Exit Routes Checklist
- All exits clearly marked with illuminated EXIT signs
- At least two exit routes from each work area
- Exit routes are unobstructed and clear of storage
- Exit doors open in direction of travel (outward)
- Exit routes are at least 28 inches wide
- Emergency lighting operational and tested
- Exit routes lead directly outside or to a safe area
Alarm Systems Checklist
- Fire alarm system tested and functional
- Alarm is distinctive and audible throughout facility
- Pull stations accessible and clearly marked
- Voice announcement system operational (if applicable)
- Backup power for alarm systems
- Regular testing schedule documented
Employee Roles Checklist
- Floor wardens/fire wardens designated
- Assembly point monitors assigned
- Employees with disabilities paired with evacuation buddies
- Critical operation shutdown personnel identified
- Head count/accountability procedures established
- All roles documented in Emergency Action Plan
Maps & Signage Checklist
- Evacuation maps posted at all main exits
- Maps include "You Are Here" indicator
- All exit routes clearly shown on maps
- Assembly points marked on maps
- Fire equipment locations shown
- ADA evacuation routes included
- Maps reflect current floor layout
Drills & Training Checklist
- Evacuation drills conducted at least annually
- Drill times and results documented
- New employees trained on evacuation procedures
- Refresher training provided after plan changes
- Special procedures for night shift reviewed
- Visitor evacuation procedures established
Checklist Compliance Statistics
Most businesses fail to review their evacuation plans yearly as recommended
Average number of exit route problems discovered during first checklist audit
A thorough facility walk-through with this checklist takes under an hour
Businesses using our checklist pass OSHA inspections on first attempt
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Create Your Free MapExpert Advice: Annual Reviews
I always tell my clients to schedule their annual evacuation plan review for the same week every year - I recommend the week after daylight saving time changes in November. You're already changing smoke detector batteries and adjusting clocks, so add "walk the evacuation routes" to that same checklist. This creates a natural annual trigger that's hard to forget. During the review, physically walk every route with your checklist, test every emergency light, and verify every fire extinguisher has a current inspection tag.
While paper checklists work for inspections, consider maintaining a digital master copy. Digital checklists allow you to: add photos of issues found, timestamp when checks were completed, share instantly with your safety team, and track completion trends over time. Many OSHA inspectors now accept digital records, and having timestamped photos proving exit routes were clear last month is powerful documentation if a violation is ever alleged.