Free BC Fire Safety Plan Compliance Checklist
Use this free checklist to audit your building’s fire safety compliance. If you can tick every box, you’re in good shape. If you can’t, it’s time to call a professional.
Applicable to buildings in British Columbia under the BC Fire Code (2018) and local fire department bylaws.
📋 Fire Safety Plan Documentation
- ☐ Current Fire Safety Plan on file, prepared within the last 12 months
- ☐ Plan has been reviewed and accepted by the local fire department
- ☐ Printed copy posted in the fire alarm room or at the main entrance
- ☐ Digital copies distributed to property management and supervisory staff
- ☐ Plan includes scaled floor plans of every level
- ☐ Plan includes a site plan showing FDC, hydrants, and access routes
- ☐ Plan has been updated after any renovation or occupancy change
👥 Supervisory Staff & Training
- ☐ Fire Safety Director appointed in writing
- ☐ Deputy Fire Safety Director appointed
- ☐ Fire wardens assigned for each floor or zone
- ☐ All supervisory staff have completed initial training
- ☐ Annual refresher training documented
- ☐ Training records retained on-site
🚨 Fire Alarm System
- ☐ Monthly visual inspection documented
- ☐ Annual CAN/ULC-S536 inspection completed by qualified contractor
- ☐ Inspection report filed on-site
- ☐ All deficiencies corrected in a timely manner
- ☐ Fire alarm panel labelled and accessible
- ☐ Pull stations visible, unobstructed, and functional
💧 Sprinkler & Standpipe Systems
- ☐ Weekly visual check of control valves documented
- ☐ Monthly gauge readings recorded
- ☐ Quarterly flow test completed
- ☐ Annual NFPA 25 inspection by qualified contractor
- ☐ FDC cap in place and not damaged
- ☐ No storage within 18 inches of sprinkler heads
- ☐ Standpipe hoses (if present) in good condition
🧯 Portable Fire Extinguishers
- ☐ Monthly visual inspections recorded on tag
- ☐ Annual service completed by qualified technician
- ☐ 6-year or 12-year hydro test current
- ☐ Extinguishers mounted and accessible
- ☐ Signage clearly identifies extinguisher locations
- ☐ Correct type and size for the hazard present
🚪 Exits & Emergency Lighting
- ☐ All exits unlocked and unobstructed during occupied hours
- ☐ Exit signs illuminated and visible
- ☐ Emergency lighting functional (monthly 30-second test)
- ☐ Annual 30-minute emergency lighting test completed
- ☐ Exit doors swing in direction of travel where required
- ☐ Panic hardware functional on required doors
- ☐ Exit stairs clean, clear, and well-lit
🚧 Fire Separations & Doors
- ☐ Fire doors close and latch on their own
- ☐ No wedges, hooks, or obstructions holding fire doors open
- ☐ Fire door labels visible and legible
- ☐ Annual NFPA 80 fire door inspection completed
- ☐ Penetrations through fire separations are properly firestopped
🍳 Commercial Kitchen (if applicable)
- ☐ Suppression system serviced every 6 months
- ☐ Hood and ducts cleaned at required frequency
- ☐ Class K extinguisher installed
- ☐ Staff trained on suppression system manual activation
🏢 Housekeeping & Fire Hazards
- ☐ Combustible storage controlled and organized
- ☐ Electrical panels unobstructed (3 feet clear)
- ☐ Flammable liquids stored in approved containers/cabinets
- ☐ Smoking policy enforced with proper receptacles
- ☐ Extension cords used temporarily only, not as permanent wiring
- ☐ Trash rooms kept clean and doors kept closed
🔥 Fire Drills
- ☐ Annual fire drill completed (more frequent for schools, care, assembly)
- ☐ Drill results documented and retained
- ☐ Deficiencies identified during drills corrected
- ☐ All building occupants are familiar with the evacuation procedure
♿ Persons Requiring Assistance
- ☐ PRA register maintained (confidential)
- ☐ Pre-arranged assistance documented
- ☐ Areas of refuge identified (where applicable)
- ☐ Staff trained on PRA evacuation procedures
How Did You Score?
All boxes ticked: Excellent. Keep doing what you’re doing — and make sure your annual review is scheduled.
1-5 unticked: You have some work to do, but you’re mostly there. Address the gaps in the next 30 days.
6+ unticked: Your building is likely non-compliant with the BC Fire Code. Call a fire safety consultant immediately to avoid fines, insurance issues, and liability.
Need Help Closing the Gaps?
Get Fire Plan can audit your building, update your Fire Safety Plan, and coordinate with the trades who service your fire protection equipment. Call 778-574-2895 or email contactus@getfireplan.com for a free consultation.
This checklist is provided as a general guide and does not replace professional fire safety advice or a formal compliance audit. Always consult your local fire department and a qualified fire safety professional.