Do small businesses require fire training and fire suppression systems like fire extinguishers?
Yes, they absolutely need both.
Fire training and fire prevention systems are critical considering the number of people working in small businesses across the country today.
According to the Key Small Business Statistics 2021 report, published by the Department of Industry, there are approximately 1.2 million small businesses in Canada as of December 2020.
For easy reference, a small business is one defined as having 1 to 99 paid employees.
More than half of Canada’s small businesses are located in Quebec and Ontario (250,724 and 439,694 respectively). Over in British Columbia, there are 187,697 small businesses while Nova Scotia has 29, 561.
Collectively, small businesses employed more than 7.7 million people across the country totalling 67.7% of the private labor force. With these figures in mind, it doesn’t take a lot to see the necessity and importance of fire training and fire prevention plans.
In this post, we’re going to focus our attention on the need for fire suppression and controlling equipment, particularly fire extinguishers.
What is a Fire Extinguisher?
Fire Prevention Canada provides us with a comprehensive definition of what a fire extinguisher is. It is:
“…a storage container for an agent like water or chemicals designed to put out a small fire, not a large one. Extinguishers come labelled ABC or D.”
From this answer we can deduce certain things:
1. Fire extinguishers contain different fire suppression agents
2. Fire extinguishers are specifically for repressing small fires
3. Fire extinguishers are labelled to show which type of fire they quell
Now, here are some fire extinguisher tips for your small business. Let’s start with how to choose the correct fire extinguisher.
Are Fire Extinguishers All The Same?
We have already established that fire extinguishers are not all the same. There are different types of fire extinguishers based on their contents and the fire they are created to subdue.
When it comes to fire extinguisher tips, a good piece of advice is to purchase fire extinguishers based on what potential fire hazards are on-site and the type of fires you may need to put out.
For example:
To put out paper, wood, upholstery-related fires, you would need a Class A type fire extinguisher.
For fires caused by flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, fuel oil, paint, solvents, or grease, a Class B type fire extinguisher is appropriate.
Where fires are caused by electrical equipment, faulty wiring, overheating of fuse boxes or conductors, then you would need a Class C type fire extinguisher.
If your business stores, handles or manufactures metals, then you should have a Class D type fire extinguisher on hand.
Alternatively, you can always settle for a multi-purpose fire extinguisher labelled ABC. It contains dry chemicals that can put out a range of fires.
Now, here’s why you should invest in fire extinguishers for your small business.
5 Reasons Your Small Business Needs a Fire Extinguisher
Fire risk is real. The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General tells us that between 2010 and 2019, there were approximately 13,297 work-place related fires. Here are five reasons fire extinguishers should be a part of your small business fire prevention plan.
Reason #1 To Be Compliant with Local Fire Codes
The very first reason, small businesses should have fire extinguishers is so they comply with the standards issued by the Ontario Fire Code and the Ontario Fire Department regarding Fire Protection, Life Safety Systems and Appliances.
Concerning portable fire extinguishers, the Fire Department states that:
“Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times when they are not being used.”
Failure to comply is breaking the law and can thus lead to hefty fines and penalties.
Reason #2 Fire Extinguishers Provide Employees With Fire Suppression Equipment
Small fires may break out on occasion within a building. These can be easily quelled with an appropriate fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers by nature are designed to suppress smaller fires before they progress and develop into full-blown out-of-control blazes.
Without fire extinguishers it can be difficult – if not outright dangerous for employees – to attempt to contain a fire.
Put out quickly, small fires have less chance of causing major damage to your property. And speaking of damage…
Reason #3 Fire Extinguishers Reduce Potential Brand Damage and Reputation
It is estimated that 40% of small businesses fail to recover and reopen following major disasters such as a fire.
A small fire which could have been easily stopped by an employee trained to correctly use a fire extinguisher can grow very quickly and burn the entire place down.
The cost and losses aren’t limited solely to the property consumed by the fire but includes your reputation and brand image. These can both take a serious hit after such an incident. And that’s why 4 out of 10 businesses close shop forever.
Reason #4 Fire Extinguishers Mitigate Potential Injury Cases
Having a fire extinguisher on-hand to put out a fire, can buy your employees the necessary time needed to exit the building and get to safety.
If a fire is small enough, a fire extinguisher can be used to contain the fire while staff members are ushered out of the building to safety.
Reduce the potential injuries that employees sustain by investing in quality fire suppression and control systems.
Reason #5 Fire Extinguishers Reassure Staff That Their Place of Work is Safe
Employees want to know that their place of occupation is fully equipped with the necessary resources to keep them safe.
Having fire extinguishers and well-trained employees that can use them is not only in the best interests of the business but all who work on-site.
The Bottom Line
Every small business regardless of the type of work they do needs a fire extinguisher. If you’re not sure which fire extinguisher is suitable for your business or how many you should have per floor, you can contact your local fire experts.
For businesses in Waterloo, Ontario keen to discuss a fire prevention plan or fire suppression systems with a specialist don’t hesitate to reach out to All Protect Systems.
We 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.
