Who needs one and how do you go about creating one?
A Fire Prevention Plan is simply a document that identifies workplace fire hazards such as combustible materials and heat-producing machinery. In addition, it names the employees tasked with the responsibility of mitigating the aforementioned fire hazards and outlines all protocols necessary for preventing any fires.
Each company’s FPP becomes an integral Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) resource that will guide employers and employees on secure fire safety workplace best practices.
The information contained in the FPP should be disseminated to all employees in both written and verbal form.
Now that we know what an FPP is, who needs one?
Who Needs a Fire Prevention Plan?
A Fire Prevention Plan is not obligated for all employers by OSHA/CCOHS but it is highly recommended for every business.
The only enterprises for whom a Fire Prevention Plan is compulsory are those employers who run operations where OSHA standards necessitate an FPP.
OSHA standards cover four main industries – general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture.
If your business falls into one of these categories, then there is a very strong chance that you will be required to have an FPP.
The best way to confirm is to check with your local fire department or fire safety specialist.
The Necessity of a Fire Prevention Plan
Each year thousands of workplace fires are reported to the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM). As it stands over 12% of all fires that happen across the country every year take place within a place of business.
Apart from structural loss, workplace fires can leave behind a trail of devastation, injuries and even fatalities. They can damage your brand and customer trust.
While the number of loss fires has been steadily going down over the years, fire threat still remains real. And as long as there is a threat of fire, there will always be a need for a Fire Prevention Plan.
5 Requirements of a Fire Prevention Plan
So, what are the requirements of an FPP?
In a nutshell:
· Identification of Potential Fire Hazards
· Identification of Potential Ignition Sources
· Protocols to Handle Dangerous Substances
· Appointment of Fire Safety Wardens
· Fire Prevention Plan in Written Form
Let’s examine each point further.
1. Identification of Potential Fire Hazards
One of the fundamental requirements of a Fire Prevention Plan is the identification of all substances or materials that could prove flammable or combustible.
Any element that could be deemed fuel for a fire is a potential fire hazard and needs to be properly handled to avoid any accidental discharges.
Once these fire hazards are known, it is imperative to provide procedures on how to safely store these substances and outline them in the FPP.
The different types of fire protection equipment that may be necessary for safeguarding these fire hazards need to be listed as well.
2. Identification of Potential Ignition Sources
In order for a fire to break out, three elements are needed – fuel, an ignition source, and oxygen. The fuel, which is often a flammable substance, must be ignited somehow, meaning there is always an ignition source.
Part and parcel of the requirements of an FPP is identifying potential ignition sources. One begins this identification process by asking a series of questions such as:
Is there machinery on site that can produce sparks?
Are there any open electrical elements that can create heat?
Are temperatures elevated in areas containing combustible substances?
You must make inquiries and probe to find any and all potential ignition sources. Once they have been identified, safeguarding mechanisms must be deployed in order to avoid incidental fires.
3. Protocols to Handle Dangerous Substances
If you are a business that deals with combustible materials how will your employees handle these? What are the processes that you will put in place to ensure these elements are safe, secure, and managed in a manner that mitigates fire risk?
How will the business make sure there is no over-accumulation of waste materials? How will waste materials be disposed of? Where will they be disposed of?
Every FPP is required to have these procedures clearly written out so that any employees new to the business will be brought up to speed regarding the handling of such substances.
4. Appointment of Fire Safety Wardens
In order for FFPs to work, they need the input and co-operation of employees. This means there are employees that need to be tasked with duties to do with reducing fire risk.
The first group of employees will be those involved in making sure fire hazards are known and dangerous substances handled and stored correctly.
Another specialized group of employees will need to be appointed to carry out routine maintenance of heat-producing equipment to ensure that its safeguards are in place and working as they should.
All the employees involved in these activities will need to be mentioned in the FPP. This is done for accountability purposes and so that other employees in the company know who is in charge of what.
5. Fire Prevention Plan in Written Form
The last requirement for a Fire Prevention Plan is that it should be accessible in written form and readily available for all your employees to read.
If you have less than 10 employees you can also communicate the elements of the FPP to them verbally.
