Archive for March, 2023
Posted: March 31st, 2023
One of the primary responsibilities for building maintenance facilitators is ensuring a safe working space for building occupants. This is a top priority and one that deserves a good deal of attention. This role requires facilitators to check that there are sufficient safety procedures in place and that they are adhered to, especially as it pertains to fire safety.
In this post, we’ve listed 10 of the most common questions building maintenance facilitators should be asking in relation to safety procedures.
Question 1: In the event of a fire, what are the protocols for evacuating the building safely?
Are building occupants aware of the emergency evacuation procedures in case of a fire? It’s not wise to assume that they do. Hence, it’s paramount to make sure that tenants know all the means of escape, especially emergency exits on their floor levels and out to the assembly point.
To cement this knowledge, it might be necessary to carry out regular fire drills so building occupants become familiar with the safety procedures surrounding fires.
Question 2: Are the smoke detectors and fire alarms in the building operational?
There’s little use in having smoke detectors and fire alarms installed but they’re non-functional. Therefore, it’s important that all smoke detectors and fire alarms are checked routinely to ensure that they’re functioning as they should.
Regular inspections alongside maintenance are an absolute must for all buildings. Fire inspection specialists like Nutech Fire Prevention can be called upon for annual inspections as and when needed around Hamilton.
Question 3: Is the building equipped with fire suppression systems?
Fire suppression systems like sprinklers and fire extinguishers are mandated by provincial Fire Codes. Building inspectors must verify their presence and where they have been mounted. Are these systems installed in strategic locations that are readily accessible?
And secondly, are tenants familiar with how these systems work? Can they use fire extinguishers to extinguish small fires? Do they know when to attempt to put out a fire and when the fire is beyond their capacity?
Question 4: Does the building store flammable materials? If yes, are these substances correctly stored?
The triage of elements needed to start a blaze includes a fuel source. Flammable materials can be fuels. That’s why they have to be identified and properly stored.
Potential ignition sources also need to be identified so that these flammable materials are kept as far away as possible. Furthermore, it is imperative to have proper labelling to avoid any mishaps.
Question 5: What are the potential fire hazards in the building?
There is no end to potential fire hazards in buildings. These can be anything, for example:
- Faulty electrical equipment
- Incorrect use of electrical equipment
- Overloaded electrical outlets and extension cords
- Damaged and or frayed power cords
- Unattended stoves and candles
- Incorrectly stored combustible materials
- Smoking in non-designated areas
- Blocked emergency exits
- Cluttered or dirty offices
- Human error and negligence
Building managers have an obligation to carry out routine inspections so as to identify these hazards and find ways to remedy them.
Question 6: Does a protocol for the reporting of safety concerns or emergencies exist?
What are the rules that govern how information about the safety of building occupants is transmitted? What are the channels that people with concerns can follow in order to be heard? Is there even a protocol for reporting safety concerns or possible emergencies?
Not only is it key that such protocols exist, but it’s important that occupants in such workplaces know how to report fire-related emergencies or safety concerns.
Speaking of employees, someone must be selected from among them as the designated point of contact during emergencies.
Question 7: Are building occupants cognizant of safety policies?
Firstly, does the building have safety procedures? Secondly, are building occupants aware of these policies?
It is the mandate of building maintenance facilitators to disseminate information about safety policies to those working in the building.
This may very well mean providing necessary training so that all who work on the premises understand the safety policies and subsequently comply with these safeguarding protocols.
Question 8: What are the regulations guiding building inspection and maintenance?
Routine building maintenance is a necessary part of good fire safety best practices. Competent building facilitators have a routine maintenance schedule that allows them to identify and remedy safety issues before they become bigger problems.
Under this section is the obligation to carry out rote inspections to verify that the safety procedures are being implemented.
Question 9: What are the building code regulations that must be followed?
There is a building code that guides construction across the country ensuring uniformity and compliance with internationally established building norms. This building code is binding to all contractors and acts as a benchmark for building safety.
Building maintenance facilitators have to confirm that all applicable building codes and regulations are being kept. They also have to implement the most recent building safety compliance standards.
Lastly, they must also educate building occupants on building code regulations.
Question 10: Is there a protocol to guide and revise safety procedures?
It does sometimes happen that safety procedures need to be reviewed and revised. This is done to make sure that the current protocol is effective at preventing danger.
If there are changes to the safety procedures, there should be an appropriate protocol to inform building occupants. There needs to be a careful plan about how revisions and or updates will be communicated to all the necessary parties.
