Fire Alarm Inspection Checklist

The fire alarm system inspection schedule can vary depending on local laws and authority-having jurisdiction.
Fire alarm system components visual inspection should be done per the maintenance schedule and operational documentation.
Perform a visual inspection of all fire alarm system equipment yearly, at least, to confirm there aren't any changes affecting its performance.
  1. 1

    Inspect the control equipment, including its LEDs, power supply, and fuses.

  2. 2

    Inspect, if any trouble signals appear.

    Check for past troubles in the fire alarm log files.

  3. 3

    Inspect batteries for possible leakage and corrosion.

  4. 4

    Inspect heat, duct, and smoke detectors if any changes/defects affect their functionality.

  5. 5

    Test fire alarm control equipment to confirm proper receipt of alarm, supervisory and trouble signals.

    Verify both visual and audible trouble signals.

  6. 6

    Test the secondary power supply by unplugging all primary power supplies.

  7. 7

    Test all initiating devices (smoke and heat detectors) to ensure they operate as intended and transmit the signal to the control unit.

  8. 8

    Perform testing of alarm notification appliances.

    They should correctly provide both visual and audio signalization.

  9. 9

    Has any Fire Alarm system malfunction been found that makes it inoperative?

  10. 10

    Declare fire alarm system impairment.

    Inform the following services that the alarm system is out of order and that there may be an increased risk of fire damage to the property:

    • Local fire department

    • Fire wardens of current structure/building

    • Property management

    • Insurance company

    • Maintenance contractor

  11. 11

    Appoint an appropriate number of staff in designated areas to raise the alarm in the event of a fire.

  12. 12

    Make all staff responsible for emergency evacuation aware of the alternative fire alarm arrangements.

  13. 13

    Provide appropriate whistles and/or air horns to staff on fire watch duties.

  14. 14

    Make all staff, visitors, and contractors using the building aware that the whistle/air horns indicate that they must evacuate the building.

  15. 15

    Advise staff of any temporary additional fire safety duties they must perform.

  16. 16

    Maintain covering measures while expecting the fire alarm restoration.

  17. 17

    When the fire alarm system repair is finished, check if the fire alarm system equipment functions are fully restored.

  18. 18

    Restore the condition of the fire alarm system's equipment to the normal state.

    Continue the fire alarm system's regular operation.

  19. 19

    Records

    Write down all findings/issues during these tests in the report form.

    Schedule the next fire alarm system test as local fire safety policies require.

    If there was a failure incident with the fire alarm system, describe the situation by filling in the appropriate fields in the report form.

    Form Fields
  20. 20

    End of procedure