Mexico NOM-002-STPS-2010 Explained (Employer Guide)

What Is NOM-002-STPS-2010?

NOM-002-STPS-2010 is an Official Mexican Standard that regulates fire prevention, fire protection, and emergency response measures in workplaces across Mexico.

It is issued by the Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (STPS) and applies to employers wherever there is a risk of fire due to materials, processes, equipment, or workplace conditions.

• Mandatory labor safety standard
  NOM-002-STPS-2010 is legally binding and enforced during STPS inspections, regardless of company size or industry.
  
  

• Workplace fire prevention and protection scope
  The standard covers fire risk identification, fire classification, prevention measures, firefighting equipment, evacuation routes, emergency brigades, and drills.
  
  

• Applies based on fire risk, not activity type
  Offices, warehouses, factories, retail spaces, and service workplaces may all fall under NOM-002 depending on fire exposure.
  
  

• Position within Mexico’s safety framework
  NOM-002 integrates with other STPS safety NOMs by addressing fire risk as a core occupational hazard that must be actively managed.
  
  

In practice, NOM-002-STPS-2010 ensures that employers are prepared to prevent fires and respond effectively if they occur. STPS inspectors focus on risk classification, physical controls, emergency readiness, and documented evidence of ongoing fire safety management.

Purpose of NOM-002-STPS-2010

NOM-002-STPS-2010 exists to ensure that fire risks in the workplace are identified, controlled, and managed in advance, not addressed only after an incident occurs. Fire is treated as a critical occupational hazard under Mexican labor law, and employers are expected to actively prevent, prepare for, and respond to fire-related emergencies.

The standard places responsibility squarely on the employer to protect people, facilities, and operations through structured fire risk management, emergency planning, and ongoing controls.

• Prevention of workplace fires
  Employers must identify potential fire sources, classify fire risk levels, control flammable materials, and implement preventive measures based on the specific characteristics of the workplace.
  
  

• Protection of employees, visitors, and facilities
  The standard requires employers to safeguard not only employees but also visitors, contractors, and third parties through clear evacuation routes, signage, firefighting equipment, and emergency procedures.
  
  

• Reduction of injury, fatality, and property damage risks
  By requiring emergency planning, fire drills, and trained brigades, NOM-002 aims to reduce the severity of injuries, prevent loss of life, and limit damage to buildings, equipment, and operations.
  
  

• Employer responsibility for fire risk management
  Fire safety cannot be delegated informally. Employers are legally accountable for risk assessment, equipment maintenance, training, drills, and documentation that proves fire prevention and response readiness.
  
  

In practice, NOM-002-STPS-2010 turns fire safety into an ongoing management obligation. Employers must be able to demonstrate preparation, training, and preventive controls during STPS inspections, not just the presence of extinguishers or alarms.

Who Must Comply With NOM-002-STPS-2010

NOM-002-STPS-2010 applies to employers that operate workplaces in Mexico where fire risk exists. Compliance is determined by workplace conditions and activities, not by business size or industry classification.

• Employers operating workplaces in Mexico
  Any employer with employees working in Mexico must evaluate fire risks and comply with NOM-002 where applicable. This includes both local and foreign employers.
  
  

• Workplaces with flammable materials, processes, or equipment
  The standard applies when workplaces use or store flammable substances, operate machinery, handle electrical systems, or perform activities that could generate heat, sparks, or open flames.
  
  

• Administrative offices, warehouses, factories, and mixed-use facilities
  Fire risk is not limited to industrial settings. Office buildings, storage areas, retail spaces, and facilities with combined uses are also covered when fire hazards are present.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors assess real fire risk, not job titles or company descriptions. Employers that assume NOM-002 applies only to factories often face findings when offices or warehouses are found to have unaddressed fire hazards.

Fire Risk Identification and Classification

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires employers to take a structured and documented approach to identifying and classifying fire risks in the workplace. Fire safety obligations begin with understanding where and how fires could occur, not with equipment purchases or emergency drills.

• Requirement to identify fire hazards
  Employers must identify all potential fire hazards in the workplace, including flammable materials, ignition sources, electrical systems, heat-generating equipment, and processes that could cause combustion.
  
  

• Classification by fire risk level
  Workplaces or specific areas must be classified according to their fire risk level. Different areas within the same facility may fall under different risk classifications depending on activities and materials present.
  
  

• Factors used for fire risk classification
  Classification is based on factors such as the type and quantity of flammable substances, characteristics of materials handled, layout of the facility, ventilation, ignition sources, and existing control measures.
  