Fires in commercial buildings without a well-thought-out fire escape plan can lead to a dangerous panic. If your professional responsibilities include your building’s fire safety plan, you can avoid this awful scenario by establishing solid fire escape plan directives.
Fire safety is an important part of every building, and with some careful consideration, you can ensure your workers and customers can evacuate your premises calmly and safely if any emergency occurs. By incorporating the following four directives into your fire escape plan, your building can become a model of fire safety.
1) Assign responsibilities
Choose members of your staff to act as fire wardens during an emergency and train them to guide the rest of the workforce and visitors safely out of the building during an emergency. According to 2.8.2.1. (1) of the Ontario Fire Code, your enterprise must include the following in your fire safety plan: Section (b) requires “the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties, while section (c) states “the training of supervisory staff and instruction of other occupants in their responsibilities for fire safety.”
Your fire warden’s responsibilities include leadership during a fire, as well as planning and preparation beforehand. He must also:
Verify that doors have been closed
Check bathrooms for stragglers
Perform a headcount at the pre-assigned safe location
Make sure your staff knows who their fire warden is, so they can look to them for guidance during a fire or other emergency. Knowing there is someone in charge keeps people calm and relaxed during episodes of extreme stress.
2) Identify possible scenarios
Depending on the nature and use of your building, it may be more susceptible to certain kinds of fires in different locations. The most common causes of fires are kitchens, intentional arson, and electrical malfunctions. Take the time to examine your property and consider the various possibilities for a fire to break out and try to create safety policies that will prevent them.
Once you’ve done your best to reduce the chance of a fire starting, you need to develop a fire escape plan around the remote possibility of where fires are most likely to occur. When it comes to fire safety, prevention is always the best cure.
3) Choose the best escape routes
Once you’ve identified the most likely causes of a fire, choose the best hallways and fire exits for the building inhabitants to make safe egress. Primary and secondary routes and exits are necessary during an emergency, and make sure these pathways are clear of any furniture or other obstructions that can impede the efficient flow of people during an emergency.
Post clear signs for exits and maps that instruct people how to get out. During an emergency, people can become disoriented, and you may have visitors in your facility that are unfamiliar with the terrain. Also, choose a safe location where everyone should congregate after exiting the building, so the fire warden can take a head count.
4) Practice
Schedule periodic fire drills, so both your supervisors and regular staff can learn the best exit routes. The best way to learn something is always through practice, and with regular drills, your building staff can react to an emergency with calm efficiency.
The above list is a guide and isn’t meant to be exhaustive. Every building has different fire hazards and should have its own customized fire escape plan.
Businesses are mandated to make employee safety a priority. As such, they are recommended to have well-maintained fire extinguishers, fully serviced smoke detectors and fire alarms installed, as well as a fire prevention plan on hand.
Where fire extinguishers are concerned, where you store them is extremely important. Easy access to fire extinguishers can help stop fires before they turn into bigger blazes.
That’s why in this post, we’re going to address the following issues:
· Where should fire extinguishers be stored?
· How should fire extinguishers be stored?
· Fire extinguisher storage best tips
Best Places to Store Your Commercial Fire Extinguisher
So, where should you store your commercial fire extinguishers?
Canada’s National Fire Code 2015, which approves of the recommendations made by the National Fire Protection Association, affirms that:
When stored mounted to a wall, fire extinguishers should be at least 10 cm (4 inches) from the floor (but no more than 1.52m/5feet above the ground)
Secondly, they are to be stored in a place where they are easily accessible and visible to all.
The general recommendation for the number of fire extinguishers to a floor/office is one per floor.
And this extinguisher is to be kept as close as possible to the potential fire hazards identified in the company’s fire prevention plan.
Summarized we would say that the chosen storage spot should be visible, easy to reach within 6 seconds of a fire breaking out, and easy to remember.
With that said, here are locations around the office that make good places to mount a fire extinguisher:
1.Near the Kitchen
If you have a kitchen within your office space, having a fire extinguisher nearby is a good idea seeing as most fires begin in the kitchen.
Another tip is to also keep some flour or baking soda near your stoves, microwaves, toasters, and ovens in case your fire extinguisher fails to work.
2.Near the Laundry Room
Are you a Laundromat or have some heat-generating machinery on your premise? For Laundromats, dryers are notorious for catching fire and hence the need to store a fire extinguisher close by.
But even in offices where machines, equipment, and devices are constantly plugged in and there is a risk of overheating, always keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
3.Near your Workshop/Garage
Do you have an underground garage at work? Or perhaps a workshop? These areas contain flammable substances and so keeping a commercial fire extinguisher within proximity of these places is recommended.
Concerning garages, if it is not temperature controlled, you may want to mount the fire extinguisher on an internal wall leading into the garage where the temperatures aren’t extreme.
4.Next to Heating Sources
Most office spaces have portable heaters and HVACs. Elements that radiate heat are by default potential fire hazards.
With that said, a fire extinguisher should be mounted within the vicinity of any of these heat-generating elements.
Places to NOT Store Your Commercial Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are not to be stored in obscure places, corners, inaccessible storage rooms, or locked cupboards/glass casings.
