Guidelines for Fire Safety Plans Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services Fire Prevention and public Education

Why Plan For Fire Safety • Let’s Look At The Facts • Structure Fires In Office Properties In North America for 1999 • 5,500 fires • 5 Civilian Deaths • 62 Civilian Injuries • $147.1 Million Dollars in Property Damage

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Industrial and Manufacturing Properties 17,200 Fires 29 Civilian Deaths 609 Civilian Injuries Over 1 Billion Dollars in Property Damage

Lets Look at The legislation • The Fire Safety Act Province of Nova Scotia • Formal Adoption of The National Fire Code of Canada 1995 • HRM By-Law F-100 Respecting Fire Prevention Also Formally Adopts the National Fire Code of Canada 1995

Responsibilities of the Owner • The Fire Safety Act Defines “owner” as a person controlling land or premises or activity on the land or premises. • An occupant may be considered the owner. • Duty to take fire safety precautions Section 17 Unless this Act or the regulations otherwise prescribe, every owner of land or premises, or part thereof, shall take every precaution that is reasonable in the circumstances to achieve fire safety and to carry out the provisions of this Act, the regulations and the Fire Code

National Fire Code Of Canada • Section 2.8 Emergency Planning • 2.8.1.1. Application • 1) Fire emergency procedures conforming to this Section shall be provided for • a) every building containing an assembly or a care or detention occupancy. • b) every building required by the National Building Code of Canada 1995 to have a fire alarm system

National Fire Code Continued • c) demolition and construction sites regulated under section 2.14. of this Code • d) storage areas required to have a fire safety plan in accordance with Articles 3.2.2.6 and 3.3.2.9., • e) areas where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored or handled in conformance with Article 4.1.5.6. And, • f) areas where hazardous processes or operations occur, in conformance with Article 5.1.5.1.

National Fire Code Indoor Storage • 3.2.2.6 Fire Safety Plan • 1) A fire safety plan conforming to Section 2.8. and Sentences (2) and (3) shall be prepared • 2) The fire safety plan shall identify • a) the product classifications as described in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(1) for each part of the building where products of different classifications are stored , • b) the method of storage, including aisle widths for rack storage

Indoor Storage Cont. • c) the maximum permitted height of storage for the building or part of the building, if different • d) the maximum permitted size of individual storage areas, • e) in sprinklered buildings, the sprinkler system design criteria, inside and outside hose allowances, and results of the benchmark sprinkler system main drain and water flow test

Outdoor Storage • 3.3.2.9 Fire Safety Plan • 1) A fire safety plan conforming conforming to Section 2.8. And Sentences (2) and (3) shall be prepared. • 2) The fire safety plan required in Sentence (1) shall identify • a) the location and classification of the products currently stored, as described in Sentence 3.3.1.1.(1)

Outdoor Storage (cont.) • b) the method of storage, including the clear spaces required and the maximum size of individual storage areas, • c) the location of fire alarm systems and fire fighting equipment and • d) the control of fire hazards in and around the outdoor storage area. • 3) At least one copy of the fire safety plan shall be prominently posted at the outdoor storage site

What Is A fire Safety Plan • The purpose of a fire safety plan is to ensure effective utilization of fire and life safety features in a building. • To provide efficient and safe evacuation of building occupants in the event of fire or other emergencies. • To protect buildings and property from the incident of fire or the spread of fire from the area or room of origin

Owner Responsibilities • The owner of a building responsible for preparation of the fire safety plan must ensure that the building and facilities comply with the fire code. • With respect to fire safety the owner has numerous responsibilities, and must ensure the the following measures are included in the fire safety plan.

Audit of Building Resources • • • • •

Fire Alarm Systems Exit Locations Portable Fire Extinguishers Automatic Sprinkler Systems Emergency Power & lighting

Audit of Personnel • The size of the organization and the number of personnel need to carry out the requirements of the Fire Safety Plan will depend on the size of the building , specific hazards and the fire safety equipment / systems provided .

Responsibilities of Supervisory Staff • Be In Complete Charge of the Approved Fire Safety Plan • Designate and Train a Sufficient number of Assistants to Act in the Absence of Regular Supervisory Staff

Key Areas of Concern • Maintenance of Fire and Life Safety Equipment • Seasonal Maintenance of Exits & Exit Stairs • House Keeping of Storage or Work / Manufacturing Areas • Ensure All Personnel are Aware of the Fire Safety Plan

Mandatory Maintenance Checks • Daily : Check Green Power On LED Indicator Light For Fire Alarm System • Monthly Check All Portable Fire Extinguishers , Emergency Power / Lighting Systems • Check All Doors / Closures to Ensure they Close and latch as designed. • Record all Maintenance Checks

Evacuation Planning • Again the size of the organization, type of fire / life safety systems and number of personnel will impact on the evacuation plan • It could be as simple as when the alarm goes you go.

The Fire Warden System • Floor Wardens: Assigned to a particular floor area and responsible to ensure that persons in that area react to the fire alarm. • May have other specific assigned duties. • Persons with special needs • Check remote section of their assigned floor area for people needing assistance to leave

Fire Drills • NFC 2.8.3.1. Fire Drill Procedures • 1) The procedure for conducting fire drills shall be determined by the person in responsible charge of the building, by taking into consideration • a) the building occupancy and it’s fire hazards • b) the safety features provided in the building • c) the desirable degree of participation of occupants other than supervisory staff,

Fire Drills (cont.) • d) the number and degree of experience of participating supervisory staff, • e) the features of fire emergency systems installed in buildings within the scope of subsection 3.2.6 of the National Building Code of Canada 1995, and • f) the requirements of the fire department.

Fire Drill Frequency • 2.8.3.2. 1) Fire drills 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 drills shall be held at least 3 times in each of the fall and spring school terms

Frequency Cont. • c) in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. Of the National Building Code of Canada 1995, such drills shall be held at intervals not greater than 2 months.

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