  

• Obligation to maintain an updated workplace map (croquis)
  Employers must prepare and maintain an updated workplace map indicating fire-risk areas, locations of fire-detection and firefighting equipment, evacuation routes, brigade equipment, and first-aid points.
  
  

• Documentation and update obligations
  Fire risk classifications must be documented and kept current. Employers are required to update classifications when processes, materials, equipment, or workplace layouts change.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors review both the classification itself and the reasoning behind it. Undocumented, outdated, or generic fire risk classifications are a common cause of non-compliance findings under NOM-002.

Employer Obligations Under NOM-002-STPS-2010

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires employers to manage fire risk through prevention, protection, and emergency readiness. Compliance is not limited to installing equipment. Employers must demonstrate that fire risks are controlled, systems are functional, and people know how to respond in an emergency.

Fire Prevention Measures

Fire prevention focuses on reducing the likelihood of ignition and limiting fuel sources within the workplace.

• Control of ignition sources
  Employers must identify and control sources such as electrical systems, heat-producing equipment, open flames, sparks, and static electricity through maintenance and safe work practices.
  
  

• Handling and storage of flammable substances
  Flammable liquids, gases, and materials must be properly stored, labeled, and handled to minimize fire risk, following defined procedures and quantity limits.
  
  

• Housekeeping and preventive controls
  Work areas must be kept clean and free of waste, dust, or combustible materials that could accelerate a fire or obstruct emergency response.
  
  

Fire Detection and Protection Systems

Protection systems are required to detect fires early and control them before they spread.

• Fire extinguishers and placement requirements
  Employers must provide appropriate types and quantities of fire extinguishers, correctly located according to fire risk classification and workplace layout.
  
  

• Alarm and detection systems
  Where required, fire detection and alarm systems must be installed, maintained, and functional to alert occupants promptly.
  
  

• Fixed fire protection systems
  In higher-risk environments, fixed systems such as sprinklers or suppression systems may be required based on fire risk classification.
  
  

Emergency Fire Response Planning

Preparedness ensures that people can respond quickly and safely when a fire occurs.

• Written fire emergency response plan
  Employers must maintain a written plan outlining actions to take in the event of a fire, including alert procedures and response steps.
  
  

• Evacuation procedures and responsibilities
  Clear evacuation routes, assembly points, and assigned responsibilities must be defined and communicated to all occupants.
  
  

• Coordination with emergency services
  Employers must coordinate emergency plans with local fire services and ensure access, information, and communication channels are available.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors look for alignment between risk classification, preventive controls, installed systems, and emergency planning. Gaps between these elements are commonly cited during NOM-002 inspections.

Fire Brigades and Emergency Response Teams

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires employers to establish organized fire brigades or emergency response teams when workplace fire risk or size makes internal response necessary. These teams are a critical part of emergency preparedness and are closely reviewed during STPS inspections.

• When fire brigades are required
  Internal fire brigades are mandatory in workplaces classified with high fire risk. The number of brigade members is determined by the number of employees per shift and the results of fire drills
  
  

• Composition and responsibilities of fire brigades
  Brigades must be made up of trained personnel assigned specific roles such as fire control, evacuation support, first aid, and communication. Members must understand their duties before, during, and after a fire event.
  
  

• Required equipment for brigades
  Brigades must be equipped with appropriate firefighting tools, personal protective equipment, communication devices, and emergency supplies aligned with the fire risk level of the workplace.
  
  

• Coordination during fire emergencies
  Brigades must coordinate internally and with external emergency services to support evacuation, control fires where safe, and provide information to responders.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors verify that brigades exist, members are trained, equipment is available, and roles are clearly defined. Informal or untrained response teams are commonly cited as non-compliant under NOM-002.

Training and Fire Drills

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires employers to ensure that employees are trained and prepared to respond effectively to fire emergencies. Fire safety is not limited to written plans or installed equipment. Employees must know what to do, where to go, and how to act in real situations.

• Mandatory fire safety training for employees
  Employers must provide fire safety training to employees based on the fire risks present in the workplace. Training must be provided before exposure to fire risk and reinforced as needed.
  
  

• Training content requirements
  Training must cover fire prevention practices, identification of fire hazards, use of fire extinguishers when applicable, evacuation procedures, alarm recognition, and individual responsibilities during emergencies. In higher-risk workplaces, fire brigade members may require additional specialized training.
  
  

• Frequency of fire drills
  Fire drills must be documented and held at least once per year in workplaces classified as ordinary risk and at least twice per year in workplaces classified as high risk Drills must simulate realistic emergency conditions to test response effectiveness.
  
