Fire inspections are a routine part of building management—but failing one can result in re-inspection orders, compliance notices, delays, and unnecessary stress. For building managers, preparation is the difference between a smooth inspection and a costly setback.
This inspection checklist for building managers is designed to help you prepare your property for fire inspections, understand what inspectors expect, and address common issues before they become violations. It focuses on readiness, documentation, and visibility, without getting lost in technical system testing.
This guide also serves as a fire safety inspection checklist tailored for commercial and multi-unit residential properties in British Columbia.
Fire inspections are not just a formality. They confirm that life-safety systems are accessible, maintained, and inspection-ready. Even when systems are installed correctly, inspections frequently fail due to:
Missing or outdated documentation
Blocked or inaccessible equipment
Minor deficiencies left unresolved
For building managers, inspections are about coordination and oversight—ensuring systems are ready, records are available, and known issues are addressed proactively.
This checklist is intended for:
Building managers
Strata councils
Property management companies
Owners of commercial and multi-unit residential buildings
It is especially useful for commercial fire inspection checklist preparation and strata fire inspection checklist coordination.
If you are responsible for preparing a building for inspection—or supporting inspectors during their visit—this guide is built for you.
During a fire inspection, inspectors are assessing more than equipment. They are evaluating inspection readiness. Common expectations include:
Clear access to fire protection systems
Accurate and up-to-date inspection records
Awareness of recent repairs or deficiencies
Cooperation and access during the inspection
Fire inspections in Surrey are enforced under the BC Fire Code and reviewed by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Being prepared demonstrates compliance and reduces the likelihood of re-inspection.
Before an inspection takes place, building managers should:
Ensure fire protection systems are accessible and unobstructed
Confirm inspection and maintenance records are available on-site
Be aware of any outstanding deficiencies or recent system issues
Coordinate access to mechanical rooms, fire alarm panels, and secured areas
Consistent fire inspection preparation helps prevent repeat deficiencies and inspection delays.
Below is a high-level building fire inspection checklist covering the areas most commonly reviewed during inspections. This checklist focuses on readiness, not technical testing.
Fire alarm control panels are accessible
No active trouble or supervisory signals are ignored
Devices are visible and unobstructed
Recent inspection records are available
Emergency lights and exit signs are present and unobstructed
Indicator lights are visible and functioning
Testing and inspection records are accessible
Fire extinguishers are mounted and clearly visible
Inspection tags are current
Units are not damaged, discharged, or obstructed
Sprinkler heads are free from obstruction
Control valves are accessible and clearly identified
No visible damage, leaks, or signs of tampering
Exit doors are unlocked and operable
Exit pathways are clear of storage and debris
Exit signage is visible and illuminated
Recent inspection reports
Records of corrected deficiencies
Fire safety plans (where required)
Contact information for service providers
Missing documentation is one of the most common reasons buildings fail fire inspections.
Some of the most frequent inspection problems include:
Missing or incomplete inspection records
Minor deficiencies left unresolved
Blocked access to panels, valves, or extinguishers
Renovations completed without follow-up inspections
These issues are usually preventable with regular checklist reviews.
If deficiencies are found, inspectors may issue:
Written deficiency notices
Re-inspection requirements
Timelines for corrective action
Failure to address issues promptly can lead to additional inspections, compliance enforcement, and increased liability.
This checklist should be reviewed:
Before scheduled annual inspections
After renovations or tenant changes
Following system repairs or upgrades
When taking over management of a new property
Routine reviews reduce surprises during inspections.
Using a structured checklist helps building managers:
Identify issues early
Coordinate repairs efficiently
Reduce inspection delays
Support ongoing compliance and safety
Prepared buildings pass inspections more smoothly.
Fire safety is an ongoing responsibility—not a once-a-year task. Coordinating inspections, maintaining records, and addressing issues proactively helps keep buildings compliant year-round.
Fire inspections and system testing should be completed by qualified, certified professionals with a clear understanding of BC Fire Code requirements. In many municipalities across British Columbia, inspections are performed or verified by ASTTBC-certified technicians to ensure accuracy, accountability, and inspection-ready documentation.
At Otis Fire Protection, inspection readiness is approached as part of a broader life-safety strategy—supporting fire alarms, sprinklers, emergency lighting, extinguishers, and documentation to help building managers stay prepared.
For added convenience, building managers can use a printable fire inspection checklist PDF to prepare before inspection day. A documented, repeatable checklist helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Fire inspections don’t fail buildings—lack of preparation does. For building managers, success comes from understanding inspection expectations, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring systems are inspection-ready.
This inspection checklist for building managers provides a practical framework to prepare confidently, reduce inspection issues, and pass fire inspections the first time.
If your building requires inspection preparation support, documentation review, or compliance guidance, Otis Fire Protection can help ensure everything is in order.
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