspection-ready year-round.
Special Hazard Systems & Backflow Testing
Some areas in a commercial property—like server rooms, labs, or electrical vaults—require specialized fire protection beyond standard sprinklers. These environments often use clean-agent or foam-based suppression systems designed to extinguish fires without damaging sensitive equipment. These systems must be inspected and tested according to manufacturer guidelines and relevant codes.
Backflow preventers, which protect the potable water supply from contamination, are another key component of a compliant fire protection setup. These devices must be tested and certified regularly based on local jurisdiction requirements. Failing to test backflow assemblies can result in fines and pose serious safety risks.
Proper scheduling and documentation of these inspections help ensure ongoing compliance and system reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key components of a commercial fire safety plan?
A commercial fire safety plan should include routine inspections, system maintenance, emergency lighting, clear exit routes, and staff training on evacuation procedures and extinguisher use.
How often should fire drills be conducted in commercial buildings?
Fire drills should be conducted at least once a year, though many commercial buildings opt for semi-annual or quarterly drills to ensure staff are well-prepared for real emergencies.
What are the most common fire hazards in commercial properties?
Typical fire hazards in commercial settings include overloaded electrical systems, improper storage of flammable materials, neglected kitchen exhausts, and blocked exits or sprinkler heads.
Why is commercial fire safety compliance important for property managers?
Compliance helps reduce liability, protect occupants, and prevent property damage. It also ensures that fire drills are effective, hazards are addressed, and all safety systems function during an emergency.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Compliance Review
We’ve walked through the essentials—sprinkler systems, alarms, suppression, emergency exits, lighting, staff training, and documentation. Each element in the fire safety checklist plays a role in protecting your building, your occupants, and your operations.
If you’re looking for a streamlined way to stay on top of it all, we can help. At RAEL, our certified technicians handle inspections, maintenance, and repairs across every major system. With 24/7 emergency support and our REDi platform for real-time compliance tracking, you’ll never lose sight of what matters.
Let’s make fire safety simpler. Contact us today to schedule your full commercial fire safety compliance review.
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