HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD-2-89 8 (b)
OWN OF NEWCASTLE
REPORT File #
Res. # ` .
1 r �
By-Law #
NOTING: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
DATE: JANUARY 23, 1989
REPORT #: FD 2-89 FILE #: 10.12.6
SUBJECT: NEWCASTLE TOWN HALL FIRE SAFETY PLAN AND PROCEDURES -
PROPOSED MUNICIPAL STAFF FIRE SAFETY TRAINING
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended:
THAT Fire Department Report FD 2-89 be received for information.
BACKGROUND AND COMMENTS
This Department is endeavouring to provide for the safety of the occupants in
buildings through the elimination or control of fire hazards in and around
buildings, the maintenance of fire safety systems and equipment in buildings
and the establishing of a Fire Safety Plan in specific buildings, where neces-
sary.
The Ontario Fire Code requires that a Fire Safety Plan be prepared and imple-
mented for the Town of Newcastle Municipal Town Hall Building, located at 40
Temperance Street, Bowmanville.
Staff have drafted a Fire Safety Plan, (copy attached) , identifying and desig-
nating supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties and listing their
responsibilities.
The Plan requires that building staff be instructed in emergency procedures
appropriate to the building. The Fire Department will arrange through the Chief
Administrative Officer, a training schedule for Town Hall staff, in the spring
of 1989, to include brief theory and practical hands on training sessions.
Continued. . . . . .
FD 2-89 - 2 -
Possibly, four one hour sessions could be held, allowing a number of staff from
each department to attend and ensuring sufficient staff remain on duty to cover
their department.
At this time, arrangements would also be made for the Town's outside staff to
be instructed in fire extinguisher training. Arrangements would be made
through Department Heads for their outside staff to attend a one hour train-
ing session, which could be held at each public works depot and possibly at the
Bowmanville Recreation Complex.
Appropriate funds will be budgeted for in the 1989 Fire Department Training
Accounts , (approximately $500.00) .
Staff recommend this project and suggest that by posting and implementing the
Fire Safety Plan, and training all municipal employees in basic fire safety,
will help to provide for a fire safe building and working environment.
Respectfully submitted, Recommended for presentation
to Committee
J. dridge, wrence Rotseff,
Fir Chief. Chief Ad( i strative Officer.
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JA/sr
Encl.
January 12, 1989.
NEWCASTLE TOWN HALL
FIRE SAFETY PLAN AND PROCEDURES
JANUARY 23, 1989
FIRE SAFETY PLAN
NEWCASTLE TOWN HALL
This procedure describes your role in a fire emergency. Please read
it carefully. It is important to everyone's safety that you respond
as outlined.
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE:
1.) Activate fire alarm - use fire alarm pull station.
2.) Leave the fire area.
3.) Close all doors and windows, if possible.
4.) Use exit stairwells to leave building immediately.
5.) Phone Fire Department - 623-9111.
NOTE: DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.
DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL IT IS DECLARED SAFE
BY FIRE OFFICIAL.
IF YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM:
1.) Exit building immediately.
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT, CONTROL & CONFINEMENT:
In the event a small fire cannot be extinguished with the use of a
portable fire extinguisher or smoke presents a hazard to the operator,
then the door to the area should be closed to confine and contain
the fire. Leave the fire area and the building, activate the fire
alarm, ensure the Fire Department has been notified and wait for the
Fire Department arrival, to advise Fire Official of the location and
nature of fire.
FIRE HAZARD:
In order to avoid fire hazards in the building, occupants are advised:
1.) Do not put smokers materials directly into waste receptacles;
2.) Avoid using unsafe electrical appliances, frayed extension cords,
or overloaded electrical outlets;
3.) Avoid careless smoking practices;
4.) Avoid unsafe cooking practices in lunch room area.
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e(b)
In general, building occupants are advised to:
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1.) Know where the fire alarm pull stations and exits are located;
2.) Know alternate exit routes;
3.) Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
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DUTIES OF PROPERTY MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES !
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The property manager should:
1.) Ensure fire routes and road accesses are kept clear at all
times and signs are in place in accordance with the Ontario
Fire Code (Section 2.5) .
