BOMBA Inspection Checklist: What Fire Officers Check & How to Pass
Detailed BOMBA inspection checklist covering what fire officers check during Fire Certificate inspections. Includes system-by-system breakdown, required documentation, common failure points, and preparation tips.
BOMBA officers arrive at your factory for the Fire Certificate renewal inspection. They head straight to the fire alarm panel, test two zones, and find one faulty. They check the nearest hose reel: low water pressure. They try an emergency exit door: it's locked with a padlock.
Three findings in the first ten minutes. Your FC renewal is now delayed until you fix everything and schedule a re-inspection. That could take weeks.
This checklist shows you exactly what BOMBA officers inspect, system by system, so you can fix issues before they arrive, not after.
This guide covers:
- Types of BOMBA inspections and when they happen
- System-by-system inspection checklist
- Documentation BOMBA expects to see
- Common failure points and how to fix them
- How to prepare for inspection day
Preparing for a BOMBA inspection?
Download our free checklist covering every item BOMBA officers review during FC inspections. Use it to do a self-audit before the official visit.
Types of BOMBA Inspections
| Inspection Type | When It Happens | What They Focus On | Notice Given? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan approval | Before construction/renovation | Fire safety drawings and M&E designs | By appointment |
| Initial FC inspection | After systems installed, before occupation | Installed systems vs approved plans | Scheduled after application |
| Annual renewal | 12 months after FC issue | Maintenance, operation, records | Scheduled after Form III submission |
| Complaint/spot check | Any time (triggered by complaint or JBPM initiative) | Immediate safety risks, reported faults | Unannounced |
| Follow-up | After non-compliance notice | Rectification of previously noted deficiencies | Scheduled or unannounced |
Spot checks can happen at any time. That means your fire safety systems need to be maintained continuously, not just cleaned up before a scheduled visit.
Fire Alarm and Detection System
| Check Item | What Officers Look For | Common Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Fire alarm panel | Panel powered, no fault indicators, clear zone identification | Fault lights showing, zones not labelled, panel in "test mode" |
| Smoke/heat detectors | Clean, correctly sited, LED indicator functional | Detectors covered in dust, painted over, or removed |
| Manual call points | Accessible, glass intact, linked to panel correctly | Blocked by furniture, broken glass not replaced |
| Sounders/bells | Audible throughout premises, functional when triggered | Sounders disconnected due to false alarm complaints |
| Test records | Quarterly full system test with documentation | No test records, or records show no testing done |
Fire Suppression Systems
Sprinkler System
| Check Item | What Officers Look For | Common Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler heads | Minimum 0.5m clearance below each head, no obstructions, no paint/damage | Stock racked too high, heads painted over during renovation |
| Fire pump | Main pump, jockey pump operational; test run during inspection | Pump not starting, pressure gauge reading low |
| Control valves | Valves open (not shut), tamper switches functional | Valves closed for maintenance and not reopened |
| Water supply | Tank level adequate, supply valves open | Water tank level low, supply interrupted |
Fire Extinguishers
| Check Item | Requirement | Common Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Type matching | Correct type for fire class in each area (ABC for general, CO2 for electrical, wet chemical for kitchen) | Wrong type deployed (e.g., water extinguisher near electrical panels) |
| Servicing | Valid eFEIS sticker from licensed service contractor | Expired service tags, no eFEIS sticker |
| Accessibility | Travel distance ≤ 23m to nearest extinguisher, not blocked | Extinguishers behind boxes, inside locked cabinets, or missing |
| Physical condition | No visible damage, pressure gauge in green zone, pin intact | Corroded cylinder, gauge in red zone, pin missing |
Emergency Exits and Escape Routes
| Check Item | Requirement | Common Failures |
|---|---|---|
| Exit doors | Swing outward, panic hardware functional, unlocked during operation | Doors padlocked, panic bars jammed, doors swing inward |
| Exit signage | Illuminated EXIT signs above all exits, visible from approach | Bulbs blown, signs not illuminated, signs blocked |
| Escape routes | Clear width ≥ 1m, free of obstructions and storage | Corridors used for storage, equipment blocking routes |
| Emergency lighting | Battery backup, coverage along all escape routes | Dead batteries, missing units in stairwells |
| Fire doors | Self-closing, seals intact, not propped open | Doors wedged open with bricks, closers broken, seals missing |
Locked exit doors are the single most common serious finding. BOMBA treats this as an immediate safety risk. If your security concerns require controlled access, install exit hardware that allows free egress from inside while preventing entry from outside.
