Let’s talk about fire protection and basic fire prevention for your business.
What can you do to make your business fire-proof? Having your company premises fireproofed is certainly a worthwhile investment.
Fire is a risk and one that you need to be sufficiently prepared for. That’s why we’ve taken the time to put together a series of preventative steps you can take to help secure your business.
Let’s get into it and begin with probably one of the most important fire protection tips….
Preventative Measure #1 Create a Defensible Space
Demarcating defensible space can be difficult if your building sits within a built-up space and is adjacent to other buildings.
However, if your business premises are a detached building one of the best preventative strategies you can adopt is creating defensible space.
Now just what is defensible space you’re asking?
Defensible space refers to the landscape surrounding your property that can stop the advancement of rogue fires.
Defensible space also has a double benefit as it provides easy and safe access to your property to firefighters.
How do you create a defensible space?
Firstly, it’s good to know that there are three types of defensible space: the immediate zone (Zone 1), intermediate zone (Zone 2), and the extended zone (Zone 3).
Immediate Zone aka Zone 1
In this zone, you want to reduce all possible sources of ignition around the business and within. So you’ll be looking at using fire-resistant building materials as well as fire-safe construction methods.
Eliminating all vegetation and mulch along the walls of the building and replacing instead with crushed stone or rock.
Intermediate Zone aka Zone 2
The goal of the intermediate zone is to minimize and space flammable vegetation surrounding the building. If there are any fires you want them to remain at ground level.
Ground-level fires are easier to fight and can be prevented from reaching your business. Select fire-resistant vegetation to plant around your building. Lawns are great and should be hydrated and maintained at heights of less than four inches (10cm).
Gravel paths and driveways act as good fire barriers and remove fuel sources slowing down the spread of fires.
Extended Zone aka Zone 3
This is the premier line of defence for any business. When conducting your fire inspection, it is imperative to study what lies within this zone as this can be the best buffer that slows down fires within the building and fires from neighbouring buildings.
Preventative Measure # 2 Carry Out Routine Fire Inspections
Fire safety inspectors such as our experienced team at All Protect Systems can help you to evaluate your business premises by carrying out a routine fire inspection every quarter in order to ascertain the following:
· The various ways fires can start inside the building
· Potential ignition sources
· The integrity of your safety systems e.g. smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers
· Evaluate your safety plans and evacuation protocol
You will receive a detailed analysis of the findings and areas that need to be improved in order to stay compliant with the National Fire Code.
Preventative Measure # 3 Update Your Fire Alarms
When was the last time that you updated your fire alarms? And how often should you change your fire alarms?
Industry best practice recommends changing smoke alarms at least once every 10 years. This is of course unless your building suffered a fire incident and there is a serious question as to the integrity of the existing systems.
In this case, after a thorough fire inspection, you may be advised that it’s best to install a new system altogether.
Preventative Measure # 4 Check Your Fire Sprinkler Systems
Following hot on the heels of fire alarm systems are fire sprinkler systems. Checking your fire sprinkler systems is a great way to make sure your business is fire prevention-proof.
Fire sprinkler systems within your business should be replaced if they are old and outdated and if the building has been modified. Additionally, if the sprinkler system is always in need of maintenance it might be time for a complete overhaul.
Preventative Measure # 5 Install a Suitable Number of Fire Extinguishers
Do you know how many fire extinguishers are supposed to be within your premises? If you own a multi-story building, ideally there should be at least two fire extinguishers per floor.
The total number of extinguishers required can be reduced if you have a functional automatic fire suppression system in the building.
While we’re on the topic of extinguishers, it’s worth noting that fire extinguishers aren’t all the same. They are differentiated based on the type of fire they are supposed to put out and the contents of the extinguisher.
In a nutshell, you need to select the correct fire extinguisher for your business. Fire specialists can assist you in determining the correct extinguisher to mount inside the building.
And now for a bonus tip…
Bonus Preventative Measure: Make Sure Your Business Address is Clearly Visible
How easy is it for firefighters to locate your business premises? Is your business address clearly marked somewhere visible on a signpost perhaps?
Don’t overlook this seemingly minor detail.
