The Ontario Fire Code determines the quantity and type of fire extinguishers your building needs, and they base their requirements on the type of building you have. Derived from the International Fire Code and the California Fire Code, the Ontario Fire Code added a few amendments to come up with its own code for the city of Ontario. The Ontario Fire Marshal uses it to regulate the quantity and placement of portable fire extinguishers in commercial buildings.
While the Fire Marshal had to approve your fire safety protection systems before a certificate of occupancy could be issued, building uses and functions change over time. Those changes can often result in new requirements for the type, location, and quantity of your fire extinguishers. If you’re looking for expert and personalized advice, All Protect Systems, Inc. has been helping Ontario area businesses with their fire extinguisher needs since 1996.
Type of Building
The Ontario Fire Marshal determines the quantity and placement of your fire extinguishers based on several factors dictated by The Ontario Fire Code. The code specifies fire extinguisher requirements based on a building’s hazard classification level. The code breaks building hazard levels into the following categories:
Light (Low) Hazard. For buildings that house a low amount of Class A combustible material, the hazard level is considered low. Low hazard buildings can be offices, classrooms, assembly halls, or churches as long as the majority of their contents are either non-combustible or arranged so a fire isn’t likely to spread. However, small amounts of Class B flammables, such as printing materials for copy machines, are permitted as long as they are properly stored.
Fire extinguishers should be installed every 75 feet.
Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Moderate hazard buildings have greater amounts of Class A combustible material and Class B flammables than light hazard ones. The types of occupancies in this classification include classrooms, offices, allied storage, light manufacturing parking garages, auto showrooms, and warehouses These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops, or warehouses housing Class I or II commodities.
Fire extinguishers should be installed every 75 feet.
Extra (High) Hazard. Occupancies that store or use considerably more Class A combustibles and Class B flammables in production. These buildings engage in activities like auto repair, aircraft and boat servicing, manufacturing, flammable liquid handling, and warehousing or storage of Class I and II commodities.
Fire extinguishers should be installed every 50 feet.
Distance From Hazards
The Ontario Fire Code also requires that fire extinguishers be located near fire hazards. Fire hazards are also divided into different categories.
Class A Hazards. Common solid combustible materials such as cloth paper, wood, and certain plastics should have a fire extinguisher within 75 feet.
Class B Hazards. Combustible and flammable liquids like lacquers, oil-based paint, gasoline, and alcohol should have a fire extinguisher within 50 feet.
Class C Hazards. Electrical components or energized equipment that can combust should have a fire extinguisher within either Class A or B hazard distance.
Class D Hazards. Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, plutonium, lithium, and potassium should have a fire extinguisher within 75 feet.
Commercial Kitchens. When frying with vegetable oils or fats, fire extinguishers should be within 30 feet.
The quantity of fire extinguishers your building needs depends not only on the classification of your building but also on the particular hazards present within your facility, and it can be a daunting task to evaluate all of these considerations on your own. If you prefer to delegate your fire safety issues to professionals, the expert technicians at All Protect Systems can help you with fire alarms, emergency/exit lighting, inspections, gas detection, fire safety plans, and fire hoses. They’re waiting for your call!
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.
Fire extinguishers are a vital aspect of fire safety for both homes and businesses, and everyone should be aware of their maintenance, care, and use. Since most people never need to use them, it’s extremely easy for fire extinguisher myths to grow over time as they sit there waiting for their time of need. But fire extinguishers usually operate the best when you understand how they work.
Hopefully, this article can debunk five of the most pernicious fire extinguisher myths out there. If your business requires maintenance or training on your building’s fire extinguishers, the expert technicians of Ontario’s All Protect Systems, Inc. are ready to serve you. They’ve been offering fire safety products and services to their community since 1996.
Myth 1) Only one extinguisher is necessary for each building.
While the Ontario Fire Code does require a fire extinguisher in every building, one may not be enough. Each hazardous occupancy within a building must have its own extinguisher as well as every hazardous operation or process located outside the building. If you have any doubt, one of All Protect’s experts or the Ontario Fire Marshal can instruct you as to where you need to furnish extinguishers.
