Fire Drill Safety Checklist
Date: 2026-01-09
Inspector: [INSPECTOR NAME]
Location/Area: [LOCATION/AREA]
Department: [DEPARTMENT]
Purpose
This checklist is to be used to ensure that fire drills are conducted safely and effectively, and that all required elements are included to comply with regulatory guidelines. It helps verify the readiness of employees and the facility in the event of a fire emergency.
Instructions for Use
- 1. Review the checklist prior to conducting the fire drill.
- 2. Conduct the fire drill, observing all elements of the evacuation procedure.
- 3. Use the checklist to document observations during and after the drill.
- 4. Note any deficiencies and implement corrective actions.
- 5. Retain the completed checklist for record-keeping and future reference.
Frequency
This checklist should be completed: Monthly
Safety Checklist
Pre-Drill Preparation
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency contact information is readily available. Check: Verify that emergency contact lists are updated and posted near phones and in common areas. If failed: Update and repost the emergency contact list. | _________________ | ||
| Evacuation routes are clearly marked and unobstructed. [5] Check: Inspect all evacuation routes to ensure clear signage and no obstacles. If failed: Remove obstructions and replace or repair damaged signage. | _________________ | ||
| Assembly points are designated and known to all employees. [1] Check: Confirm that assembly points are clearly marked and communicated to all staff. If failed: Clarify assembly point locations with all employees. | _________________ | ||
| Drill time and date are scheduled to avoid conflicts. [2] Check: Check the schedule to ensure the drill does not conflict with critical activities. If failed: Reschedule the drill for a more convenient time. | _________________ |
During Drill Observation
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alarm system is functional and audible throughout the facility. [2] Check: Verify that the alarm is clearly heard in all areas of the building. If failed: Repair or adjust the alarm system to ensure audibility. | _________________ | ||
| Evacuation is orderly and efficient. Check: Observe the evacuation process for signs of panic or disorganization. If failed: Provide additional training on evacuation procedures. | _________________ | ||
| Employees follow designated evacuation routes. Check: Ensure employees adhere to marked evacuation paths. If failed: Reinforce the importance of following designated routes. | _________________ | ||
| Evacuation time is reasonable. [2] Check: Record the time taken for complete evacuation. If failed: Analyze the evacuation time and identify areas for improvement. | _________________ | ||
| Personnel with disabilities are assisted. [1] Check: Observe if assistance is provided to individuals with disabilities during evacuation. If failed: Develop and implement specific procedures for assisting personnel with disabilities. | _________________ |
Post-Drill Assessment
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountability of all personnel is confirmed at the assembly point. [1] Check: Verify that all employees are accounted for at the designated assembly point. If failed: Improve the accountability process and conduct a thorough search for missing personnel. | _________________ | ||
| Emergency services are notified that the drill is complete. Check: Confirm that local emergency services are informed after the drill. If failed: Establish a communication protocol with emergency services. | _________________ | ||
| Debriefing session is conducted to gather feedback. Check: Hold a post-drill meeting to discuss observations and gather feedback from participants. If failed: Implement a formal debriefing process. | _________________ | ||
| Deficiencies are documented and addressed. Check: Record any issues identified during the drill and create a plan for corrective action. If failed: Develop a corrective action plan with assigned responsibilities and deadlines. | _________________ |
Exit Routes and Markings
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| All exits are clearly marked with visible 'EXIT' signs. [3] Check: Inspect all exits to ensure signs are present, illuminated, and not obstructed. If failed: Install or repair exit signs as needed. | _________________ | ||
| Emergency exit doors are unlocked and easily opened from the inside. Check: Test all exit doors to confirm they open easily and are not locked or blocked. If failed: Ensure all exit doors are unlocked and functioning properly. | _________________ | ||
| Exit routes are free from obstructions and hazards. [3] Check: Verify that exit routes are clear of any materials, equipment, or other obstructions. If failed: Remove any obstructions from exit routes. | _________________ | ||
| Adequate lighting is provided along all exit routes. [3] Check: Check that all exit routes are adequately lit to ensure safe passage. If failed: Install or repair lighting along exit routes. | _________________ |
