How to Use: Check each item during inspection. Mark H (High), M (Medium), or L (Low) risk. Photo all concerns.
EXTERIOR & SITE
- Roof: missing shingles, ponding water, debris, parapet wall under 30 inches
- Siding: cracks, rot, peeling paint
- Foundation: cracks, settling, water pooling nearby
- Gutters and downspouts: clogged, disconnected, no splash blocks
- Windows and doors: damaged, missing seals, not wind-rated in high-velocity zones
- Chimney: leaning, loose bricks, no spark arrestor
- Wind protections: missing shutters, overhanging trees, loose signage or awnings
- Fire Department Connection: red sign marked “FDC”, missing caps, over 40 feet from hydrant
PARKING LOTS & GARAGES
- Surface: potholes, cracks, oil stains, poor drainage
- Speed bumps: missing, faded paint, under 4 inches high
- Striping: faded lines, no fire lane markings
- Bollards: missing at entrances, under 36 inches high
- Garage clearance: no low-height warning signs, under 7 feet clearance
- Electric vehicle charging: cords across walkways, no ground fault circuit interrupter
WALKWAYS, STAIRWELLS & ELEVATORS
- Walkways: uneven pavers, lips over 1/4 inch, tree roots lifting surface
- Guardrails and handrails: under 42 inches high, loose, gaps over 4 inches, no intermediate rail
- Stairs: uneven risers, damaged nosing, rise under 4 inches or over 7 inches
- Lighting: under 1 foot-candle at walkways and stairs
- Elevators
- No current state certification
- Floor leveling off by more than 1/2 inch
- Manual emergency bell not operational
- Door guard not retracting fully
- Doors close too fast or slow
- No emergency phone or intercom
- Interior light flickering or out
- Cab stops between floors
PLAYGROUNDS & RECREATION AREAS
- Surfacing: under 9 inches of mulch or tiles, impact rating expired
- Equipment: rust, splinters, sharp edges over 1/8 inch
- Fall zones: under 6 feet clearance, objects in fall path
- Fencing: under 48 inches, gaps over 3.5 inches, no self-latching gate
- Signage: missing “No Unattended Children”, age rules, emergency phone number
WATER & LAKE EXPOSURES
- Warning Signs
- Missing “No Swimming” or “No Diving” at water edges
- No “Slippery When Wet” near docks or ramps
- No “Strong Current” or “Drop-Off” warnings
- Docks: loose boards, no life rings every 200 feet
- Boat ramps: algae buildup, no depth markers
- Retaining walls: erosion, no weep holes
- Flood zones: no elevation certificate, structures in flood plain
- Storm drains: clogged, no backflow prevention valve
POOL & SPA SAFETY
- Enclosure: fence at least 48 inches, self-closing and self-latching gate
- Depth markers: missing, letters under 4 inches
- Drain covers: not Virginia Graeme Baker compliant, no anti-entrapment
- Rescue equipment: ring buoy with rope, 12-foot pole, shepherd’s crook
- Chemical storage: unlocked, poor ventilation, acids and oxidizers mixed
- Signage: missing rules, “No Diving”, emergency phone number
FIRE & LIFE SAFETY
- Service Tags
- Fire alarm panel: no annual service tag, no battery backup, smoke detectors over 10 years old
- Fire Sprinklers: no quarterly tag, storage under 18 inches from heads
- Fire extinguishers: no monthly visual check, no annual tag, over 75 feet travel distance
- Backflow preventer: no annual tag
- Emergency lights: fail 30-second test, no annual 90-minute test
- Exit signs: not illuminated, no battery backup, arrows point wrong way
- Exits: blocked, under 44 inches wide, no panic hardware
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
- Panels: access blocked under 36 inches, open knockouts, double-tapped breakers
- Concern Panels: Federal Pacific Electric, Zinsco, Sylvania, Challenger, Magnetrip, Murray, Kerny, Pushmatic, Square D recall (Feb 2020–Jan 2022)
- Legacy fuse boxes: Edison base, no main disconnect
- Cords: frayed, daisy-chained, extension cords in permanent use
- Ground fault circuit interrupter: no monthly test, missing in wet areas
- Temporary wiring: in place over 30 days, no strain relief
- Outlets: cracked covers, no faceplates, under 18 inches from sprinklers
BUILDING SYSTEMS
- HVAC units: clogged filters, no condensate drain trap
- Boilers: no current state certification, no pressure relief valve
- Generators: under 3 feet from openings, no auto-transfer switch test
- Sump pumps: no backup power, debris in pit
- Fire pump: no weekly churn test tag
RESTAURANT & COMMERCIAL COOKING
- Kitchen Hood Suppression: no semi-annual UL300 service tag
- Hood Cleaning: grease over 1/16 inch, no quarterly or semi-annual cleaning tag
- Hood nozzles: misaligned, fusible links over 6 months old
- Grease filters: missing, improper position
- Deep fryers: no thermostat override, no splash guard from adjacent open flame appliance
- Gas lines: automatic shut-off valve tied to suppression or gas detection
- Class K extinguisher: over 30 feet travel distance
MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRIAL
- Paint Booths: no fire sprinklers, clogged filters, no explosion proof lighting
- Paint Booth Suppression: no semi-annual service tag
- Flammable Cabinets: doors not self-closing, over 60 gallons outside cabinet
- Oily Rags: no metal self-closing container, open bins
- Drums: unlabeled, no secondary containment, stacks over 55 gallons, no grounding
- Storage racking: bent beams, no load capacity signs, not anchored
- Forklifts: no seatbelt, no horn, no preventive maintenance tag
- Dust collection: no explosion venting, ducts clogged
- Welding area: under 35 feet clearance to combustibles, no fire-watch screens
STORAGE & HOUSEKEEPING
- Aisles: under 36 inches wide, pallets overhanging
- Trash: under 18 inches from sprinklers, dumpsters under 10 feet from building
- Chemicals: no safety data sheet binder, incompatible storage
- Pest signs: droppings, entry points over 1/4 inch
- Signage: missing “No Smoking”, “Exit”, “Fire Lane”, “FDC”
ENVIRONMENTAL
- Underground/above-ground tanks: no spill kit, no overfill alarm
- Oil/water separator: clogged, no waste manifest
- Asbestos or lead: friable material, no warning labels
- Mold: visible growth over 10 square feet, water stains
- Radon: no mitigation system in EPA Zone 1
QUICK ACTION CODE
- H = High (stop use / immediate fix)
- M = Medium (30-day correction)
- L = Low (monitor / next cycle)
LCA Certified Inspector “Spot it. Note it. Fix it.” Download PDF | Share via App
Disclosure: This checklist highlights common hazards but is not exhaustive. Always verify local codes, manufacturer instructions, and carrier guidelines.