NC Non-Public School Fire Inspection Preparation Checklist

The following is a listing of items (prepared by the North Carolina Department of Insurance) which a local fire marshal's office will typically inspect in a non-public school facility in North Carolina.

Other items may be added by local government.

Refer to Daycare through Grade 2 Students in Existing Buildings for additional information.

1. All corridors, storage areas, stairways, basement, attic and closets are clear of trash and debris.
2. There is no accumulation of trash, rubbish or weeds adjacent to the building.
3. All exit doors are in proper working condition (unlocked and unobstructed), are properly indentified and swing in the direction of exit travel.
4. Fire doors and smoke doors are not blocked, open and swing in the direction of exit travel.
5. All emergency exit signs are properly illuminated.
6. Exit corridors and stairways have Class A finish.
7. Fire alarm detection equipment is in proper working order so that all occupants can hear the signal.
8. Emergency numbers are posted by telephones.
9. Evacuation Plan is posted in all occupied areas.
10. Combustible school supplies (books, paper, art supplies, etc.) are stored in a safe and orderly manner.
11. Maintenance and cleaning supplies and equipment are stored in an orderly manner in a well ventilated area or in an approved container with a self closing lid.
12. Portable fire extinguishers are charged, in proper working condition, tagged, mounted and are of the proper type in accordance with NFPA 10.
13. All cooking areas, including the Home Economics Department, are equipped with proper portable BC rated fire extinguishers.
14. Kitchen equipment with grills and/or deep fat fryers are protected with a fixed fire extinguishing system and have semi-annual certification.
15. Hood and vent systems, including filters, in kitchen area are free of grease.
16. Combustible or flammable liquids used for instructional purposes are stored in approved containers with vapor-tight covers in a proper location.
17. Chemicals used for instructional purposes are labeled and stored in approved containers in proper locations.
18. Heat producing laboratory equipment such as bunsen burners are in good condition (e.g., tubing and connections are properly fitted and not worn).
19. No portable electric heaters with exposed elements are present.
20. No open flame type oil, gas or solid fuel fired heating equipment located in general classrooms (does not apply to vocational shop areas).
21. Boiler, furnace and mechanical rooms are clean and free of stored combustible materials.
22. Upper and lower combustion air openings in rooms containing gas or oil fired equipment are open and unobstructed.
23. Heating and air conditioning equipment is equipped with clean filters.
24. Vent pipes for oil and gas fired equipment are without leaks from loose joints or deterioration.
25. There is no evidence of leaks in oil lines and oil tank.
26. Boilers have inspection certification seal. (Inspector will record date of certification)
27. All access doors on heating and air conditioning equipment are in place.
28. If smoking is permitted in the building, "No Smoking" signs are posted in areas subject to hazardous chemicals, flammable vapors and dust.
29. Emergency lighting is in operable condition.
30. Principal's monthly report indicates that fire drill and inspection have been conducted.