Conclusion
Having a Fire Prevention Plan is one more layer of security added to protect your facility and employees. It increases employee preparedness and awareness of workplace fire safety procedures.
If you’re concerned about fire prevention for the home or of your business premises don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
All Protect Systems can assist you with fire safety plans, on-site routine testing, gas detection, inspections, and maintenance of fire protection systems such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting, emergency backup generators, and exit lighting.
We also make recommendations for fire protection solutions if you’re looking to upgrade your existing systems.
Fire safety inspections are a crucial aspect of life and property protection for every Ontario business. While you can perform routine inspections yourself, many local enterprises have chosen All Protect Systems, Inc. to do it for them. They have the training and expertise to identify and correct fire safety hazards in residential, industrial, office, and retail buildings.
Depending on the requirements dictated by the Ontario Fire Code, inspections may be necessary annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or even weekly. While such frequent inspections may seem onerous, there are several benefits to routing fire safety inspections, such as:
1) Life Safety
Approximately 70 people die each year from fires in the Ontario area, excluding the First Nation’s properties, and injuries average more than 700. While occasional fires are bound to happen, business owners should do everything possible to ensure that their properties are as safe as possible. Regular inspections of your fire alarms, fire extinguishers and hoses, gas detection, and emergency and exit lighting can help save lives in your building.
2) Property Protection
Buildings are a major financial investment, and even though they’re insured, downtime can severely impact your business operations. Don’t allow a minor fire to grow into something serious. Proper fire safety equipment and procedures can turn a potential disaster into a temporary inconvenience.
3) Legal Compliance
The Ontario Fire Code mandates periodic fire safety inspections of nearly every commercial premise. Depending on the occupancy type, yours may require weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annual inspections. While life safety and property protection are paramount, business owners and operators must also comply with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s requirements. The Fire Marshall can impose heavy fines or even shut down businesses for egregious fire code violations, and periodic inspections can prevent this unfortunate situation.
4) Insurance
Business ownership often involves enormous liability, so insurance coverage becomes a large part of operating expenses. Many insurance policies require proof of periodic fire safety inspections to maintain coverage. If the business owner can’t provide the inspection reports when submitting a claim for personal injury and or property damage, the insurance company may reject the claim. Instead of saving time and money by not performing the inspections, the business operator may get stuck paying for damages out of pocket.
5) Criminal Liability
Suppose a serious injury or death occurs on a business property due to faulty fire safety precautions. In that case, the business owner may be criminally liable if he can’t produce his required inspection reports. Of course, nobody wants to be held responsible for criminally negligent homicide, and you can avoid this nightmare by staying in compliance with all of your routine fire safety inspections.
6) Intercept Future Problems
Periodic inspection and testing of your fire safety systems can help you stay on top of your equipment. While the system may have been state of the art when installed, it may no longer adequately serve its intended purpose. In addition, changes in building use or technological advancements can make fire safety systems obsolete. Trained professionals can spot antiquated equipment and recommend better solutions to your fire safety needs.
Not only are routine fire safety inspections required by law, but they can save lives, property, and money over the long run. While you’re legally allowed to perform many of the inspections yourself, most Ontario businesses delegate the responsibility to expert technicians like the ones at All Protect Systems, Inc.
All Protect has been serving its community with the best fire protection services since 1996. They can customize a fire inspection schedule for all of their business customers, regardless of size. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
Commercial maintenance rooms contain the essential equipment that keeps your building functioning. Electrical, mechanical, data, custodial, and even storage rooms are susceptible to fires. While these spaces may not have the visibility or traffic of your revenue-generating locations, they still require regular monitoring for proper fire safety protection.
The fire experts at All Protect Systems, Inc have been keeping Ontario businesses safe since 1996. They can help diagnose and correct potential fire safety deficiencies, such as the following:
1) Holes in Your Firewalls
Building maintenance rooms often require new equipment, which usually comes with additional wiring or pipes. If these rooms have fire-rated walls, the wall membrane penetrations must be adequately fire stopped to prevent smoke and fire from passing from one room to another and spreading the fire.
