Are you wondering which is the most effective fire extinguisher? And, you’re not sure between powder, foam, and water canisters?
You’re not alone.
With five classes of fire extinguishers and five main fire extinguisher types, the answer isn’t always obvious.
Knowing what distinguishes these extinguishers is important in order to be able to successfully put out fires.
That’s why in this post, we’re going to dive into each respective fire extinguisher, discuss its unique characteristics, and how you can effectively use it to suppress fires.
So, without further ado, here are our top fire extinguisher tips.
What Makes a Fire Extinguisher Effective?
Choosing the right fire extinguisher for a designated fire is what ultimately renders the extinguisher of use. To effectively quench a blaze you must take care to select the correct fire extinguisher.
Why is this key?
Because fire extinguishers are designed with specific fires in mind, hence the classes. There are at present five classes of fire extinguishers. And each fire extinguisher class corresponds to a type of fire that the extinguisher can put out. For example:
Class A fire extinguishers are ideal for ordinary combustible fires involving wood, paper, and cloth
Class B fire extinguishers are most appropriate for dousing flammable liquids like oil, grease, paint, and solvents
Class C fire extinguishers are engineered for putting out live electrical equipment fires think motor fires and faulty wiring fires.
Class D fire extinguishers are meant for combustible metal fires involving elements such as aluminum and magnesium
Class K fire extinguishers are designed to put out fat, oil and grease fires
Now that we’re aware of the fire extinguisher classes, let’s explore the five main fire extinguisher types.
The Five Main Fire Extinguisher Types
The major distinguishing factor for each of the following fire extinguishers is the fire suppressant agent within the canister.
1.Carbon-Dioxide Extinguishers
Extremely pressurized non-flammable carbon dioxide gas fills these types of fire extinguishers. A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher (CO2) is easy to recognize because of its characteristic hard horn as well as accompanying lack of a pressure gauge.
When to use one?
C02 fire extinguishers are meant for Class B and C fires involving flammable liquids or electrical fires only.
Laboratories, warehouses storing flammable liquids, and mechanical rooms would do well to keep CO2 fire extinguishers on hand.
How do they suppress fires?
They displace oxygen, a key element in fire, effectively causing the blaze to die down.
Fire extinguisher colour code?
Black
2.Dry Chemical/Powder Extinguishers
Dry chemical fire extinguishers (abbreviated DC) are often filled with mono ammonium phosphate powder and pressurized using nitrogen.
When to use it?
DC fire extinguishers are ideal for exterminating Class A, B, and C fires. It’s worth noting that some canisters may be labelled ABC while some only BC. ABC canisters will put out Class A, B, and C fires, while BC canisters only class B and C fires.
Because of their versatility, DC fire extinguishers are among the most commonly mounted in new buildings, offices, commercial centers, and cars.
How do they suppress fires?
DC fire extinguishers extinguish the fire by covering the ignited fuel with a layer of powder which effectively cuts off oxygen to the fuel causing the blaze to die down. This powder hinders the fire’s chemical reaction snuffing it out.
Fire extinguisher colour code?
Blue
3.Water Extinguishers
Water extinguishers are as their name implies filled with regular tap water which is then pressurized using normal air.
When to use it?
Water-based fire extinguishers are only to be used on Class A fires i.e fires where wood, paper or cloth are present.
Water-based fire extinguishers are never to be used on fires involving flammable liquids as they are not only ineffective but can even cause the fire to spread. The same is true of electrical fires, water is not to be used as it is a good conductor and there is a high risk of electrocution.
How do they work?
Water fire extinguishers eliminate the “heat” component needed for a fire (the other two elements being fuel and oxygen)
Fire extinguisher colour code?
Red
4.Chemical Foam Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers are also known as AFFF fire extinguishers and contain an aqueous chemical substance to suppress fires.
When to use it?
When attempting to douse Class A fires.
Foam-based fire extinguishers are some of the most eco-friendly options on the market because the foam is generally comprised of non-toxic chemicals.
How do they suppress fires?
The aqueous foam creates a long-lasting barrier between the fuel source and oxygen in the atmosphere sufficiently squelching any sparks that may try to reignite the fire.
Fire extinguisher colour code?
Beige/cream
5.Wet Chemical Gas Extinguishers
These particular fire extinguishers are charged with a solution of potassium.
When to use it?
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are designed for use against Class A and K fires. These fire extinguishers are best suited to tackle fire situations involving wood, paper, textiles, cooking fats and oils.