Myth 2) Fire extinguishers don’t need service.
The Ontario Fire Code requires that portable Fire extinguishers require regular inspections and periodic maintenance. Each month, a representative of the property should perform a visual inspection to ensure that the extinguishers are in the designated spot, accessible, free from physical damage and rust, and have clear, legible labels and unbroken seals.
Portable fire extinguishers need to be inspected annually in accordance with NFPA10 and Ontario Fire Code. In addition to regular inspections fire extinguishers also require maintenance every six years and every twelve years from the date of manufacture.
Every six years dry chemical extinguishers are required to be discharged, all components thoroughly examined and the extinguisher recharged. Every twelve years from the date of manufacture the extinguisher cylinder requires hydro-static testing (pressure testing with water) and internal examination. This ensures that the cylinder is free of defects and can withstand pressure. If it fails the test, then it would have to be replaced.
Myth 3) Fire extinguishers should be periodically tapped.
This myth comes from experience with older extinguishers that had chemicals that could cake and harden inside the tank. With these models, it was advisable to tap them with a mallet or turn them upside down and shake them to keep the mixture primed to operate correctly.
With the modern chemicals used in today’s foam-based extinguishers, tapping or shaking them is not only unnecessary, it can even be detrimental. No fire extinguisher manufacturer recommends agitating the contents of its products. Performing these sorts of actions on your extinguishers can damage them and make them less effective.
Myth 4) Fire extinguishers don’t need mounting on a bracket..
Fire Extinguishers shall be mounted securely on a hanger intended for the extinguisher, it is required that they be mounted so they are readily accessible in the event of an emergency. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires extinguishers to be mounted at specific heights depending on the size of the extinguisher. As an example an extinguisher having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so the top of the extinguisher is not more than 5 feet above the floor.
Myth 5) Any fire extinguisher can put out a fire.
Even though most fires look the same, several combustible items could potentially cause it, and fire extinguishers are equipped with different extinguishing agents to put out various types of fires. Your fire extinguishers must be the right kind for the type of fire hazard nearby. Fire types are divided into five basic categories: A-D and K, please see Kidde extinguishers for more information.
Are you trying to put together a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) to satisfy the varying OSHA standards?
Canada’sOccupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) alongside the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provide employers and employees with the legal structure outlining workplace safety standards and responsibilities. Adopted in 1979, the OSHA Act serves as a guide on how to create safer working environments for workers.
However, in order to understand which OSHA standards are needed to generate a Fire Prevention Plan, we must first be aware of what these standards are.
What are OSHA Standards?
Every country has its own regulations regarding safety.
In the United States, health and safety legislation is governed by the federalOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It is this regulatory body that issues the ‘OSHA standards’ in question.
The Canadian equivalent of OSHA is the CCOHS –Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety and it follows its own Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards. These standards are typically provincial and as Canada has 14 jurisdictions, each follows its own set of OH&S legislation.
Unfortunately, most Canadian organizations are not cognizant of this difference and mistakenly refer to OSHA standards in Canada when they in fact mean OH&S standards. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting however that many of these OH&S standards are very similar to the American OSHA standards.
With that in mind, let’s turn to the OH&S/OSHA standards that require a Fire Prevention Plan.
OSHA Standards Requiring a Fire Prevention Plan
Because industries are varied and the safety needs of each are unique, workplace safety has been classified into four main OSHA standards. These are:
General industry
Construction
Maritime
Agriculture
Where can you find OSHA standards specific to your industry?
While Fire Prevention Plans aren’t compulsory, all organizations are encouraged to have one. An FPP is only mandatory when explicitly demanded by an OSHA standard. For example, for those working in construction, standards that would necessitate a Fire Prevention Plan are use and storage of:
Armed with this knowledge, how do we go about creating a Fire Prevention Plan? Let’s explore.
3-Steps to Creating an Effective Fire Prevention Plan
Step 1: Situational Analysis
The first step is figuring out the OSHA standard(s) applicable to your industry and assessing what’s necessary to include in your FPP.
From here a careful analysis of your workplace/industrial site must be carried out. This is done in order to identify all major fire hazards.
