What action should be taken if an exit door is found locked during an inspection?

In the context of fire safety inspections, ensuring that all exit doors are accessible and operational is crucial for the safety of occupants in case of an emergency. If an exit door is found locked during an inspection, having the representative or owner unlock the door immediately is the appropriate action to take. This approach allows for an immediate assessment of the safety issue and ensures that all exits are usable during the inspection.

Locked exits can pose significant dangers during an emergency situation, as occupants may be unable to evacuate quickly, leading to potential injuries or fatalities. By addressing the issue right away, the inspection team can verify that the exit meets safety regulations and that occupants have safe egress options available.

While documenting the issue is important and may be part of the process, the priority should be to resolve the immediate safety concern. Filing a formal complaint or ignoring the issue if it is not a fire exit does not effectively address the potential risks involved, as every exit contributes to the overall safety of the structure.