In the event of a fire, time is a precious commodity. The faster firefighters can locate your business, the sooner they can get to work putting out the fire and rescuing any trapped employees.
Invest in High-Quality Fire Prevention Systems Today
Armed with these preventative tips, you can help slow down and even stop the spread of a fire within your property or from external sources.
If you would like to talk to a fire specialist to discuss fire prevention equipment, one of our friendly members of staff would be happy to consult with you.
For all your fire alarm systems, fire warning solutions, emergency backup generators, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, fire safety plans and sprinkler systems think All Protect Systems.
Fire escape plans are one of the cornerstones of your building’s fire safety plan. It consists of a diagram of the building with simple instructions on how to find the nearest suitable exit in case of a fire. If your professional responsibilities include ensuring your building’s fire safety, you may benefit from learning the following tips for communicating fire escape plans to your employees and other building inhabitants.
The Ontario Fire Code requires fire safety plans for most commercial buildings. If yours requires one, make sure your fire evacuation plan is up to date and posted in locations with high visibility. If you need assistance, the fire safety experts at All Protect Systems, Inc. can help you develop your escape plan along with fire alarms,fire extinguishers and hoses, exit lighting, gas detection, and regular inspections.
Even after you have designed and produced an up-to-date fire evacuation plan, you still may still need some ideas for posting them. Effective placement of your fire escape plans can greatly increase their effectiveness. For best results, try some of the following suggestions:
1) Catch the eyes of your audience
Sometimes walls can get cluttered with all sorts of different messages. Artwork, for sale signs, lost dogs, and other signage can draw the interest of a passerby. Depending on your building’s policies, such postings may or may not be officially tolerated. Whatever the case, you may need still need to find a way for your fire escape plan to stand out from its surroundings.
You can probably catch the eyes of your intended audience by trying the following techniques:
Use some red. The color red always attracts the eyes attention, so make sure your fire escape plan has red in it. Not only will it draw eyes, most fire safety devices are red, so it will click in the mind of the viewer that he’s looking at a fire escape plan.
Insert it into a frame. People place photos and drawings into a frame to increase its importance to the viewer. In the case of a fire escape plan, you don’t want the frame to be ornate or disguise the fact that it’s instructional material. The frame could be a simple plexiglass holder that both protects it and signifies its importance.
Post in well-lit area. While most of the building should have sufficient lighting, make sure that your fire escape plans has ample light to catch a passerby’s attention and also be read without difficulty.
2) Avoid areas close to an exit
Unfortunately, it’s quite common to find building escape plans in view of a fire exit. While this may be convenient, it’s not very helpful to someone trying to escape the building. Try to place fire escape plans in areas of the building where someone would have difficulty locating an exit during a fire. Interior lobbies and elevator waiting areas are excellent locations.
3) Post them on bulletin boards
Most types of commercial and residential buildings have bulletin boards for posting both frivolous and important information, and employees and tenants tend to visit them regularly. By posting a copy of your fire escape plan on the bulletin board, it receives a good deal of attention during a moment when people have some free time on their hands and are looking for information.
4) Choose high traffic areas
As a building manager, you probably know which doorways and hallways get the most use. Post your fire evacuation in one of these areas for the maximum amount of visibility. Don’t forget to always place a “You are here” dot on the map, so the reader can locate himself in relation to the exits.
Posting your fire escape plans in the right location may one day make the difference in someone finding their way to safety during a fire. If you would like some assistance with any of your building’s fire safety concerns, the experienced staff at All Protect Systems has been protecting Ontario area business since 1996. Call us today to find out more!
Are you preparing for your monthly or annual fire inspection and need tips on finding a qualified fire inspector?
We get asked this question a lot. And it follows that with something as important as a fire inspection, you’d want to work with the very best professionals.
Finding the right fire inspector doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, in this post, we’re going to break down the process into a couple of easy steps.
But first, what exactly is a fire inspector anyway?
What is a Fire Inspector?
Fire inspectors in Ontario also known as fire prevention inspectors help to enforce fire safety legislation – namely the Ontario Fire Code.
