Fire Safety Plan – Guidelines

The format and guidelines for formulating a fire safety plan for all buildings requiring fire safety plans in the City of Nanaimo.

To comply with section 2.8 of the BC Fire Code 2006 and the City of Nanaimo “Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 NO. 7108”.

Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines Introduction It has been known by fire departments for some time that an effective fire safety plan in a building offsets panic and indecision, and replaces it with purposeful actions during an emergency. In addition, an effective fire safety plan contains measures to control fire hazards and prevent fires in a building on a daily basis. This guideline is to assist building owners/ managers and their appointed fire safety directors in preparing properly documented fire safety plans for their particular building. In order for a building’s fire safety plan to be approved by the Fire Chief, the plan should include all the measures contained in Section 2.8 of the BC Fire Code 2006 and Part 5 Section 17 of the Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 NO. 7108. A copy of Section 2.8 of the BC Fire Code 2006 and Part 5 Section 17 of the Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 NO. 7108 are attached. The format and information contained in this guideline should be followed closely in order to simplify and standardize the fire safety plan. The complexity of the fire safety plan will be determined by the size of the building and the fire protection systems within that building. Once the fire safety plan has been developed it shall be forwarded to the Fire and Loss Prevention Division for review and approval. This is to be done by way of an email addressed to [email protected] as a PDF document. This office will not accept hard copies of the fire safety plan for review. Once the fire safety plan has been accepted the producer of the fire safety plan will be notified and forwarded a letter of approval. When the fire plan has been reviewed and accepted, the following describes an acceptable format to be stored on the premise:  

Fire Safety Plans and Diagrams will be printed and contained in a standard 3 ring binder. Binders will be red in colour and made of durable plastic.  The front cover of each binder will be titled 'Fire Safety Plan' and:  Show the name of the building, if applicable, and address of the building. This information will also be displayed (vertically) on the spine of each binder.  The fire department approval letter will be inserted as the first page before the title page.

For the following occupancy types, fire safety plans will be secured in an approved fire safety plan box located in the main entrance lobby near the fire alarm panel or at a location within the building acceptable to the Fire Department: A. Assembly Occupancies B. Care or Detention Occupancies C. Residential Occupancies, multi-storey buildings only

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines D. Business and Personal Service Occupancies, multi-storey buildings only E. Mercantile Occupancies, multi-storey buildings and covered malls For D and E above, the owner of the building or their representative will create a fire safety plan for the entire building, not each unit within the building. Note: The larger malls have large anchor stores which have independent fire alarm systems that are integrated into the mall fire alarm systems. In these cases the anchor stores also require a fire safety plan which is incorporated with the mall fire safety plan. For the C, D and E occupancy types which require a fire safety plan and are not listed above, the fire safety plan shall be secured in a location within the building acceptable to the Fire Department. In most cases this location will be the electrical/mechanical room where the fire alarm control panel is located. In either case, it is to be stored in a fire safety plan box or acceptable location within the building and it must be accessible to the fire department crews during an emergency. Copies of the fire safety plan will also be held by building owners/managers and their appointed fire safety directors. Attached to this guideline is a template, which will allow the fire safety plan developer to fill in the required information and samples of required floor plans including required symbols. The template also has a sample evacuation plan which is required to be posted in the common corridors of the different floor levels.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines How to use the Fire Safety Plan Template (Word Document) When you open the Fire Safety Plan Template you will notice areas which have been highlighted in green, these are the areas which need to filled in by the person producing the fire safety plan. Once the information is entered remove the text highlighter. Note: When working through the template and information is found which is not relevant to the building, delete it from the fire safety plan. For example: if the building does not have a sprinkler system there should be no reference to sprinkler systems in the fire safety plan.

TITLE PAGE  Fill in the correct information in the high-lighted areas then remove the high-lights. BUILDING EMERGENCY CONTACT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS  Fill in the correct information in the high-lighted areas then remove the high-lights. EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL PHONE NUMBERS  Fill in the correct information in the high-lighted areas then remove the high-lights. TABLE OF CONTENTS  The page numbers will have to be re-formatted when the document is complete. 1. DEFINITIONS Certain terms, phrases, abbreviations and titles require defining to aid in clarification and to avoid misunderstanding, for example: F.S.D. - Fire Safety Director. Exit - Refers to that part of a means of egress that leads from the floor area it serves, including any doorway leading directly from a floor area, to an open public thoroughfare or an exterior open space protected from exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN The three-fold objectives of the plan are:  Fire Prevention: To prevent the incident of fire by the control of fire hazards in the building.  Maintenance of the building facilities provided for the safety of the occupants.  Emergency Evacuation: To establish a systematic method of a safe and orderly evacuation of an area or building, by and of its occupants, in case of fire or other emergency. The above objectives may be used verbatim as Part 2 of your plan.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines 3. FIRE SAFETY PERSONNEL & DUTIES Fill in the correct information in the high-lighted areas then remove the high-lights. It is the responsibility of the Fire Safety Director to provide additional training for key personnel on the use of fire extinguishers and the communications systems. Special detailed instructions and training should also be given to selected individuals on the operation of the Fire Alarm System and the smoke ventilating equipment, if applicable.

4. OCCUPANT FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND CONTROL Fill in the correct information in the high-lighted areas then remove the high-lights. It is recommended that once you have the document approved, you make copies of the section “INSTRUCTIONS TO OCCUPANTS” and hand them out to the occupants of the building to make them aware of what to do in a fire emergency. In the template with the floor plans is a sample “EVACUATION PLAN”. The evacuation plan shows the exit routes from a specific floor level and shows locations of fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers. This plan also gives clear instructions to the occupants of the building on what to do when they discover a fire and what to do when they hear the fire alarm. Depending on the complexity and size of the building, the fire department requires at least one Evacuation Plan posted near each exit from a floor area and one near the elevator on each floor area. A basic floor plan shall show a minimum of two ways to exit from the location of where the diagram/plan is posted. The symbols provided shall be used on the floor plans. A legend is to be provided on each floor plan explaining their meaning. The size of text, symbols, and tactile information shall allow visibility by all occupants. The diagram shall be located at a height above the floor to be viewable by all occupants. Diagrams shall be located such that all employees and visitors will pass by during their stay in the building. Orientation: All diagrams shall be oriented with the top in the direction that the viewer is facing. There shall be a notation showing the location of the viewer. This shall be the most dominant graphic on the diagram. Information Shown: The information shall be shown on the plan area of the diagram or plan. Additional information shall be permitted to be added if it does not confuse the viewer during an emergency. The means of egress from the viewers’ location shall be shown. This shall include all exit locations, exit access paths, stairways, elevators, elevator lobbies, areas of refuge, areas of rescue assistance, shelter areas, and exterior outside assembly areas.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines The equipment used during an emergency shall be shown in a key or legend. This key or legend shall include fire alarm pull stations, emergency phones, fire extinguishers (if trained to use properly), or any other building-specific emergency equipment. The diagram or plan shall provide emergency phone numbers. The diagram or plan shall provide emergency evacuation guidelines describing the emergency alert signals and when and what to do when the signals are sounded. If there are not any signals, the guidelines shall describe how the occupants will be instructed in what to do in case of an emergency. Construction: The diagram shall be constructed with materials that protect it from fading and wear. 5. BUILDING DESCRIPTION & SAFETY FEATURES Fill in the correct information in the high-lighted areas then remove the high-lights. Provide a general description of the building. Safety systems should be described in a clear and concise manner, so as to give the reader a good working knowledge of the following: Fire Alarm System How to operate the system. Is it a one or two stage alarm? Is it a local alarm only or connected to a Supervisory Company? Location of pull stations, annunciator panels or central control facility testing procedures. Instructions for authorized persons to allow for silencing or acknowledging the fire alarm or alert signal under specified conditions. Exit Systems Stairwell location, stairwell identification, floor numbering in stairwell, where stairwells exit to the outside. Communications Provide instructions for the use of a public address system, fire fighter’s telephones, radios, etc. and for maintenance of the equipment. Emergency Power Provide instructions for the use and maintenance of all emergency power systems. Elevators Describe the location of all elevators. Identify all fire fighters’ elevators. Provide instructions for operating during emergency conditions and for equipment maintenance. Approved signage shall be placed at the elevator entrances notifying people: “Not to use the elevators during a fire emergency”