The Bottom Line
A good building maintenance facilitator will ask the right questions about safety procedures so they can address any concerns head-on before they escalate. Asking good questions is the first step to improving safety procedures in a building. These questions, coupled with the latest safety best practices can go a long way in helping to prevent accidents and emergencies. Such questions can help to identify gaps in the safety protocol and plug such leaks creating a safer working environment for all.
Get in Touch With a Fire Hazard Detection Specialist
Building managers in Hamilton, Ontario can reach out to Nutech Fire Prevention for assistance with developing customized fire safety protocols.
In addition, we also offer fire safety training, fire safety recommendations, the development of fire safety plans, and routine checks and maintenance of your fire equipment.
That’s not all we do as we also provide and install a comprehensive line of emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, and sprinkler systems.
Looking for more insight? Check out these previous posts:
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Posted: March 20th, 2023
If you’re an owner or a manager of a commercial property, you may wonder how to choose the right fire safety provider. Look for a partner with the proper credentials and that belongs to the best organizations. They should have extensive experience and offer all of the necessary services for fire and life safety.
Credentials
When choosing a fire and life safety provider, search for one with the proper credentials. You want a partner that stays up to date with the changes in technology and who requires continuing education for their technicians. They should also maintain contact with other businesses in their community. A serious and dedicated fire and life safety partner should belong to the following organizations:
The Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA)
Established in 1973, the CFAA has more than 400 members and 3000 registered fire alarm technicians. It has become the primary Canadian source of fire alarm information, expertise, qualification, and industry support. With active chapters throughout the country, the CFAA can promote the effectiveness of fire alarms for the protection of life and property for all Canadians.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA was established in 1896 and has become an international and self-funding non-profit organization dedicated to preventing death, injury, and property loss from fire and electrical hazards. Best known for its more than 300 codes and standards, the NFPA also conducts research, training, and certification programs.
The Waterloo Regional Apartment Management Association (WRAMA)
The WRAMA supports managers of residential rental properties throughout the Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, and Kitchener areas.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
Since 1971, the CFIB has been championing the cause of Canadian small businesses. It has over 95,000 members and provides numerous resources to help them succeed.
Experience
While it’s true that every company has to have a beginning, you’re usually better off with one with decades of experience under its belt. Fire safety partners shoulder an immense responsibility for their customers, and you want an experienced team. Hopefully, you can find one with decades of experience in your area with an intimate knowledge of local codes, suppliers, and the preferences of the local fire marshall.
While the field technicians are any fire and life safety partner’s greatest asset, you still must rely on the entire company for record keeping, ordering parts, efficient billing, design services, and overall customer service. Companies develop their expertise over time, and you should select one that has a strong track record of satisfying businesses like yours in your town.
All Protect Systems has been a fire and life safety partner for Ontario area businesses since 1996. While they’re large enough to handle the biggest companies, they’re small enough to remember their customers by name and deliver personalized quality service for all your fire protection needs.
Full Service
Most business owners and managers eventually conclude that dealing with a single vendor is more efficient whenever possible. When choosing a fire and life safety partner, look for one that can supply all of the services your business needs now and possibly in the future. Some of the most important items to consider include the following:
Once again, All Protect Systems checks all of the boxes. As a full-service fire and life safety partner, they can handle all your needs, so you won’t have to worry about multiple vendors for each fire safety issue. If you’re looking for a partner, contact them today, they’re waiting for your call!
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Posted: March 17th, 2023
Make 2023 the year you take fire hazard detection up to the next level in your office building.
When it comes to preventing fires in the workplace and keeping employees and tenants safe, one of the primary means involves checking for potential fire hazards. The majority of accidental fires across Canadian provinces are avoidable. It’s pivotal that building managers and employers take steps to identify prospective risks and address them before any harm is done.
In this post, we’re going to look at some of the top tips on spotting fire hazards in your workplace and how to address them.
Tip #1 Carry Out a Fire Risk Assessment
The primordial step in determining fire hazards in your place of work is to carry out a fire risk assessment. But just what exactly is a fire risk assessment anyway?
A fire risk assessment is a standardized evaluation of a building or accompanying premises. The goal is to identify all potential fire hazards, gauge the risk of a fire happening, and establish key steps to reduce these dangers.
Building managers and property owners are required to conduct routine fire risk evaluations in order to foster a safe workplace for all building occupants.
Tip #2 Seek Out the Most Frequent Fire Causes
While regular fire risk assessments are good, it is necessary to take things a step further by making a deliberate and conscious effort to investigate and survey the office for hazards that are known to cause fires.