There must be nothing blocking access to fire extinguishers.
Don’t ever store your fire extinguisher so close to the fire hazard that if a fire breaks out you can’t reach the extinguisher. The ideal distance to mount your fire extinguisher from the potential hazard is approximately 10m (30 feet) away.
Don’t store all your fire extinguishers on one floor and have to run up and down floors in an emergency to get your hands on one. Each floor must have its own fire extinguisher(s).
And lastly, the fire warden appointed in the office during fire training is to know where the fire extinguisher on the floor is and make sure that it is visible.
Fire Extinguisher Storage Tips
Now that we’re familiar with where to store our fire extinguishers, let’s turn our attention to the correct storage technique. Here are answers to some of the questions you might have.
1.Can fire extinguishers be stored on their side?
Fire extinguishers can be pressurized or non-pressurized.
For non-pressurized fire extinguishers, storing them upright is ideal.
For some contemporary pressurized fire extinguishers, they have been designed in such a way that they can be stored on their side without issue.
This isn’t a general rule, however. The best answer is what’s recommended in the owner’s manual.
2.How long can we keep our fire extinguisher?
Many companies mount fire extinguishers and seem to wash their hands off any further responsibility for maintenance.
The only problem is that fire extinguishers aren’t everlasting. They can actually expire. Therefore, it’s not just storing them correctly that’s important but making sure that they are still in working order.
3.Are there any temperature requirements I need to note?
Yes, fire extinguishers should not be stored in rooms or environments with extreme or adverse temperatures.
Commercial fire extinguishers must only be stored in rooms or ventilated areas between -40 and 48.9°C (-40 and 120°F).
Storing fire extinguishers in temperatures that are less-than-ambient for a prolonged period may render them ineffective.
Wrap Up
The fire extinguisher tips provided in this post provide a basic guideline for how and where to store your commercial fire extinguishers. However, it’s worth noting that placement might differ depending on the nature of your business operations.
If you’d like help to know the best places to mount your fire extinguisher, our fire experts at All Protect are always happy to help.
Additionally, we also design custom fire safety plans, conduct on-site routine testing, fire training, gas detection, inspections, and maintenance of fire protection systems such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting, emergency backup generators, and exit lighting.
Poor workplace fire prevention practices, lack of comprehensive fire safety plans, and thorough hazard audits have led to the injury and deaths of numerous employees over the years.
The most recent statistics from the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General (OMSG) tell us that in 2019, 13% of all loss fires occurred in a place of work or business.
5% of these fires took place in industrial occupancies, 3% in assembly occupancies, 2% in mercantile occupancies, 2% in business and personal services occupancies, and 1% in care and detention centers.
Many of these fires could have been avoided with better fire safety plans.
In this post, we’re going to discuss the top things to include in fire safety plans for your employees. Before we do, however, let’s go back to the very beginning and talk about these safety plans. What is a fire safety plan anyway?
“It is a detailed document that covers all aspects of fire safety for a specific building or property.”
It is worth noting that fire safety plans are uniquely tailored to buildings although they may be generated from a template.
Furthermore, every fire safety plan must contain an outline of the following:
· Directions on how building occupants are supposed to leave in the event of a fire
· Building maintenance requirements and methods to prevent fires
· Best practices to reduce fire damage should a fire break out
Fire safety plans are not suggestions but are mandated by law via the provincial Fire Code – i.e. the Ontario Fire Code. If you’d like to revise your current building fire safety plan you can always contact a fire specialist or your local fire department.
Things to Include in Your Fire Safety Plan
Now that we know what fire safety plans are, here is what you should include in your own building-specific fire safety plan.
1.Emergency Procedures
A lot more people are injured than necessary because of ignorance. With the right knowledge, fire incidents would result in far fewer injuries and fatalities.
Employees must be aware of fire safety protocol during emergencies. Do they know:
· How to sound the alarm?
· How to alert the fire department?
· How to safely evacuate from the premises?
· How to assist those in need of evacuation assistance?
· How to extinguish small fires?
· How to control and confine fire?
The following emergency numbers and address must be displayed next to phones and be legible:
Fire Department: ________________
Police: ________________________
Ambulance:_____________________
Building Address:_________________
2.Employee Fire Drill Routines
For companies that deal with flammable chemicals and equipment, it is recommended to have fire drills every three months. For other businesses, fire drills may be organized twice per year.
Fire drills will show you how prepared your employees are when the fire alarm goes off.
They act as a preventive measure that seeks to instruct employees on evacuation plans. Knowing how to exit the building quickly and safely can be the difference between life and death.
3.Fire Warden/Staff Fire Safety Training Protocols
Fire safety plans are to also include any and all educational and training information for staff that has been assigned fire safety obligations.
Their duties and responsibilities and how they are to carry them out are to be outlined clearly. How fire safety education and training for these staff members will be conducted needs to be written out in fire safety plans.
Designated fire wardens must be able to answer the following questions comfortably:
· Do they know the fire escape plan?
· Do they know the chosen meeting place in the event of a fire?
· Do they know the location of the nearest fire extinguisher?
· Do they know the location of the nearest fire alarm station?