Fire hazards are materials, substances, and equipment that augment the chances of an accidental fire starting.
Remember for a fire to occur there must be three main elements – fuel, heat and oxygen. So this step is key in identifying two of the three ‘fire triangle’ dangers.
That’s not all. But with identification comes protocol for handling and storing the dangerous materials as well as procedures on how to best safeguard ignition sources.
The type of fire protection equipment needed to control the identified fire hazards will also be spelled out in this step.
Step 2: Combustible Waste Management
There must be a plan in place to control the accumulation and subsequent disposal of combustible waste materials. Flammable waste substances should not be kept on-site for extended periods of time with no propositions on how to eliminate them.
A well-thought-out FPP will include strategies that detail how these substances will be removed from the site.
Under this step will also be guidelines for routine maintenance of the safeguards on all heat-producing machinery and equipment. These safeguards are pivotal in preventing the ignition of combustible elements identified in step 1.
Step 3: Employee Awareness
Because Fire Prevention Plans are employee-safety-centric, a core part of creating your workplace FPP involves carefully selecting the employees who will be responsible for equipment maintenance in order to avert incidental ignition of flammable materials.
Their names and respective job titles are to be mentioned in the FPP. So too are the names of those workers tasked with control of the fuel hazard sources.
Lastly, where employees are concerned, this FPP in its entirety must be made available to them in writing and stored in a place that’s easily accessible to all.
Employees have a right to be briefed on all fire hazards they will be exposed to as well as educated on the company’s fire safety plan.
Resources to Help You Write Your FPP
Drafting a Fire Prevention Plan can be difficult if you don’t know the local legislation concerning workplace safety.
If you’re in Ontario and unsure about OSHA standards, a consultation with your local fire department or fire specialist is in order.
In case you’re ready to get started with a rough draft, here are various FPP templates you can model yours after:
Alternatively, you can reach out to us at All Protect Systems we’re always ready to help.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re concerned about fire prevention for home or the workplace, the All Protect Systems team is on hand to give you the advice you need to boost fire safety wherever you are.
We’re also experts in the service, installation, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency lighting, emergency backup generators, gas detection and sprinkler systems, as well as the creation of fire safety plans.
According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, there were more than 110,000 fires in Ontario between 2010-2019, resulting in billions of dollars in damages and hundreds of fatalities. With both property and human life at stake, fire hazard identification is the responsibility of business owners, property managers, and every employee.
While a regularly scheduled inspection can help identify fire hazards, everyone working in a commercial facility should be able to spot potentially dangerous situations. Once you’re familiar with the most common ways fires begin, you and your staff should be able to easily spot the most common hazards and correct them before they ignite.
1) Smoking Materials
Smoking materials are the leading cause of fires in residential buildings. While Ontario law prohibits smoking in public areas, such as stairways, lobbies, elevators, and laundry facilities, most properties allow smoking inside private residences. In addition, property managers can post signs to remind tenants to use heavy no-tip ashtrays and not to smoke when in bed or when consuming alcohol.
2) Electrical Circuits
Fires from electrical circuits are a serious problem for all types of commercial buildings. The wire gauge size limits the amperage an electrical circuit can carry. While a fuse or electrical breaker should protect the wiring from overheating, employees and managers should be careful not to overload a circuit.
With the constant increase of power-consuming devices in offices, data centers, and plants, it can be tempting to daisy chain power strips to a single electrical outlet. Unfortunately, this is a fire hazard, and you should avoid this by having an electrician install additional electrical receptacles. Managers should periodically conduct an inspection for overloaded circuits and educate their employees on this fire hazard.
3) Combustible Materials
Materials like paper and cardboard are highly combustible and provide fuel for a fire to spread. If stored in a poor location, they can turn a small fire into a devastating one. Managers should develop a routine that encourages employees to dispose of such materials as quickly as possible.
Remember not to store combustible materials in hallways or near exits. They can impede personnel from safely escaping during a fire.
4) Flammable and Combustible Liquids
The susceptibility to burn makes liquids flammable or combustible, and they’re classified by their flashpoints. While combustible liquids require higher than normal working area temperatures, flammable liquids can easily ignite at average working temperatures.