Does your fire insurance cover you if BOMBA finds non-compliance?
An expired FC or failed inspection can affect your fire insurance coverage. Foundation can review your fire protection setup and make sure your insurance programme is aligned with your BOMBA compliance status.
Documentation BOMBA Expects
| Document | Purpose | Keep Where |
|---|---|---|
| Current Fire Certificate | Proves legal operation | Displayed prominently at main entrance/office |
| Fire safety management plan | Shows emergency procedures, responsibilities, maintenance schedules | Main office + copies at security and factory floor |
| Fire drill records (last 2 drills) | Evidence of practised evacuation | Fire safety logbook |
| Fire system maintenance records | Shows ongoing servicing of alarm, sprinklers, hose reels, extinguishers | Fire safety logbook |
| eFEIS certificates | Proves extinguisher servicing by licensed contractor | Fire safety logbook + stickers on individual extinguishers |
| Fire alarm test log | Shows quarterly system testing | Fire safety logbook |
Pro tip: Put all documents in a single physical folder labelled "BOMBA Inspection File." When officers arrive, hand them the folder. This demonstrates organisation and makes the inspection faster for everyone.
Inspection Day Preparation
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 week before | Self-audit using this checklist. Fix any deficiencies found. |
| 24 hours before | Clear tenant areas near stairwells and exits. Unlock all fire equipment cabinets. Mark hydrant and riser locations. |
| Day of inspection | Assign one qualified staff member to accompany BOMBA officers. Prepare document folder. Ensure someone can demonstrate alarm and pump operation. |
| After inspection | If deficiencies noted, act promptly. Don't wait until deadline. Schedule rectification immediately. |
FAQ
Can BOMBA conduct unannounced inspections?
Yes. Complaint-driven and spot-check inspections can happen without notice. BOMBA officers have authority under the Fire Services Act 1988 to enter premises for inspection. Scheduled inspections (FC renewal) are arranged after your Form III submission, but spot checks require no advance notice.
What happens if I fail the BOMBA inspection?
BOMBA issues a notice listing deficiencies with a rectification deadline. You fix the issues and notify BOMBA for re-inspection. If you don't rectify within the deadline, enforcement action follows, which can include fines or prohibition notices. Your FC renewal is delayed until all deficiencies are cleared.
What's the most common reason factories fail BOMBA inspections?
Locked emergency exit doors and expired fire extinguisher service tags. Both are easy to prevent with basic maintenance routines. Locked exits are treated as serious findings because they directly endanger occupants.
Do I need to be present during the BOMBA inspection?
The building owner or an authorised representative should be present. Assign someone who knows where all fire systems are located, can operate the alarm panel and fire pumps, and can present all required documentation. This person should be able to answer BOMBA officers' questions about your fire safety management plan.
How long does a typical BOMBA FC inspection take?
It depends on premises size and complexity. A standard factory inspection typically takes 2-4 hours. Larger premises with extensive systems take longer. Having all documentation ready and a knowledgeable person available speeds up the process significantly.
Does passing a BOMBA inspection affect my fire insurance?
Yes. A valid Fire Certificate supports your insurance coverage and may qualify you for premium discounts, especially if you have approved sprinkler systems. Conversely, a lapsed or failed FC can give insurers grounds to question claims.
Foundation Conclusion
BOMBA inspections aren't pass/fail surprises if you maintain your fire safety systems properly. Every check item on this list is something you can verify yourself before BOMBA arrives. The officers aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for functional systems, maintained equipment, and evidence that you take fire safety seriously.
Your BOMBA compliance also directly supports your insurance programme. Foundation can review how your fire protection systems affect your fire insurance premiums and coverage terms.
Talk to our risk specialists about fire insurance for your premises
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on the Fire Services Act 1988 and official JBPM inspection practices as of March 2026. Inspection procedures and requirements may vary by state and premises type. Always verify current requirements with your state JBPM office.
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