2) Fire Extinguishers
While fire extinguishers can last several years, they require annual inspections. Maintenance rooms can get overloaded with unnecessary materials, and fire extinguishers can be obstructed from view or even knocked off the wall. The Ontario Fire Marshal can fail your annual fire inspection if your extinguishers aren’t in the right place or lack their yearly inspection tag.
3) Fire Hoses
If your building requires fire hoses, you need to be sure that they are in good condition and are long enough to reach your commercial maintenance rooms. Of course, you never want to put out an electrical or oil-based fire with water, but you can put out fires in some rooms with your building’s fire hoses.
Annual inspections of your fire hoses can reveal deterioration in the hose or damage to the hose nozzle. All Protect Systems recommends performing hydro-static testing on fire hoses after they’ve been in service for five years and every three years after that.
4) Smoke Detectors
Depending on their use, commercial maintenance rooms may require one or more smoke detectors. While you may have met the basic code requirements during the initial construction, changes to the use of maintenances or the addition of equipment may require additional smoke detectors.
Maintenance room alterations can obstruct smoke detectors and prevent them from sensing smoke during a fire. They can also degrade over time and require regular inspections.
5) Emergency Lighting & Exit Lighting
Required by code in most Ontario commercial buildings, emergency lighting must be tested monthly to ensure proper performance. Exit lighting in or near your maintenance rooms must be fully functional and visible. Damaged exit lights can be a fire hazard and require repair if visual defects appear.
6) Fire Doors
For commercial maintenance rooms with a fire rating, its door must also have the same rating. With heavy use, these doors can lose their rating. Fire-rated doors must have the following qualities:
Self-latching – When the latching bolt wears out, the fire marshal can fail your inspection.
Self-closing – Fire-rated doors must close by themselves, not be propped open, and be free from obstructions.
No gaps – Doors that routinely get slammed or impacted with heavy items can eventually lose position. Gaps can form and compromise its fire rating.
Labels – Fire doors and all of their attached hardware must have visible labels on them. The Fire Marshal can fail you for removing or painting over them.
Modifications – You aren’t allowed to make any modifications to a fire-rated door.
With enough due diligence, you can keep your commercial maintenance room’s fire safety protection up to code. However, if you want to delegate that responsibility to trained professionals, the experts at All Protect Systems are ready to serve you. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
Did you know that in Canada, 1 out of every 100 avertible house fires is fatal?
In spite of stricter building regulations and the use of materials that aren’t easily combustible, residential fires still occur.
According to SGI Canada, there are approximately 24,000 home fires each year resulting in at least 377 deaths and up to 3, 048 injuries every year.
We did a bit of research to find out what are the most common causes of residential fires so we can give you practical and potentially life-saving house fire prevention tips.
Here are our five top fire prevention tips (including a noteworthy bonus!)
Fire Prevention Tip #1 Install Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarm systems save lives. This is according to research published by scientists from Murdoch University and the University of the Fraser Valley.
In homes where there was neither a smoke alarm nor a sprinkler system, there were significantly far more injuries (2,469) versus 108 in residences with both a smoke alarm and a sprinkler system. (See Table 11 below).
The evidence is indisputable, it is much better to have a smoke alarm system installed than to live without one.
Once you have the alarm installed make sure you have it routinely checked and serviced at least twice a year to keep it in good working order.
Fire Prevention Tip #2 Invest in a Fire Extinguisher
In the Murdoch University research, well over two-thirds of the house fires in the study had no functioning life-safety systems including fire extinguishers. This led to 80% of the fatalities in the study sample.
On top of smoke alarms and sprinklers, every home should have a fire extinguisher of some sort. With the majority of fires starting in the kitchen, it is highly advisable to purchase a fire extinguisher that is suitable for putting out grease fires such as a wet/chemical fire extinguisher.
It is imperative that you also learn how to operate these extinguishers and have a good idea of which fire extinguisher to use for which type of fire. We’ve written a blog with fire extinguisher tips that will help you learn which fire extinguisher to use for which fire.
Fire Prevention Tip #3 Keep Matches and Lighters Out of Reach
The leading ignition source in fatal avertible residential fires is smoking materials – matches, cigarettes, and lighters.
