DA Form 5381: Building Fire Risk Management Survey Guide

DA Form 5381: Building Fire Risk Management Survey Guide – U.S. Army installations prioritize fire safety to protect personnel, facilities, and mission-critical assets. DA Form 5381, officially titled Building – Fire Risk Management Survey, serves as the primary tool for conducting systematic fire risk assessments in Army buildings.

This form helps identify hazards, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain a proactive fire prevention program. Whether you are a building manager, fire marshal, safety officer, or commander, understanding and properly using DA Form 5381 remains essential for Army fire safety compliance.

What Is DA Form 5381?

DA Form 5381 is a standardized checklist used to evaluate fire risks in Army buildings and facilities. It covers common and special fire hazards across multiple categories.

The U.S. Army published the current version (January 2009) for use under AR 420-1 (Army Facilities Management), with the Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management (ACSIM) as the proponent agency.

Key Details on the Form:

  • Sections: It includes detailed inspection checklists for housekeeping, smoking policies, electrical systems, heating equipment, fire doors, suppression systems, life safety codes, flammable storage, building construction, and special hazards.
  • Purpose: Document monthly or periodic fire risk surveys, record deficiencies, and track corrective actions.
  • Retention: Keep completed forms on file for at least one year.

Why DA Form 5381 Matters for Fire Risk Management?

Fire risks in military facilities can arise from operations, storage of materials, aging infrastructure, or daily activities. Regular use of DA Form 5381 enables:

  • Early identification of hazards (e.g., improper storage of flammables, faulty wiring, blocked exits).
  • Compliance with DoDI 6055.06 (Fire and Emergency Services Program), NFPA standards, and UFC 3-600-01 (Fire Protection Engineering for Facilities).
  • Reduced potential for fire incidents, property damage, injuries, or mission disruption.
  • Support for installation fire marshals and commanders in maintaining high safety standards.

Installations often require monthly surveys for all buildings, with re-inspections for deficiencies.

Key Sections of DA Form 5381 (Inspection Checklist Overview)

The form features a comprehensive Section A – Inspection Checklist. Inspectors mark conditions as satisfactory or note deficiencies. Common categories include:

  • A. Housekeeping: Rubbish, cleanliness, vegetation growth, improper storage.
  • B. Smoking: Unauthorized areas, permits, disposal.
  • C. Electrical: Extension cords, frayed wiring, improper installations, panel boxes.
  • D. Petrol, Oil, Lubricants (POL): Storage and handling.
  • E. Heating: Fuel lines, exhaust systems, deep fat fryers.
  • F. Fire Doors: Fusible links, dampers, ratings.
  • G. Fire Detection: Detectors, batteries, control panels.
  • H. Fire Suppression Systems: Sprinklers, risers, extinguishers, hydrants.
  • I. Life Safety Code: Occupancy loads, means of egress, emergency lighting, exit signs.
  • J. Fire Extinguishers: Inspection tags, placement, condition.
  • K. Flammable Storage: Cabinets, diking, compatibility, labeling.
  • L. Building Construction: Structural elements, fire walls, roofs.
  • M. Storage: Heights, spacing, methods.
  • N. Hazardous Materials.
  • O. Special Hazards: Hot work, welding, spontaneous heating.

Use the reverse side for detailed remarks, corrective actions, and follow-up notes.

How to Complete DA Form 5381? Step-by-Step

  1. Enter Header Information: Building number/area, occupancy, organization, and date.
  2. Conduct the Walkthrough: Systematically inspect using the checklist. Note “Yes/No” or deficiencies for each item.
  3. Document Findings: Provide specific comments on hazards and recommended corrections.
  4. Inspector and Fire Marshal Signatures: Include printed names and signatures.
  5. Track Corrections: Follow up with building managers or DPW for repairs. Re-inspect as needed.

Pro Tip: Digital tools or fillable PDFs can streamline the process while maintaining official records.

Download the Official DA Form 5381 Here:
DA Form 5381 PDF

Who Uses DA Form 5381?

  • Unit Fire Marshals/Wardens: Primary responsibility for monthly surveys.
  • Safety Officers (Additional/Collateral Duty).
  • Installation Fire and Emergency Services.
  • Building Occupants and Managers: Support inspections and correct deficiencies.
  • Commanders: Oversee program compliance.

Training on fire prevention (often through local fire departments) ensures proper use.

  • AR 420-1, Chapter 25: Fire and Emergency Services.
  • DoDI 6055.06: DoD Fire & Emergency Services Program.
  • NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and NFPA 1 (Fire Code).
  • UFC 3-600-01 and UFC 3-601-02: Fire protection engineering and maintenance.

Best practices include integrating surveys with hot work permits, flammable material controls, and annual fire prevention education.

Prioritize Fire Safety with DA Form 5381

Consistent use of DA Form 5381 demonstrates commitment to the Army’s risk management culture and helps prevent fires before they start. By identifying and mitigating hazards proactively, you protect lives, property, and readiness across U.S. Army installations.

For the latest guidance, consult your local installation fire department or review AR 420-1. Always use the official form from Army Publishing Directorate (APD) for compliance.