Wet chemical extinguishers are not to be used on flammable liquids, flammable gases, or live electrical equipment.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are recommended for use in commercial restaurant kitchens.
How do they suppress fires?
The potassium solution cools the fire and decreases the temperature thereby stopping the fire in its tracks. Where fats or grease are involved, the potassium salts in the fire extinguishers cause a chemical reaction – saponification – to take place when they hit the hot oil or fat. The resulting soapy foam is non-combustible and thus effectively suppresses the fire.
Fire extinguisher colour code?
Yellow
The Bottom Line
Each fire extinguisher has the ability to be effective if it is used to suppress a fire it was designed to put out. Using the wrong fire extinguisher can aggravate the situation. That’s why you should make sure that your business is equipped with suitable fire extinguishers. By using these fire extinguisher tips you can protect your business and home.
If you’d like some help with choosing the correct fire extinguishers for your business, our team here at Nutech Fire Prevention is on hand to meet with you for a consultation.
That’s not all we do, however. 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 for businesses in Hamilton, Ontario.
Have you ever wondered what the ABCs and 123s that you see on fire extinguishers mean? The proper term for these letters and numbering is fire extinguisher ratings.
But just what are they and what’s their significance when choosing a fire extinguisher for your business? Keep reading to find out and also to discover our top fire extinguisher tips.
Fire Extinguisher Ratings Explained
If you pick up a fire extinguisher and check its label, you’re going to see letters and numbers in a classification series. The format will look something like this 4A: 80BC
Here’s what you need to know about this rating.
The Underwriters Laboratory of Canada (ULC), a company renowned for its product safety testing, certification and inspection services, is responsible for issuing the ratings you see on fire extinguishers.
After subjecting respective fire extinguishers to a series of tests they accord each canister a rating that earmarks its designated use. And each rating will consist of a combination of letters and numbers.
What do the letters mean?
The letters are used as part of the fire classification system. The letter on the canister identifies which type of fire the fire extinguisher can effectively put out. For example:
Class A Fire Extinguishers smother fires where combustible products like paper, wood, or plastics are involved.
Class B Fire Extinguishers suffocate fires associated with flammable liquids such as oil and gas
Class C Fire Extinguishers extinguish electrical fires
Class D Fire Extinguishers quench fires comprising metals
Class K Fire Extinguishers douse commercial/residential kitchen fires involving grease and fats
What do the numbers mean?
Now that we know that the letters refer to the class of fire the fire extinguisher works best on, what about the numbers? What’s the number rating about?
This rating is best explained by using an example – 4A: 80BC
Let’s break down what this series of letters and numbers are telling us.
The letters are highlighting three classes of fire that can be suppressed – A, B, and C.
The numbernext to the A-rating tells us just how much water is in the canister. The 4 informs us that it contains about 16.5kg (4.5 gallons) of water.
The number (80) in front of the B and C represents the area in square feet that can be covered by the contents of the canister. In this case, this particular fire extinguisher can comfortably extinguish a fire over 80 sq ft.
So to put this all together, if we were to pick up a fire extinguisher labelled 4A: 80BC, we would immediately know from our understating of commercial fire extinguisher ratings the following:
This canister can handle fires involving paper, plastic, textiles, wood, gas, oil, and electrical fires. And that the fire extinguisher contains about 4.5 gallons of water and can effectively clear fire in a space of up to 80 square feet.
Are Ratings Really That Important?
Perhaps you’re asking if ratings are really that important. The short answer is yes, and here’s why.
If you get the rating wrong and select a fire extinguisher that’s not suitable for a specific fire you can worsen the situation.
How?
For example, if you mistakenly opt to douse an electrical fire with a water-based fire extinguisher, the odds of you being electrocuted are very high. This is simply because water is a good conductor of electrical currents.
Similarly, when using powder-based fire extinguishers, these should only be used in outdoor settings because their chemical reactions can make it difficult to breathe if discharged indoors.
As you can see, being aware of ratings is pivotal for effectively extinguishing fires. Knowing the commercial fire extinguisher ratings means you can identify which fire extinguisher will be most suitable for which type of fire.
Now, let’s turn our attention to some fire extinguisher tips.
Best Fire Extinguisher For Your Business
At this point you may wish to know which is the best fire extinguisher for your business or home?