Such elements include (but are not limited to):
- Overloaded electrical sockets
- Damaged electrical cords
- Blocked fire exits
- Blocked ventilation systems
It is key to be on the lookout for such typical fire hazards and take the necessary steps to redress them. This can mean hiring the relevant HVAC technicians to unblock ventilation infrastructure, clearing blocked fire exits, and adding additional power extension cables around the office to avoid socket overload.
Tip #3 Ensure Proper Maintenance of Electrical Equipment
Another great tip in regards to fire hazard detection is: don’t neglect your electrical equipment.
Keep it maintained. It’s common knowledge that equipment suffers wear and tears over time. Appliances can become damaged or faulty which greatly increases fire risk. Thus the necessity for routine maintenance.
The consequences of poor maintenance could be disastrous. Not only does regular service of electrical equipment keep appliances performing at optimum but it can save lives and prevent damage to property.
So scan cords for damage (frays, tears, exposure etc.), making sure that plugs are secured properly into sockets, and that appliances are kept well-oiled and dust-and-debris free.
Tip #4 Ensure Fire Suppression Systems are in Good Working Order
Fire extinguishers and fire alarms are fundamental elements constituting your building’s fire suppression system. These critical elements should never be allowed to sit un-serviced and unmaintained. In fact, if you do, it is a criminal offence that breaks the provincial Fire Code guidelines. There is a mandate that fire extinguishers and fire alarms be checked and serviced each year.
Fire alarms, smoke detectors, and various other fire prevention mechanisms installed within the premises should be tested regularly as a way to verify that they are in good working order.
Tip #5 Verify Flammable Materials are Stored Appropriately
Flammable materials such as cleaning chemicals, cardboard boxes and paper need to be stored in a safe and appropriate manner.
Under this point must be highlighted disposal of waste. Improperly disposed of waste can also pose a very great fire risk.
Another point to note is gas safety. With the majority of Canadian buildings relying on gas for energy, building managers are also encouraged to make gas detection a priority. It only takes a small leak for an explosion to occur. So get in touch with local gas technicians like the team at Nutech Fire Prevention.
Tip #6 Mount Fire Suppression Systems Near Kitchens/Break Rooms
Did you know that fires tend to occur in kitchens and break rooms a lot? Kitchens because of all the cooking equipment found therein and break rooms because of improperly discarded cigarettes.
For these reasons, we always recommend having a fire extinguisher mounted near cooking equipment and within easy reach. This can go a long way in extinguishing a small flame before it gets out of control.
Tip #7 Check on Your Emergency Lighting
Is your emergency lighting operational? Are there any bulbs that need replacement? Do you need backup emergency lighting?
It’s important that the emergency lighting is working as it should and that building tenants know how to use it in case power ever goes out.
Tip #8 Encourage Employee Wellbeing Through Fire Safety Education
Lastly, it’s important for employees to receive training on correct fire safety best practices including fire extinguisher use. This can be done by selecting several employees to act as fire wardens and enrolling them in fire safety courses. These can be delivered by your local fire department or fire specialists like the team at Nutech Fire Prevention.
For the remaining employees, information can be disseminated through various mediums and channels. To verify that employees have indeed assimilated the information, fire drills can be conducted to check employee awareness and readiness.
Final Thoughts
It is a concerted effort to prevent workplace fires. Property managers, building owners and fire technicians must work together to identify potential hazards, ensure electrical appliances are regularly serviced, and safety devices receive proper maintenance. There is also an obligation to educate employees on fire safety best practices and ensure staff know all necessary fire safety procedures.
Putting these tips into practice will help to create and promote a safer workplace for all building occupants. And in conclusion, fire safety and fire hazard detection aren’t just for property managers, they are everyone’s responsibility.
Get in Touch With a Fire Hazard Detection Specialist
Building managers in Hamilton, Ontario can reach out to Nutech Fire Prevention for all fire hazard detection services.
In addition, we offer fire safety training, fire safety recommendations, the development of fire safety plans, and routine checks and maintenance of your fire equipment.
That’s not all we do as we also provide and install a comprehensive line of emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, and sprinkler systems.
Request a free quote today.
Looking for more insight? Check out these previous posts:
Image: Freepik
Posted: March 3rd, 2023
How gas-safe is your building?
Gas detection safety should be a top priority for building managers and homeowners.
With millions of homes and office spaces across Canada relying on natural gas for energy, the potential for gas leaks is ever-present. This is a major reason why it’s imperative that property managers do all they can to put in place full-proof gas detection measures.
In this post, we dive deep into the necessity of gas detection safety in residential and commercial buildings and discuss key ways to improve building safety so as to prevent gas leaks.