  

• Documentation of training and drills
  Employers must document training sessions and fire drills, including dates, participants, content covered, and observations or corrective actions identified.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors review both training records and drill reports. Employers that cannot demonstrate regular training and realistic drills are often found non-compliant, even if emergency plans and equipment are in place.

Safety Signage, Evacuation Routes, and Emergency Exits

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires employers to ensure that evacuation routes, exits, and fire safety signage are clearly identified, accessible, and maintained at all times. These elements are critical for safe evacuation and are directly verified during STPS inspections.

• Identification and marking of evacuation routes
  Evacuation routes must be clearly defined and marked throughout the workplace, guiding occupants from any area to a safe exit without confusion or obstruction.
  
  

• Emergency exit requirements
  Emergency exits must be sufficient in number, appropriately located, and designed to allow safe and rapid evacuation. Exits must open easily and must not be locked, blocked, or restricted during working hours.
  
  

• Fire safety signage obligations
  Employers must install visible fire safety signs indicating evacuation routes, emergency exits, firefighting equipment, alarms, and assembly points, using standardized symbols and formats.
  
  

• Visibility and maintenance requirements
  Signage, routes, and exits must remain visible, illuminated where required, and free of obstructions. Employers are responsible for regular checks to ensure signs and exits remain effective.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors physically walk evacuation routes during inspections. Obstructed paths, missing signage, or poorly maintained exits are common findings under NOM-002 and often result in immediate corrective orders.

Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Safety Equipment

NOM-002-STPS-2010 requires employers to ensure that fire safety equipment is always functional and ready for use. Having equipment on-site is not enough. Employers must inspect, maintain, and document the condition of all fire protection systems on an ongoing basis.

• Inspection schedules for extinguishers and systems
  Fire extinguishers, alarms, detection systems, and fixed protection systems must be inspected according to defined schedules. Inspections must verify accessibility, pressure, condition, and proper placement.
  
  

• Maintenance programs
  Employers must implement maintenance programs aligned with manufacturer instructions and fire risk classification. Maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel when required.
  
  

• Replacement of defective equipment
  Any extinguisher or fire safety system found to be damaged, discharged, expired, or nonfunctional must be removed from service and replaced immediately.
  
  

• Recordkeeping obligations
  Employers must keep inspection and maintenance records showing dates, findings, corrective actions, and responsible personnel. These records must be available during STPS inspections.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors often check both the physical condition of equipment and the supporting records. Missing logs or expired equipment are among the most common non-compliance findings under NOM-002.

Worker Obligations Under NOM-002-STPS-2010

NOM-002-STPS-2010 assigns clear responsibilities to workers to ensure that fire prevention and emergency measures work in practice. Compliance depends not only on employer controls, but also on active employee participation and correct behavior during daily operations and emergencies.

• Participation in fire safety training and drills
  Workers must attend required fire safety training sessions and participate in fire drills. These activities prepare employees to respond correctly during real emergencies.
  
  

• Compliance with fire prevention measures
  Employees are expected to follow fire prevention rules, including safe handling of materials, proper use of equipment, and adherence to housekeeping and safety procedures.
  
  

• Proper use of fire safety equipment
  Workers must use fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers or alarms, only as instructed and only when trained to do so, without tampering or misuse.
  
  

• Reporting fire hazards or unsafe conditions
  Any blocked exits, damaged equipment, electrical issues, or other fire hazards must be reported immediately so corrective action can be taken.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors observe employee behavior during inspections. Failure by workers to follow fire safety rules can lead to findings against the employer, reinforcing the need for training, supervision, and clear internal controls.

Mandatory Documentation and Recordkeeping

Under NOM-002-STPS-2010, fire safety compliance must be supported by clear, organized, and up-to-date documentation. STPS inspectors rely heavily on records to confirm that fire risks are properly identified, controlled, and managed on an ongoing basis. Verbal explanations or undocumented practices are not sufficient.

• Fire risk assessments and classifications
  Employers must keep documented fire risk evaluations and classifications for the workplace or specific areas, showing how risks were identified and categorized.
  
  

• Emergency response plans
  A written fire emergency response plan must be available, detailing alert procedures, evacuation routes, responsibilities, and coordination with emergency services.
  
  

• Training and drill records
  Employers must document fire safety training sessions and fire drills, including dates, participants, content covered, and observations or corrective actions.
  
  

• Equipment inspection and maintenance logs
  Records must show regular inspection, maintenance, and replacement of fire extinguishers, alarms, detection systems, and other fire protection equipment.
  
  

• Fire brigade appointment records
  Where fire brigades are required, employers must keep written records of brigade member appointments, roles, training, and assigned equipment.
  
