Building shutdown checklist
Before closing your property, you need to consider the safety of a property to make sure the building is safe
for when you return. The person responsible for re-opening the building should be checking the property for
the items contained in this checklist. Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive. Insert a Y (yes), N (no) or NA
(not applicable) in the status column. If you put ‘N’, note down actions required.
Name of premises risk assessment
completed for:
Address:
Name of person Role: Membership no.
completing risk assessment: (if applicable)
Services/activity Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Set building closure date and time and
communicate it to users.
Consider assigning people to periodically
drive by and check external building.
Physical security Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Confirm all building entrances and windows
are locked and properly store keys.
Check building is empty (best practice is to
sweep each room).
Agree how building re-entry/access will be
made while building is secured.
Building shutdown checklist 1 © Girlguiding 2023
Alarms Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Ensure fire and security alarm systems are
active.
Signage Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Post signage at main entrances indicating
building closure and detailing emergency
contacts.
Building services Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Turn off and unplug all small appliances
(coffee machines, toasters, microwaves,
etc).
Dispose of food in refrigerators and freezers
and clean before turning them off, leaving
their doors open.
Arrange for waste and recycling collection,
especially for perishable food and
beverages and sanitary bins. Suspend bin
collection services until you reopen.
Turn off and unplug any laundry equipment.
Turn off any gas supply.
Building shutdown checklist 2 © Girlguiding 2023
Heating and ventilation systems Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Verify automatic temperature control/
freeze protection is in place and active.
Put systems in secure (shutdown , if
appropriate) condition.
Do controlled shutdown of boilers and
steam generators.
Plumbing Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Check water isn’t running in any
bathrooms.
Consider whether it’s necessary to flush
through systems periodically while the
building is unoccupied.
Check sanitary and storm drainage for
any blockages and clear them to stop
flooding.
Lighting system Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Ensure interior and exterior lighting controls
are in automatic mode or turned off as
appropriate.
Building shutdown checklist 3 © Girlguiding 2023
Emergency systems Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Ensure emergency systems are in standby
mode.
Ensure remote monitoring, if in place, is
active and functioning.
Ensure any leak detection devices, if in
place, are functioning.
Check fire/smoke/carbon monoxide
detectors.
Electrical systems Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Restore electrical system to normal status.
If applicable, check back-up generator
status and fuel storage.
Turn off and unplug any fans or heaters.
Miscellaneous Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Lock desks and filing cabinets.
Draw curtains and blinds.
Ensure flammable materials including liquid
petroleum gas (LPG) are secure and in a
safe position.
Building shutdown checklist 4 © Girlguiding 2023
Cleaning Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Ensure all areas are clean and free from
any material that might attract pests.
Pest control Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Ensure all areas are free from pest activity
and droppings.
Fire safety Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Ensure all fire routes and final exits are clear
and free from obstruction.
Check all fire doors are closed.
Lifts including disabled hoists Status Date Action required
(Y/N/NA) completed
Bring all lifts to ground level and turn them
off.
Building shutdown checklist 5 © Girlguiding 2023
