The 3 Most Commonly Violated NFPA Codes (and How to Avoid Them)

Fire code compliance isn’t optional—it’s operational.

Violations of NFPA standards don’t just lead to fines; they compromise safety, slow productivity, and create liability risk. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) establishes nationally recognized standards for fire and life safety, but staying aligned with these codes requires discipline, documentation, and technical understanding.

CertaSite works directly with building owners, facility managers, and safety officers to interpret and apply NFPA requirements accurately. Below are three of the most frequently cited NFPA codes—and the preventive measures that keep facilities compliant and protected.

1. NFPA 10 — Portable Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Code focus: Inspection, maintenance, and accessibility of extinguishers

NFPA 10 outlines specifications for placement, visibility, inspection, and servicing of portable fire extinguishers. The code requires monthly visual inspections and annual maintenance by a certified technician. Each unit must remain fully charged, tagged, and unobstructed.

Frequent violations include:

• Blocked or hidden extinguishers

• Expired service tags or missing inspection documentation

• Pressure gauges outside the operable range

• Damaged or corroded cylinders

Compliance checklist:

• Verify every extinguisher is visible and accessible.

• Confirm signage and mounting height meet code.

• Check gauges, hoses, and pins for integrity.

• Schedule professional servicing annually or after use.

CertaSite-certified technicians provide inspection, recharging, and reporting that meet NFPA 10 standards and AHJ documentation requirements.

2. NFPA 25 — Water-Based Fire Protection System Maintenance

Code focus: Inspection, testing, and maintenance of sprinkler and standpipe systems

NFPA 25 defines how often water-based fire protection systems must be inspected and what components require testing. The intent is to ensure sprinkler systems, valves, and pumps function as designed when activated.

Common violations:

• Painted or corroded sprinkler heads

• Closed or tampered control valves

• Inadequate clearance around deflectors

• Failure to document quarterly and annual testing

Key requirements:

• Perform visual inspections monthly and functional testing quarterly.

• Maintain unobstructed clearance (minimum 18 inches) beneath heads.

• Record inspection and test data for AHJ review.

• Conduct annual full-flow or main drain tests to verify pressure.

CertaSite technicians complete full inspection programs in accordance with NFPA 25, identifying impairments early and maintaining readiness across multi-facility systems.

3. NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code and Means of Egress

Code focus: Safe evacuation routes, exit signage, and occupant protection

NFPA 101 governs design and maintenance for paths of egress. Blocked or improperly marked exits are among the most frequent violations found by inspectors.

Typical deficiencies:

• Storage blocking exit doors or corridors

• Burned-out exit sign lamps or nonfunctional emergency lighting

• Locked or improperly latched exit hardware

• Incomplete occupant load posting or evacuation diagrams

Best practices for compliance:

• Keep all exits and corridors free of obstruction.

• Test emergency lighting monthly and document results.

• Train employees to maintain clear egress routes.

• Verify illuminated exit signs meet brightness and visibility standards.

CertaSite performs egress assessments, life safety audits, and corrective action plans to verify compliance with NFPA 101 and local building codes.

Maintaining Compliance and Readiness

NFPA codes evolve regularly, and each standard carries its own inspection frequency and documentation obligations. Routine third-party inspections are the most effective way to prevent violations before they result in citations or downtime.

CertaSite supports facilities by:

• Tracking inspection intervals and code revisions

• Maintaining digital service reports accessible for AHJ verification

• Coordinating multi-site testing and documentation under one account

• Offering technician certification across all major NFPA standards

Protecting life and property starts with consistent code adherence. CertaSite ensures every extinguisher, sprinkler, and exit system in your facility meets NFPA compliance—so you can focus on operations, not citations.

Compare your current fire protection program to CertaSite’s full-service compliance approach. Get your free comparative quote today.