Both flammable and combustible liquids are common in most workplaces. Carefully store materials, such as waxes, polishes, cleaners, solvents, and thinners, in a locked and ventilated cabinet to prevent them from igniting a dangerous fire.
5) Cooking Equipment
Stoves and fryers used in restaurants are another leading cause of commercial fires. Therefore, staff should always monitor grease near an open flame.
Heavily used equipment like coffee makers and toasters are also responsible for fires. Restaurant management and staff should make sure they aren’t near combustible material when in use.
6) Heating Equipment
Property managers should consider heat pumps, boilers, heat lamps, and space heaters to be fire hazards and perform regular inspections on them. Management and staff should verify that they’re functioning correctly and keep them away from combustible or flammable materials.
Property and operations managers have a lot of responsibilities, and fire hazard identification often doesn’t get the amount of attention it deserves. However, regular inspection and maintenance of potential fire hazards should be an essential aspect of every business property.
Are you worried about workplace fires and keen to learn basic fire prevention best practices?
Stick around. You’re in the right place.
But first, let’s start with the bad news.
Workplace fires – though rare – still occur.
Data provided by the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General shows that of the 110, 811 fires reported to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) between 2010 and 2019:
· 5% of the loss fires occurred within industrial workplaces
· 3% within assembly businesses
· 2% within mercantile industries
· 2% within the business and personal services sectors
Source: Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
And now the good news.
There are effective ways to decrease fire risks including regular fire inspection, installation of a fire sprinkler system, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.
Before we get into how to evaluate your company’s fire risk and offer concrete fire protection solutions let’s consider the workplace fire basics you should know.
What You Should Know About Workplace Fires
In order to be able to put in place basic fire prevention systems in your workplace, it’s imperative to understand fire incident prevalence, fire causes, and the fire codes in place in your province. Here’s what you should know about workplace fires:
Fire Incidents
The Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General reports that in 2019, there were 6,698 structural loss fires and 4, 863 residential loss fires. Loss fires are those involving injury of persons, fatalities, and dollar loss.
These fires led to the deaths of 67 people and 793 civilian fire injuries. The resulting property damage was estimated at $968.9 million.
Source: Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General
More than 13% of these fires occurred within a workplace. While this paints somewhat of a grim picture, it is noteworthy to mention that the 2019 fire estimates were lower on average than in previous years. And there has been a downward trend with fires decreasing over the years.
The NFC lays out detailed instructions to ensure buildings are constructed in a manner that ensures hazards are mitigated particularly when putting up multi-story buildings using combustible materials.
So, now that you’re aware of the fire dangers in the workplace, how do you protect your business?
We’re glad you asked.
Here is our step-by-step basic fire prevention guide.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Reliable Fire Safety Plan
Here are five steps you can follow to create your own company fire safety plan.
Step 1: Identify Fire Hazards
You can hire specialist teams to go through your building checking for any and all potential fire hazards.
This fire inspection is critical in helping to eliminate prospective ignition sources such as frayed cables, wires running under carpets, and faulty appliances.
In addition, you may also want to consider putting up no-smoking signs and designating outdoor areas for employee smoking.
Step 2: Map Out Escape Routes
Your fire plan should detail the escape routes you have chosen. These routes ideally should be as direct as possible and the fastest/shortest way out of the building.
There should be enough exits and corresponding routes to accommodate the number of people working on the property.
Be mindful of emergency doors. They should be easy to open with no obstructions along passageways.
Step 3: Install Emergency Lighting
In the event of a fire, it’s not uncommon for a building to lose power. Power outages will leave employees in the dark and unable to orient themselves.
This is where emergency lighting comes into play. On top of using bioluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) safety signs, emergency lighting systems will help guide employees safely towards exit routes.
Step 4: Designate Team Leaders
Every department within a business should have a key person who is responsible for taking charge should a fire occur.
This person should be a level-headed individual, able to keep calm under pressure and supervise accounting for employees at the appointed safe meeting point.
This person also has the task of enforcing fire safety regulations around the office on a regular basis.
Step 5: Conduct Routine Fire Drills
Once you have perfected the details of your fire plan and put everything in writing, it’s time to communicate the plan with your employees.