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines Fire Extinguishing Equipment Describe all fire extinguishing equipment and instructions for its use during an emergency. Also, provide a maintenance schedule for the equipment. Smoke Control Equipment Describe the smoke control measure installed in the building. Provide instructions for its use, testing and maintenance. Keys List the keys provided for fire fighters and where the keys are located. Boilers and/or Furnace Rooms, Electrical Rooms and/or Mechanical Rooms Describe and reference drawings to show locations and control of the following equipment: Utilities (Control) Reference drawing that shows the location of the main electrical control switch. Gas Reference drawing that shows the location of the main gas control valve. Water Reference drawing that shows the locations of the main water supply valves to building. (If water supply is through a looped system, all control valves will need to be shown on drawings). Steam If building is converted to a steam supply, the location of the building control valve will be shown and referenced and shown on the respective drawing. Hazards or Remarks This heading will be used to provide information specific to the particular building, for example: Any special hazards (e.g. chemicals, high fuel loads, compressed gases areas with high voltage electricity) Special fire extinguishing systems (e.g. Halon) CO2 locations will be shown on drawings and referenced under this heading. Areas of high equipment or other valuables (e.g. computers, libraries, file storage, etc.) 6. FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT SERVICING The 2006 B.C. Fire Code Regulations require that fire protection installations be maintained in operating condition in accordance with Part 6 & 7. In most cases the Fire Code does not specify in detail the necessary inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures; instead, it references standards such as those developed by the National Fire Protection Association, Canadian Standards Association, and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. Where such standards are referenced by the code, they have been identified in this plan as Reference Standard.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines APPENDIX A - Fire Alarm Panel Operation In this section, the fire safety plan developer will insert the fire alarm operating procedures and instructions for the use of the particular fire alarm system in the building. The instructions need to be easily understood. Note: Not all fire alarm systems are alike and they may have been programmed to the specific needs of the particular building. You may wish to consult your fire alarm service contractor on the specifics of your fire alarm system. “Remember: Once the fire alarm system has been activated and the fire department is on route, do not reset the fire alarm system. Prior to the arrival of the fire department if it is positively determined that it is a false alarm, a person with knowledge of the fire alarm may silence the system.”

APPENDIX B – Floor Plans and Drawings Required Plans:  Site Plan  Main Floor  Floors Above Grade  Mezzanine or Mechanical Floors  Roof and Penthouse Floors  Basement and/or Parking Levels Site Plan: showing streets, hydrants, principal and secondary entrances, fire department access, street water shut-off to building, gas shut-offs and fire department connections. All floor plans are to show, if applicable to the building, all exit systems, elevators and fire safety features using the supplied symbols. All plans shall have a legend, a north arrow and a title (First Floor 123 Any Street). o

Main Floor Plan, Street Level

o

Floors above Grade in order from the main to top floors, showing all Fire Safety Facilities.

o

Mezzanines or Mechanical Floors will be identified and placed in the normal sequence of floors.

o

Roof and Penthouse Plans may be on one drawing.

o

Basement and/or Parking Levels must show access routes and define mechanical areas. These plans are to be arranged in order from the main floor down.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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Fire Safety Plan - Guidelines GENERAL REMARKS It may be necessary, in order to avoid congestion, to allocate certain stairways to certain floors (e.g. even numbered floors use EAST stairway - odd numbered floors use WEST stairway). It is well to remember that those persons on and above the floor involved in the fire are in the most immediate danger and should be the first to be considered. Those people below the fire may not be in any immediate danger. It may be necessary to take handicapped persons into the protected stairways below the location of the fire to await rescue by the Fire Department. All key personnel should be instructed as to the location and use of fire equipment (extinguisher, hose, etc.). Of necessity, the procedure laid down for the occupants to follow at the sound of the alarm will vary slightly, depending on the type of alarm with which the building is equipped. It is most important that everyone in the building be made aware of the absolute necessity of keeping stairway doors closed at all times (except of course when the stairway is actually being used). One door propped or held open could mean that the entire stairway would be useless as a means of exit. All personnel should be instructed to close all doors behind them as they leave the building. A copy of the fire safety plan shall be given to all Floor Wardens. A copy of the Instructions to Occupants will be posted on each floor area. In every hotel and motel bedroom the fire safety rules for occupants shall be posted showing the locations of exits and the path of travel to exits. In high rise buildings, key personnel must be trained to use the internal communication systems, such as fire fighter’s telephone and voice communication systems. These systems are not for the exclusive use of fire fighters and can be used by key personnel to communicate any information that concerns the security and safety of the building.

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Nanaimo Fire Rescue Department, Fire and Loss Prevention Division 580 Fitzwilliam Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E2 250-753-7311 [email protected]

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FIRE SAFETY PLAN FOR

Building Name Address

Produced By: Telephone:

Name Address (250) 000-0000

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BUILDING EMERGENCY CONTACT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS (Minimum Three Local Emergency Contacts Required)

NAME:

John Doe

PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000) CELL PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)

NAME:

John Doe

PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000) CELL PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)

NAME:

John Doe

PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000) CELL PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)

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EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL PHONE NUMBERS

Fire Department .................................................................................................. 911 Police Department .............................................................................................. 911 Ambulance .......................................................................................................... 911 Nanaimo Fire Department Non Emergency ................................... (250) 753-7311 Nanaimo RCMP Non-Emergency .................................................... (250) 754-2345

Fire Alarm Service .....................Name of Company ........................ (250) 000-000 Sprinkler Service ........................Name of Company ........................ (250) 000-000 Fire Extinguisher Service ..........Name of Company ........................ (250) 000-000 Emergency Lighting Service… Name of Company ......................... (250) 000-000 Fire Alarm Monitoring ................Name of Company ........................ (250) 000-000

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Fire Department Review Letter TITLE PAGE BUILDING EMERGENCY CONTACT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS

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EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL PHONE NUMBERS

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EMERGENCY PLANNING TABLE OF CONTENTS

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1. DEFINITIONS

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2. OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN EMERGENCY EVACUATION CONCEPT EVACATION SEQUENCE EXCERPTS FROM 2006 BC FIRE CODE 2.8.1 EXCERPT FROM CITY OF NANAIMO BYLAW NO. 7108

9 9 9 10 13

3. FIRE SAFETY PERSONNEL & DUTIES APPOINTMENT OF FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR GENERAL DUTIES OF FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR DUTIES DURING AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR FLOOR WARDENS APPOINTMENT OF FLOOR WARDENS GENERAL DUTIES OF FLOOR WARDENS FLOOR WARDEN DUTIES DURING AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION ASSISTANT FLOOR WARDENS FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE FIRE DRILL INCIDENT / ACTIVITY REPORT

14 14 14

4. OCCUPANT FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND CONTROL FIRE PREVENTION FIRE PREPAREDNESS FIRE EVACUATION INSTRUCTIONS TO OCCUPANTS EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISIBILITIES THE ABCD's OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS OPERATION OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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15 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 19

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5. BUILDING DESCRIPTION & SAFETY FEATURES BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & OCCUPANCY AREAS OF USAGE EXIT SYSTEMS FIRE ALARM SYSTEM COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS HEATING, VENTILATING & AIR CONDITIONING FIRE DOORS FIRE DAMPERS & FIRE STOP FLAPS EMERGENCY LIGHTING ELEVATORS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS WATER SHUT-OFFS ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS

