Fire Safety

Workplace Fire Prevention Checklist

A comprehensive guide covering fire hazard identification, extinguisher placement, exit signage, and evacuation drill requirements to keep your facility NFPA and OSHA compliant.

4 min read

Fire is one of the most preventable workplace hazards — yet it remains a leading cause of property loss and employee injury. OSHA's fire prevention standards (29 CFR 1910.39) and NFPA 10 require employers to maintain fire extinguishers, keep exits clear, and train employees on emergency procedures. This checklist walks you through the key requirements so you can identify gaps before an inspection — or an emergency.

Fire Hazard Identification

The first step in fire prevention is knowing where hazards exist in your facility. OSHA requires employers to identify potential ignition sources, flammable materials, and areas where fires could spread rapidly. Conduct a walk-through of your facility at least quarterly and document any hazards found.

Checklist Items

Identify all ignition sources: open flames, hot surfaces, electrical equipment, and static discharge areas
Locate and label all flammable and combustible liquids storage areas
Ensure flammable materials are stored in approved, labeled containers away from ignition sources
Check for accumulations of combustible dust, debris, or waste materials
Inspect electrical panels, wiring, and equipment for overloading or damage
Document all identified hazards and corrective actions taken

Fire Extinguisher Placement & Maintenance

NFPA 10 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 set specific requirements for fire extinguisher type, placement, and inspection frequency. Extinguishers must be the correct class for the hazards present, mounted at the right height, and inspected monthly by employees and annually by a certified technician.

Checklist Items

Place extinguishers so no employee travels more than 75 feet to reach one (general hazard areas)
Mount extinguishers with the handle no higher than 3.5 feet from the floor (heavier units) or 5 feet (lighter units)
Use the correct extinguisher class: Class A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), D (metals), K (cooking oils)
Conduct monthly visual inspections — check pressure gauge, pin, tamper seal, and physical condition
Schedule annual maintenance inspections by a certified fire protection company
Hydrostatically test extinguishers per NFPA 10 intervals (every 5 or 12 years depending on type)
Keep a signed inspection tag on each extinguisher with date and inspector name

Exit Routes & Emergency Signage

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 requires employers to maintain clearly marked, unobstructed exit routes at all times. Exit signs must be illuminated, and the path to every exit must be free of materials, equipment, or locked doors that could impede evacuation. Violations in this area are among the most commonly cited by OSHA inspectors.

Checklist Items

Ensure all exit doors open from the inside without a key, tool, or special knowledge
Keep all exit routes free of obstructions, stored materials, and equipment at all times
Install illuminated EXIT signs above every exit door and at each turn in an exit route
Test emergency lighting monthly (30-second test) and annually (90-minute full discharge test)
Post evacuation maps near elevators, stairwells, and high-traffic areas showing exit routes and assembly points
Ensure exit routes are wide enough for the number of employees using them (minimum 28 inches)

Emergency Action Plan Requirements

OSHA requires any employer with more than 10 employees to have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP) under 29 CFR 1910.38. The EAP must be kept in the workplace and available to employees for review. Employers with 10 or fewer employees may communicate the plan orally. The plan must be reviewed with each employee when it is developed, when their responsibilities change, and when the plan itself changes.

Checklist Items

Include procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency in your written EAP
Designate and train employees to assist in evacuation of persons with disabilities
Identify a primary and alternate assembly point outside the building
Assign a headcount coordinator to account for all employees after evacuation
List emergency contact numbers: fire department, police, utility companies, and building management
Review and update the EAP whenever the facility layout, occupancy, or emergency contacts change

Evacuation Drills & Employee Training

A fire prevention plan is only effective if employees know what to do. OSHA requires employers to train employees on the EAP when it is first developed and whenever their role changes. While OSHA does not mandate a specific drill frequency for general industry, NFPA 101 recommends at least two drills per year. Regular drills reveal gaps in your plan before a real emergency does.

Checklist Items

Conduct at least two full evacuation drills per year — vary the time of day to test different shifts
Train all employees on the PASS technique for fire extinguisher use: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
Debrief after every drill — document what worked, what didn't, and corrective actions taken
Train designated fire wardens or floor monitors for each area of the facility
Keep training records including employee name, date, topic, and instructor for all fire safety training

A Fire Doesn't Give You a Warning

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