  

In practice, STPS expects documentation to be consistent and traceable. Fire risk classifications, emergency plans, training records, and equipment logs must align with actual workplace conditions. Missing or outdated records are among the most common non-compliance findings under NOM-002.

NOM-002-STPS-2010 During STPS Inspections

During an STPS inspection, NOM-002-STPS-2010 is reviewed as a core workplace safety obligation. Inspectors focus on whether fire risks are properly identified, controlled, and supported by evidence, not just whether equipment exists.

• What labor inspectors verify
  Inspectors check fire risk classifications, physical conditions of evacuation routes and exits, presence and accessibility of fire safety equipment, and employee awareness of emergency procedures.
  
  

• Documents commonly requested
  STPS typically requests fire risk assessments, emergency response plans, training and drill records, fire brigade documentation, and inspection and maintenance logs for fire safety equipment.
  
  

• Typical non-compliance findings
  Common issues include outdated or missing fire risk classifications, blocked or poorly marked evacuation routes, expired or uninspected extinguishers, lack of drills, and incomplete documentation.
  
  

• Inspection outcomes and corrective actions
  When violations are found, STPS may issue corrective orders with deadlines, impose fines, or require immediate risk mitigation. Follow-up inspections may be scheduled to verify compliance.
  
  

In practice, inspections emphasize consistency between documentation and reality. Employers that cannot demonstrate active fire prevention, preparedness, and maintenance measures often face corrective actions even if no fire incidents have occurred.

Penalties and Risks for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with NOM-002-STPS-2010 exposes employers to serious financial, legal, and operational consequences. Because fire safety directly affects life and property, STPS treats violations under this standard as high-risk findings, especially when preventive measures are missing or poorly documented.

• Administrative fines
  STPS may impose fines when fire risk assessments, emergency plans, training records, or fire safety equipment are missing, outdated, or noncompliant. Repeated findings can lead to higher penalties.
  
  

• Increased liability after fire incidents
  If a fire occurs and NOM-002 obligations were not met, employers face significantly higher liability. Missing drills, blocked exits, or faulty equipment weaken any legal defense.
  
  

• Operational shutdown risks
  In high-risk situations, STPS can order partial or full suspension of activities until fire safety conditions are corrected, directly impacting business continuity.
  
  

• Labor and insurance exposure
  Fire safety failures can escalate labor disputes, workers’ compensation claims, and insurance disputes. Insurers may deny coverage or reduce payouts if fire safety compliance cannot be proven.
  
  

In practice, NOM-002 non-compliance often becomes a multiplier risk, triggering enforcement actions, legal exposure, and operational disruption at the same time.

Relationship With Other STPS Safety Standards

NOM-002-STPS-2010 is not an isolated fire safety rule. It operates as part of Mexico’s integrated occupational safety system, where different STPS standards work together to assign responsibility, prevent risks, and document compliance. 

Fire safety obligations must align with broader safety governance and preventive planning.

• Relationship with NOM-019 (Safety and Hygiene Commissions)
  NOM-019 establishes the internal Safety and Hygiene Commission responsible for identifying workplace risks and monitoring safety conditions. Fire risk assessments, drills, incident reviews, and corrective actions required by NOM-002 are typically reviewed, documented, and followed up through this commission.
  
  

• Relationship with NOM-030 (Preventive safety services)
  NOM-030 requires employers to implement preventive safety and health services. Fire prevention measures, equipment maintenance, training, and emergency planning under NOM-002 form part of these preventive services and must be integrated into overall safety planning.
  
  

• How NOM-002 fits into the broader safety compliance system
  NOM-002 addresses fire as a critical physical hazard, while other NOMs regulate governance, prevention, and specific risk categories. Together, they ensure risks are identified, controls are implemented, and responsibilities are clearly assigned and documented.
  
  

In practice, STPS inspectors assess how these standards function as a system. Employers that align NOM-002 with NOM-019 and NOM-030 demonstrate coordinated, inspection-ready compliance, while fragmented approaches often result in findings across multiple NOMs.

Common Employer Mistakes With NOM-002 Compliance

Many employers fail NOM-002-STPS-2010 not because they ignore fire safety, but because they manage it informally or inconsistently. STPS inspections focus on structure, documentation, and real preparedness, not assumptions or partial measures.

• Failure to classify fire risks correctly
  Employers often skip formal fire risk classification or apply generic categories. Incorrect or undocumented classifications lead to misaligned equipment, training, and emergency controls.
  
  

• Lack of documented emergency plans
  Some workplaces rely on verbal instructions or outdated plans. NOM-002 requires a written, current fire emergency response plan aligned with actual workplace conditions.
  