29 29 29 29 30 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 32 32 32 32 32

6. FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT SERVICING

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS MEANS OF EGRESS EMERGENCY LIGHTING FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDINGS FIRE DAMPERS AND FIRE STOP FLAPS HEATING, VENTILATING & AIR CONDITIONING EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS (Generators)

33 34 35 38 39 39 40 41 41 41

APPENDIX A - Fire Alarm Panel Operation

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APPENDIX B – Floor Plans SITE PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN THIRD FLOOR PLAN

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SAMPLE EVACUATION PLAN

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1. DEFINITIONS AND FIRE PROTECTION TERMS ACCESS TO EXIT: Means that part of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an exit serving the floor area. ALARM SIGNAL: Means an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones or throughout a building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists. ALERT SIGNAL: Means an audible signal to advise designated persons of a fire emergency. APPROVED: Means approved by the authority having jurisdiction. AREA OF REFUGE: Means a space that facilitates a safe delay in egress, is sufficiently protected from fire conditions developing in the floor area, and provides direct access to an exit or fire fighters' elevator. AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION: Means the fire commissioner, inspectors and local assistants to the fire commissioner. BUILDING: Means any structure used or intended for supporting, or sheltering any use or occupancy. BUILDING HEIGHT: Means the overall height of a building from the first storey to the roof. CLASS "A" FIRE: Means a fire involving combustible materials such as wood, cloth or paper. CLASS "B" FIRE: Means a fire involving a flammable liquid or combustible liquid, fat or grease. CLASS "C" FIRE: Means a fire involving energized electrical equipment. CLASS "D" FIRE: Means a fire involving a combustible metal. CLASS "K" FIRE: Means a fire involving fryers and cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media, vegetable or animal oils and fat. CLOSURE: Means a device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation or an exterior wall, such as a door, shutter, wired glass or glass block, and includes all components such as hardware, closing devices, frames and anchors. COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION: Means that type of construction that does not meet the requirements for noncombustible construction. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID: Means a liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8 degrees Celsius and below 93.3 degrees Celsius. DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR (DFSD): The person designated to assist the FSD or fulfill his/her duties in his/her absence. ELECTRICAL SERVICE ROOM: Means a room or space provided in a building to accommodate building electrical service equipment and constructed in accordance with the British Columbia Building Code. EXIT: Means that part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves, to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: Means a device or combination of devices designed to warn occupants of a building of a fire.

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FIRE CHIEF: Means the person appointed by the Council as officer in charge of the Fire Department and includes Deputy Fire Chiefs and the Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention. FIRE COMMISSIONER: Means the person appointed as Fire Commissioner pursuant to the Fire Services Act of British Columbia. FIRE DAMPER: Means a closure which consists of a damper installed in an air distribution system or a wall or floor assembly, which is normally held open but designed to close automatically in the event of a fire in order to maintain the integrity of a fire separation. FIRE DETECTOR: Means a device which detects a fire condition and automatically initiates an electrical signal to actuate an alert signal or an alarm signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors. FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR: Means the person designated by the Building Management to implement and maintain the Fire Safety Plan. FIRE SEPARATION: Means a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire. FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: Means a device or combination of devices designed to extinguish or support extinguishment of fire. FIRE WATCH: Means a procedure where a person is responsible to patrol a building or site and to sound an alarm in case of fire, or conduct such duties as required by the Fire Chief. FIREWALL: Means a type of fire separation of noncombustible construction which subdivides a building or separates adjoining buildings to resist the spread of fire and which has a fire resistance rating as prescribed in the B.C. Building Code and has structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for the required fire-rated time. FLAMMABLE LIQUID: Means a liquid having a flash point below 37.8 degrees Celsius and a vapor pressure not more than 275.8 KPa (absolute) at 37.8 degrees Celsius FLASH POINT: Means the minimum temperature at which a liquid within a container gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid. FLOOR AREA: Means the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls and required firewalls, including the space occupied by interior walls and partitions, but not including exits, vertical service spaces, and their enclosing assemblies. FLOOR OF ACTIVATION: Means the floor from which the fire alarm system was activated. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL: Means a product, substance or organism that are designated as dangerous in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada), but shall not include a quantity of such product, substance or organism that if accidentally spilled is insufficient to cause danger to lives or the environment. INSPECTOR: Means an inspector with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Local Fire Department MAJOR OCCUPANCY: means the principal occupancy for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used, and shall be deemed to include the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy. The major occupancy classifications used in this Code are as follows: A1 A2 A3 A4

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Assembly Assembly Assembly Assembly

occupancies occupancies occupancies occupancies

intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts not elsewhere classified in Group A of the arena type in which the occupants are gathered in the open air

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B1 - Care or detention occupancies in which persons are under restraint or are incapable of self-preservation because of security measures not under their control B2 - Care or detention occupancies in which persons having cognitive or physical limitations require special care or treatment C - Residential occupancies D - Business and personal services occupancies E - Mercantile occupancies F1 - High-hazard industrial occupancies F2 - Medium-hazard industrial occupancies F3 - Low-hazard industrial occupancies

MEANS OF EGRESS: Means a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. Means of egress includes exits and access to exits. NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION: Means that type of construction in which a degree of Fire Safety is attained by the use of noncombustible materials for structural members and other building assemblies. SPRINKLERED: (as applying to a building or part thereof) means that the building or part thereof is equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers. SUITE: Means a single room or series of rooms of complementary use, operated under a single tenancy, and includes dwelling units, individual guest rooms in motels, hotels, boarding houses, rooming houses, and dormitories as well as individual stores and individual or complementary rooms for business and personal service occupancies. SUPERVISORY STAFF: Means those occupants of a building who have some delegated responsibility for the fire safety of other occupants under the fire safety plan (i.e. Fire Safety Director and Deputy Fire Safety Director) ZONE: Means an area of a building designated as part of a fire alarm system or sprinkler system.

ABBREVIATIONS CSA: Canadian Standards Association NFPA: National Fire Protection Association ULC: Underwriters Laboratories of Canada

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2. OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN General Fire Safety Planning has 3 primary objectives: Fire Hazard Control Fire Protection System Maintenance Emergency Evacuation Fire Safety Planning prevents the occurrence of fire by the control of fire hazards in the building, ensures operation of fire protection systems by establishing maintenance procedures, and provides a systematic method of safe and orderly evacuation of the building in the event of fire. Emergency Evacuation Concept Trained supervisory staff can be of great value in directing, and assisting the orderly movement of people in the event of a fire, and performing fire control until the fire department arrives. Evacuation procedures relying heavily on supervisory staff are complex, in that such staff require continued training, frequent drilling, and must be continuously on the premises in order to fulfill their responsibilities during an emergency. Following the implementation of the plan, the time required for continued training and drilling, and the coordination necessary to maintain supervisory staff on the premises is extreme. Based on these facts, the evacuation objective outlined in this guide is met simply and realistically without evacuation control officers or the fire safety director's involvement in evacuation control. Evacuation Sequence During an emergency, a fire alarm will sound, and all occupants will exit the building via a safe exit. Persons with disabilities should proceed with their assistants (if available) to the nearest safe exit. The Fire Safety Director should be available to respond to the premises after being contacted by the fire department. The instructions for occupants In Case of Fire, posted prominently on each floor area, provide quickly read information on procedures to follow in the event of a fire. Use of this concept should/will ensure a systematic method of safe and orderly evacuation of the building in the event of fire.

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Excerpts from the 2006 BC Fire Code 2.8.1. SECTION 2.8 2.8.1.