2.) Have a working knowledge of the fire alarm system and other
fire protection equipment and ensure it is kept in proper
working condition.
3.) In the event of a shut down of the alarm systems ensure that
the Fire Department is notified.
4.) Ensure Fire Safety Plan and Procedures are posted on each
floor and supervisory staff are familiar with such plans
and procedures.
5.) Ensure a qualified staff member is available in their absence.
6.) Ensure inspections and testing of fire alarm system and fire
protection equipment (including extinguishers and sprinkler
system) are performed annually in accordance with the Ontario
Fire Code.
7.) Ensure that any maintenance or repair to fire protection
systems and equipment is done promptly and correctly.
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DUTIES OF SUPERVISORY STAFF
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DEPARTMENT HEADS
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All Department Heads should:
1.) Department Heads and their staff should understand the Fire
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Safety Plan, their individual roles and specific responsi-
bilities.
2.) Designate and train sufficient assistants to act in this
position, during their absence from the building.
3.) Educate and train all staff in the actions to be taken under
the approved Fire Safety Plan.
4.) Ensure staff have been instructed in the use of existing
fire safety equipment.
5.) Survey the building to determine the number and location of
exits available for each floor or area.
6.) Ensure that signs are posted on each floor or area noting
the primary and secondary exits to be used in case of an
emergency.
7.) Ensure that staff under their jurisdiction are aware of which
exits are to be used as well as the location of fire safety
equipment. (Including fire alarm pull stations, extinguishers
and hose cabinets) .
IN CASE OF FIRE:
1.) Ensure the fire alarm has been activated.
2.) Close all doors and windows, if possible, when evacuating building.
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3.) Supervise evacuation of personnel under their jurisdiction.
4.) Notify the Fire Department of emergency conditions.
5.) Upon arrival of Fire Department notify Fire Official of location
and nature of fire.
ENSURE FIRE ALARM IS NOT SILENCED UNTIL CAUSE OF ALARM IS DETERMINED.
In general:
1.) Ensure doors to stairways in their area are closed at all times.
2.) Ensure hallways, exits and aisles in their area are kept clear
at all times.
3.) Understand Fire Safety Plan and ensure personnel under their
jurisdiction have a knowledge of it.
4.) Ensure they have qualified substitutes in place in their absence.
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(b)
DUTIES OF BUILDING MAINTENANCE STAFF
Building maintenance
staff should:
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1.) Ensure that stairways and landings are kept clear of obstruc-
tions.
2.) Not permit combustible waste material to accumulate in any
parts of the building (stairway, fire escape or other means
of egress) .
3.) Not permit combustible waste material to accumulate in
quantities or locations, which will constitute a fire hazard.
4.) Promptly remove all combustible waste from all areas where
waste is placed for disposal.
5.) Ensure that Fire Department siamese sprinkler and standpipe
connections are kept clear of obstructions.
6.) Have a working knowledge of the fire alarm system.
7.) Do a monthly visual check of fire extinguishers to ensure
they are in place and in working order and ensure any that
require servicing are brought to the attention of the
property manager.
8.) Check hose cabinets regularly to ensure hose and nozzles are
in good condition and properly in place and bring any
problems to the attention of the property manager.
9.) Check exit lighting and emergency lighting on a regular basis
to ensure all exit lights are illuminated and emergency lighting
will perform, if required.
In general, at the sound of the fire alarm, maintenance staff should:
1.) Assist the public in exiting the building.
2.) Ensure that Town staff has exited the building.
3.) Exit building and await Fire Department arrival.
4.) Be prepared to provide information to Fire Official (keys,
building systems, etc.) .
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INFORMATION FOR BUILDING OWNERS,
PROPERTY MANAGERS
AND OTHER PERSONS CONTROLLING PROPERTIES
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CHECK/TEST/INSPECT REQUIREMENTS OF THE FIRE CODE
To assist you in fulfilling your obligations, included is a list
of the portions of the Fire Code which require that checks,
inspections and/or tests be made of equipment and facilities from
time to time. It is suggested that you read over this list and
perform or have performed the necessary checks, inspections
and/or tests for the items which may apply to your property.