Adults need to be responsible when smoking and ensure they dispose of burning cigarettes correctly. Avoid going to bed while smoking or indeed smoking while intoxicated. All hot embers should be placed in sturdy ashtrays and put out before the ashtray is emptied into the trash.
It is also wise to keep lighters and matches out of reach of young children in high cupboards that can be locked if possible.
Fire Prevention Tip #4 Practice Safe Cooking Habits
Are you aware of the fact that the number 1 ignition source in homes is cooking equipment (gas burners, stovetops) that ignite flammable materials such as oils and clothing?
Yes, most preventable fires start in the kitchen with an unattended naked flame.
So, what can you do to reduce this fire risk? One tip is to install stove top burners featuring heat limiting tech that regulates the element preventing it from reaching extreme temperatures.
Another tip is to adopt kitchen fire safety plans including practices like switching off any burners that are not in use.
Always turn off stove tops if you have to step out of the kitchen. Never leave a gas stove on even if you’re only going into the next room. You may get sidetracked and forget the burner.
Fire Prevention Tip #5 Inspect Electricity Cables Routinely
Do you have electricity cables running underneath rugs and in places you can’t clearly see them? That’s not good.
All cables are potential fire hazards and must be in sight so you can see whether they are frayed, overloaded, or damaged in any way that makes them dangerous.
Do not use appliances with broken plugs or cables that have loose connections. Always ensure plugs are in full working order and that cables are whole and not damaged.
Bonus Fire Prevention Tip: Develop a Fire Escape Plan
If a fire were to hypothetically break out in your home at this moment, what would you do? What is the protocol to getting everyone – including yourself – out of the burning building safely? If you have a double-story home, do you have escape ladders?
This protocol is what we call a home fire escape plan. Every family needs to have such a plan and practice it regularly so everyone has an idea what to do if the worst ever did happen.
What should you include in your fire escape plans?
– A couple of escape routes depending on where in the house people find themselves
– Tools people will need to assist them in escaping
– Lessons on how to use fire extinguishers and escape ladders
– First aid basics
– How to contact the Fire Department
The Bottom Line
We encourage everyone to take a proactive approach to house fire prevention. By taking preventative measures and having a fire escape plan in place, you and your loved ones can greatly reduce associated fire risks and the likelihood of death.
If you’re in Ontario and would like to discuss fire codes, fire extinguisher tips, or purchasing an emergency backup generator for your business or home, we’re always happy to help.
All Protect Systems are specialists in the service, installation, and maintenance of fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, emergency backup generator, exit lighting, fire safety plans, and sprinkler systems.
Like every other capital equipment investment, your fire alarm has a limited life span and becomes obsolete with the advent of new codes and technologies. Whether your system is on its last legs, or you proactively want to upgrade what you have for better performance, you can benefit from looking closely at the latest fire alarm system trends.
All Protect Systems, Inc has been installing and upgrading the fire alarms for many of the Ontario area’s leading companies since 1996. By keeping abreast of the technology trends in the industry, they keep their customer’s premises as safe as possible. Some of the most beneficial industry trends include the following:
1) Multi-Criteria Detectors
Many current fire alarm systems have separate smoke, heat, CO2, and light/flame detectors, and it’s not uncommon for them to be installed in the same room. Each device requires its own wiring, zone, and mounting box, adding to the installation cost.
Several fire alarm manufacturers now offer multi-criteria detectors to enhance fire safety, reduce installation labor costs, and limit the eyesore of multiple sensors.
2) Alarm Voice Notification
It’s normal to associate fire alarm audible notification appliances with the traditional horns that fire marshals want to be loud enough to drive the occupants out of the building. Though effective, it’s a stressful way to notify people of a fire and tends to induce panic in a situation when people need to remain calm.
Though voice notification systems have served customers well for more than 40 years, they have recently become more popular as building owners incorporate complementary mass notification systems (MNS) to alert occupants of other possible dangers. For instance, an MNS might direct the occupants to remain in place rather than evacuate.
3) Wireless Sensors
Wireless smoke and heat sensors have been protecting Ontario businesses for years, and their use continues to grow. Longer-lasting batteries and improved wireless transmission technologies make wireless sensors a more attractive choice for many buildings.
