How to Avoid the Most Frequent Violations in Fire Inspections

Fire safety inspections play a vital role in keeping your business up to code and free from fire hazards that could endanger both lives and property.

These inspections are designed to catch risks that might otherwise go unnoticed, ensuring that your building remains safe and compliant. Overlooking common violations can result in costly penalties and operational setbacks, but more importantly, they could compromise the safety of your business.

In this blog, we’ll uncover the most frequent fire inspection violations and share strategies to help you avoid them, protecting both your property and the people within it.

How to Avoid Frequent Fire Safety Violations

Keep fire exits clear

Blocked or obstructed fire exits are one of the most common violations found during fire safety inspections. These exits are critical in emergencies, providing a clear path for everyone to evacuate quickly and safely.

To ensure compliance, always keep fire exits free from any clutter, furniture, or equipment that could block access. Make sure all exit doors are clearly marked with illuminated signs and can open easily without obstruction.

Since inspectors often focus on exit accessibility, it’s important to regularly walk through your building to confirm that all exits are unobstructed and in proper working condition.

Store flammable materials safely

Improper storage of flammable materials accounts for around 10% of workplace fires, making proper storage essential for safety and compliance. Flammable liquids, gases, and other combustibles pose serious risks if stored near heat sources or in unventilated areas.

To help you avoid these risks and stay compliant, here are key tips for safely storing flammable materials:

• Use approved safety containers that meet fire resistance standards
• Keep materials away from heat sources, electrical equipment, and open flames
• Designate clearly labeled storage areas specifically for flammable materials
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes
• Regularly inspect storage areas to ensure everything remains safely stored

Service fire extinguishers regularly

Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense in containing small fires before they become a larger threat. The NFPA advises that certified technicians conduct annual inspections of your fire extinguishers to verify they are in proper working condition.

This routine fire extinguisher service ensures that all extinguishers in your business are properly charged, undamaged, and accessible.

During a fire inspection, outdated inspection tags, low pressure, or blocked extinguishers can result in a violation. To avoid these problems and ensure you’re prepared for emergencies, make sure to schedule regular maintenance and service checks to keep your extinguishers compliant and fully functional.

Check smoke alarms and detectors

During fire inspections, inspectors often find issues like dead batteries, outdated units, or poorly installed smoke alarms. Properly installing and maintaining your smoke detectors is one of the simplest, most effective ways to ensure compliance and enhance workplace safety.

To ensure your smoke detectors and alarms pass inspection, you should:

• Follow installation instructions carefully
• Test alarms monthly
• Replace batteries at least every 6 months or when you hear the low-battery chirp
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years or as directed by the manufacturer
• Clean alarms regularly with a vacuum or damp cloth
• Schedule regular checks and maintenance

Maintain emergency lighting

Emergency lighting helps guide people to safety during power outages or emergencies, so it’s important to keep these lights in proper working order.

Regular testing ensures they function when needed, with inspectors often checking whether emergency lights are fully operational and correctly placed along exit routes.

Be sure to replace burnt-out bulbs or faulty lights right away to avoid violations. Maintaining your emergency lighting can prevent inspection issues and provide peace of mind knowing your workplace is prepared for any situation.

Test fire alarms regularly

Fire alarms are necessary for alerting employees and initiating evacuation procedures in emergencies. During fire inspections, alarm systems are tested to ensure they function properly and are dependable when needed.

To keep your system reliable, schedule regular tests to confirm that alarms can be heard throughout the building and to catch issues like malfunctioning units or dead batteries.

A functioning fire alarm system is essential for passing fire inspections and, more importantly, keeping everyone and business safe.

Train employees in fire safety

Training your employees properly can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively they respond to a fire emergency. Many fire inspections focus on whether a business has clear emergency plans and whether employees are prepared to follow them. One of the best ways to ensure your team is ready is by enrolling them in professional fire safety training.

Some of the key aspects that fire safety training typically covers include:

• Proper use of fire extinguishers, including when and how to operate them safely
• Detailed fire evacuation procedures, ensuring everyone knows the steps to follow during an emergency
• Familiarization with fire exit locations so employees can quickly locate and use them if needed
• Clear communication protocols for contacting emergency services and keeping everyone informed during a fire
• Fire prevention techniques to help reduce the risks by promoting safe practices with flammable materials and equipment
• Regular fire drills to practice evacuation and emergency response procedures

Are You Prepared for Your Upcoming Fire Inspection?

Staying prepared and vigilant is the best way to avoid fire inspection violations.

Rather than waiting for an inspection to highlight potential hazards, regular maintenance and safety checks help ensure your business stays safe and compliant.

If you’re in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware and unsure about any safety measures, Kistler O’Brien Fire Protection is here to help bring you up to code. Contact us today to schedule your fire safety service with our certified technicians.