Archive for the ‘Tips’ Category

Top 8 Tips on Finding a Qualified Fire Inspector

Posted: February 3rd, 2022

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.

Some of their key responsibilities include:

·      Inspecting properties, buildings, and sites for fire hazards, fire prevention systems, and safety plans

·         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 2 Get 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.

Request a free quote today.

What OSHA Standards Require a Fire Prevention Plan?

Posted: January 3rd, 2022

Are you trying to put together a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP) to satisfy the varying OSHA standards?

Canada’s Occupational 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 federal Occupational 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:

  1. General industry
  2. Construction
  3. Maritime
  4. Agriculture

Where can you find OSHA standards specific to your industry?

All OSHA standards can be found in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). For quick reference here are the relevant sections:

·         Occupational Safety and Health OSHA Standards for General Industry

·         Occupational Safety and Health OSHA Standards for Construction

·         Occupational Safety and Health OSHA Standards for Shipyard Employment

·         Occupational Safety and Health OSHA Standards for Agriculture 

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:

Remember that each of the standards is simply a collection of rules. And every one of these standards has requirements specific to it. 

Sometimes a standard may not be available online. When this is the case, employers must check with the  Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety so they know how to comply with the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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:

Fire Prevention Plan Template A

Fire Prevention Plan Template B

Fire Prevention Plan Template C

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.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to request a free quote today.

How’s Your Company’s Fire Protection?

Posted: December 10th, 2021

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.

Source: Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General

Most Common Fire Causes

What are some of the most common fire causes in the workplace? Drawing on data presented by the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General we see that:

·         9% of fires were the result of an electrical issue e.g. poor wiring, faulty equipment

·         8% of fires stemmed from heating and cooling elements

·         8% of fires originated from chemical reactions

·         7% of fires started with a cigarette

·         5% of fires had as source an appliance

·         3% of workplace fires had as ignition source an open flame e.g. matches/lighter

It is disconcerting to note that nearly one in ten fires (9% of structure loss fires) across Ontario is intentional i.e. arson. 

Fire Codes

In Canada, building construction and renovation must be compliant with established national norms as stipulated in the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). To complement this building code, a National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) exists.

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.

Each province has its own Fire Code. Here is the Ontario Fire Code.

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.

Request a free quote today.

When Do You Need An Emergency Backup Generator?

Posted: November 26th, 2021

Are blackouts and power outages increasing in Ontario?

Yes, according to the latest studies and research on hand.

From a total of 399 combined outages across Canada’s provinces in 2017, the bulk – nearly 50% – took place in Ontario. 

So, what can businesses and homeowners do to protect themselves against such power disruptions?

Perhaps it’s time to consider investing in an emergency backup generator.

What is an Emergency Generator?

According to Britannica.com, a generator is:

“…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 the Electricity Outage and Reliability Study published by the Ontario Energy Board in 2010. 

In the report we read that, “On average, Ontarians experienced just over one power outage every quarter, or 4.78 outages 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.

This led the IESO to declare a North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) Energy Emergency Alert 1 on July 9, 2020, because they anticipated a spike in energy demand and their own generator outages. 

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.

Request a free quote today.

5 Requirements That Are Needed For a Fire Prevention Plan

Posted: November 1st, 2021

What is a Fire Prevention Plan (FPP)? 

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. 

Request a free quote today.

Top 5 Fire Prevention Safety Tips For Your Home

Posted: September 15th, 2021

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 their publication Fire and At-Risk Populations in Canada: Analysis of the Canadian National Fire Information Database, evidence was presented that demonstrated that in fires where smoke alarms were installed and activated, there were lower death rates compared to fires where no smoke alarm was installed or activated (See Table 10 below).

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.

Request a free quote today.