# Form - Workplace Inspection Checklist (Station)

> Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-FRM-36.
>
> Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-workplace-inspection-checklist-station
>
> Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 with the Adopting Agency Grant (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
>
> General information only, not legal, medical or other professional advice. Verify every requirement against the current official text of the law, standards and manufacturer instructions that apply to you. Obtain your own legal review and consult your joint health and safety committee before adopting anything. You adopt, adapt, implement and rely on this material entirely at your own risk and on your own responsibility. Full terms: Terms of Use, thehumanfactor.ca.

## How to use

Monthly, by the station officer with a worker member; a JOHSC member joins at least once a year per station and on the quarterly sample ([02 JOHSC Integration](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/johsc-integration) section 5.9). Walk every area in the order below. Mark each line **OK**, **Deficient** or **N/A**. Every Deficient line gets a note, a photograph where useful, and a decision: fixed on the spot, work order raised, or entered in the [Corrective Action Register](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/corrective-action-register) with a priority. Before starting, read the last three months’ forms and check whether their deficiencies were actioned; record the answer in Part A. Finish with a five-minute conversation with the crew (Part D). The whole workplace, including grounds, outbuildings and any shared premises, is covered within 12 months; the “areas not covered this month” line in Part A keeps that honest.

The health and safety standard expects facility inspections and provides sample facility inspector checklists [(NFPA 1550, 2024, ch. 12 and Annex K)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/form-workplace-inspection-checklist-station#ref-nfpa-1550). The applicable OHS statute may require regular inspection procedures and schedules as part of the hazard identification system, and may fix how often the committee or representative inspects ([J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections)). This form is The Human Factor’s own synthesis for a fire station.

## Part A: Header

| Field | Entry |
|:---|:---|
| Station |  |
| Date and start time |  |
| Inspected by (role) | Station officer: / Worker member: / JOHSC member (if present): |
| Platoon or volunteer company |  |
| Previous three months’ forms reviewed? Deficiencies actioned? | Y / N; notes: |
| Areas not covered this month (and when they will be) |  |
| Total lines deficient |  |
| Items fixed on the spot / work orders raised / register entries | / / |

## Part B: Checklist by area

### B1. Exterior, grounds and access

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 1 | Apparatus apron, ramps and walkways free of ice, snow, debris, trip hazards; drainage working |  |  |  |  |
| 2 | Exterior lighting working; building number visible |  |  |  |  |
| 3 | Fuel storage, propane and generator: secured, labelled, no leaks, propane outdoors, clearances kept |  |  |  |  |
| 4 | Flammable and combustible waste storage outdoors in closed containers |  |  |  |  |
| 5 | Hydrant, standpipe or static water supply on site accessible |  |  |  |  |
| 6 | Site security: fences, gates, cameras, doors lock; after-hours access controlled |  |  |  |  |
| 7 | Smoking area, if any, outside and away from doors and fuel |  |  |  |  |
| 8 | Backup generator tested per schedule; transfer switch labelled; log present |  |  |  |  |

### B2. Apparatus bay

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 9 | Diesel exhaust capture connected to every apparatus and working; hoses and nozzles undamaged; fan runs |  |  |  |  |
| 10 | Bay doors: safety edges reverse on contact; photo eyes work; manual release accessible; door tracks clear |  |  |  |  |
| 11 | Floor: clean, dry, free of oil; drains clear; no trip hazards; traffic lines visible |  |  |  |  |
| 12 | Vehicle exhaust interlocks and carbon monoxide detection working, if fitted |  |  |  |  |
| 13 | Contamination zoning marked: red (bay), yellow (transition and decon), green (living); turnout gear not in green areas |  |  |  |  |
| 14 | Turnout gear storage: ventilated, out of direct sunlight, away from diesel exhaust and living areas; no gear in cabs or dorms |  |  |  |  |
| 15 | Decontamination area: gross decon station, wipes, bags, shower within reach, signage; supplies stocked |  |  |  |  |
| 16 | Gear extractor and dryer: operating instructions posted, logbook current, detergent correct, trained operators listed |  |  |  |  |
| 17 | SCBA storage and fill station: cylinders secured, air quality certificate current and posted, fill station log, compressor service current |  |  |  |  |
| 18 | Compressed gas cylinders (all types) secured upright, capped, segregated by type |  |  |  |  |
| 19 | Hose tower or drying rack: fall protection, guardrails, access secured |  |  |  |  |
| 20 | Ladders (portable, for building use) in good condition, rated, stored |  |  |  |  |
| 21 | Pits, trenches and floor openings covered, guarded, signed |  |  |  |  |
| 22 | Machine guarding on grinders, saws, compressors, pumps; lockout points identified |  |  |  |  |
| 23 | Electrical: panels accessible with 1 m clearance, labelled, closed; no damaged cords; no daisy-chained power bars; outdoor and wet-area outlets GFCI |  |  |  |  |
| 24 | Battery charging stations ventilated, no corrosion, eyewash nearby |  |  |  |  |
| 25 | Housekeeping: storage racks stable and loaded within rating; no storage within exit width; aisles clear |  |  |  |  |
| 26 | Spill kit present and stocked |  |  |  |  |

