10 Warning Signs Your Building Needs a Fire & Life Safety Audit Immediately

Commercial or industrial fires tend to occur without warning. A blocked emergency exit, an overdue fire alarm inspection or an overloaded electrical panel are just a few examples of the small safety issues that are often overlooked until they play a role in a significant emergency. These problems, when combined, can greatly affect the impact that a fire will have on people, property, and business operations.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 1.39 million fires in 2023, resulting in 3,670 civilian deaths, 13,350 civilian injuries, and approximately USD 23 billion in direct property damage. These figures highlight the importance of identifying fire risks before they escalate into life-threatening incidents.

Buildings are continuously in a state of change. Office layouts change, production lines expand, occupant numbers increase, and new equipment is introduced. These changes can introduce risks which may not be covered by the current fire protection system, unless they are reviewed regularly.

A Fire & Life Safety (FLS) Audit is a comprehensive assessment of a building’s fire protection systems, emergency preparedness, evacuation arrangements, and overall compliance with applicable fire safety requirements. More importantly, it helps organisations identify hidden vulnerabilities and implement corrective actions before an emergency occurs.

If you notice any of these 10 warning signs, your building will likely require a Fire & Life Safety Audit.

1. Your Fire Protection Systems Haven’t Been Inspected or Tested Recently

In the event of an emergency, your immediate response should be through the fire protection system. Fire alarms, sprinklers, hydrants, smoke detectors, fire pumps and extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning proper functioning.

When maintenance schedules have not been followed or testing records are missing, there is no guarantee that these systems will operate in the event of a fire.

An FLS Audit assesses the installation, maintenance, testing and suitability of the fire protection system to ensure it will allow for an orderly response to a fire.

2. Emergency Exit Routes Are Frequently Blocked

Always ensure emergency exits offer a clear and unobstructed way for occupants to get to safety. Over time, however, many facilities start to use corridor, stairway and exit ways as dumping grounds for materials, equipment, or house keeping items.

A small blockage may slow down the evacuation in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury and panic.

During a Fire & Life Safety Audit, blocked escape routes, poor signage, inaccessible stairways, and other issues that may impact occupant safety during an evacuation will be identified.

3. Fire Extinguishers Are Expired, Damaged, or Difficult to Access

Fire extinguishers are an important fire control device to extinguish small fires before the flames spread. They must be inspected regularly and should be appropriate for the specific fire hazards present.

Common issues include:

• Expired inspection dates

• Damaged cylinders or missing safety pins

• Incorrect extinguisher types for specific hazards

• Low pressure levels

• Extinguishers blocked by furniture or stored materials

Extinguishers are checked for condition, accessibility, location and suitability as part of an audit to ensure they will be effective if needed.

4. Your Building Has Undergone Renovations or Layout Changes

Business operations rarely remain static. Offices are renovated, manufacturing lines are expanded, storage areas are increased, and departments are reorganised.

While these changes can improve operational efficiency, they can also affect fire safety through the following:

• Changing evacuation routes

• Increasing occupant load

• Blocking emergency exits

• Increasing combustible fire loads

• Affecting smoke movement and compartmentation

An FLS Audit is to ensure that current fire protection systems are still provided for the building’s operational needs.

5. Employees Are Unfamiliar with Emergency Procedures

The most effective firefighting tools and systems are not a substitute for a well-trained team.

Ask yourself:

• Do staff members know the closest emergency exit?

• Have fire drills been recently held?

• Do assembly areas have written instructions for assembly?

• Does emergency response team know what to do?

Emergency confusion can result in delays in evacuation and unnecessary risks. A Fire & Life Safety Audit involves an examination of evacuation, communication and training procedures for emergency preparedness and opportunities for enhancement.

6. Electrical Hazards Are Becoming More Common

Electrical related issues remain as a major contributor to workplace fires. Warning signs shouldn’t be ignored – particularly if they happen repeatedly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical distribution and lighting equipment are involved in approximately 32,620 non-home structure fires each year in the United States, highlighting the importance of proactive electrical inspections and fire risk management.