As fire specialists in Ontario, we typically recommend that homeowners should settle for an ABC extinguisher because of its broadspectrum nature. It covers wood, textile, paper, plastic, gas, oil, and electrical fires.
Such extinguishers work by discharging a fine non-toxic powder that suppresses the fire and thus prevents re-ignition.
For restaurants, office buildings, malls, warehouses, manufacturing enterprises and garages we suggest going for Class D and K fire extinguishers.
Advice For Handling Fire Situations
According to the Canadian Fire Safety Association (CFSA), so long as a fire is small and within a relatively confined area, you can attempt to extinguish it.
However, once it grows bigger you should never attempt to extinguish it. Instead, your main priority and that of everyone in the building should be immediate evacuation.
Once everyone is out and has assembled at your chosen meeting place you may proceed to call your local fire department.
Fire Extinguisher Life Expectancy
Do fire extinguishers expire? You may have already checked on the UL label for an expiration date and not seen one.
Generally, fire extinguishers will last you a good 10 to 12 years before you need to replace them. However, they should be regularly serviced to ensure that they are in good working order.
How often should these inspections be? At least once a month the gauge on top of the canister should be assessed to ensure the needle is pointing to the green area.
In the event that you do use the extinguisher or it is damaged for whatever reason, it must be immediately replaced. Checking the state of your fire extinguishers should be part and parcel of your business fire safety routine.
Need Help Choosing Fire Extinguishers for your Business?
Here atNutech Fire Prevention we pride ourselves on being Hamilton’s leading fire specialists. We help home and business owners chose the most appropriate fire extinguishers for their premises. Get advice about fire extinguisher types and sizes and even a few fire extinguisher tips as well!
That’s not all as we also design custom fire safety plans, conduct on-site routine testing, offer employee fire training, carry out gas detection inspections, and maintenance of fire protection systems such as sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, emergency lighting, emergency backup generators, and exit lighting.
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.
Are carbon monoxide detectors important and should you have them installed?
Yes because carbon monoxide poisoning is the biggest cause of accidental poison-related fatalities in all of North America. And, according to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, more than 50 people die annually from CO poisoning with an average of 11 people in Ontario.
Furthermore, Statistics Canada puts the figure of those who have died collectively from CO poisoning between 2000 and 2013 at 4,990. It’s clear to see that CO is harmful. But why exactly is this?
CO is especially noxious because it presents itself as a colourless and odourless gas which makes it extremely difficult to detect without a special detector.
So, whether in a house or an office building, carbon monoxide detectors are important because they can save lives.
In this post, we’re going to dive deeper and look at:
What is carbon monoxide poisoning?
Where does carbon monoxide originate in a building?
Best practices to protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning
5 reasons to install carbon monoxide detectors
Let’s get to it.
What is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when unsuspecting individuals breathe in carbon monoxide for an extended period of time.
CO is harmful when inhaled because it has the ability to displace oxygen from the blood which can cause a person to fall into a coma. Deprivation of oxygen to the brain, heart and important organs can lead to loss of consciousness and suffocation within minutes.
Typical symptoms of CO poisoning include:
Constriction across the chest
Headaches
Fatigue
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Nausea
Everyone is potentially at risk but young children and the elderly are most susceptible. So are those suffering from heart and or lung diseases, smokers, and people/working at high altitudes.
Fortunately, if caught on time CO poisoning can be reversed, albeit with damage to vital organs like the brain and heart.
Where Does Carbon Monoxide Originate in a Building?
Wherever there is incomplete combustion of materials consisting of carbon such as oil, kerosene, natural gas, gasoline, coal, or wood, there is an elevated risk of CO production.
The most common sources of carbon monoxide include:
Cars (vehicle exhaust)
Cooking and household appliances (think charcoal grills, barbecue, gas dryer, gas stove)
Cigarettes
Fireplaces or wood stoves (and blocked chimney flues)
Gas-powered equipment (such as lawnmowers and snow blowers)
Gas powered generators
Heating appliances (like furnaces and gas water heaters)
The likelihood of CO poisoning is increased if any of the appliances mentioned above are used in poorly ventilated or unventilated areas.
People working in and around coke ovens, blast furnaces, forges, boiler rooms, paper and petroleum refineries, dock workers, and warehouses are most at risk as CO is one of the most common industrial hazards in such occupations.
Best Practices to Protect Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
To lower the likelihood of CO poisoning in the home or workplace, homeowners and employees can adopt the following best practices:
Install effective ventilation systems that eliminate CO from living spaces and work areas.
