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Fire Inspection Checklist for a Public Assembly

Implementation of appropriate safety precautions can reduce chances of injury or loss of life should a fire occur in a place used for public assembly. Armories, theaters, nightclubs, auditoriums and other facilities in which 50 or more people congregate are required to provide adequate exits, fire protection systems and precautions, and to have them periodically inspected by a certified fire inspector.

  1. Exits

    • Ensure exit doors are clearly labeled with illuminated "Exit" signs that have battery backup, and that there are no obstructions blocking egress. Signs should be posted stating the building's maximum occupant capacity. There should be enough exits to accommodate that number, and the primary exit should be large enough for half of them to leave the building safely. Exit doors should open outward and have hardware permitting swift opening with one motion. A building used for public assembly should have remote exits; exits should not be located in boiler rooms, kitchens, restrooms, closets, locked rooms, stages or other hazardous areas.

    Fire Protection Systems

    • Buildings used for public assembly should have tiered fire protection systems installed. These include emergency lighting in assembly areas and along exit routes, fire detection devices, alarms and the means to suppress a fire, such as portable fire extinguishers and automatic sprinkler systems. Fire protection devices should bear stickers confirming they have been inspected by a certified fire inspector. Additionally, public assembly buildings should have on-site written emergency plans. Facilities that incorporate pyrotechnic displays, open flames or cooking areas should implement safety precautions when those potential ignition sources are used.

    Interior Finish

    • The building's interior finish -- walls, ceilings and floors -- should be examined and fire-tested by a fire inspector. If it is not possible to ascertain the finish's flame spread attributes, the finish material should be replaced or treated with flame retardants. Decorations and panels affixed to the interior finish should be arranged according to the fire code requirements of the locale. Fire codes typically require limiting decorations to around 20 percent of wall space, or treating them with fire retardants.

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