What can I do if I am not available for my upcoming fire safety inspection?
If you live in an apartment building, you’ve likely received a notice for a fire safety inspection at one point or another. They are a regular occurrence in every building, and they usually go off without a hitch — until they don’t. Sometimes the inspection date just doesn’t suit your schedule, and you can’t be home at the proposed time to provide access to your apartment.
In this article, we take a look at some of the steps you can take if you cannot make yourself available for your upcoming fire safety inspection.
First things first - why do we need a fire safety inspection every year?
It should go without saying that fire safety inspections play a critical role in ensuring your apartment building is safe and compliant with regulations. These inspections are not just routine checks — they are a legal requirement designed to protect lives and ensure a safe living environment. Fire safety systems such as alarms, sprinklers, fire doors, emergency lighting, and evacuation plans must be regularly maintained and tested, and a fire safety inspection confirms that all these systems are in working order and meet the required safety standards.
Completing your fire safety inspection ensures:
Resident Safety – Properly maintained fire systems ensure that in the event of a fire, residents have the best possible chance of safe evacuation.
Legal Compliance – Strata buildings must adhere to state fire safety regulations. Failing to complete an inspection or rectify issues can result in fines for the owners’ corporation and potential liability risks.
Insurance Compliance – Many insurers require proof of compliance with fire safety standards. A missed or failed inspection could impact the building’s insurance coverage.
Early Detection of Issues – Inspections help identify fire hazards before they become a serious risk. A faulty alarm or blocked emergency exit could have devastating consequences if left unaddressed.
Peace of Mind – Knowing that your building’s fire safety measures are up to standard gives residents confidence that they are living in a well-maintained and secure environment.
What happens if you can’t be available for your upcoming fire safety inspection?
Fire safety companies usually provide fixed dates to streamline the inspection process, as coordinating and finding a time that suits everyone in the building can be extremely challenging. However, even with ample notice, sometimes residents still can’t be available for the inspection.
If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what you can do:
Consider contacting the fire safety company directly
It may be worth contacting the company conducting the fire safety inspection to see if they have any flexibility. They may be able to inspect your apartment earlier or later in the day on the proposed date, or even arrange an alternative date that coincides with another inspection they have in a building nearby.
Leave a key with a trusted neighbour
If you cannot arrange an alternative inspection date or time, a common solution is to leave a key with a trusted neighbour who will be available for the inspection.
Use a secure key management system
It may be worth contacting the company conducting the fire safety inspection to see if they have any flexibility. They may be able to inspect your apartment earlier or later in the day on the proposed date or even arrange an alternative date that coincides with another inspection they have in a building nearby.
Always remember…
When your next fire safety inspection comes around, remember to consider one of the alternatives above if you can’t be there to provide access yourself. Regardless of which one you choose, the most important thing to remember is to be proactive. Don’t wait until the scheduled time to reach out to your building manager or the fire inspection company. Always let them know as soon as you receive the inspection notice so that you have ample time to find an alternative.