EMERGENCY PLANNING

GENERAL

2.8.1.1. Application (1) Fire emergency procedures conforming to this Section shall provided for a) every building containing an assembly or a care or a detention occupancy, b) every building required by the British Columbia Building Code to have a fire alarm system, c) demolition and construction sites regulated under Section 5.6, d) storage areas required to have a fire safety plan in conformance with Articles 3.3.2.5. and 3.3.2.9., e) areas where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored or handled, in conformance with Article 4.1.5.5. and f) areas where hazardous processes or operations occur, in conformance with Article 5.1.5.1 2.8.1.2. Training of Supervisory Staff (1) Supervisory staff shall be trained in the fire emergency procedures described in the fire safety plan before they are given any responsibility for fire safety. (See Appendix A) 2.8.1.3. Keys and Special Devices (1) Any keys or special devices needed to operate the alarm system or provide access to any fire protection systems or equipment shall be readily available to on-duty supervisory staff. 2.8.2. FIRE SAFETY PLAN 2.8.2.1. Measures in a Fire Safety Plan (1) In buildings or areas described in Article 2.8.1.1., a fire safety plan conforming to this Section shall be prepared in cooperation with the fire department and other applicable regulatory authorities and shall include: a) the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire, including (i) sounding the fire alarm (see Appendix A), (ii) notifying the fire department, (iii) instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sound, (iv) evacuating occupants, including special provisions for persons requiring assistance (see Appendix A), (v) confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire, (b) the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties. (c) the training of supervisory staff and other occupants in their responsibilities for fire safety, (d) documents, including diagrams showing the type, location and operation of the building fire emergency systems, (e) the holding of fire drills, (f) the control of fire hazards in the building, (g) the inspection and maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety of occupants, and (see Appendix A)

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(2) The fire safety plan shall be reviewed at intervals not greater than 12 months to ensure that it takes account of changes in use and other characteristics of the building. 2.8.2.2. Care of Detention Occupancies (1) A sufficient number of supervisory staff shall be on duty in care or detention occupancies to perform the tasks outlined in the fire safety plan described in Clause 2.8.2.1.(1)(a). 2.8.2.3. Assembly Occupancies (1) In Group A, Division 1 assembly occupancies containing more than 60 occupants, there shall be at least one supervisory staff member on duty in the building to perform the tasks outlined in the fire safety plan in Clause 2.8.2.1.(1)(a) whenever the building is open to the public. 2.8.2.4.

High Buildings

(1) In buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6 of the British Columbia Building Code, the fire safety plan shall, in addition to the requirements of Sentence 2.8.2.1. (1) include: (a) (b) (c)

(d) (e)

the training of supervisory staff in the use of the voice communication system, the procedures for the use of elevators , the action to be taken by supervisory staff in initiating any smoke control or other fire emergency systems installed in a building in the event of fire until the fire department arrives, instructions to the supervisory staff and fire department for the operation of the systems referred to in Clause (c), and the procedures established to facilitate fire department access to the building and fire location with the building.

2.8.2.5. Retention of Fire Safety Plans (1)

The fire safety plan shall be kept in a location, designated by the authority having jurisdiction with the building, for reference by the fire department, supervisory staff and other personnel.

(2)

The fire safety plan for a building with the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the British Columbia Building Code shall be kept at the central alarm and control facility.

2.8.2.6. Distribution (1)

A copy of the fire emergency procedures and other duties for supervisory staff, as laid down in the fire safety plan, shall be given to all supervisory staff.

2.8.2.7. Posting of fire Emergency Procedures (1)

At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted on each floor area.

(2) In every hotel and motel bedroom, the fire safety rules for occupants shall be posted showing the locations of exits and the paths of travel to exits. (3) Where a fire alarm system has been installed with no provisions to transmit a signal to the fire department, a sign shall be posted at each manually actuated signaling box requesting that the fire department be notified,and including the telephone number of that department.

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(4) All buildings served by one or more elevators shall have a permanently mounted fire safety sign or symbol on each floor level at each elevator entrance, which indicates that the elevator is not to be used in case of fire. This symbol shall be at least 100 mm in height and width and shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 170 ―Standard for Fire Safety Symbols.‖ 2.8.3. FIRE DRILLS 2.8.3.1.

Fire Drill Procedures

(1) The procedure for conducting fire drills shall be determined by the person in charge of the building, taking into consideration: (a) the building occupancy and its fire hazards, (b) the safety features provided in the building, (c) the desirable degree of participation of occupants other than supervisory staff, (d) the number and degree of experience of participating supervisory staff, (e) features of fire emergency systems installed in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the British Columbia Building Code, and (f) the requirements of the fire department. (see Appendix A.) 2.8.3.2.

Fire Drill Frequency

(1) Fire drills as described in Sentence 2.8.3.1. (1) shall be held at intervals not greater than 12 months for the supervisory staff, except that (a) in day-care centres and in Group B major occupancies, such drills shall be held at intervals not greater than one month, (b) in schools attended by children, total evacuation fire drills shall be held at least 3 times in each the fall and spring school terms, and (c) in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the British Columbia Building Code, such drills shall be held at intervals not greater than 2 months.

Division B - Appendix A A-2.8.1.2.(1) Adequately trained supervisory staff can be of great value in directing people to move in an orderly fashion in the event of a fire and in carrying out appropriate fire control measures until the public fire department arrives. These measures are, as described in the fire safety plan, developed in cooperation with the fire department. The supervisory staff referred to in this Section are assigned their responsibilities by the building owner, unless the public fire department is prepared to take on these responsibilities. Except in hospitals and nursing homes, it is not intended that supervisory staff should be in the building on a continuous basis, but that they should be available to fulfill their obligations as described in the fire safety plan on notification of a fire emergency. In hospitals and nursing homes, however, staff must be in the building at all times to assist occupants who are not capable of caring for themselves in an emergency. A-2.8.2.1.(1) The fire safety plan may provide important information to the fire department for use preparation of pre-fire plans for fire fighting procedures in specific buildings. This is especially true for building where flammable or combustible liquids or other dangerous goods are stored. A-2.8.2.1.(1)(a)(i) These procedures should also include training of authorized personnel for silencing fire alarm and alert signals under specific conditions. If special key, or devices are required to operate the alarm system, they should be readily available to supervisory staff on duty. A-2.8.2.1.(1)(a)(iv) Some occupants of a building may require special assistance during evacuation because cognitive or physical limitations make them unable to proceed independently

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to a place of safety. Fire safety for these persons will depend to a large extent on preplanning and on their awareness of the fire protection measures incorporated into the building. In some buildings, it may be appropriate to advise such occupants of these provisions by posted notices, handouts or other suitable means. In certain, residential occupancies, such as hotels or motels, staff should be aware of rooms occupied by persons requiring special assistance during evacuation and should inform the responding fire department. A-2.8.3.1.(1) A fire safety plan is of little value if it is not reviewed periodically so that all supervisory staff remain familiar with their responsibilities. A fire drill, then is at least a review of the fire safety plan by supervisory staff. The extent to which non-supervisory staff participate in a fire drill should be worked out in cooperation with the fire department. The decision as to whether all occupants should leave the building during a fire drill should be made based on the nature of the occupancy. It may be necessary to hold additional fire drills outside of normal working hours for the benefit of employees on afternoon or night shifts, who should be as familiar with fire drill procedures as those who work during the day. If full scale fire drills are not possible during non-regular working hours, arrangements should be made so that night-shift supervisory staff can participate in fire drills conducted during the daytime.

Excerpt from the City of Nanaimo Bylaw No. 7108 - A Bylaw to Regulate Fire Protection and Life Safety and provide Emergency Services, Part 5, Section 17 17.

Fire Safety Plans (1)

The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure that has a Fire Alarm System shall submit annually in a form acceptable to the Fire Chief a Fire Safety Plan.

(2)

The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure who has submitted a Fire Safety Plan to the Fire Chief shall each year, before the expiry of one (1) year from the last approval of Fire Safety Plan, revise it and resubmit it to the Fire Chief if any changes are necessary as a consequence of changes to the Building, utilities or Fire and Life Safety Equipment.