Alarm System
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| The alarm system is tested regularly. [1] Check: Review records of alarm system tests to ensure regular testing. If failed: Schedule and conduct regular alarm system tests. | _________________ | ||
| The alarm signal is distinctive and recognized by all employees. Check: Confirm that the alarm signal is easily distinguishable from other signals. If failed: Evaluate and modify the alarm signal to ensure it is distinctive. | _________________ | ||
| The alarm system is equipped with a backup power source. Check: Verify the presence and functionality of a backup power source for the alarm system. If failed: Install or repair the backup power source. | _________________ |
Emergency Action Plan
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| The emergency action plan is written and readily available. [3] Check: Confirm that the emergency action plan is documented and accessible to all employees. If failed: Create or update the emergency action plan and make it accessible. | _________________ | ||
| The emergency action plan includes procedures for reporting emergencies. [3] [4] Check: Verify that the plan includes clear procedures for reporting fires and other emergencies. If failed: Add or revise procedures for reporting emergencies. | _________________ | ||
| The emergency action plan includes evacuation procedures and exit route assignments. [3] [4] Check: Confirm that the plan includes detailed evacuation procedures and assigned exit routes. If failed: Add or revise evacuation procedures and exit route assignments. | _________________ | ||
| The emergency action plan includes procedures for accounting for all employees after evacuation. [3] [4] Check: Verify that the plan includes methods for accounting for all employees after evacuation. If failed: Add or revise procedures for employee accountability. | _________________ |
Training and Communication
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees are trained on the emergency action plan. [3] Check: Review training records to ensure all employees have been trained on the emergency action plan. If failed: Conduct training sessions on the emergency action plan. | _________________ | ||
| Evacuation wardens are designated and trained. [3] Check: Confirm that evacuation wardens are appointed and have received appropriate training. If failed: Appoint and train evacuation wardens. | _________________ | ||
| The emergency action plan is reviewed with employees annually or when changes occur. [3] Check: Verify that the plan is reviewed with employees at least annually or when changes are made. If failed: Schedule and conduct annual reviews of the emergency action plan. | _________________ |
General Requirements
| Item | Pass | Fail | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ensure all employees are aware of the location of fire alarm pull stations. Check: Confirm that fire alarm pull stations are unobstructed and easily accessible. If failed: Relocate obstructions and ensure clear access to fire alarm pull stations. | _________________ | ||
| Verify that all fire extinguishers are inspected and up-to-date. Check: Check the inspection tags on fire extinguishers to ensure they are current. If failed: Replace or recharge fire extinguishers as needed. | _________________ | ||
| Confirm that emergency lighting is functional. Check: Test emergency lighting to ensure it activates during a power outage. If failed: Repair or replace emergency lighting units. | _________________ |
Failed Item Procedures
- 1. Immediately report any failed items to the designated safety personnel.
- 2. Implement temporary measures to mitigate the risk until permanent corrections can be made.
- 3. Schedule and complete necessary repairs or replacements as soon as possible.
- 4. Document all failed items and corrective actions taken.
Documentation Requirements
1. Completed checklist. 2. Corrective action reports for any failed items. 3. Training records for all employees involved in the fire drill. 4. Record of evacuation time.
Checklist Completion
Overall Status: ☐ Pass ☐ Fail ☐ Corrective Actions Required
Inspector Signature: Date:
Supervisor Review: Date:
Corrective Actions Completed By: Date:
References and Standards
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plans
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.36 - Design and construction requirements for exit routes.
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.165 - Employee alarm systems
This checklist must be retained for [RETENTION PERIOD].
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Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.
References
Page links are approximateOSH Enforcement Procedures | CFR 168 - Exit Routes, Emergency Action Plans, and Fire Prevention Plans Final Rule
Open DocumentPage 16
OSH Enforcement Procedures | CPL 02-02-073 - Inspection Procedures for 29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65, Paragraph (q): Emergency Response to Hazardous Substance Releases
Open DocumentPage 96