  

• Poor maintenance of fire safety equipment
  Expired extinguishers, missing inspection tags, or nonfunctional alarms are common findings. Equipment must be inspected, maintained, and replaced on a defined schedule.
  
  

• Inadequate training or drills
  Employers frequently conduct training once and never repeat it. NOM-002 requires periodic training and drills based on fire risk level, with documented participation.
  
  

• Missing or outdated documentation
  Even when controls exist, missing records invalidate compliance. STPS expects up-to-date risk assessments, plans, logs, and drill reports.
  
  

In practice, these mistakes create gaps between intent and evidence. During inspections, STPS evaluates what is documented, maintained, and practiced, not what employers believe is “good enough.”

Why Foreign Companies Commonly Struggle With NOM-002

Foreign companies often underestimate NOM-002-STPS-2010 because fire safety rules in Mexico are highly structured, inspection-driven, and documentation-focused. 

What may be handled informally or through building management in other countries is treated as a direct employer obligation under Mexican labor law.

• Limited understanding of STPS fire safety requirements
  Many foreign employers are unfamiliar with how detailed NOM-002 requirements are, especially around fire risk classification, emergency planning, brigades, and drills.
  
  

• Fragmented safety and HR compliance management
  Fire safety, HR, and payroll are often managed by different vendors. This fragmentation causes gaps in documentation, training coordination, and inspection readiness.
  
  

• Overreliance on non-Mexico-specialized providers
  Global providers may supply generic safety templates that do not meet STPS expectations. They often do not manage local fire risk assessments or on-site readiness.
  
  

• Inadequate inspection readiness
  Foreign companies frequently prepare only after an inspection notice. Missing records, outdated plans, or poor equipment maintenance are then discovered too late.
  
  

In practice, NOM-002 failures usually surface during inspections or after incidents. Without Mexico-specific expertise and integrated compliance oversight, foreign employers are often caught unprepared when STPS evaluates fire safety controls.

How Human Resources Mexico (HRM) Supports NOM-002 Compliance

Human Resources Mexico (HRM) manages NOM-002-STPS-2010 as a practical fire safety and inspection readiness obligation, not as a one-time checklist.

By operating exclusively in Mexico, HRM aligns fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and documentation with real STPS enforcement practices.

• Mexico-only compliance and employer model
  HRM works only within Mexico, with local teams that understand STPS fire safety requirements, inspection triggers, and enforcement expectations under NOM-002.
  
  

• Fire safety documentation coordination
  HRM helps coordinate fire risk classifications, emergency response plans, training records, fire brigade documentation, and equipment logs in a structured and consistent manner.
  
  

• Inspection-ready compliance support
  Documentation and controls are maintained in an organized, audit-ready format so employers are prepared before an STPS inspection occurs, not after.
  
  

• Integrated HR, payroll, and labor safety oversight
  Fire safety compliance is managed alongside HR administration and payroll, reducing gaps caused by fragmented providers or disconnected responsibilities.
  
  

• Local teams supporting STPS audits
  HRM’s local teams support employers during STPS inspections, including document presentation, clarification of obligations, and follow-up on corrective actions.
  
  

By combining local presence with integrated compliance management, Human Resources Mexico turns NOM-002 from a reactive fire safety risk into a controlled and inspection-ready process.

If you are hiring or employing staff in Mexico and want to ensure full fire safety compliance under NOM-002, reach out to HRM to discuss and get a custom proposal tailored to your hiring and compliance needs in Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is NOM-002 mandatory for all employers in Mexico?

NOM-002-STPS-2010 is mandatory for employers operating workplaces in Mexico where fire risk exists. Applicability is based on workplace conditions, not company size or industry. If materials, equipment, or activities create fire hazards, employers must comply and maintain supporting documentation.

Does NOM-002 apply to office-based workplaces?

Yes. Office-based workplaces are subject to NOM-002 when fire risks are present. Electrical systems, equipment, storage areas, and emergency evacuation requirements mean offices must classify fire risk and implement preventive and emergency measures.

Are fire brigades required for every company?

Fire brigades are not required for every company. The obligation depends on fire risk classification, size of the workplace, and number of occupants. Higher-risk or larger workplaces are more likely to require formal fire brigades under NOM-002.

What documents does STPS request under NOM-002?

STPS typically requests fire risk assessments, emergency response plans, training and drill records, fire brigade documentation, and inspection and maintenance logs for fire safety equipment. Inspectors also verify physical conditions on-site.

How does HRM help companies comply with NOM-002?

Human Resources Mexico supports NOM-002 compliance through its Mexico-only model. HRM coordinates fire safety documentation, supports inspection readiness, and integrates fire safety with HR and payroll for employers operating in Mexico.