SCIE Internal Safety Checks

Internal Safety Checks: why they are essential and what is the responsibility of those who manage a space or business

Internal checks are one of the simplest parts of Self-Protection Measures (MAP), but also one of the most neglected. Many responsible persons are unaware that the law requires periodic checks and that these must be recorded, just like any formal maintenance.

This article explains, in a clear and practical way, what internal checks are, why they are indispensable and what is the responsibility of those who operate an establishment.

1. What are internal checks?

Internal checks are quick inspections carried out by the person responsible for the space or by someone designated for this purpose. They do not require external technicians, they do not require special equipment and they have no costs. They have only one objective: to ensure that everything is working and that there is no obvious risk.

Typical examples:

• Confirm that fire extinguishers are accessible and within validity;
• Check that evacuation routes are unobstructed;
• Confirm that emergency lights work (regular visual test);
• Ensure that fire doors close properly;
• Observe if there are signs of risk (signs of outlet overload, damaged equipment);
• Check gas systems (does not replace formal inspections, but allows anomalies to be detected).

These checks are quick, simple and fundamental.

2. Why are they so important?

2.1. Detect problems before they become dangerous

Most fires result from avoidable situations: blocked equipment, dirty ducts, ignored breakdowns, corridors turned into warehouses, poorly closed doors, etc.

Regular internal checks interrupt this chain of risk.

2.2. Complement mandatory maintenance

External maintenance can be quarterly, semi-annual or annual.

Between these dates, many things can fail.

Without internal checks, the establishment can remain in non-compliance for months without anyone noticing.

Maintenance of fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers or emergency lighting, must be carried out by companies registered with ANEPC.

2.3. Demonstrate legal responsibility

In case of fire, authorities and insurance companies assess whether the person responsible:

• Maintained safety conditions;
• Regularly checked the space;
• Recorded these checks.

If there are no updated Safety Records, it is considered that there was no active control over risks, even if verbally it is said that there was care, thus being in a situation of legal non-compliance.

2.4. Have a direct impact on people's safety

It is often these checks that ensure that:

• An emergency exit is clear;
• An emergency light works;
• A fire extinguisher is not hidden or blocked.

These are simple measures that can save lives.

3. Who should carry out internal checks?

It is the responsibility of the Safety Officer or someone designated by them. In small businesses, it is often the owner themselves. In larger spaces, there may be an employee with this function daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly, depending on the frequency defined in the Self-protection Measures.

The important thing is that there is discipline and regularity, not improvisation.

4. Recording checks: why is it mandatory?

The record is the part that gives validity to the checks. Without a record, the law considers that:

• There was no check;
• There is no proof of compliance;
• It is not possible to assess the consistency of procedures.

The record should be simple and include:

• Date;
• Who checked;
• Points checked;
• Anomalies detected;
• Actions taken.

A digital platform facilitates this process, ensures automatic organization and eliminates common failures of paper records, and can also have alerts that prevent failures due to forgetfulness.

5. Consequences of not carrying out or not recording internal checks

The absence of internal checks or records can result in:

• Fines for non-compliance with RJ-SCIE;
• Temporary closure in more rigorous inspections;
• Civil liability if an incident is aggravated by undetected failures;
• Criminal liability in situations with victims;
• Refusal of compensation by the insurance company.

In practice, a person responsible without updated Safety Records is a person responsible without defense!

Sources: Legal Framework and Technical Regulation for Fire Safety in Buildings, Technical Notes from ANEPC.