Fire Prevention Officers may check to ensure that the necessary
checks, inspection and/or tests are being done, when conducting
their inspections.
This list has been prepared for purposes of convenience only.
For accurate reference, the Fire Code should be consulted.
Definitions for key words are as follows:
CHECK - Means visual observation to ensure the device
or system is in place and is not obviously
damaged or obstructed.
TEST - Means operation of device or system to ensure
that it will perform in accordance with its
intended operation or function.
INSPECT - Means physical examination to determine that
the device or system will apparently perform
in accordance with its intended function.
It is stated in the Fire Code that records of all tests and
corrective measures are required to be retained fora period of
two years after they are made.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
(reference should be made to NFPA 10.1978 for exact details)
Fire Code Inspection
Reference No. Frequency
6.2.7.2. inspect all portable extinguishers Monthly
6.2.7.1. - subject to maintenance Annually
6.2.7.1. - hydrostatically test carbon dioxide Every
and water type extinguishers 5 years
6.2.7.1. - empty stored pressure type Every
extinguishers and subject to 6 years
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(Portable Fire Extinguishers cont'd.)
Fire Code Inspection
Reference No. Frequency
6.2.7.1. hydrostatically test dry chemical Every
and vapourizing liquid type 12 years
extinguishers
6.2.7.6. 8 - recharge extinguisher after use or as As
6.2.7.1. indicated by an inspection or when Required
performing maintenance.
FIRE ALARM AND VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
(reference should be made to ULC S-536-1979 for exact details)
6.3.2.1. - check fire alarm AC power lamp and Daily
trouble light
6.3.2.1. - check trouble conditions
6.3.2.2. check central alarm and control facility
6.3.2.1. check all fire alarm components Monthly
including standby power batteries
6.3.2.1. test fire alarm system Monthly
6.3.2.1. - test fire alarm system by persons Annually
acceptable to the authority having
jurisdiction for service
STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS
6.4.2.1, inspect hose cabinets to ensure hose Monthly
Position and that equipment is in place
and operable
6.4.2.4. - inspect hose valves to ensure Annually
tightness to ensure no water leakage
6.4.2:5. - remove and re-rack hose and replace
worn gaskets
6.4.1.2. - remove plugs or caps on fire department
connections and inspect for wear, rust
or obstructions
(b)
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(Standpipe and Hose Systems cont'd.)
Fire Code Inspection
Reference No. Frequency
6.4.3.6. hydrostatically test standpipe system Every
piping which normally remains dry 5 years
6.4.3.1. - hydrostatically test standpipe systems As
that have been modified, extended or Required
are being restored to use after a
period of disuse exceeding 1 year
SPRINKLERS
6.5.3.1. check that unsupervised sprinkler Weekly
system control valves are open
6.5.3.3. - check that air pressure on dry pipe
systems is being maintained
6.5.5.2. - test sprinkler alarms using alarm Monthly
test connection
6.5.5.7. test sprinkler supervisory Every
transmittors and waterf low devices 2 months
6.5.5.7. - test gate valve supervisory switches Every
and other sprinkler and fire 6 months
protection system supervisory devices
6.5.3.2. - check exposed sprinkler system pipe Annually
hangers
6.5.3.5. check all sprinkler heads
6.5.4.3. • inspect dry pipe valve priming level
6.5.4.4. - remove plugs or caps on fire department
connections and inspect for wear, rust
or obstructions
6.5.5.3. test waterflow on wet sprinkler systems
using most remote test connection
6.5.5.4. - trip-test dry pipe trip system
6.5.5.5. - test flow of water supply using main
drain valve
6.5.4.2. - inspect dry pipe system for Every
obstructions and flush where necessary 15 years
6.5.3.4. - check dry pipe valve rooms or As
enclosures during freezing weather Required
6.5.4.1. inspect auxiliary drains to prevent
freezing
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Fire Code Inspection
Reference No. Frequency
MEANS QF EGRESS
2.2.3.4. - inspect all doors in fire separations Monthly
2.2.3.5. - check all doors in fire separations As
to ensure they are closed Required
2.7.3.1. - maintain exit signs to ensure they As
are clear and legible Required
2.7.3.2. maintain exit lights to ensure they
are illuminated and in good repair
2.7.1.7. - maintain corridors free of obstructions
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS
2.5.1.5. - ensure streets, yards and private As
roadways provided for fire department Required
access are kept clear
SERVICE EQUIPMENT, DUCTING, CHIMNEYS
2.6.1.4. - check hoods, filters and ducts Weekly
subject to accumulation of combustible
deposits and clean as necessary
2.2.3.7. - inspect all fire dampers and fire Annually
stop flaps
2.6.1.5 - inspect chimneys, flues and fluepipes
and clean as necessary
2.6.1.8. - inspect disconnect switch for mechanical
air conditioning and ventilation
7.2.3.1 inspect controls for air-handling
systems used for venting
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ALTERNATIVE MEASURES FOR OCCUPANT FIRE SAFETY
In the event of any shutdown of fire protection equipment and systems or part thereof,
the Fire Department and occupants must be notified and instructions must be posted as
toIalternate provisions or actions to be taken in case of an emergency.These provisions
and actions must be acceptable to the Chief Fire Official.