While a wired connection is still considered the most reliable, there are situations where running wire is cost-prohibitive. Many of the newer fire alarm panels accommodate a hybrid solution of both wired and wireless sensors.
4) Ditching POTS
While plain old telephone service (POTS) has served fire alarm panels well for decades, newer communication technologies are replacing them at a rapid pace. The two technologies that encompass the industry trend of replacement of landline communication include:
Cellular. The mobile communication industry is sunsetting 2G, and 3G networks, so many customers are upgrading to LTE communicators. While 5G is on the horizon, the LTE network promises to operate for at least a decade.
IP. Ethernet connections that relied on the building’s internet connection are usually only approved for fire communication when there’s another communication pathway, such as POTS or cellular. However, internet service has become much more robust and is a quick and reliable way to transmit emergency signals.
5) Gradual Upgrade
Many modern fire alarm control panels have excellent backward compatibility, so facility managers don’t have to upgrade their entire system all at once. By phasing in upgrades and additions, they can help defer costs over time and minimize the disruption to normal operations.
Whether you wish to upgrade your fire alarm gradually, replace it entirely, or install one for a new building, understanding the current industry trends can save you money and better protect the lives and property in your building.
If you’d like to know more about the newest technology trends in fire alarms, All Protect Systems, Inc can help you choose the best solution for your property. Call them today to discuss the possibilities!
Spring is a time of rebirth in nature, and we also use it as a time for cleaning, organizing, and setting new agendas in our lives. If you’re responsible for your building’s fire safety plan, spring might be the ideal season to evaluate and hopefully improve your commercial fire safety plan.
The Ontario Fire Code requires certain commercial buildings to have a fire safety plan, and if yours is one of them, you need to revisit your plan as changes occur on your premises. However, if you find yourself too busy to handle the details, the expert staff at All Protect Systems, Inc has been designing, reviewing, and improving commercial fire safety plans for Ontario are businesses since 1996.
Building Evacuation
Life safety is the most critical aspect of any commercial fire safety plan, and your number one priority is getting occupants out of the building during a fire. When revisiting your fire safety plan, make notes of any changes to the building structure or uses within it.
Perhaps new furniture has been placed in a lobby, or an office has become storage space? Ask yourself how these alterations could affect your fire risks or evacuation routes. Physical changes to the building or uses of building spaces may require an alteration to your building evacuation route or even a new fire exit.
Identify Hazards
As a building manager, your responsibilities include posting signs and keeping an eye out for faulty equipment that could ignite and start a dangerous fire. Your commercial fire safety plan must identify these hazards and educate the appropriate staff about ways to minimize danger.
The reasons for most commercial fires are surprisingly predictable. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), most accidental commercial building fires start from four basic causes.
Cooking equipment is responsible for:
65 percent of healthcare facility fires
61 percent in restaurants
38 percent in educational institutions
Avoid fires from cooking equipment by:
Cleaning up any grease buildup Up Grease. …
Properly maintain the equipment
Keep fire extinguishers nearby
Heating equipment, such as furnaces, boilers, and radiators, cause:
14 percent of fires in industrial buildings
11 percent in office buildings
Nine percent in restaurants
Avoid fires from heating equipment by:
Regular inspections
Preventative maintenance
Electrical equipment accounts for:
12 percent of office building fires
10 percent in stores
Nine percent of restaurant fires
Avoid electrical fires by keeping an eye out for:
Corroded wiring
Overloaded circuits (blown fuses or tripping breakers)
Daisy chained power strips or extension cords
Despite the reduction in smokers, smoking still accounts for:
Nine percent of office building fires
Seven percent in restaurants
Five percent in healthcare facilities
Avoid fires from smokers by:
Keeping smokers outside
Provide ashtray with sand for them to extinguish their cigarettes
Strictly prohibit any smoking around oxygen tanks
Encourage Feedback After Fire Drills
Fire drills can become a robotic experience, but it does force the participants to think about fire safety. Encourage the building occupants to share any ideas or concerns that they may have about fire hazards or the evacuation plan.
Even if they don’t have any ideas on hand, your request can encourage them to give the matter some thought. Everyone who works in a building should have an eye out for potential fire hazards.