(3)

The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure who has submitted a Fire Safety Plan to the Fire Chief must post a notice visible to all occupants of the Building or Structure of the location where a copy of the current Fire Safety Plan may be reviewed by the occupants.

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3. FIRE SAFETY PERSONNEL & DUTIES APPOINTMENT OF FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Fire Safety Director: JOHN SMITH Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Tel: 250-000-0000 or Emergency 250-000-0000 Position: Boss GENERAL DUTIES OF FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR 

Responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Fire Safety Plan that meets all the measures contained in Section 2.8 of the current B.C. Fire Code and Part 5 Section 17 of the Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw 2011 NO. 7108.



Responsible for training his deputy, Floor Wardens, and other key personnel to perform their duties in the areas of fire prevention and emergency evacuation.



Responsible for obtaining and issuing equipment such as flashlights, ID bands, and megaphones for outside communications.



Proper records must be kept by the Fire Safety Director of current Floor Wardens, number and quality of fire drills, names and locations of physically disabled people in the building, equipment issued, and fire incidents. He/she must also keep a record of all Fire Safety meetings.



The Fire Safety Director should also consider other emergency situations that could affect the building such as bomb threats, earthquakes, and hazardous chemical spills.



Alternative measures should be worked out in cooperation with the local fire department (such as hourly watches), during a temporary shutdown of the fire alarm system. These measures should be recorded as part of the building fire safety plan.



In the Fire Safety Plan, the Fire Safety Director will specify the procedure for calling the Fire Department at the sound of the Alarm. Upon arrival of the Fire Department the Fire Safety Director will assist them as a liaison.



Will temporarily assume the general duties of the Floor Wardens until Floor Wardens are appointed (if applicable).

NOTE: Fire Safety Director may not be on site at all times.

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FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR DUTIES DURING AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION: IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE: 1. Activate the fire alarm. 2. Notify the fire department. 4. Fight the fire only if it is small and safe to do so. 5. Report details to fire department officer.

IF YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM: 1. Notify the fire department. 2. Proceed to the fire alarm annunciator and locate fire zone. 3. Fight fire only if it is small. 4. Report details to fire department officer. NOTE: Fire Safety Director may not be on site at all times.

APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Deputy Fire Safety Director: JANE BROWN Hours: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Tel: 250-000-0000 or Emergency 250-000-0000 Position: Technician

DUTIES OF THE DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR To assist the Fire Safety Director and be prepared to take over the duties as Fire Safety Director in his/her absence. NOTE: Deputy Fire Safety Director may not be on site at all times.

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FLOOR WARDENS If the possibility that floor wardens are, or may be required, the following described duties of floor wardens and deputy floor wardens will apply. APPOINTMENT OF FLOOR WARDENS: AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

FLOOR WARDEN ASSISTANT FLOOR WARDEN

1st Floor

____________________ ______________________

2nd Floor

___JOHN SMITH______ ___ANN PINK_______

3rd Floor

____________________ ______________________

GENERAL DUTIES OF FLOOR WARDENS Daily Check of floor area for: 

Accumulation of combustible materials, rubbish or flammable liquids.



Dangerous ignition sources, i.e. worn extension cords, oily rags, overheating equipment.



Exit lights in good order and adequate lighting in public corridors and stairwells.



Fire and exit doors and their self closing hardware to ensure that they are in good operating condition. Doors must not be wedged open for any reason.



Unobstructed exit routes. (Definition of exit routes in previous sections).



Condition of firefighting equipment.

*Note: The Fire Safety Director will temporarily assume the above duties until such time as Floor Wardens are appointed.

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FLOOR WARDEN DUTIES DURING AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION: Supervise the evacuation of the occupants of their floor to the predetermined assembly area outside the building. 1. Check to see if the exits are clear of fire and smoke. Choose an alternate route if necessary. 2. Direct Assistant Floor Warden to check the floor area, including all washrooms to ensure that all people have left the area. 3. Notify the Fire Safety Director of any handicapped persons, and their exact whereabouts. 4. Close all doors. DO NOT LOCK. 5. One Floor Warden will stay with the handicapped persons; the rest will proceed to the assembly area. Once the Fire Department relieves the remaining Floor Warden, he/she also proceeds to the assembly area. 6. Ensure that no one from his/her floor re-enters the building. 7. Once everyone from his/her floor is safely at the assembly area, notify the Fire Safety Director.

ASSISTANT FLOOR WARDENS DUTIES OF THE ASSISTANT FLOOR WARDEN: 

Assist the Floor Warden in fire prevention and emergency evacuation.



Assume the duties of the Floor Warden in his/her absence.

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FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES ANNUAL DRILLS: Once a year the Fire Safety Director must conduct a fire drill. The drill will not test any evacuation skills of the occupants; however, it will provide the Fire Safety director, Deputies, and Occupants with the opportunity to hear the fire alarm gongs, and consider their actions in the event that the fire were real. Use the following procedure when conducting the fire drill: 

Notify occupants of the date and time of the drill.



Notify the alarm supervisory service and the fire department on their nonemergency phone numbers that you are planning to have a non-evacuation fire drill, and that you will call them back when the drill is complete.



Discuss evacuation procedures with D.F.S.D. and those occupants willing to participate.



Have the D.F.S.D. perform the If You Discover a Fire scenario in the In Case of Fire procedures for occupants. The F.S.D. should perform his or her duties as detailed in the plan.



Restore the manual fire alarm pull station, and then reset the fire alarm system.



Notify the alarm supervisory service (when applicable) and the fire department that the fire drill is complete.



Discuss drill with occupants in an attempt to identify problems.



Complete the Incident/Activity Report.

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FIRE DRILL INCIDENT/ACTIVITY REPORT (1) INCIDENT / ACTIVITY _____FIRE

_____ FALSE ALARM

_____FIRE DRILL

_____ TRAINING

_____FIRE SAFETY MEETING

_____ FIRE EQUIP. OPERATED

(2) DETAIL DATE: _________

TIME: ________

DEVICE/EQUIP.: ________________________________________ FLOOR: _______

ALARM ZONE: __________

# OF INJURIES: _________ CAUSE/REASON FOR INCIDENT: ______________________________________________________________ EXPLAIN DAMAGE/LOSS: ______________________________________________________________ (3) ACTION WHO DISCOVERED THE FIRE? ______________________________________________________________ DID FIRE DEPT. ATTEND? ______ IF NOT, WHY? ____________________________ WHO OPERATED THE FIRE EQUIPMENT? _______________________________________________________________ (4) COMMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS SIGNED ______________________________________ DATE __________________________

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4. OCCUPANT FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS & CONTROL

FIRE PREVENTION Smoke only within designated areas. Use large non-tip ashtrays and empty them only when you are sure the ashes, matches and butts are cold. Make sure that no one, including visitors, has left cigarettes smoldering in waste-baskets or on furniture. Be alert around electrical equipment. When electrical equipment is not working properly or if it gives off an unusual odor - often the first sign of a problem that could cause a fire - disconnect the equipment and call an appropriate maintenance contractor. Promptly replace any electrical cord that is cracked or has a broken connection. When using extension cords, protect them from damage: do not put them across doorways or any place where they will be stepped on or chafed. Check the amperage load specified by the manufacturer or the "listing laboratory", and do not exceed it. Do not plug one extension cord into another, and do not plug more than one extension cord into one outlet. Keep all heat-producing appliances away from the wall and away from anything that might burn. Leave plenty of space for air to circulate around equipment that normally gives off heat. Make sure all appliances in your area - such as coffee makers and hot plates - are turned off when not in use. It's best to assign one person to make this check every day. Do your part to keep storage areas, stairway landings and other out-of-way locations free of waste paper, empty cartons, dirty rags and other material that could fuel a fire. Report fire hazards to the Fire Safety Director.

