Alarm Inspections

Fire alarm system inspections are required by state and local fire marshals and enforced by local fire department inspectors. Some types of buildings, like hospitals, nursing homes, and public schools, fall under the state’s jurisdiction. The state fire marshal’s office will send an inspector to these facilities, instead of the local fire inspector.

One of the most stressful times in a building manager’s year, is right before the inspector shows up. We’ve put together a list of items that the fire inspector will normally look for, at their inspection:

• Does the fire alarm system (smoke detectors, pull stations, heat detectors, horns and strobes) work the way it should, and have a current inspection tag?
• Does the fire alarm dialer (where remote monitoring is required), call out the appropriate descriptions for troubles, alarms, and supervisory signals?
• Do the fire doors release? These are usually controlled by the fire alarm, but sometimes don’t get tested every year. There are typically fire doors in long corridors, between wings of large buildings, and between kitchen and dining room spaces (Firefly).
• Do all security doors (normally locked) “fail safe” or stay open when there’s a fire alarm?
• Do the exhaust fans and fire dampers shutdown? These HVAC components are also controlled by the fire alarm system, and are designed to slow the spread of smoke in a building.
• Are all exits clearly marked with lighted exit signs, with battery back-up?
• Are all emergency lights working, with battery back-up? (push button to test)
• Have fire extinguishers been tested and tagged within the last year? (every extinguisher should have a tag)
• Has the range hood extinguishment system been tested and tagged in the last year? (tag is usually on the red pull-handle near the stove)
• Has the fire sprinkler been tested and tagged in the last year? (tag is usually on the main riser)

For some of the most frequently asked questions and ANSWERS, go to our FAQ page on Fire Alarm Inspections.

Tell us about your building and system, and we can give you an inspection estimate…

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