While spring is an excellent time to revisit your building’s fire safety plan, fire safety should be a year-round priority. However, if you prefer to delegate fire safety planning to professionals, All Protect Systems can help you with all of your fire safety needs. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
Whether it’s inclement weather or a temporarily overburdened electrical grid, power outages are problematic for Ontario businesses. Suppose your building doesn’t have a backup generator during such outages. In that case, when the lights go out, your emergency lighting and exit lighting are essential for building occupants to make it out safely.
Is Emergency and Exit Lighting Required by Law?
Section 9.9.3.14 of the Ontario Fire Code mandates that any building required to have a fire alarm system must also provide emergency lighting for exits and access to exits. Additionally, any room that can host more than 60 people must also provide emergency lighting.
In buildings taller than 18 meters, the emergency lighting must maintain power for longer than two hours, while structures shorter than that only need to provide illumination for more than 30 minutes. The power source for this emergency lighting must be separate from the building’s primary electrical power and activate when the regular supply is interrupted.
Is Emergency Exit Lighting Just Another Burdensome Government Regulation?
A Harris Poll conducted in 2017 questioned more than two thousand US adults about their confidence in safely exiting their workplace during a power outage, and more than one third responded expressed concern. Half of the respondents felt that navigating the stairs would be especially difficult during a power outage.
Forty-two percent admitted that they probably couldn’t properly execute their building’s emergency evacuation plan without enough illumination. Emergency lighting and exit lighting are not just another arbitrary government regulation. They are vital aspects of building safety that many building occupants desperately need.
Are There Different Types of Emergency Lighting?
Several types of emergency lighting are available to address different needs. The most common are external and internal bulkhead emergency lighting fixtures connected to the building’s main primary electrical source. When the main power is cut off during a general outage or from a damaged wire, the emergency devices operate on local battery power and illuminate the path to safety.
LED lights are increasingly popular due to their lower power consumption, and many companies proactively upgrade to them. Illuminated exit signs also operate on batteries after disruption of the primary electrical power. For structures with floor level changes and stairways, photoluminescent floor discs, paint, and tape can provide excellent visibility in dimly lit areas or under smokey conditions.
Where Is Emergency Exit Lighting Required?
Each building is unique, and the Ontario Fire Marshal has the final say on the subject. Still, you should provide emergency lighting to illuminate the following areas:
Any equipment that gets shut down during an emergency
All exit doors
Elevators
Any area larger than 60m²
Do Emergency and Exit Lighting Require Maintenance?
Though often overlooked, building owners and facility managers must schedule regular inspections and testing of their emergency and exit lighting equipment to ensure proper functionality in the event of an emergency. By contracting a professional, you get trained technicians that can perform the following services:
Regular testing and inspections. Ontario requires monthly inspections and functionality tests for emergency lighting systems, and you need to repair or replace any equipment that doesn’t perform correctly.
Maintain detailed records. The Ontario Fire Marshal may wish to review records of inspections and testing. Building owners need to have these documents on hand when he requests them.
Designing, maintaining, and upgrading your emergency and exit lighting system saves lives and is required by law. The technicians at All Protect Systems, Inc are experts in the field. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
Most people tend to think of a fire extinguisher as a one-time purchase that lasts forever as long as you don’t have a fire. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, and many would-be firefighters find out the hard way that the fire extinguisher that has been waiting patiently for years doesn’t work when desperately needed.
If fire preparedness is part of your job responsibility, you must ensure that all fire prevention systems are working correctly. Your equipment may not work correctly without regular testing, maintenance, and fire extinguisher recharging.
If you’re unsure about the schedule requirements necessary to keep your extinguishers up to code, you could benefit from professional assistance. The fire experts at All Protect Systems, Inc have been servicing and recharging fire extinguishers for Ontario businesses since 1996.
What Is the Fire Extinguisher Recharging Process?
First of all, only trained professionals should perform fire extinguisher recharging. The technicians at All Protect Systems, Inc have the training, equipment, and experience necessary to ensure that your extinguishers have the proper extinguishing agent and are in top condition. During their maintenance and recharging process, their technicians perform the following procedures:
Depressurize the extinguisher and remove all of the agent
Remove the:
Discharge valve from the cylinder
Siphon tube from the valve
Valve stem from the spring
Clean the valve
Insert a new o-ring gasket on the valve
Examine the extinguisher from top to bottom for any visual signs of excessive wear or physical damage
Reinstall the valve with a new stem, so it can maintain a seal and prevent pressure loss.