· Do they know the location of the nearest two exits?
· Who needs to be notified in the event of an emergency?
· Who are the mobility-impaired employees on their teams?
It is imperative that this information be made public so the building owner and employees are on the same page about fire safety.
4.Fire Hazard Preventative Measures
Fire safety plans should contain information about the necessary steps needed to prevent and control fire hazards within the building.
If you’re not sure what fire hazards exist onsite, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a fire specialist who will conduct a hazard audit.
Depending on the type of business done on the premise, fire hazards could be anything from combustible substances to electrical appliances/wiring.
5.Building Fire Systems Maintenance Procedures
Statistics reveal that there are more deaths within premises that don’t have functional fire systems than within buildings with well-maintained fire prevention systems. That is why it is critical to develop a routine maintenance schedule because it’s not enough to have a fire safety system installed, it must work at all times.
All fire systems must be tested – fire alarms, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, emergency exit lighting, and fire hoses.
After your hazard audit, the fire specialist who conducted your building audit can devise a routine maintenance plan for your property.
Illustrations of these fire emergency systems must also be present in the fire safety plans.
The Bottom Line
Fire safety plans help to create a safer workplace by potentially reducing fire-related injuries and fatalities.
Every time a building is renovated or remodelled, fire safety should be a key consideration. If your fire safety plan is outdated or your building has been recently refurbished, now is a good time to book an appointment with 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, sprinkler systems, and gas detection services.
Every facilities manager knows that preventative maintenance pays solid dividends over time, but they often overlook the building’s fire alarm system when scheduling these tasks. This is unfortunate since fire alarm maintenance checks can improve the performance and extend the life of your commercial fire alarm system. All that’s necessary is to design a maintenance schedule and assign it to a responsible individual, and you can expect your fire alarm to last and perform to its fullest potential.
For best results, try to organize your preventive maintenance checks into three categories, inspection, testing, and cleaning. Regular inspection spots any potential problems before they become critical. Testing ensures that your system is functioning correctly, and cleaning keeps your sensors and notification appliances operating smoothly.
1) Inspection
According to the Ontario Fire Code, keep your fire alarm equipment unobstructed while disconnect switches must remain in the locked position.
Daily inspections
Visually inspect the panel and annunciators for trouble and supervisory conditions. The panel should always be on and be operating on AC power.
Weekly inspections
If your fire alarm control equipment is unmonitored, you must visually inspect fuses, interface equipment, and LEDs.
Monthly inspections
Visually inspect the electrolyte level of any lead acid batteries.
Quarterly inspections
Visually verify that video image smoke and fire detectors have a clear view and that supervisory signal and water flow devices are in good physical condition.
Semiannual inspections
You should check for any trouble signals on monitored systems. Inspect nickel-cadmium and seal lead-acid batteries for corrosion, leaks, and the tightness of their connections to the equipment. Lubricate terminals when necessary. Verify the location and condition of your in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications equipment and remote annunciators. Inspect heat detectors, manual fire alarm boxes, duct detectors, air sampling tubes
Annual inspections
Visually inspect fire alarm equipment such as:
Alarm transmission equipment
All panel features on monitored panels
Notification appliance circuit power extenders
Remote power supplies
Area of refuge two-way communication system
Any fire mass notification system.
2) Testing
The Ontario Fire Code also requires monthly and annual testing for several aspects of commercial fire alarm systems.
Monthly
While the panel is operating under battery backup power, you should test the following devices and correct any faults that appear:
All signaling devices should be tested and operate properly.
Pull one manual fire alarm box each month on a rotating basis to verify that they initiate an alarm signal. When rarely used, mechanical plungers can stick. They perform better with periodic use.
Test the annunciator by clearing faults or silencing the alarm.
Verify audible and visual trouble signals.
3) Cleaning
Depending on your facility, fire alarm sensors may require more or less cleaning over the course of their useful lives. Buildings with a lot of dust can clog smoke and heat detectors, as well as notification appliances, such as horns or strobes. Restaurant kitchens can generate a lot of grease that may accumulate on your sensors and degrade their sensitivity over time. If your building is susceptible to this sort of problem, consider monthly or quarterly cleaning to keep your fire alarm functioning in optimum condition.
Timely inspection, testing, and cleaning can keep your building better protected and extend the life of your fire alarm system. If your responsibilities already keep you busy, you may want to consider delegating this task to a professional.
All Protect Systems, Inc technicians have been servicing and testing commercial fire alarms in Ontario since 1996. They are a full-service fire protection business and can also help with your extinguishers, fire safety plans, gas detection, and emergency lighting. Call them today to learn what they can do for you!
The factors contributing to workplace fires are vast and with employees’ lives at risk, it is critical to be aware of these causes so you can improve your workplace fire prevention strategies.
In this post, we’ve taken time to compile a list of 5 of the most common causes of fire in the workplace. Read till the end to see some of our top workplace fire prevention tips.
5 Common Causes of Workplace Fires
Workplace Fire Cause #1 Faulty Electrical Equipment and Circuits
Frayed, incorrect wiring as well as defective electrical equipment can all cause sparks and overheating making them potential ignition sources.