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FIRE PREPAREDNESS Know the location of the two exits closest to your area. Count the number of doors between you and each of those exits - in case you must escape through a darkened, smoke-filled corridor where you can't read the names on the doors. Learn where the nearest pull station is located and how to activate it. Post the 9-1-1 Fire Department Emergency Number on your telephone. Learn the sound of your building's fire alarm. During the annual fire drill which will be conducted by the Fire Safety Director, do the following:  Review the basic IN CASE OF FIRE procedures posted in the corridors, and Evacuation Procedures.  Ensure you know who the Fire Safety Director and Deputies are, and how to contact them.  Read the other information provided in Occupant Fire Prevention, Preparedness & Control Volunteer to be one of two designated persons who will assist a person requiring assistance.

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FIRE EVACUATION Use a building telephone only if you are safe from the fire. While exiting, walk and do not run. Shut all doors behind you. Alert those who have difficulty hearing that an emergency evacuation of the building is underway. Proceed along corridors and through exits in a quiet and orderly manner. Do not push or jostle. Assist persons requiring assistance to reach the nearest safe exit:  Try to keep exits clear by permitting others to pass.  It may be necessary to hold persons requiring assistance in or near the exit, and wait for fire department assistance. If you must use an escape route where there is smoke, stay as low as possible. Crawling lets you breathe the cleaner air near the floor as you move toward the exit. Before you open a closed door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot, leave it closed and use your alternate escape route. If it feels normal, brace your body against the door and open it a crack - be prepared to slam it shut if heat or smoke starts to rush in. If all exits are blocked by fire or smoke, enter a room preferably with an exterior window, and seal the cracks in the door with available materials to prevent smoke entering the room.  Phone 9-1-1 to report your situation, and attract the attention of someone outside the building by any possible means. When you have reached the outside of the building, move away from the exit allowing others behind you to emerge. Do not attempt to drive your vehicle from the parking area. Do not enter the building again until permitted by a fire department officer or the fire safety director

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INSTRUCTIONS TO OCCUPANTS IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE: Remain calm and leave the fire area via the nearest safe exit.

DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR IMMEDIATELY, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station. Call the Fire Department. Dial 9-1-1 Tell them you are reporting a fire at: 123 Any Street, Anywhere, B.C. At your discretion, attempt to control the fire with available fire equipment. Go to the designated assembly area. DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON. The Fire Department will advise when it is safe to do so.

WHEN YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM: 

Remain Calm. If safe, leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit.

DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR     

Close doors behind you when proceeding along corridors and down stairways. When you have reached the outside, move away from the building. Call the Fire Department. Dial 9-1-1 Tell them you are reporting a fire at: 123 Any Street, Anywhere B.C. Go to the designated assembly area. DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON. The Fire Department will advise when it is safe to do so.

THE DESIGNATED ASSEMBLY AREA FOR THIS BUILDING IS: On the opposite side of 123 Any Street (across the street from the main entrance)

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EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES In most cases people with physical disabilities should be placed under the supervision of designated personnel until the Fire Department can rescue them. If it is life threatening for the people with physical disabilities and their supervisors to remain on that floor, it is recommended that the people with physical disabilities be transported via the stairwell to a grade level exit. Below are some techniques which may be used to perform this transport:

1. THE BACK PACK LIFT: The Rescuer would kneel at the front of the person being assisted and place the person's arms up and over the rescuer's shoulders and chest. The rescuer would then lean forward before raising slowly, to a full standing position. (Figure 1)

Ref-017 24

2. TWO RESCUER EXTREMITIES CARRY: The person being assisted would be placed on the stairwell landing. One rescuer would lift at the legs, under the knees, while the other would lift under the shoulders with fingers locked across the individual's chest. Rescuers, with backs erect, would lift together, rising slowly to a standing position. (Figure 2)

25

3. TWO RESCUER SEAT CARRY: Two rescuers position themselves next to the wheelchair (or beside the person being assisted) in order to grasp each other's upper arm or shoulder (Figs. 3 & 4). The person being assisted would place his/her arms firmly around both rescuers’ necks as per Fig. 5. The two rescuers would then lean forward placing their free arm under the individual's legs, firmly grasping each other's wrists as per Fig. 6. Working together, both rescuers lift, using legs, and carefully step forward.

Figure 3

Figure 5

Figure 4

Figure 6

These are but a few examples of transporting a person down a stairwell.

26

THE ABCD's OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS A fire extinguisher is a storage container for an agent, like water or chemicals. It is designed to put out a small fire, not a big one. Extinguishers are labeled A, B, C or D according to whether the fire on which it is to be used occurs in wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical, or metal sources. If you plan to buy one extinguisher, a multi-purpose dry chemical labeled ABC puts out most types of fires — wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquid or electrical fires.

BUYING AND MAINTAINING AN EXTINGUISHER Extinguishers come in dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, and water types. Whatever type you buy, it should be labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The higher the number rating on the extinguisher the more fire it puts out. High rated ones are often (not always) the heavier models. Make sure you can hold and operate the one you might buy for home use or be required to use at work. Ask your dealer how to have your extinguisher serviced and inspected. Recharge it after ANY use. A partially used one might as well be empty. Extinguishers should be installed away from potential fire hazards and near an escape route

27

OPERATION OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

28

5. BUILDING DESCRIPTION & SAFETY FEATURES BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & OCCUPANCY Building address:

123 Any Street, Nanaimo, BC

Building name:

ABCD Building

Building type:

Commercial /Residential

Building No. of stories above grade: No. of stories below grade: No. of suites:

3 0 4 Commercial 2 Residential Condominiums

Year of Construction:

2009 / 2010

Main construction materials:

wood frame

Exterior finish:

Hardy Board and wood trim

Roof construction:

Shingles supported by wood sheathing & wood joists

Interior construction and finish:

Gypsum wall board on top of metal & wood studs covered by various wall coverings and metal trim.

AREAS OF USAGE 1st Floor

1 exterior commercial unit, main entrance lobby, elevator room, electrical room/mechanical room, storage room, interior enclosed parking garage, covered parking area,

2nd Floor

3 commercial units

3rd Floor

2 residential condominium units

EXIT SYSTEMS Stair Description(s):

Two side-by-side stair systems centrally located in the building.

Exit Description(s):

The two exit stairs are designated as EXIT STAIR ―A‖ and EXIT STAIR ―B‖. (Exit locations are clearly shown on attached floor drawings.)

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Exit Doors:

Marked with exit sign mounted above.

Roof/Attic access:

Storage room located on 3rd floor

Elevator:

Located centrally towards at the north end of the building.

(Elevators are not to be used for exiting during an emergency)

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Main Fire Alarm Control Panel Model:

MIRCOM FA -1000

No. of stages:

Single

Location:

1st floor within the main mechanical / electrical room

Supervised: (Monitored):

yes

Monitoring company name:

Name (250)-000-0000

If the fire alarm system is not monitored then Systems monitored by Fire alarm system:

- low air - dry sprinkler system - wet sprinkler system

Fire alarm system initiating devices:

- pull station - smoke detector - sprinkler flow

Smoke detector locations:

- common corridors - tops of stairwells

Initiating devices cause:

Evacuation alarm

Extent of alarm sounding:

Throughout building

Remote annunciator location:

East side of the building adjacent to the main entrance

Fire alarm panel silencing information: Smoke alarm locations:

Appendix A all residential suites

(Smoke alarms are local alarms only and are not interconnected to the fire alarm system.)

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COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS Enterphone location:

East side of the building adjacent to the main entrance

HEATING, VENTILATING & AIR CONDITIONING Type of Heating:

a heat & ventilation system serves the common corridors and commercial and residential suites

FIRE DOORS Locations:

exit stairwells

FIRE DAMPERS & FIRE STOP FLAPS Locations:

in all duct work that pass through fire separations

EMERGENCY LIGHTING Locations:

through-out building

(In case of power failure, battery powered emergency lighting units are used in this building. These units must operate for a minimum of 30 minutes.)