But first, a look at the necessity of gas detection safety in buildings.
Why is Gas Detection Safety in Buildings Important?
Modern buildings rely on gas to meet energy demands. This creates vulnerability, opening up these properties to potential gas leaks from a variety of sources including heating systems, gas pipelines, and gas appliances.
The seriousness of this issue can be seen in statistics published by researchers. For example, each year at least 300 people die in Canada because of carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition, there are also more than 200 hospitalizations on account of CO gas leaks.
Apart from death, gas leaks can lead to memory problems, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Explosions or fires may also result if the leaks aren’t addressed on time. Hence the need for gas detection safety measures that alert building authorities as soon as a leak occurs to prevent disastrous outcomes.
And speaking of safety measures, how exactly do gas detection safety systems work?
The Mechanisms Behind Gas Detection Safety
The majority of gas detection safety systems rely on sensors to detect gas leaks. They’re designed to recognize noxious gas in the atmosphere. They come equipped with a range of sophisticated sensors that can ascertain the presence of harmful gases and immediately notify building tenants of imminent danger.
In most Canadian homes and workplaces, one of the following gas detection systems is employed:
· portable gas detectors
· fixed gas detectors
· area gas monitors
Let’s look at each one in turn.
1. Portable Gas Detectors
When it comes to dealing with a gas leak, you want to quickly locate the source. That’s where portable gas detectors come in. These handheld, practical and often-times battery-operated devices can be used to conduct a swift gas leak check.
Building managers, maintenance workers, and first responders rely on these gas detectors because they are easy to use and also allow for rapid confirmation of a gas leak.
2. Fixed Gas Detectors
If you wish to place a gas detector in a specific area such as a kitchen or a gas storage facility, then you’ll need to install fixed gas detectors.
They are commonplace in industrial settings like factories and manufacturing plants where gas leaks are most likely to occur.
Fire safety professionals like Nutech Fire Prevention are able to wire the fixed gas detectors to the building’s alarm system, making it possible for building occupants to be alerted of any gas leaks.
3. Area Gas Monitors
Area gas monitors and fixed gas detectors work in a similar fashion. The major difference is that area gas monitors are able to check for gas leaks over a wider expanse, unlike fixed gas detectors which detect in a specific location.
Area gas monitors are convenient if maintenance workers have a large area to cover. This is also the reason they’re typically deployed for use in large workplaces and buildings such as shopping centers, hospitals and schools.
If you’ve got a range of locations to check and limited manpower, this is the gas detection safety solution to opt for.
3 Steps to Ensure Your Building is Correctly Equipped for Gas Detection Safety
Now, here are steps you can take to ensure that your building is properly equipped for gas detection safety.
Step #1 Schedule routine maintenance for gas appliances
All gas appliances and heating systems in the building should be serviced whenever a problem occurs. However, there should also be monthly inspections by a qualified gas detection technician. This measure can help prevent gas leaks.
Step #2 Hire Licensed Gas Installation Experts to Install Your Safety Systems
Installation of your gas detection safety systems is a serious affair and as such should only be handled by professionals.
Do not cut corners by having amateur installation technicians carry out such a critical component of building fire safety.
Step #3 Install the Correct Gas Detection Safety Systems
How do you know which gas detection safety systems to install?
When you work with an experienced gas detection safety system professional like Nutech Fire Prevention, qualified engineers will assess your building requirements and recommend suitable systems to match the size of the building.
You want to make sure that every corner of the building is covered and that there are no blind spots.
The Bottom Line
Gas detection systems, much like smoke alarms, are a very important aspect of overall building safety. The potentially disastrous results of a gas leak warrant professionally installed gas detection safety measures.
To strengthen building gas safety measures, property managers and maintenance workers can make use of portable gas detectors, fixed gas detectors, and area gas monitors. They’re all very effective in helping detect gas leaks.
Finally, to ensure that your property is comprehensively equipped to tackle gas-related issues, it’s imperative that preventative steps such as routine checks and maintenance of gas appliances be carried out.
By implementing and following all this advice, you’re helping to protect tenants of the building from the harmful effects of gas leaks.
Work With Hamilton’s Premier Gas Detection Specialist
Homeowners and property managers in Hamilton, Ontario can reach out to Nutech Fire Prevention for all gas detection services.
In addition we offer fire safety training, fire safety recommendations, development of fire safety plans, and routine checks and maintenance of your fire equipment.
That’s not all we do as we also offer and install a comprehensive line of emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, and sprinkler systems.
Looking for more insight? Check out these previous posts:
Image: Freepik