As a business owner, you must have clear answers to the following questions.
How often is the electrical wiring in your building assessed? Who is responsible for tending to electrical equipment and ensuring that it’s not faulty? What is the current response time for fixing unsound electrical problems?
Workplace Fire Cause #2 Negligence and Human Error
Out in the wild, 55% of all wildfires across Canada are caused by humans. In the workplace, human error still finds its place and can also lead to workplace fire incidents.
The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management has identified the top ignition sources as follows:
· Cigarettes which are the ignition source for 7% of all structure loss fires
· Open flame tools which are the ignition source for 3% of all structure loss fires
· Candles which are the ignition source for 2% of all structure loss fires
· Matches and lighters which are the ignition source for 1% of all structure loss fires
Workplace Fire Cause #3 Accumulation of Combustible Substances
Combustible wastes, flammable liquids, and hazardous substances are extremely volatile and should be safeguarded and stored as stipulated by corresponding OSHA standards.
Excess combustible materials are a major fire risk and must be kept and handled properly in the workplace.
Workplace Fire Cause #4 Deliberate Vengeful Acts
According to the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, arson – the criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property – accounted for 9% (6,489 fires) of total structural loss fires reported to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) between 2010 and 2019.
Workplace Fire Cause #5 Uncollected Refuse and Waste
Every business generates waste of some sort. From office trash right down to rubbish removed from employee kitchens and bathrooms.
Refuse cannot be allowed to accumulate on-site and needs to be routinely cleared out on a daily basis.
Now that we’re familiar with common fire causes, here are a couple of workplace fire prevention tips.
5 Best Workplace Fire Prevention Tips
Contrary to popular opinion, fire prevention doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It’s more about employing the best workplace fire safety practices and taking strategic precautions.
Here are some of the leading ways to mitigate workplace fire risk.
Workplace Fire Prevention Tip#1 Install Smoke Detectors
Fire alarms and smoke detectors are among your first line of defence in the workplace. The sooner smoke and fire are detected, the more time employees have to get out of the building.
How many fire alarms and smoke detectors should you install?
The number really depends on several factors:
the size of your premise,
the type of business taking place on the premises and,
the number of people in the building.
After a thorough fire inspection, the fire specialist can give you precise information tailored to your unique situation.
And speaking of fire safety systems in the workplace…
Workplace Fire Prevention Tip#2 Keep Fire Extinguishers on Every Floor
As a business owner, you are mandated by the local provincial Building Codes and Fire Codes to install workplace-appropriate fire extinguishers.
If you’re a business that deals with paper, textiles, cloth, rubber or wood, you run the risk of Class A fires and subsequently should have water-based fire extinguishers on site.
Those businesses with gas, oil, lacquer, or paint manufacturing operations are Class B fire threats and the type of fire extinguishers preferred here are typically carbon dioxide-based.
Industrial workplaces dealing with metals are considered Class D-fire risk businesses and should be equipped with dry powder-containing fire extinguishers.
If you’re unsure about which fire extinguishers you should invest in, consider bringing on board a fire expert to assist with the technicalities.
Workplace Fire Prevention Tip#3 Have Open Conversations on Fire Risk
Regularly discuss and remind your employees of fire risks and how to best prevent fires in the workplace.
Conversations around emergencies and the fire safety plan must be incorporated into workplace training.
Workplace Fire Prevention Tip#4 Teach Basic Fire Safety Techniques
It’s not enough to simply discuss workplace fire prevention with employees, however. You must take it a step further and teach basic fire safety techniques periodically.
Fire drills can also help to reinforce the message of fire prevention and the need to engage in good workplace fire prevention practices.
Make sure there is a designated fire warden chosen from among the employees and that a handful of people know how to perform First Aid.
Workplace Fire Prevention Tip#5 Do Not Store Flammable Substances On-Site
Do you have gasoline, solvents or indeed regular waste in and around your workplace? Each of these entities poses a big fire risk.
Do not keep flammable materials within the workplace.
If you do happen to use such substances, proper occupational health and safety protocols need to be observed and reinforced.
Trash needs to be routinely cleared and smokers warned not to throw the ends of their cigarettes into toilet bins, employee kitchen bins, or indeed anywhere that hasn’t been demarcated as a smoking zone.
The Bottom Line
Taking initiative to learn and promote good workplace fire prevention practices is noble.
If you’re interested in bringing your business up to standard your first step should be scheduling a fire inspection.
For businesses in Waterloo, Ontario keen to discuss fire safety strategies with a specialist don’t hesitate to reach out to All Protect Systems.
We 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.
No fire prevention discussion is complete without mention of the three staples – Engineering, Enforcement and Education.
Fire departments, fire specialists, and fire experts the world over have been using these three principles to guide their fire safety practices.
It’s not enough that these fire organizations and entities are aware of the Three E’s. This information must be disseminated to the general public as well. And that’s exactly what we are doing with today’s post.
Origins of the Three E’s of Fire Prevention
Today, the Three E’s have been adopted as fire prevention best practice by most countries around the world including Canada. But who devised this system and what was the backstory?
The three-day conference brought together a host of experts in multiple fields including fire service, military, government, business and higher education.
The result of their discussions was a comprehensive fire prevention plan that addressed fire safety. It was noted that fire prevention was possible so long as efforts were made in three specific areas which were nicknamed the “Three E’s.”
So, what are these Three E’s anyway?
Breaking Down the Three E’s
First E – Engineering
The engineers at the 1947 National Conference on Fire Prevention were quick to point out that tackling the issue of fires needed to start by taking a close look at how buildings were erected.
It wasn’t hard to see that the lack of laws governing safe building design was a major hazard. So, engineers were tasked with the responsibility of coming up with safe building designs and establishing construction standards.
The goal of the first E was to regulate how buildings were constructed by having everyone follow the same sound engineering principles, OSHA standards and use fire-resistant materials.
Because of Canada’s own tragic fires such as the Great Porcupine Fire of 1911, the Matheson Fire of 1916 and the Great Fire of 1922, the country was ahead of the U.S. and had in fact enacted the first version of Canada’s National Building Code in 1941. Over the years amendments have been made to the Code. And the Building Code in use today is the 2015 edition.
Second E – Enforcement
Why is there a need for enforcement?
You would think that by having fire laws in place everyone would comply. Unfortunately, you only have to look at the news to see the scores of fines that are handed out each year to realize that enforcement is a much-needed part of fire prevention.
Sadly, some of the biggest Fire Code breakers are building companies and property managers who should know better.
Fire Codes and Building Codes are not there to make life harder for people. They exist to simply protect everyone in the community. As such, they are not suggestions but regulations that must be observed at all times.
Third E – Education
What does it mean to educate people about fire prevention?
Simply put, educating the public on fire prevention means giving systematic instruction and guidance about fire issues. It consists of making people aware of how to prevent fires and how to react in the event of a fire.
If you plan on creating content such as educational videos, blogs, or flyers here are sample questions to help you establish a series of talking points.
· Do people know how fires start?
· Are people aware of how to safely put out small fires in the home or workplace?
· Can the public identify fire safety systems?
· Are they familiar with fire safety practices?
· Do they have home and workplace safety plans?
· Can they use a fire extinguisher?
· Do they know how to contact the local fire department?
As you go through these questions, jot down any ideas of possible topics you may wish to explore and expound upon as they come to mind.
Fire Prevention is Everyone’s Responsibility
Fire prevention should be a country-wide affair. More effort needs to be made to educate people beginning with children and going all the way up to seniors. Assuming people are aware of fire and life safety is like treading on very thin ice.
In schools and workplaces, fire prevention and fire safety training can be done through systematic drills which help to condition reflex action.
The more children and adults know, the faster their response in the event of an incident, and the higher the chances of making it out of a fire alive.
As one of Ontario’s premier fire experts, we always advise people to begin their fire prevention efforts by having an inspection done. Fire inspections of homes and workplaces serve to identify potential fire hazards and provide solutions.
Following on from the fire assessments, we also recommend clients ensure they have a fully functional safety plan.
A fire safety plan is simply a structured document that details fire safety information for a particular building or property. Think of it as a plan that outlines how people will evacuate a building in the case of fire, highlights the maintenance requirements of the building, and ways fire will be controlled if it does occur.
If you don’t have such a safety plan in place, don’t worry. We can assist you in coming up with a tailored safety plan that reinforces these Three E’s.
The Bottom Line
A quick look at the latest figures from Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General and we’ll see that fires are still a grave threat. Fire prevention for the home and workplace are topics that need to gain more media traction. Together we can make a difference.
If you’re concerned about fire safety and are searching for robust, intuitive, affordable fire prevention solutions in Waterloo, Ontario consider All Protect Systems.
We 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.
If you don’t, it’s high time to invest in fire prevention measures and bring your house up to OHSA standards.
To give you an idea of the need for better fire safety mechanisms in residential spaces here’s a brief summary of the current state of affairs and general home fire things to know:
So, what are some easy, hassle-free ways to fire-proof your home?
Let’s examine our top five recommendations.
Recommendation #1 Conduct a Home Fire-Proof Assessment
Do you know that there are on average 24,000 residential fires every year across Canada? On top of that, there are about 3,048 associated injuries and an estimated 377 corresponding fatalities.
These are worrying figures indeed. But what’s even more concerning are the people who are ignorant of the fire readiness (or lack) of their homes.
That’s why for us, step 1 in the fire prevention plan for your home should be to conduct an in-depth fire-proof assessment. You will only know for sure how safe your house is after a comprehensive evaluation from fire specialists.
Most fires can be prevented if residents are aware of the potentially hazardous issues and rectify them early on. With specialists such as All Protect Systems only one phone call away, don’t wait any longer to book a fire system inspection.
Recommendation #2 Mount Fire Extinguishers Around the House
Fire extinguishers aren’t created equal. They are designed with a specific fire in mind. As fire specialists, we advise all our clients to invest in several fire extinguishers for their home.
Water-based extinguishers because they are capable of putting out Class A fires that involve wood, plastic, paper, rubber and cloth.
