Lesson 9: Fire Response

The information in this lesson is quoted directly, in part, from the website of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety in May, 2023.  The information, along with downloadable PDF files, and lessons for your employees can be accessed here:

https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/planning.html

Why have an emergency plan?

A definite plan to deal with major emergencies is an important element of occupational health and safety (OHS) programs.

Besides the major benefit of providing guidance during an emergency, developing the plan has other advantages. You may discover unrecognized hazardous conditions that would aggravate an emergency situation and you can work to eliminate them. The planning process may bring to light deficiencies, such as the lack of resources (equipment, trained personnel, supplies), or items that can be corrected before an emergency occurs. In addition, an emergency plan promotes safety awareness and shows the organization’s commitment to the safety of workers.

The lack of an emergency plan could lead to severe losses such as multiple casualties and possible financial collapse of the organization.

Since emergencies will occur, preplanning is necessary. An urgent need for rapid decisions, shortage of time, and lack of resources and trained personnel can lead to chaos during an emergency. Time and circumstances in an emergency mean that normal channels of authority and communication cannot be relied upon to function routinely. The stress of the situation can lead to poor judgment resulting in severe losses. A well thought out, well organized emergency response plan will help to eliminate these issues.

What are the legal requirements for having an emergency response plan?

The specific legislative requirements vary depending on the jurisdiction the workplace is covered under, as well as the type and characteristics of the workplace.

Occupational health and safety legislation often outlines the general requirements for preparing and responding to emergencies. Where the legislation does not specifically address emergency planning, the general duty clause would apply, which requires employers to take all reasonable precautions, under the particular circumstances, to prevent injuries or incidents in the workplace.

Provincial, territorial, or federal fire codes will outline requirements related to fire protection, including the need for a fire safety plan.

Saskatchewan Requirements for Emergency Planning

Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020

Part 25 of the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 pertain to Fire and Explosion Hazards.  The regulations outline requirements for several scenarios that present a fire or explosion hazard.

1. Garbage can present a fire hazard and must be stored in covered receptacles
2. Flammable Substances and Materials Covered with Flammable Liquids must be stored in receptacles that are labelled flammable in addition to any WHMIS labeling requirements. Written procedures must be developed to deal with the flammable substances, and the employees must train to handle the materials.
3. Activities Involving Combustible or Flammable Liquids: are controlled in that
   1. Gasoline cannot be used around hot surfaces or open flame, or as a solvent for cleaning
   2. Ignition sources such as static electricity must be eliminated
   3. Flammable liquids such as gasoline cannot be in, loaded, or unloaded while the vehicle is in service or being maintained, with the exception to the gas tank.
   4. Untrained workers are not required to enter a workplace where combustible or explosive substances comprise a dangerous percentage of the atmosphere.
4. Hot work is work that produces arcs, sparks, flames, or heat. Hot work must not be done in the presence of flammable substances.
5. Compressed and Liquified Gas Systems present an explosion hazard. Written procedures must be developed, and employees trained to operate a compressed or liquified gas system.  The system must not be exposed to ignition sources or heat and must be kept serviced and clean.
6. Other Scenarios include working with oxygen, welding equipment, and piping.

Fire Safety Plan

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 outline the requirements of a fire safety plan.

1. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent fire, and develop a written fire safety plan
2. The fire plan must indicate the emergency procedures including activating a fire alarm, calling 911, and evacuation
3. List the quantities and storage locations of flammable substances.
4. Designate a person responsible for fire safety including holding fire drills at least once a year and controlling fire hazards.

Fire Extinguishers

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 offer some guidance on fire extinguishers:

1. Portable fire extinguishers must be selected, located, inspected, maintained, and tested so workers’ health and safety are protected.
2. Fire extinguishers need to be placed at most 9 metres away from each open-flame heating device, tar pot, or asphalt kettle, and each welding or cutting operation.

National Fire Code of Canada, 2020

The National Fire Code of Canada, 2020, Division B, Part 2: Building and Occupant Fire Safety gives regulations pertaining to many scenarios.  In this section we will focus on:

• General information,
• Fire hazards,
• Fire department access to buildings,
• Safety to life, and
• