Small Business Fire Safety Audit — Free Template

Date of audit

Business name or site address

Area or building audited

e.g., main retail floor, back-of-house, warehouse, second floor.

Reviewer name

Number of employees at this site

Used to flag the written-plan requirement; OSHA requires a written emergency action plan and fire prevention plan only for employers with more than 10 employees.

Automatic sprinkler system present?

Answer Yes if any part of this site has overhead fire sprinklers. Gates the sprinkler-clearance check in Housekeeping.

Exit routes unobstructed and clear of materialsCritical

No stored stock, equipment, furniture, or snow/ice blocking any part of an exit route, including outside the exit door.

Exit doors unlocked from the inside and openable without keys or special knowledgeCritical

Doors along an exit route must open from the egress side without a key, tool, special knowledge, or effort. Test each one.

Exit doors operate freely and swing in the direction of travel where required

Doors are side-hinged, not blocked, sticking, or wedged shut. High-occupancy rooms require doors that swing out in the direction of egress.

Exit signs present, legible, and illuminated

Each exit is marked by a lit 'EXIT' sign readable from the path of approach; line-of-direction signs mark the route where the exit is not obvious.

Aisles and egress paths clear and at adequate width

Walkways leading to exits are kept clear and wide enough for the number of occupants to pass without congestion.

No dead-end corridors or doors that mislead toward a dead end

Doors that could be mistaken for an exit but are not (closets, mechanical rooms) are marked 'Not an Exit' or by their use.

Photo of a primary exit door and its signage

Extinguishers mounted, visible, and access unobstructedCritical

Each unit is on its bracket or in its cabinet, signage marks its location, and nothing is stacked or parked in front of it.

Pressure gauge reads in the operable (green) rangeCritical

A needle in the red (over- or under-charged) zone means the unit may not discharge. Mark Fail for any unit out of range.

Monthly visual inspection performed and recorded

Tag or log shows the unit was visually checked within the last month (location, access, gauge, seal, obvious damage).

Annual maintenance tag current

A dated service tag shows a qualified person performed the annual maintenance within the last 12 months.

Travel distance to an extinguisher adequate

An employee should not have to travel more than about 75 ft to reach a Class A extinguisher (shorter for flammable-liquid areas).

Employees trained on extinguisher use where they are expected to use them

If the plan expects employees to fight incipient fires, they must be trained on use and hazards at hire and annually.

Photo of an extinguisher showing its gauge and service tag

Smoke or heat detectors present and tested

Detectors are installed where required, powered, and test records are current. Mark N/A if the occupancy is not required to have detection.

Means provided to report a fire and alert the fire department

A clear way to notify occupants and summon emergency services — monitored alarm, manual pull station, or a posted call procedure.

Outlets and circuits not overloaded

No signs of overload — warm cover plates, scorch marks, frequently tripped breakers, or many high-draw devices on one outlet.

Cords undamaged

No frayed insulation, missing ground prongs, exposed conductors, or crushed/pinched jackets. Remove damaged cords from service.

Electrical panels have clear working space (about 36 in)

Roughly 36 in of clear depth and the full panel width in front of each panel; nothing stored against it.

Cover plates and knockouts in place on outlets, switches, and panels

No open junction boxes, missing cover plates, or unfilled knockout holes that expose live wiring or let fire spread.

Oily or solvent-soaked rags stored in a self-closing metal can

Oily rags can self-heat and ignite. Store them in a covered, self-closing metal container and empty it regularly.

Combustibles kept clear of heaters, furnaces, and other ignition sources

Boxes, paper, packaging, and stock are kept well away from space heaters, water heaters, furnaces, cooking equipment, and electrical panels.

Flammable and hazardous containers properly labeled

Containers show their contents and hazard so employees and responders know what is present.

Written fire prevention plan available

Lists major fire hazards, their handling and storage, ignition-source controls, and who maintains fire-control equipment.

Evacuation map posted with exits and routes marked

Posted where employees can see it; shows current exit routes and the assembly point.

Employees trained on the plan and their evacuation roles

Training given when the plan is established, when roles change, and when the plan changes.

Outside assembly point designated and known to staff

A safe gathering location away from the building where employees can be accounted for after evacuation.

Heating, cooking, and mechanical areas kept clean and clear

Lint, grease, and dust are cleaned from heat-producing equipment and surrounding areas.

At least 18 in clearance maintained below sprinkler heads

Stored materials must stay at least 18 in below sprinkler deflectors so spray is not blocked. Appears only when a sprinkler system is present.

Corrective actions and target completion dates

Any item requires immediate action before the building is reoccupied or work resumes?

Blocked or locked exits, a discharged extinguisher with no backup, or a dead fire alarm are imminent hazards — flag here and act now.

Describe the immediate-action item and the action taken

Reviewer signature

Type your full legal name to confirm this fire safety audit was performed and the findings recorded honestly.