If you use gas in the home we suggest getting carbon dioxide-based fire extinguishers/dry chemical fire extinguishers as they are capable of extinguishing Class B fires which generally have as an ignition source gas, oil, or paint.
If you work with power tools, make sure you have a liquid-based fire extinguisher/carbon dioxide fire extinguisher somewhere in the garage.
For your kitchen, you’ll want a wet chemical fire extinguisher as it can easily douse Class K fires that are caused by hot oil, grease or fat.
If you’re still not sure which fire extinguisher to get, you can consult one of our fire experts. We would be happy to make additional suggestions.
Recommendation #3 Install Fire Sprinkler Systems
Has it ever occurred to you that a fire might break out in your home while you’re not there? It’s a scary thought indeed. But it’s not one you need to fear if you have a fire sprinkler system installed.
Fire sprinkler systems are great ideas for homes with invalids or elderly residents who may not be able to make a quick dash to the closest fire extinguisher.
The automatic nature of the fire sprinkler system will kick in as soon as a fire is detected. During your home assessment, the fire system expert will be able to make suitable recommendations of where the fire sprinkler system can be installed throughout your residence.
Recommendation #4 Invest in a Smoke Alarm
Do you currently have a smoke alarm installed in your home? Yes? No?
If yes, when was the last time it was serviced? Is it even functional? If you can’t answer any of these questions, it’s time to schedule your annual maintenance inspection
And if you don’t have a smoke alarm, it’s time to invest in one.
Research has shown us that in homes with smoke alarms, the number of fatalities during fire incidents is significantly much lower than in homes without such systems.
What you need to remember about smoke alarm installation is that this is a one-time installation that will only require one annual checkup. What might seem expensive at onset will prove to be an invaluable investment over the years. Look at smoke alarms as a type of home insurance if you’d like.
Recommendation #5 Clear Combustible Vegetation Around the House
What type of vegetation is around your property? Do you have flammable plants? Grasses? Piles of wood nearby? All these can be very dangerous.
You’ll want to ensure you create a line of defense around your property that acts as a fire break in case of any rogue fires.
You’ll also want to make sure that the material that makes up your driveway and encircles your house is of crushed stone.
It’s a good idea to keep your lawn neat and trimmed and no higher than 10cm. It should also be well-hydrated particularly during the hotter months of the year.
Bonus Recommendation: Fire Doors Can Be Game-Changing
According to SGI Canada, the rooms in which fire is most likely to start are the living room, the bedrooms, and the kitchen.
With that said, what can be done to contain fires in these areas should it break out? Well, for kitchens we suggest fire doors.
“…a type of door that has been built to withstand direct exposure to fire for an extended period without allowing the fire to move to the other side of the door.”
These purpose-built doors act as both heat shields and inhibitors against the spread of fire. OSHA standards stipulate that each emergency exit in your home or place of residence should be protected by a fire door.
The Bottom Line
There can be no doubt about the fact that prevention is better than cure. We encourage homeowners and landlords to be proactive in their efforts to fire-proof their homes.
Making sure you’re one step ahead gives you peace of mind and potentially provides you with higher chances of survival in the event of a fire incident.
If you’re in Ontario and would like to discuss your fire prevention plan or the OSHA standards our technicians at All Protect Systems are always happy to help.
We pride ourselves on being fire specialists able to service, install, and maintain fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, and sprinkler systems.
Every tradesman knows that even the best tools are worthless without the proper training and experience, and fire extinguishers are one of the most effective front-line tools for fighting fires. In fact, Ontario Regulation 297/13 requires that any workplace subject to the Occupational Health and Safety Act must provide health and safety awareness training to employees and supervisors. Fire extinguisher training should be one of the cornerstones of any workplace safety program.
Once you understand the requirements, you may choose to hire a professional for your fire extinguisher training program. However, you may still wish to familiarize yourself with the basics before hiring a professional.
Discovering the Fire
Even the best fire alarm systems may not be as quick to notice a fire as an astute employee on the job. Before grabbing the nearest extinguisher, train your employees to first activate the fire alarm. Hopefully, there’s a manual pull station close to any flammable material or a nearby exit. If a fire alarm initiation device is not available, the employee should try to call the fire department and summon them immediately.
Confronting the Fire
Once the fire alarm has been activated, or the fire department has been called, the employee must decide if he can deal with a fire with a nearby extinguisher. The fire must be small enough for his extinguisher to handle, and he must have a clear and safe path to the nearest exit.
Train your employees to identify a safe evacuation path before approaching a fire. Once they begin to spray the fire with the extinguisher, they need to make sure not to let any fire, heat, or smoke get in between them and a safe exit.
P.A.S.S. Method of Fire Fighting
Once a member of your staff is ready to fight a fire with an extinguisher, they should employ the PASS method. PASS is a helpful acronym to help you remember how to operate a fire extinguisher during a stressful episode.
P is for pull the pin. Every extinguisher has a pin in the handle to prevent an accidental discharge. The operator must first pull the pin before squeezing the handle to dispense the extinguishing agent.