Routinely carry out maintenance on appliances and equipment that produces CO such as water heaters and cooking ranges.
Opt to use electricity-powered equipment as opposed to gasoline-based appliances.
Prohibit the use of gas-powered tools or engines in areas with little to no ventilation.
Routinely test air quality to ensure there is no CO present.
Educate family members, tenants, or employees on the production sources of CO, effects of CO poisoning, symptoms and what to do in the event of an emergency.
5 Reasons to Install Carbon Dioxide Detectors
With this background, we can now move on to the benefits of installing carbon monoxide detectors.
Benefit #1 CO Detectors Act as Early Warning Signs
Carbon monoxide detectors have an inbuilt alarm system which is set off when CO levels cross a certain threshold. Thus, they act as the earliest warning signs of rising CO levels in a space. The alarm provides sufficient time for building occupants to either quickly ventilate the room or escape.
Benefit #2 Alerts You About Faulty Appliances
Appliances such as gas water heaters, wood stoves, gas stoves, lawnmowers, and fuel-fired furnaces are all prime generators of carbon monoxide. A carbon monoxide detector can alert building occupants about the state of the appliance, for an appliance that’s faulty will generate more CO thereby triggering the CO detector.
Benefit #3 CO Detectors Safeguard Society’s Most Vulnerable
CO detectors are especially efficacious in nursing homes, hospitals, nursery schools or places where young and or vulnerable individuals reside or work. The alarms and subsequent automatic contact sent to first responders means this subgroup can be helped on time before CO poisoning reaches a fatal point.
Benefit #4 CO Detectors are Stable in all Weather
High-end carbon monoxide detectors such as those installed by Nutech Fire Prevention technicians are not affected by temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity. As such, there are no false alarms as the systems will only be activated when they detect carbon monoxide in the atmosphere and not other gases.
Benefit #5 CO Detectors can Contact First Responders
Owing to the sophisticated nature of modern CO detectors, even if you’re not present at home, you’ll be automatically alerted if the CO detector has been triggered. A message will show up on your phone if the security device is also not activated. These contemporary CO detectors also have the capability to alert first responders.
Investing in Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It’s important that all the CO detectors you’re purchasing are certified for use in Canada. If you’re working with a qualified technician this won’t be an issue as they know this. But if you decide to purchase on your own, make sure the products and their packaging bear any one of the following certification marks:
Stay Safe and Hire Qualified Technicians to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Today
Here at Nutech Fire Prevention, it is our duty and mission to help keep the residents of Ontario safe through the provision, installation, and maintenance of the leading safety technologies on the market.
We provide a comprehensive range of systems including a line of carbon monoxide detectors, emergency backup generators, fire alarm systems, fire warning systems, fire extinguishers, exit lighting, emergency lighting, fire safety plans, sprinkler systems, and gas detection services for businesses in Hamilton, Ontario.
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!
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!
Emergency lighting should be a fundamental pillar of every fire safety plan. In fact, light is so important that according to the Book of Genesis, God created it on the first day. Fires frequently result in the loss of AC power, so you often need a backup light source during a fire emergency to ensure life safety.
The Ontario Fire Code requires fire safety plans for most commercial buildings. Your fire safety plan should include the following information:
Actions required by building management and the occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency situation
Full documentation for the maintenance of fire protection systems
Detailed planning for fire prevention
Evacuation and emergency response procedures
Requirements for Emergency Lighting
Your fire safety plan must include backup illumination in the event of primary power loss. Section 9.9.3.14 of the Ontario Fire Code mandates that buildings have emergency lighting for the following:
Exits and the access to those exits, exit stairways, public hallways, and other access to exits in any building required to have a fire alarm system
Any room with assembly occupancy that has an occupant load of greater than 60 people
The code defines requirements of the emergency lighting to fulfill these requirements:
The lighting must last for 30 minutes where the distance between the top storey and the ground is less than 18 meters and two hours when it exceeds 18 meters.
The power source for the emergency lighting must be separate from the building’s primary source.
The secondary power source must activate automatically when primary power is lost.
The illumination must provide “an average of at least 10 lx at floor or tread level, or 1 watt/m2 of floor space.”
Emergency Lighting Benefits
The transition that occurs when the main power fails and lights go out is instantaneous and can cause emotional distress, confusion, and even panic in the building inhabitants unless backup lighting appears immediately. In the event of a fire, people must remain calm, and vigilant. They need to exit the building in the quickest and safest manner possible.