A fire safety conference can be scheduled where the company fire plan is explained in depth.
From here, sporadic fire drills may be carried out to train employees and make sure everyone knows what to do if a fire were ever to break out.
Get Equipped Today
Don’t wait until something happens to take action.
By being proactive, you position yourself strategically and give your employees and business the best chance of survival and recovery post-fire incidents.
Make sure your company is adequately prepared and has sufficient fire protection systems in place such as emergency backup generators, fire sprinkler systems, and fire alarms.
For all your fire inspections and fire prevention solutions in Waterloo, Ontario think All Protect Systems.
We offer a comprehensive line of fire alarm systems, fire warning solutions, emergency backup generators, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, exit lighting, fire safety plans and sprinkler systems.
“…any machine that converts mechanical energy to electricity for transmission and distribution over power lines to domestic, commercial, and industrial customers.”
There are two types of generators to be aware of:
(i)Standby Generators
To comply with local fire codes these generators require professional installation as they are hooked to your premise’s main utility panel and wired into your electrical system.
They consist of a trigger that switches on automatically when the power goes out.
In addition, they are fueled by natural gas, propane or gasoline.
(ii)Portable Generators
These are manually-operated emergency generators that do not need professional installation. Whatsmore, they simply use gasoline as the main fuel.
Generators also come in different sizes and power outputs depending on the needs of your home or business.
Lastly, all generators should be operated from outdoors because of health and safety reasons – high potential for release of noxious gases such as carbon monoxide.
Ontario’s Increasing Power Outage Problem
Power outages used to be uncommon within the Ontario region and almost non-existent. We have evidence of this from theElectricity Outage and Reliability Studypublished by the Ontario Energy Board in 2010.
In the report we read that, “On average, Ontarians experienced just over onepower outage every quarter, or 4.78outages per year.”
Fast forward seven years however and the number of outages has gone up considerably. In fact, Ontario now leads Canadian provinces in terms of having the highest number of power outages.
In the 2017 Canada Blackout Tracker report, there were 177 reported cases of power loss. And comparing this figure against that of previous years its safe to say the number of power outages is on the rise:
Source: Eaton, Canada Blackout Tracker report
So, now that we’ve established that outages are on the rise, who are the people most in need of an emergency backup generator?
Ontario’s Most Vulnerable Residents and Businesses
There is definitely an urban/rural divide when it comes to power outage patterns. If you live in Ontario’s rural extremities or have a business in said parts, you’re more likely to suffer from power problems than similar businesses located in urban areas.
These differences are most reflected when examining regional discrepancies.
Eastern Ontario
The Energy Board’s findings are that residents of Eastern Ontario are more likely to experience far more outages than their contemporaries in other parts of the province.
Eastern Ontarians also report much longer power outages than the others. Consequently, satisfaction levels are generally much lower in this region of Canada.
One of the major reasons leading to frustration by Eastern Ontarians is the lack of ability by distributors to answer questions regarding why there are so many outages as well as the expected duration of outages.
Northern Ontario
Those in Ontario’s north also experience long power outages. However, in spite of this fact, they were typically not as frustrated as Eastern Ontarians because they are more often able to speak with an actual person and have their concerns heard and questions answered.
We can therefore deduce that residents of rural areas and businesses operating in the rural parts of Ontario stand to benefit from purchasing an emergency backup generator.
This leads us to additional reasons to invest in an emergency backup generator.
3 Reasons to Buy an Emergency Backup Generator
Here are three top reasons you should purchase a backup electricity solution.
Reason #1 Growing Adverse Climate Conditions Across the Province
Ontario has been experiencing very high summer temperatures. In fact, summer 2020 was one of the hottest on record since 2013.
And it’s not just the heat that’s causing problems but the cold too. Headlines such as the ones below have become commonplace in the last decade:
Because of climate change, these adverse weather patterns are likely to continue in the coming years. So, if you’re a business owner, especially one in manufacturing where downtime can lead to costly loss, you don’t have the luxury to wait until the power comes back on. You need an emergency backup generator now.