A is for aim at the base of the fire. It’s a natural tendency to want to spray the flames themselves since that’s what does the damage. However, that’s not the way to put out a fire. Aim the extinguishing agent at the bottom of the fire, and you target the fuel that’s generating the flames and put the fire out much quicker.
S is for squeeze the handle. Squeezing the handle pushes a button that allows the extinguishing agent to flow through the nozzle and towards your target.
S is for sweep. Don’t focus the spray on one portion of the base of the fire. Instead, sweep your aim back and forth to catch all of the potential fuel causing the fire to ignite. Even during an effective sweeping action, the fire could always reignite. If that happens, repeat aim, squeeze, and sweep.
Fire extinguisher training should be a regular and vital part of all employee training. Not only does it make them more capable of fighting a fire, but it also makes them feel like a more important part of the organization and team.
If you’re unsure how to set up your fire extinguisher training, the fire experts at All Protect Systems Inc can help you. They’ve been helping Ontario area companies with their fire protection needs since 1996. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
You don’t want to find out during a fire that your current sprinkler system isn’t functional.
Fire sprinkler systems are a major part of a building’s fire protection framework. Despite their pride of place as one of the basic fire prevention mechanisms, people rarely ever think about them.
In fact, it’s probable that building owners only ever give sprinklers a second thought when there is a leakage, it’s time to schedule a fire inspection or sporadic training drill for employees.
Well, we’re here to remind you of the pivotal role your fire sprinkler systems play and that you should be taking proper care of them.
Without further ado, let’s dive right in and discuss the top tell-tale signs that indicate it might be time for your business to get a new fire sprinkler system.
5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time To Invest in a New Fire Sprinkler System
Sign #1 You Don’t Remember When The Last Inspection Was
Make no mistake: If you can’t remember when the last fire inspection took place – there is a problem.
So, how often should your building be getting routine fire sprinkler checks?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as often as once every quarter. This means in a year, there should be on average one inspection every three months at the very least.
NFPA codes also stress that maintenance checks should be carried out on a weekly basis. For example, checking control valve positioning and making sure valves are in an ‘open’ position.
If you have no idea when the last inspection was, now is probably a very good time to have a certified fire professional come in and take a look.
Sign #2 The Existing Sprinkler System is Old and Outdated
Do you know how old your fire sprinkler system is? Are you aware of what type of fire sprinkler system you even have? Most business owners don’t know the answers to these questions off the top of their heads.
You see, the reason it’s important to know how old your system is and what type you have, is so that it can be replaced within the recommended timeline.
The life expectancy of an average dry system is 10 to 15 years, while that of a wet system is typically 15 to 25 years. Systems that carry nitrogen may outlast both dry and wet systems.
If your system is already more than 10 years old, it’s time to really consider an update because in this last decade, the fire protection industry has incorporated a wide range of innovative technologies into the newer fire sprinkler models.
If you want access to the latest features, efficiency, and peace of mind, it’s worth the effort of reaching out to a licensed professional to discuss your building fire protection needs.
Sign #3 Your Business Size Has Changed Over The Years
Perhaps you have more employees working in your building than when you first installed the existing fire sprinkler system? More often than not, fire prevention systems are tailored to fit in with the need – i.e. the number of people on the premises who have to be protected.
The more people you have, there is a corresponding need for a fire sprinkler system with a wider reach. So whatever system you currently have must be modified to accommodate the increasing number of people on site.
This doesn’t apply merely to your sprinklers but to the number of fire extinguishers and smoke alarms you have within the building.
Sign #4 Your Current Fire Sprinkler Requires Too Much Maintenance
Are you constantly on the phone scheduling another service call? Are you finding yourself spending a whole lot of money on touch-ups and maintenance?
We’ll be the first to tell you that if you find yourself needing to call in fire inspection teams for service calls – this is as clear a sign as any that it’s time to ditch the problematic fire sprinkler system. It’s costly for you to keep up with such service calls and the recurring maintenance fees.
Whether it’s because of leaks or there is a defect somewhere in the system, this should be a cause for concern on your part. Instead of having to worry about when the next breakdown is going to occur, give yourself the peace of mind you deserve by simply getting the old system replaced.
Sign #5 Your Building Has Been Modified or Upgraded
Has your building been modified or changed in some way, shape or form since the previous inspection? If so then the fire sprinkler systems also need to be changed in order to match the new building’s specs.
This is particularly true if you have knocked down or added new walls; remodeled the space; changed the use of the building and or the number of people now occupying the building has increased.
The fire sprinklers must be inspected to ensure they cover the new building adequately and that the modified design in no way affects the building’s basic fire prevention model and is capable of offering sufficient fire protection.
When else should your fire sprinkler system be fully retested? When a change has been wrought to:
· The backflow
· The water meter
· The public water supply system
Invest in a New Fire Sprinkler System
Fire risk is real and its ramifications can be disastrous and even deadly.
By taking the initiative to install new fire sprinkler systems, you are protecting both your business and your employees – not to mention being compliant with both the National Building Code and National Fire Code.
Get one of our All Protect Systems experts to come in and carry out a comprehensive fire inspection to assess your risk level.
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.