Fill the extinguisher’s tank according to the weight specified by the manufacturer’s instructions with the proper agent such as water, foam, carbon dioxide, powder, and wet chemicals
Re-pressurize the extinguisher tank to the manufacturer’s pressure specifications with the correct gas
Check for pressure or agent leakage during a leak test
Reinstall the hose or nozzle
Re-weigh the extinguisher to ensure that it’s within the manufacturer’s specified range
Install a new tamper seal on the safety pin and a new service tag indicating that the date of the recharge, total weight, and name of the servicing technician
How Can You Tell if Your Fire Extinguisher Needs Recharging?
If you’ve used your fire extinguisher, recharge it immediately, and even the smallest discharge can compromise the unit’s pressure. However, that’s not the only instance it should be recharged. Fire extinguisher recharging is also necessary when any of the following circumstances appear:
Low-pressure reading
Operating instructions are illegible
Safety seal or tamper indicator is missing or broken
Visible physical damage or corrosion
Leaks
Clogged nozzle
Assign someone at your company to perform monthly visual inspections of all of your fire safety equipment and especially your extinguishers. If he notices any problem, be sure to call a licensed professional for immediate service.
Even if noticeable problems never appear with your fire extinguishers, you still need to have them inspected, serviced, and recharged according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. ABC dry chemical agents are the most common type of extinguishing agent, and they should be serviced and recharged at six and 12 years of the manufacturing date by a trained technician.
Who to Call When Service Is Necessary?
The expert technicians at All Protect Systems, Inc can handle all of your fire extinguisher recharging needs. In fact, they can service every aspect of your fire safety system, including:
Fire safety is a serious concern for every Ontario business, and you need the very best professionals to stay compliant with the Ontario Fire Code’s requirements. Call the experts at All Protect Systems, Inc today to find out what they can do for you!
Whether you’ve already scheduled your next fire system inspection or the Ontario fire marshal decides to make an impromptu visit, your building needs to up to code. The Ontario Fire Code spells out your obligations under the law, and different types of facilities have specific requirements for their respective fire systems.
Failing a fire system inspection can result in the closing of your business. While your building should be in code compliance at all times, fire marshals are even less forgiving when they schedule an inspection. If you need assistance with your facility, the experts at All Protect Systems, Inc have been preparing Ontario businesses for their fire inspections since 1996, with the following systems:
Make sure your building’s electrical system is functioning correctly and up to code. Electrical problems are one of the most common causes of building fires, so the fire inspector examines your electrical system closely. Inspections often fail for reasons, such as:
Missing cover plates for junction boxes or electrical outlets
Openings in circuit breaker boxes – Sparks or arcs can ignite nearby combustible material.
Unlabeled breakers
Using extension cords for permanent appliances
Extension cords stapled to a wall or furniture
Overloaded power strips
Daisy-chained surge suppressors
Unlabeled and unaccessible main electrical panel
You should correct these items before any fire inspection. Call an electrician if necessary.
2) Keep Exit Pathways Clear
Fire marshals understand that occupant evacuation during a fire can be hectic and dangerous. They frown on any obstacles that prevent an easy egress from the premises. The Ontario Fire Code specifications regarding building egress include:
2.4.1.1.(2) Combustible materials shall not be accumulated in any part of an elevator shaft, ventilation shaft, means of egress – however, code does permit wooden furniture as long as it doesn’t impede the exit
2.7.1.7. (1) Means of egress shall be maintained in good repair and free of obstructions.