Reason #2 You or a Family Member Use an Electrically-Dependent Medical Apparatus
In 2020, there were 6,835,866 people aged 65 years and above including 11, 517 centenarians in Canada. Those aged 65 and older made up 17.5% of the country’s population.
Thousands within this age group rely on medical equipment such as respirators, ventilators, oxygen generators, and home dialysis equipment that require a power source to function.
Loss of power can prove fatal for residents depending on these devices to sustain them. This is why having an emergency generator cannot be overlooked if you or a loved one use an electrically powered device.
Reason #3 Power Outages are Extremely Expensive
Did you know that the average cost of downtime for organizations is around $100,000 for businesses with more than 1,000 employees?
Further breaking this down, the cost per minute of an unplanned outage has gone up from $5, 617 in 2010 to a staggering $8, 851 in 2017.
It’s not hard to see that these power outages are both extremely inconvenient and costly affairs.
The Bottom Line
Uptime is a non-negotiable for businesses in today’s climate. Don’t wait to find solutions when unplanned outages take place.
Ensure your home and business are properly protected against both fire hazards with fire prevention for home solutions and power outages with emergency backup generators.
If you’re on the hunt for efficient 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 and sprinkler systems.
Gas detection service is real-time monitoring of your commercial facility’s gas detectors. Similar to fire or burglar alarm monitoring, a gas detection monitoring service can alert the appropriate personnel when an unsafe concentration appears in your facility. Rather than constantly checking on their condition, you can hire a professional monitoring company to do it for you.
If you’re a landlord renting a residential space in Ontario, the Ontario Fire Code requires you to provide a carbon monoxide detector in each unit if the following conditions are met:
If a fuel-burning appliance is located in the dwelling, a carbon monoxide detector must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area.
If the building contains a service room, both the service room and the areas adjacent to sleeping quarters within the apartments must have carbon monoxide detectors.
Apartments in a building with a garage also require carbon monoxide detectors next to bedrooms.
An average of 11 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning in Ontario each year. Carbon monoxide detectors with monitoring can help reduce that number.
2. Chemical Plants
Chemical manufacturing can produce noxious gases that irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. If someone in the plant inhales air with a large concentration of harmful gas, he can suffer from nausea and even lose consciousness and die. Even non-toxic gases can displace oxygen and suffocate anyone in the area.
The chemicals that produce these gases are stored in chemical containers that can be easily transported around the plant. Therefore, portable gas detectors make sense since they can accompany the substances they’re monitoring throughout the building.
3. Oil and Gas Sector
Every phase of oil and gas operations involves dangerous and combustible gases that can explode when subjected to high temperatures. During the extraction, refinement, or transportation of petroleum products, explosions and fire are always possible when gas levels become too high.
The Ontario Fire Code requires gas detectors in all refining facilities. These gas detectors should be placed in strategic locations to detect the buildup of these dangerous gases.
4. Distilleries
Alcoholic beverages are created through the fermentation and distillation of agricultural grain products. The grain mash is heated during the distilling process until the alcohol vaporizes for collection in a cooling condenser.
Unfortunately, the process creates ethanol gas which can build up to dangerous levels. Therefore, gas detectors are critical and required by law to monitor gas levels within the distillery.
5. Mining
Mining operations can generate unsafe levels of toxic and combustible gases like methane and HS2. Mines can also develop high levels of other gases, which can displace oxygen and asphyxiate the mine workers.
Gas detectors with appropriate monitoring reduce the risk of dangerous explosions and ensure the mine has plenty of oxygen-rich air.
6. Semiconductor Factories
Semiconductor production requires gases throughout the manufacturing process in the wafer dryers, wafer reactors, and gas cabinets. Gas is necessary for photolithography, doping, deposition, and etching. More specifically, the gases catalyze the molecules of the semiconductor wafers to produce the diodes and transistors.
Dangerous levels of these gases can lead to catastrophic results, and IoT toxic gas detectors are the best way to monitor them. Well placed and monitored detectors can prevent the spread of the gas and even detect the source.
If you’re operating any type of business that requires gas detection, consider a professionally monitored system. The gas detection experts at All Protect Systems are pleased to offer their assistance. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