### B3. Shop, storage and mechanical rooms

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 27 | Flammable liquids in an approved cabinet; quantities within limits; cabinet closed and grounded |  |  |  |  |
| 28 | WHMIS: all containers labelled; SDS available for every product (station list matches shelf) and current as the WHMIS regulation requires |  |  |  |  |
| 29 | Eye protection, hearing protection, gloves available at the task; eyewash station accessible, flushed per schedule, dated |  |  |  |  |
| 30 | Lockout kit available; lockout procedure posted for shop equipment |  |  |  |  |
| 31 | Mechanical, electrical and boiler rooms: no storage, no moisture, no mould, clearances kept, doors closed and locked where required |  |  |  |  |
| 32 | Ventilation in shop and storage working; no odours of fuel or solvent |  |  |  |  |
| 33 | Pressure vessels (air receivers, hot water) certified; relief valves tagged |  |  |  |  |

### B4. Living, kitchen, dormitory and office areas

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 34 | Green zone kept clean of turnout gear, SCBA, contaminated tools and boots |  |  |  |  |
| 35 | Kitchen: fire separation door self-closing and latching; range hood and suppression inspected and tagged; extinguisher present; no grease build-up |  |  |  |  |
| 36 | Food storage temperatures; cleanliness; pest control |  |  |  |  |
| 37 | Dormitory: smoke alarms working; egress clear; adequate separation and ventilation; lighting and noise reasonable for rest |  |  |  |  |
| 38 | Fitness area: equipment in good repair, inspected, instructions posted; floor and clearances; AED nearby |  |  |  |  |
| 39 | Washrooms and showers: clean, hot water, ventilation, non-slip surfaces; shower available within the hour of return from a fire |  |  |  |  |
| 40 | Laundry: station wear laundered separately from turnout gear; machines maintained |  |  |  |  |
| 41 | Office ergonomics: chairs, monitors, lighting; cords managed |  |  |  |  |
| 42 | Indoor air: no visible mould, water staining or persistent odour; humidity reasonable; filters changed per schedule |  |  |  |  |
| 43 | Heating and cooling working; thermostats functional |  |  |  |  |

### B5. Life safety and emergency equipment

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 44 | Exits: unobstructed, doors open freely, signed, exit lights working, no storage in exit passages, full width kept |  |  |  |  |
| 45 | Emergency lighting monthly function test done and logged |  |  |  |  |
| 46 | Fire alarm, detection and sprinkler (if fitted) inspected and tagged; no obstructions to heads; valves open and supervised |  |  |  |  |
| 47 | Portable extinguishers: present at marked locations, charged, tagged, monthly check initialled, mounted |  |  |  |  |
| 48 | Station fire safety and evacuation plan posted; assembly point signed; last drill date within 12 months |  |  |  |  |
| 49 | First aid kit: contents complete per the regulation, in date, location signed; first aider list current |  |  |  |  |
| 50 | AED: indicator green, pads and battery in date, location signed, monthly check logged |  |  |  |  |
| 51 | Eyewash and emergency shower where required: accessible, flushed weekly, dated |  |  |  |  |
| 52 | Carbon monoxide alarms in living areas working and in date |  |  |  |  |

### B6. Communications, information and records

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 53 | Station radio and alerting working; backup power tested |  |  |  |  |
| 54 | Safety board: OHS policy posted; JOHSC minutes within 10 days; member names of JOHSC posted; emergency numbers; the applicable statute available; change notices within 30 days |  |  |  |  |
| 55 | Point-of-use OGs, SWPs and job aids match the controlled version (spot check three) |  |  |  |  |
| 56 | Hazard, near-miss and good-catch report forms (or the digital route) available and known to the crew |  |  |  |  |
| 57 | Apparatus daily and weekly check sheets complete for the month; SCBA check sheets complete; exceptions actioned |  |  |  |  |
| 58 | Extractor log, air quality certificate, AED and first aid logs current (cross-check) |  |  |  |  |

