Fire Code Audits: Ensuring Compliance, Safety, and Peace of Mind
Fire Code Audits: Ensuring Compliance, Safety, and Peace of Mind
Posted by HITE Engineering • August 2025
Fire safety isn’t optional—it’s the law. A comprehensive Fire Code Audit verifies that your building, operations, and documentation comply with the Ontario Fire Code, applicable provincial/municipal requirements, and recognized standards such as NFPA 101: Life Safety Code. Beyond compliance, audits protect people, property, and business continuity.
Why Fire Code Audits Matter
- Life safety: Validates alarm, detection, suppression, and egress systems work as intended.
- Legal compliance: Confirms adherence to the Ontario Fire Code and referenced standards.
- Insurance readiness: Reduces risk of claim denial and demonstrates due diligence.
- Operational resilience: Identifies issues before they trigger orders, fines, or downtime.
What’s Included in a Fire Code Audit
- Documentation review: Fire Safety Plan, record logs, permits, drawings, impairment procedures.
- On-site inspection: Fire alarm & detection, sprinklers/standpipes, extinguishers, emergency lighting, signage, doors & egress routes.
- Hazard review: Storage/use of flammable & combustible liquids, hazardous processes, housekeeping, separation, fire loads.
- Testing & drills: Verification of inspection/testing frequency, staff training and evacuation drills.
- Gap analysis & action plan: Prioritized corrective actions with practical timelines and responsibilities.
- Updated Fire Safety Plan: Prepared or revised to meet Ontario Fire Code requirements.
Fire Safety Plans: What the Ontario Fire Code Requires
The Ontario Fire Code requires that certain buildings maintain and regularly review a Fire Safety Plan:
- Annual review: Section 2.8.2.1(4) requires your Fire Safety Plan be reviewed “as often as necessary, but at intervals not greater than 12 months” to reflect changes in use/characteristics of the building.
- Combustible/flammable liquids thresholds: Section 4.1.5.6 applies Fire Safety Plan requirements to buildings and open areas where total quantities exceed 500 L (or 250 L of Class I liquids).
In practice, that means you likely need a plan—and to keep it current—if you have meaningful storage/use of flammable/combustible liquids, higher occupant loads, complex operations, or specialized hazards.
When You Need a Fire Code Audit
- It has been 12+ months since your Fire Safety Plan was reviewed.
- You are changing occupancy or use (e.g., renovations, process changes, added materials).
- You store/use flammable or combustible liquids above thresholds noted in the Code.
- Authorities, insurers, or corporate policy require proof of compliance.
- You’re preparing for permits, inspections, or certification.
Standards, Codes & Best Practices We Reference
- Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07)
- NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
- National Fire Code of Canada / Codes Canada
- CCOHS: Emergency & Fire Safety Resources
What You Receive from a HITE Fire Code Audit
- Engineer-reviewed compliance report with photos, findings, and Code references.
- Prioritized corrective action plan (quick wins → capital items), timelines, and owners.
- Updated Fire Safety Plan (or new plan) aligned with Code and site realities.
- Support to close gaps: training, signage layouts, system design/spec, and tender support.
How HITE Engineering Can Help
Our multi-disciplinary team combines structural, mechanical, and fire protection expertise to deliver practical solutions that pass inspection and protect people. Explore our related services: Fire Code Audit Services, Pre-Start Health & Safety Reviews (PSR), and Contact HITE.
FAQ: Fire Code Audits & Fire Safety Plans
What is a Fire Code Audit?
A Fire Code Audit is a comprehensive review of your facility’s fire safety systems, documentation, and practices to verify compliance with the Ontario Fire Code, relevant building code requirements, and recognized standards such as NFPA 101.
When is a Fire Safety Plan required in Ontario?
Fire Safety Plans are required under Ontario Fire Code Section 2.8 for many occupancies and operations. Section 4.1.5.6 also applies plan requirements where flammable/combustible liquids exceed 500 L in total—or 250 L for Class I liquids.
How often must a Fire Safety Plan be reviewed?
At least annually. Ontario Fire Code Section 2.8.2.1(4) requires reviewing the plan “as often as necessary, but at intervals not greater than 12 months” to account for changes in use or building characteristics.
What does a Fire Code Audit include?
Document review (plans, logs, drawings), on-site inspection of suppression, alarm/detection, egress, signage and lighting, flammable/combustible liquid storage checks, training/drills verification, and a corrective action plan with Code references.
Who can prepare or update a Fire Safety Plan?
Owners are responsible for maintaining a compliant Fire Safety Plan. Practically, many facilities engage qualified fire protection professionals/engineers to prepare and maintain the plan and to liaise with the local fire department.
Do Canadian facilities need to comply with NFPA 101?
NFPA 101 is widely used for life safety principles (especially egress and protection). In Ontario, the Ontario Fire Code and applicable provincial requirements govern; NFPA 101 is often used as a best-practice reference and may be required by insurers or corporate policy.
How long does a Fire Code Audit take?
Typical timelines are 2–4 weeks depending on facility size and documentation access. Larger or multi-site audits may take longer, especially where training, drawings, or system testing must be coordinated.
What happens if my facility is non-compliant?
You’ll receive a prioritized action plan with practical fixes—ranging from signage, clearances, and training to system repairs or upgrades. Addressing these proactively helps avoid orders, fines, or operational disruptions.
Book Your Fire Code Audit
Be inspection-ready and protect your people and property. Contact HITE Engineering to schedule a Fire Code Audit or to update your Fire Safety Plan.
