Your exit doors have one job: let people out fast, every time. If one sticks, is chained, or won't close, that's a safety problem. It's also one of the first things a fire inspector checks.
Use this checklist once a month, or before an inspection. Walk to each exit door and check every line. It takes about 2 minutes per door.
Free to share. Property managers, store managers, and associations: feel free to link to this page or print it for your team.
1. The door opens easily
- ☐ The door opens from the inside with one push or one turn. No key, no code, no special trick.
- ☐ Nothing blocks the door on either side: boxes, carts, trash cans, or stock.
- ☐ There is no chain, padlock, or slide bolt on the door while people are inside.
- ☐ The door does not drag on the floor or rub on the frame.
If it fails: clear the path today. A door that drags or rubs usually needs a hinge or closer fix.
2. The panic bar works
- ☐ One push on the bar opens the door.
- ☐ The bar is not stuck down ("dogged") when it shouldn't be.
- ☐ The bar is not loose, bent, or missing parts or covers.
- ☐ If the bar has an alarm, it sounds when pushed and resets with the key.
If it fails: see our guide Panic Bar Won't Latch? 6 Common Causes, or have the bar repaired or replaced.
3. The door closes and latches by itself
- ☐ Open the door all the way and let go. It closes on its own.
- ☐ It clicks shut. You can't pull it open from the outside after it closes.
- ☐ It doesn't slam hard, and it doesn't stop a few inches short.
- ☐ The door closer (the arm at the top) is not leaking oil.
If it fails: the closer may need adjusting or replacing. A door that sags may need a continuous hinge.
4. The door and frame are in good shape
- ☐ Hinges are tight. The door doesn't droop on the latch side.
- ☐ The strike plate on the frame is tight and lines up with the latch.
- ☐ The door is not rusted through, bent, or coming apart at the bottom.
- ☐ The door sweep at the bottom is in place.
5. Signs and lights
- ☐ The exit sign above the door is lit and easy to see.
- ☐ Any required signs on the door are in place and readable.
- ☐ Emergency lights near the door turn on when tested.
6. Keys and locks
- ☐ Managers can lock the door from the outside after hours with the right key.
- ☐ You know who has keys to this door. No one who left still has one.
- ☐ The lock works smoothly. The key doesn't stick.
If it fails: if a key walked out with an old employee, read Employee Quit With a Key? Rekey or Replace Locks.
Quick tips
- Write the date and your initials on a copy each time you check. It shows you take care of your doors.
- Fix problems right away. A small fix now costs less than a failed inspection or a break-in.
- Rules can differ by city and building type. For the exact rules for your building, check with your local fire marshal.
Want us to check your doors?
We'll walk every exit door with you for free. You get a short list of what's fine and what needs work, with the price before any work starts.
Book a free security walkthrough or call (682) 324-6688.
Quick answers
How often should a business check its exit doors?
A quick check once a month works for most businesses, plus a check before any fire inspection. Busy back doors used for deliveries are worth checking more often.
Can an exit door be locked with a padlock or chain?
Exit doors are meant to open from the inside without a key or special knowledge while people are in the building. Chains and padlocks on exit doors are a common inspection problem. Check with your local fire marshal for the rules for your building.
Who can fix a panic bar or door closer?
A commercial locksmith or door company. We repair and replace panic bars, closers, hinges, and exit doors across Dallas–Fort Worth, and you get the price first.