FIRE PROTECTION MEASURES
Brief descriptions of a number of fire protection measures which may be present in
existing buildings as follows.
1) Fire Alarm Systems
The purpose of a fire alarm system is to alert all the occupants of the building that an
emergency of fire exists, so that such occupants may put into practice the measures
required by the Fire Safety Plan.
All fire alarm systems shall be maintained in full operation condition at all times.
There are two main types of fire alarm systems namely, single stage systems and two
stage systems.
a) A single stage system sounds a general alarm
throughout the facility that may require total
evacuation of the building. Operation of the
fire alarm is activated by a manual pull station,
heat detector, smoke detector or a sprinkler head.
b) A two stage fire alarm system is designed to
allow staff to investigate and take appropriate
action and may require evacuation of the fire
affected area. The general alarm or second signal
is reserved as a clear indication for complete
evacuation of the building where this proves necessary.
2) Exits
An exit is that part of a means of egress that leads from the floor area it serves to a public
thoroughfare or to an approved open space.Walls, floors, doors or other means provide a
Protected path necessary for occupants to proceed with reasonable safety to a place of
raluyo. Vertical shafts accessed from above or below grade are protected from the
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3) Fire Department Access
Fire Department access allows firefighters and their equipment to gain access to the
building. Vehicles parked In a fire route, excessive vegetation, snow and other forms of
obstructions to access routes, fire hydrants and Fire Department connections are not
permitted by the Fire Code. Maintaining Fire Department access is an ongoing matter. In
addition, access into a building requires consideration (e.g. with a key box, through
Preplanning etc.).
4) Portable Extinguishers
Portable extinguishers are intended as a first aid measure to cope with fires of limited
size.The basic types of fires are Classes A, B and C. Portable extinguishers are rated for
the corresponding classes of fire.
5) Standpipe and Hose Systems
A standpipe system is an arrangement of piping, valves and hose outlets installed in a
building or structure in such a manner that water can be discharged through a hose and
nozzle for extinguishment of fire. The system is connected to a water supply which
Permits an adequate supply of water to the hose outlets.
6) Automatic Sprinkler Systems
An automatic sprinkler system is a series of underground and overhead piping designed
in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system is connected to a
water supply such as a storage tank or municipal water supply. The system includes a
controlling valve,a series of sprinkler heads and a device foractuating an alarm when the
system is in operation. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges
water over the fire area.
7) Water Supply
The total water supplies required for fire fighting purposes may by supplied from various
sources such as a municipal water supply, storage tanks
lakes, rivers, wells, swimming pools or a combination of sources; and should be j
obtained within practical distances. Water supplies must be accessible to fire fighting
equipment.
8) Fire Pumps
Fire pumps are used to ensure that the water required for firefighting and automatic
sprinkler and standpipe and hose systems is available.
9) Emergency Power
Emergency power is required to ensure the continued operation of fire and life safety
equipment and systems in case of loss of normal hyc-lro-r�lectric Ix>w,,j