Common warning signs include:

• Regular circuit breaker operation failures

• Overloaded extension boards

• Temporary electrical wiring

• Overheated electrical panels

• Damaged insulation

• Signs of burning odours close to equipment

Along with fixing electrical problems, an FLS Audit can be used to determine if these problems are contributing to other facility fire risks and to recommend preventive steps.

7. Fire Safety Documentation Is Missing or Outdated

Fire safety management is not just about equipment. Clear and precise record keeping provides evidence of effective inspection, maintenance and management of fire safety systems.

Important records include:

• Fire equipment inspection reports

• Maintenance logs

• Emergency response plans

• Fire drill records

• Employee training records

• Equipment testing certificates

When missing or outdated documents are found, it is evidence that fire safety routine activities are not consistent. An FLS Audit looks at documentation and on-site conditions to ensure that fire safety practices are effectively put in place.

8. Occupancy or Building Usage Has Changed

There are numerous buildings that have been modified from their intended use. Offices may accommodate more employees, warehouses may store additional combustible materials, or unused spaces may be converted into operational areas.

These changes can affect:

• Occupant density

• Fire load

• Evacuation planning

• Fire protection coverage

• Accessibility of emergency equipment

An FLS Audit checks to see if the building’s fire safety system is still appropriate for the current use and function.

9. Your Facility Has Experienced Near Misses or Minor Fire Incidents

Not every fire-related event results in major damage, but every incident should be treated as a warning sign.

Examples include:

• Small electrical fires

• Smoke from overheating equipment

• Electrical sparking

• Minor kitchen fires

• Excessive false alarms due to faulty systems

A near miss can expose a problem that could develop into a serious incident if it isn’t resolved. A Fire & Life Safety Audit can help to determine the causes of these incidents and what should be done to prevent recurrence.

10. It’s Been Several Years Since Your Last Fire & Life Safety Audit

While your building may seem safe, risks change over time. Equipment matures, occupants change, maintenance procedures change and operations increase in complexity.

One should never wait to review fire safety measures until after a regulatory inspection or emergency.

Periodic Fire & Life Safety Audits help organisations:

• Identify hidden fire hazards

• Improve emergency preparedness

• Strengthen adherence to relevant fire safety policies

• Prioritise corrective actions based on risk

• Protect people, assets, and business continuity

Routine audits are a great way to ensure continued compliance with your building’s fire safety requirements, as they are constantly evolving to fit operational requirements.

Why a Proactive Fire & Life Safety Audit Matters

Fire safety is not simply about compliance—it’s about a workplace environment where hazards are identified and addressed before they cause injury, property damage or business disruption.

A comprehensive Fire & Life Safety Audit provides organisations with a clear understanding of their current fire safety performance. It evaluates fire protection systems, emergency preparedness, evacuation arrangements, documentation, and operational practices while identifying gaps that require attention.

From an office complex to a manufacturing plant, a warehouse to an education facility, healthcare facility to hotel, shopping mall to residential property, periodic audits are important ways to reinforce preparedness, build resilience and create a safer environment for all.

Conclusion

Organisations should not wait until a deficiency is identified to review their fire safety measures. Deficiencies may only come to their attention following an incident or regulatory inspection. But the best fire safety strategy is a comprehensive fire safety plan that eliminates major issues.

Your building could be due for a complete Fire & Life Safety Audit if you experience any of the following warning signs: ageing fire protection systems, blocked exits, frequent electrical problems, outdated emergency procedures and more.

At NIST Global, we conduct detailed Fire & Life Safety Audits that assess fire protection systems, emergency preparedness, means of escape, electrical fire risks, life safety provisions, and compliance with applicable fire safety requirements. Our experienced auditors provide practical recommendations to help organisations close safety gaps, strengthen fire resilience, and create safer workplaces for employees, visitors, and stakeholders.

Proactive action today can prevent a fire emergency tomorrow.