Emergency lighting can provide the means to help a building’s occupants to escape a hazardous situation when the primary source has failed. When properly installed and maintained, it saves lives and is surprisingly affordable. It’s also required by law, and the Ontario Fire Marshal can close down a business that doesn’t meet the code’s emergency lighting specifications.
Emergency Lighting Maintenance
If your building has emergency lighting, you must inspect, test, and maintain it per the Ontario Fire Code requirements specified in section 2.7.3.3., and your building’s fire safety plan should include a record of this activity. This maintenance should include:
Monthly
Pilot light inspection
Inspect terminals and clamps to make sure they’re clean
Electrolyte and specific gravity are up to the manufacturer’s specifications
The battery surface is clean and dry
Emergency lights turn on when primary power fails
Annually
Illumination should last for as long as the system design
Charging and recovery of the batteries after a full test should meet the manufacturer’s specifications
Emergency lighting should be one of the pillars of every Ontario commercial building fire safety plan. Once your plan has been established, it’s also necessary to revisit it annually or whenever changes have been made to the building structure or use. Such changes can often require adjustments to your emergency lighting system.
If you have a full schedule and don’t have the time to design, test, and maintain your building’s emergency lighting requirements, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at All Protect Systems Inc. They’ve been protecting Ontario area businesses since 1996 and are waiting for your call.
The Ontario Fire Code requires most commercial buildings to have a fire safety plan. Besides documenting your organization’s relevant supervisory contacts and evacuation procedures, your building’s fire safety plan must include the following information:
Potential fire hazards
Sources of ignition and their control
Storage and handling procedures for hazardous materials
Fire protection equipment necessary to control these hazards
Identifying these issues help you choose the proper sprinkler system for your building’s fire safety. Sprinkler systems are both a large financial investment and a crucial device for protecting both lives and property in the event of a fire.
You have four distinct types of sprinklers from which to choose. Hopefully, the following material can help you decide which is the best choice for your building.
Wet Pipe
Wet pipe sprinklers are the most common type. The sprinkler piping is always filled with water, and when the ceiling temperature reaches the designated temperature, a glass bulb or a fusible link at the sprinkler head breaks and releases water. However, despite what you may have seen in movies, water will only come out of the sprinkler head which was activated.
It’s the most reliable and cost-effective means of fire suppression and should be your first choice unless there’s a compelling reason to choose something else. If considering a wet pipe system, pay close attention to the temperature of the space you’re protecting. It must not drop below 4 degrees celsius, or you run the risk of the water freezing and bursting the pipes.
Dry Pipe
While quite similar to the wet pipe system, dry pipes are not filled with their water until the fire starts. When the ceiling gets hot enough to burst the glass bulb or fusible link, air will flow from the sprinkler head, which drops the pressure in the pipe. Water then enters the pipe and makes its way to the sprinkler head to extinguish the fire.
The delay in the arrival of the water limits the size of the area where you can safely use a dry pipe system. Its best application is for areas that can’t be reliably temperature-controlled. Nevertheless, the portion of the building where the valve is located must remain above 4 degrees celsius.
Preaction
Probably the most complicated sprinkler system, there are actually three different types of preaction systems from which to choose: Non-interlock, single interlock, and a double interlock. A preaction system is similar to a dry pipe system in that it doesn’t have water in the pipes prior to activation, but it’s distinctive in that it requires a specific event to activate the water release.
Non-interlock sprinklers release water when prompted by detection devices or automatic sprinklers.
Single interlock systems release water based on input from detection devices.
Double interlock systems release water when both detection devices and the automatic sprinklers have been triggered.
Deluge
The final type of sprinkler system is the deluge. It’s similar to the preaction system in that it depends on independent detection devices to operate, and the water is not in the pipes until activation. However, the sprinkler heads themselves are open, so when the system activates, all of the sprinkler heads spray water.
When choosing your building’s sprinkler system, you need to consider what the system is protecting as well as the climate conditioning of the building. It’s not uncommon to have more than one type of sprinkler system protecting a single building when there are multiple uses.
If you’d like some expert help in developing a fire safety plan that incorporates the most important fire safety considerations, then consult the fire protection specialists at All Protect Systems, Inc. We’ve been serving Ontario area businesses since 1996, so call us today!
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!
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!