ELEVATORS Number of Elevators: Locations: Floor Access:

1 North part of the building 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS General Locations: Extinguisher Type:

Throughout the building ABC multi-purpose dry chemical

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS System Type(s):

Dry System: parking level and attic space Wet System: remainder of the building

31

Protected Areas:

Entire building

Control Valve Location(s):

North side of the 1st floor within the mechanical / electrical room

Monitored by Fire Alarm:

Yes

WATER SHUT-OFFS Interior Location:

North side of the 1st floor within the mechanical/electrical room

Exterior Location:

Gate Valve on Water service east side of Any Street

ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT Main electrical disconnect location:

Electrical / Mechanical Room

Main electrical room:

North side of the 1st floor

FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS Location:

Northeast side of building near main entrance

No. & Type of Connection(s):

(1) - 2½" F.D. siamese connection

FIRE HYDRANT LOCATION Type Public Public

Location 67 meters north on the east side of Any Street 45 meters south near the corner of Any Street and Red Avenue

FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS Primary Access:

Main entrance off ABCD Street

Secondary Access:

Parkade off lane between EFGH Street and IJKL Street to the west.

32

6. FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT SERVICING GENERAL The 2006 B.C. Fire Code Regulations require that fire protection installations be maintained in operating condition in accordance with Part 6 & 7. In most cases the Fire Code does not specify in detail the necessary inspection, maintenance, and testing procedures; instead, it references standards such as those developed by the National Fire Protection Association, Canadian Standards Association, and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. Where such standards are referenced by the code, they have been identified in this plan as Reference Standard.

RECORDS Records of inspection, testing or maintenance of fire protection equipment, which is completed by the Fire Safety Director, qualified person, or a private contractor shall be retained for at least 2 years from the date of the activity. The records shall be located in the Fire Safety Plan for review by the authority having jurisdiction. The activities on the Daily Inspection Report are exempted from this requirement.

QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS Contractors may perform their own unique inspection and testing procedures; however, their procedures must meet the minimum requirements set by the applicable code. Information pertaining to such procedures is available in Part 10, so that the fire safety director has some idea of what the contractor should be doing.

33

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Reference Standard: ULC S536, Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems. Daily Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure:  Check Fire Alarm AC power lamp  Check Fire Alarm trouble lamps Record Keeping: None Monthly Testing Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure:  Notify the alarm monitoring company, the fire department and the tenants that you are testing the system. Notify all parties when you have completed testing.  Under emergency power, one manual alarm initiating device shall be operated on a rotation basis and shall initiate an alarm condition.  Intended function of all alarm audible signal appliances shall be ensured.  The annunciator panel shall be checked to ensure that the tested devices annunciate correctly.  Intended function of the audible and visual trouble signals shall be insured  Fire alarm batteries shall be checked to ensure that: o Terminals are clean and lubricated where necessary o Terminal clamps are clean and tight where necessary o Electrolyte level and specific gravity, where applicable, are specified by the manufacturer Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report Annual Service Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedure: Contractor shall perform service in accordance with ULC S536 Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report 34

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM Reference Standard: B.C. Fire Code Regulation 2006 Section 6.4 and NFPA 25 Notification: Prior notification of water-flow or other tests to be made to a sprinkler system shall be given to parties who could be affected by an alarm. Daily Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedures:  Dry-pipe valve rooms or enclosures in unheated buildings shall be inspected at intervals not greater than 24 hours during periods of freezing weather and measures shall be taken to ensure that the temperature of the room or enclosure is maintained above 4 degrees C. Record Keeping: None Weekly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedures:  Valves controlling sprinkler water supplies or alarms shall be inspected at intervals not greater than 7 days to ensure that they are in the open position.  Sprinkler pit shall be inspected to ensure OS & Y Valves are in open position and water is not collecting in pit. Note: For valves locked in the open position see Monthly Inspection & Test. For electrical supervised valves see Bi-monthly Test & Inspection. Record Keeping: Weekly Inspection Report Monthly Inspection & Tests Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedures:  When the alarm line discharge is subject to freezing, water-flow alarm tests using the alarm test connection located at the sprinkler valve shall be performed on sprinkler systems at intervals not greater than one month. (This test operates mechanical or electrical gong.) Note: On electrically supervised systems, the water flow actuated devices may be tested annually. See Annual Tests and Maintenance. 35

Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report Bi-monthly Test and Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedures: All Sprinkler Systems  Transmitters & water flow actuated devices shall be tested at intervals not greater than 2 months for system connected to electrical supervisory signal service. (Example: fire alarm system or central station monitoring service.)  Inspect all electrically supervised control valves. Record Keeping: Bi-monthly Testing Report Semi-Annual Tests Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedures: All Systems  Gate valve supervisory switches, tank water level devices, building and tank water temperature supervisory devices and other sprinkler supervisory devices shall be tested at intervals not greater than 6 months. Record Keeping: Semi-Annual Inspection & Testing Report Annual Tests & Maintenance Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedures: Wet Systems  Water-flow alarm tests using the inspector's test connection shall be performed on wet pipe sprinkler systems at intervals not greater than twelve months. All Systems  Water-flow tests using the main drain shall be conducted at intervals not greater than 12 months to ensure that water supply available has not deteriorated.  Drainage facilities shall be tested to ensure that the drains are capable of taking the full flow from the main drain pipe without causing damage.  Sprinkler control valves are accessible. 36

 Pits containing sprinkler control valves are free of water and protected from freezing.  Sprinkler piping and hangers are in good repair.  Sprinklers are inspected for damage, corrosion or accumulations of grease, paint or other deposits and are replaced where such conditions would impair the operation of the sprinkler.  Spare sprinklers shall be checked to ensure that the stock on hand is not less than: 6 spare sprinklers ( not more than 300 sprinklers)  Spare sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the sprinklers in use.  A sprinkler wrench shall be kept in the cabinet where the spare sprinklers are stored. Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report Fifty Year Test Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedure:  Sample sprinklers from sprinkler systems which have been in service more than 50 years shall be sent to a recognized testing laboratory for testing, and this procedure shall be repeated at intervals not greater than 10 years thereafter.  When sprinklers are required to be tested in conformance with Sentence (1), no fewer than 6 sprinklers of each type shall be tested, except that no fewer than 2 sprinklers per floor per individual system shall be tested.  All sprinklers shall be replaced in sprinkler systems from which sample sprinklers have been tested and found defective. Record Keeping: Fifty Year Test Report

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PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS Reference Standard: NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers Inspection of an extinguisher is a quick check that an extinguisher is available and will operate. It is intended to give reasonable assurance that the extinguisher is fully charged and operable. Maintenance is a thorough check of an extinguisher which is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely, and will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic pressure testing. Recharging is the replacement of the extinguishing agent. Monthly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure: Check portable fire extinguishers for the following:  Located in designated place  No obstruction to access or visibility  Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward  Seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing  Determine fullness by weighing or hefting  Examine for obvious physical damage: corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle  Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position  Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report  Serial number of extinguishers requiring maintenance should be recorded on report for qualified contractor  Fill-out extinguisher tag with following information: o Date extinguisher was inspected o Initials of person performing inspection Annual Maintenance Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedure:  Perform maintenance in accordance with the B.C. Fire Code Regulations and NFPA 10, including any necessary hydrostatic pressure testing. Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report