### B7. Apparatus (parked, walk-around; the daily check covers function)

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 59 | Cab clean of contaminated gear; seat belts present and functional; SCBA seat brackets secure |  |  |  |  |
| 60 | Equipment secured in compartments; no loose tools in cab; manifest present |  |  |  |  |
| 61 | Steps, handrails and standing surfaces slip-resistant and intact; fall-from-apparatus controls present |  |  |  |  |
| 62 | Wheel chocks, cones, high-visibility vests on board; roadway scene kit complete |  |  |  |  |
| 63 | PPE on board for every riding position; second hoods and decon bags stocked |  |  |  |  |

### B8. Training ground and outbuildings (if on site)

| \# | Item | OK | Def. | N/A | Note |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| 64 | Tower and props: pre-use checklist in use; engineered inspection within 12 months; anchors tagged; access controlled |  |  |  |  |
| 65 | Burn building: condition, instrumentation if fitted, fuel storage, last inspection |  |  |  |  |
| 66 | Outbuildings: structural condition, lighting, storage, pests, access |  |  |  |  |

## Part C: Deficiencies and actions

| \# (line) | Deficiency | Photo? | Priority (P1 to P4) | Action | Fixed on spot / Work order no. / Register ID | Owner (role) | Due |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

Priority is the department’s one scale, the same one the [Corrective Action Register](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/corrective-action-register) uses for every deficiency. P1 (Imminent): interim control immediately, the same shift, with the fire chief and JOHSC co-chairs told within 24 hours; plan due in two working days; closed within seven days. P2 (Serious): interim control within 24 hours where practicable; plan due in seven days; closed within 30 days. P3 (Moderate): plan due in 30 days; closed within 90 days. P4 (Improvement): plan by the next quarterly program update; closed within 365 days or the next budget cycle. Extensions and escalation follow the register. Any P1 is also reported to the district chief and the HSO before the inspection team leaves the station.

## Part D: Conversation with the crew

Five minutes with whoever is on duty or at the training night. Record roles, not names.

| Question | What was said (summary) |
|:---|:---|
| What is the one thing in this station you would fix first? |  |
| Has anyone raised a concern here in the last three months, and did they hear back? |  |
| Is there anything about how we do decon, gear care or SCBA checks here that the procedure does not match? |  |
| Anything else? |  |

## Part E: Sign-off

| Role                             | Signature or system confirmation | Date |
|:---------------------------------|:---------------------------------|:-----|
| Station officer                  |                                  |      |
| Worker member                    |                                  |      |
| JOHSC member (if present)        |                                  |      |
| District chief (reviewed)        |                                  |      |
| Entered in {{Records system}} by |                                  |      |

## Fields

| Field | Type | Required | Who completes |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Station | Pick list | Yes | Station officer |
| Date and start time | Date-time | Yes | Station officer |
| Inspected by (roles) | Text, three slots | Yes | Station officer |
| Platoon or company | Pick list | Yes | Station officer |
| Previous forms reviewed and actioned | Y/N plus text | Yes | Station officer |
| Areas not covered this month | Text | Yes (may be “none”) | Station officer |
| Lines 1 to 66 | OK / Deficient / N/A each with note | Yes | Inspection team |
| Photo attachments | File | Where useful | Inspection team |
| Part C rows | Line ref., text, priority, action, disposition, owner role, due date | One per deficient line | Inspection team; HSO confirms priority |
| Part D answers | Text, four slots | Yes | Inspection team |
| Totals (deficient, fixed, work orders, register entries) | Integer | Yes | Station officer |
| Sign-off | Signatures or system confirmation, dates | Yes | Roles listed |
| Entered in records system | Role, date | Yes | Station officer or delegate |

## Jurisdiction requirements

This chapter relies on the following legal requirements, which differ by province and territory. Check your jurisdiction’s section on each topic page before adopting it.

| Topic | What to check in your jurisdiction | Page |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections | Whether the OHS program must include regular inspection procedures and schedules, and whether the law fixes how often the workplace is inspected and by whom (the monthly cadence here is this program’s own schedule) | [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) |
| Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative | The committee’s or representative’s role in workplace inspections, and what must be posted, such as committee minutes and member names (line 54) | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) |
| Records Retention | How long inspection records must be kept | [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention) |
| Stations, Premises and Building Codes | The fire code and building rules that govern flammable liquid storage, exits, emergency lighting and fire protection systems in stations (lines 27 and 44 to 48) | [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes) |
| WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos | The workplace WHMIS regulation (labels, safety data sheets and their currency, worker education) and any spill reporting rule (lines 26 and 28) | [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) |
| First Aid | First aid kit contents, first aider certification and numbers per station and shift, and any first aid record requirement (line 49) | [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) |

## References

National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1550, Standard for emergency responder health and safety* (consolidates NFPA 1500, 1521 and 1561). <https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-1550-standard-development/1550>