· Inspecting combustible liquids and hazardous storage practices
· Assessing building plans for new construction projects and ensuring they meet local fire codes
· Conducting fire inspections according to the regulations established in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act
· Providing educational workplace fire prevention and safety demonstrations and programs when required
Fire inspectors perform all their delegated duties on behalf of the Chief Fire Official.
Now with that out of the way, here are 8 tips that will help you find a seasoned and qualified fire inspector.
Top 8 Tips to Find a Qualified Fire Inspector
Tip 1 Ask for Proof of Certification and Licenses
Always ask for proof of certification and or necessary licenses when looking for a professional fire inspector to conduct an on-site fire inspection.
A certified fire inspector is one who is competent and has the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct fire inspections as well as provide assistance with code-related problems.
Such an inspector will know how to meet the standards set forth in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Furthermore, licensed inspectors should be able to demonstrate adequate professional expertise.
Tip 2Get Leads from Insurance Companies
Insurance companies generally have a few good fire inspector leads on hand that they can pass on to you.
Prior to underwriting policies for building owners, insurers often engage third-party fire inspectors to carry out a thorough building risk assessment.
Therefore, a sure-fire way to get a list of reputable qualified fire inspectors is to simply call a few insurers and ask for their recommended fire inspectors.
Once you have a few names you can then follow up on each lead.
Tip 3 Contact Local Risk Assessment Firms
Corporate management and insurers often hire risk assessment firms to ascertain risk levels before they make investment decisions. These risk assessment firms have their own qualified fire inspectors on their teams.
You can be assured that these fire inspectors are not only qualified but experienced and expert in their field. With their work consisting of assessing residential and commercial buildings, you can count on their experience when it comes to your own fire inspection.
Tip 4 Get in Touch With the Local Fire Department
The local fire department and or provincial fire marshal’s office is another good source to find a qualified fire inspector. These inspectors are most assuredly qualified to perform comprehensive fire, fire sprinkler and fire hazard inspections.
So whether it’s just an inspector to conduct pressure and flow testing or you need an inspector for a full-on fire inspection service, these resources will be able to point you to certified and qualified inspectors.
Tip 5 Inquire With Fire Safety System Suppliers
Suppliers of fire safety systems and supplies are another excellent resource you could turn to for advice regarding qualified fire inspectors.
Not only can these vendors point you to good inspectors, but they can also provide insight into what to expect when working with the individuals they recommend.
Tip 6 Read Online Review Sites
Today, 93% of people will first read online reviews before engaging a fire inspector. The top sites that consumers look up to read such reviews are:
· Google My Business,
· Yahoo,
· Better Business Bureau,
· Yellow Pages,
· Trustpilot and,
· Yelp
By taking time to consult reviews from such sites, you’ll be able to learn what others have to say about various fire inspectors before you make a decision to hire them.
Tip 7 Look for Familiarity with Fire Codes
How well does your fire inspector know the local fire codes – both the provincial Fire Code and National Fire Code of Canada? How familiar are they with the mandates issued by the Canadian Fire Safety Association (CFSA)?
Being well-versed in these regulations and understanding the intricacies surrounding the codes is not a desirable requirement in a fire inspector – it is a mandatory quality. A good fire inspector is one who takes safety seriously and promotes total code compliance.
Tip 8 Approach Your Local Chamber of Commerce
Chambers of commerce are designed in such a way as to foster and promote local businesses. It’s also a sure place to find qualified fire inspectors.
You don’t even have to visit in person to get the answers you want. You can simply call or email your local chamber of commerce asking for a list of certified fire inspectors in your area.
From here you can then review and narrow down the list and then book an appointment with the inspector who best fits what you’re looking for.
Conclusion
Finding a suitably qualified fire inspector to carry out a fire inspection does require you to put in some effort.
However, being armed with some knowledge about what to look for will go a long way in your inspector-finding endeavours.
Follow these 8 tips and you’ll be amazed at how much easier finding the right fire inspector becomes.
If you’re short on time and would rather just connect with a fire specialist and you’re based in Ontario, don’t hesitate to reach out to All Protect Systems.
We also offer a comprehensive line of emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, fire safety plans, sprinkler systems, and gas detection services.