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MEANS OF EGRESS Daily Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure: Doors in fire separations shall be inspected to ensure that they remain closed and latched unless the door is equipped with an acceptable hold open device that will permit the door to close and latch automatically in the event of fire. Corridors used by the public and exits shall be maintained free of obstructions. Exterior passageways and exterior exit stairs shall be maintained free of snow and ice accumulations. Record Keeping: None Monthly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure:  Doors in fire separations shall be operated to ensure that they are properly maintained.  Doors equipped with a hold open device must release automatically in the event of a fire. Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report EMERGENCY LIGHTING UNITS Reference Standard: B.C. Fire Code Regulation 2006, Section 6.5 Monthly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure:  Self-contained emergency lighting unit equipment shall be inspected to ensure that: o pilot lights are functioning and not obviously damaged or obstructed, o the terminal connections are clean, free of corrosion and lubricated when necessary, o the terminal clamps are clean and tight as per manufacturer's specifications, and the battery surface is kept clean and dry. Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection and Testing Report 39

Monthly Testing Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Procedure:  Self-contained emergency lighting unit shall be tested at intervals not greater than one month to ensure that the emergency lights will function upon failure of the primary power supply. Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report Annual Testing Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedure:  Self-contained emergency lighting unit equipment shall be tested at intervals not greater than twelve months to ensure that the unit will provide emergency lighting for a duration equal to the design criterion under simulated power failure conditions.  Minimum operating time of 30 minutes.  After completion of the test, the charging conditions for voltage and current and the recovery period shall be tested to ensure that the charging system is functioning in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Record Keeping: Annual Inspection and Testing Report FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDING Daily Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR  Streets, yards and roadways provided for fire department access shall be maintained so as to be ready for use at all times by fire department vehicles.  Vehicles shall not be parked to obstruct access of fire department vehicles and signs shall be posted prohibiting such parking.  Access panels or windows provided to facilitate access for firefighting operations shall be maintained free of obstructions at all times. Record Keeping: None

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FIRE DAMPERS AND FIRE STOPS Annual Inspection Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedure:  Ensure that the fire dampers and fire stops are in place and are not obviously damaged or obstructed. Record Keeping: Annual Inspection and Testing Report.

HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Systems Annual Testing and Servicing Responsibility: Qualified Contractor Procedure:  Inspect and service as necessary to ensure that these systems do not create a fire hazard.  Except for self-contained systems within dwelling units, disconnect switches for mechanical air-conditioning and ventilating systems shall be operated to establish that the system can be shut down in an emergency. Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report.

EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS (Generators) Emergency power systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in conformance with CAN/CSA C282 Standards. (Hospitals use Standard Z32.4)

Daily Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR  Emergency power supply is maintained as per the manufacturer’s Manual of Operation. Weekly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR  Maintain as per manufacturer’s Manual of Operating Instructions including CAN/CSA S282 Table 2. Monthly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR  Maintenance procedures are scheduled and completed as per operating instructions CAN/CSA S282 Table 2. 41

Annual Inspection The annual, 2nd year, 3rd year, and 5th year maintenance. Responsibility: Qualified Contractor or Manufacturer’s Representative

FIRE PUMPS Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in conformance with NFPA 25, “Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.” Water-based fire protection systems include sprinkler systems, standpipes, private hydrants, hose systems, water spray fixed systems, foamwater sprinkler systems, foam-water spray systems, and fire pumps. Daily Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Weekly Inspection Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR Annual Inspection Responsibility: Qualified Contractor

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APPENDIX A Fire Alarm Panel Operation Mircom FA-1000 Fire Alarm Panel SEQUENCE OF OPERATION DO NOT SILENCE OR RESET AN ACTIVATED FIRE ALARM PANEL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE PROPER AUTHORITIES THAT A FIRE EMERGENCY DOES NOT EXIST. The fire alarm panel can be in one of three modes: NORMAL, ALARM, and TROUBLE. There are at least three lamps and three switches (buttons) you should familiarize yourself with: NORMAL MODE / AC ON Green LED Lamp The green AC ON LED illuminates steadily while the main AC power is within acceptable levels. It turns off when the level falls below the power-fail threshold and the panel switches to standby (battery) power. The fire alarm system senses that all detectors, devices, wiring and all panel components are operating properly. The only visual indication on the panel is the illuminated power-on green lamp. ALARM MODE / COMMON ALARM Red LED Lamp The red Common Alarm LED illuminates steadily whenever the panel is in alarm as a result of an alarm on any initiating circuit. Audible and Visual Indication: bells/horns/speakers throughout the building are sounding. At the panel there is only visual indication of alarm. The panel is zoned, locate the illuminated red zone lamp, and note the description to locate the cause of the alarm. Cause of an Alarm: An alarm may be caused by activation of a manual pull station, fire alarm detectors or activation of a water flow switch in the sprinkler system in the building. How to SILENCE the fire alarm: Locate the SIGNAL SILENCE push button (Blue) Pressing this button will silence the bells but retain the alarm status of the panel. Note: This should only be done when a False Alarm is confirmed by the proper authorities. This will aid investigation of the alarm cause. When the system is silenced the panel is now in TROUBLE MODE and pulses the trouble buzzer as a reminder that you have silenced the bells. How to RESET the Fire Alarm System: 43

Locate on the alarm panel a push button labeled SYSTEM RESET (DarkGrey) Pressing the System Reset button resets the fire alarm control panel and all circuits DO NOT SILENCE OR RESET THE ACTIVATED FIRE ALARM UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE PROPER AUTHORITIES (FIRE DEPT.) THAT THERE IS NO FIRE EMERGENCY

Note: If the panel fails to clear then the alarm cause is still present. Only the SIGNAL SILENCE push button (Blue) will silence the bells/horns from ringing until the problem has been corrected by a qualified person. TROUBLE MODE / COMMON TROUBLE Amber LED Lamp o Audible and Visual Indication: At the fire alarm panel a buzzer sounds and in addition one or more amber lamps are illuminated. Cause of Trouble: Trouble on the system could be from many sources and requires a qualified technician to troubleshoot and locate the actual cause. 

How to Silence the Trouble Buzzer: Locate the switch labeled BUZZER SILENCE push button (Blue) and depress. Note that the trouble lamp remains on.

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How to Reset the Fire Alarm Panel: Note: the cause of the trouble needs to be remedied prior to resetting the fire alarm panel. Locate on the alarm panel a push button labeled SYSTEM RESET (Dark Grey). Pressing the System Reset button resets the fire alarm control panel and all circuits. While operating the SYSTEM RESET push button (Dark Grey) and it fails clear a trouble from the panel, refer above to Silence the Trouble Buzzer. A qualified person must repair the fire alarm system.

FIRE DRILL BUTTON (Orange) The Fire Drill button activates all programmed and non-disconnected indicating circuits, but does not transmit any Alarms via the city tie or common alarm relay. The Fire Drill button may be programmed to operate specific indicating circuits. The Fire Drill is cancelled by pressing the push button again or if the panel goes into a real Alarm.

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APPENDIX B

SITE PLAN FIRST FLOOR PLAN SECOND FLOOR PLAN THIRD FLOOR PLAN SAMPLE EVACUATION PLAN

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Symbol

Title FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL FIRE ALARM ANNUNCIATOR FIRE ALARM PULL STATION FIRE EXTINGUISHER KITCHEN SUPPRESSION SYSTEM FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTION FREE STANDING FDC FIRE HYDRANT EXIT ROUTE AUTO SPRINKLER FULL AREA AUTO SPRINKLER PARTIAL AREA SPRINKLER MAIN VALVE SPRINKLER ISOLATION VALVE HOSE CABINET STAND PIPE WATER SHUT-OFF LIQUID PETROLIUM GAS SHUT-OFF GAS SHUT-OFF PARTICULAR HAZARD WILL BE LABLED MAIN ELECTRICAL SHUT-OFF SWITCH

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EMERGENCY GENERATOR OVERHEAD POWER LINES ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMER ROOM ROOF ACCESS KEY CYLINDER VAULT OR BOX FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS ELEVATOR AREA OF REFUGE FENCE FENCE GATE OVERHEAD DOOR ROLL-UP DOOR SLIDING DOOR SINGLE DOOR DOUBLE DOOR

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