2.8.2.5. (2)(b) Hotels must have fire safety rules posted on exit doors of guest suites
3) Fire Alarms
Trained and licensed professionals must perform periodic fire inspections according to your building’s requirements. The company performing the fire system inspection should provide you with a written report that you must provide to the fire marshall on request. When the fire marshal has scheduled his own inspection, make sure of the following:
Pull stations are visible and accessible
The fire alarm panel is easily accessible and free of trouble or supervisory alerts
4) Fire Extinguishers
The Ontario Fire Code has detailed requirements for the type of extinguishers required and their testing, inspection, and maintenance. They need annual service and inspection by trained technicians, as well as the following:
Recharging or replacement if the extinguishing material is low
Hydrostatic testing of the cylinder or replacement every six years
Visually inspect your extinguishers each month to ensure that they’re:
Visible
Accessible
Rust free
Gauge is in the green area
5) Fire Hoses
You must provide documentation of annual fire hose inspections to the fire marshal upon request. Fire hose inspections check for issues, such as:
Excess debris
Mildew
Rott
Chemical damage
Cuts or abrasions
Preparation is the key to passing your next Ontario Fire Marshal fire inspection. If you don’t have the time to brush up on the latest code revisions, you can always rely on the experts at All Protect Systems, Inc.
Specialists in fire protection, All Protect’s technicians can see potential problems and solutions that you might miss. Call them today to find out what they can do for you!
Gas sensors, like any sensor that measures a variable value, require regular calibration. During calibration, gas sensors are tested to see if they can provide an accurate reading of the gas concentration to which it’s exposed.
If the gas sensor misreads the gas concentration, the calibration process automatically adjusts the sensor to read it correctly. Calibration ensures the alignment between the measuring instrument and the measured variable. Adhering to a proper gas sensor calibration schedule ensures that it reads gas concentrations correctly.
Why Do Gas Sensors Require Regular Calibration?
Gas sensors lose their accuracy through a process of calibration drift. Calibration drift refers to slow changes in gauge responsiveness. Over time, the sensor’s readings can become too sensitive or not sensitive enough. Numerous factors contribute to this drift, such as:
Environment. A gas sensor’s sensitivity suffers when operating in harsh environments or stored in extreme temperatures. High humidity or dense concentrations of air particulates can also degrade a sensor’s calibration.
“Poisoning.” Extremely high concentrations of the intended gas can also lead to calibration drift.
Time. As your gas sensor ages, the chemical composition and electronic alignment of your sensors degrade.
Damage. Unfavorable storage or operating conditions can damage a gas sensor. Drops, exposure to water, or other physical contacts can reduce sensitivity. Regular vibrations or the jostling of equipment result in excessive and premature calibration drift.
Eventually, the calibration drift is so extreme that you can no longer calibrate your gas sensor. At this point, you need to replace the sensor.
What Is the Correct Gas Sensor Calibration Schedule?
How often gas sensors require calibration is a common question, and it depends on various factors. The Canadian regulatory agency, the Occupational Health and Safety, recommends that owners follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and that the safest and most secure method of verifying a gas sensor’s reliability is daily testing by direct exposure to the targeted gas. This process is often referred to as a “bump test.”
However, your gas sensor calibration needs ultimately depend on your usage and application. Different users require unique gas sensor calibration schedules. Two divergent types of gas sensor users include:
Critical gas sensor user. An organization may require gas sensor calibration that it can present in a court of law. To remove any doubt about the accuracy of the readings, this user needs to calibrate the sensor before and after each test or series of tests.
Less frequent gas sensor user. Other organizations may use their sensors much less frequently. They may only use their gas sensors a few times each year for less critical situations. Such sensors only need require calibration after each use.
Most users fall in between these two extremes, so you should tailor a gas sensor calibration schedule to your needs. Always consult your manufacturer for their recommendations.
What to Consider When Setting Your Gas Sensor Calibration Schedule?
Besides manufacturer recommendations, you need to assess your gas sensor use when considering your calibration schedule. You may want to start by calibrating them once per week, and if they require minimal adjustment, you can extend the time between calibrations. If you notice that the sensor requires a larger adjustment, you should reduce the interval between calibrations.
Learning the behaviors and requirements of your gas sensors can take time. On the other hand, you can hire professionals to do it for you. The highly trained and experienced technicians at All Protect Systems, Inc. can handle all of your gas sensor needs.
Proudly serving Ontario since 1996, they can handle your fire alarm, fire hose, and emergency lighting needs. Call them today to find out how they can help keep your business safe!
