Form 3: Building Audit Form

Fire Control Systems:

1) Fire Extinguishers:

Keep a list of the locations of all fire extinguishers in the institution and note the last inspection date of each. Also, for each of the extinguishers, ask the following questions:

Is the extinguisher sufficiently charged?

Has it been discharged or in any way damaged?

What type of extinguisher is it: water or dry-chemical?

Is it the right type of extinguisher in the right location? (i.e., for instance, dry-chemical extinguishers, preferably Halon, should be kept nearest computer equipment.)

Is the extinguisher easily accessible, or is it somehow blocked or hidden?

Is it on the floor or mounted on a wall? [Extinguishers should normally be wall-mounted]

Are any extinguishers missing?

Are there any other problems?

2) Fire and Smoke Detection Systems and Fire Alarms:

Where are detectors and alarms located?

When were batteries last changed?

Are regular tests of fire alarms and fire suppression systems conducted? How often?

Are alarms connected to the local fire department, campus security, or some other off-site monitoring station(s)?

3) Fire Exits:

Are fire exit signs clearly visible?

Are fire exit doors locked?

Are fire exits crowded or blocked?

Are there any other problems?

4) Electrical Systems:

Is there any worn or exposed wiring?

Is any ungrounded equipment in use?

Are there adequate electrical outlets or are electrical sockets overloaded?

Are there any empty light sockets or burned out lights?

Are kitchen and staff areas checked to see if equipment is left on?

Are there any other problems?

Does the institution have an auxiliary power system in case of a power outage?

5) Environmental Controls:

Is the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system effective? Is it inspected regularly?

Can both temperature and humidity be controlled?

Are air filters changed on a regular basis?

Are there any other problems?

6) Water Systems:

Are pipes, plumbing, or any other sources of water located above or near collections?

Are pipes well-supported and in good shape, or are there any leaks? Where?

Are there water detectors in use and functioning? Are sump or back-up pumps available?

Are there any other problems?

7) External Features:

Is the roof pitched or flat? Does water accumulate on the roof?

Are roof gutters, eaves, and drains kept clean? Is drainage good?

Are windows and skylights well sealed and kept closed?

Are there any other problems?

8) Security:

Are all windows and doors locked and alarmed to prevent intruders from breaking in? How frequently is the system tested?

Is it wired to any off-site monitoring stations such as Security or the Police Department?

Is the exterior of the building well-lighted?

Are there any other problems?

9) Other Matters:

Is there sufficient emergency lighting?

Does the institution have first aid kits? Are kits well-stocked and inventoried on occasion?

Are stacks braced to protect a shelving collapse?

Are the stacks, workspace, and public areas orderly, or crowded and messy?

Are housekeeping and trash collection performed on a regular basis?

Is there any evidence infestations of rodents, insects or mold/fungi? Where?

Other issues unique to the institution not covered in this Building Audit: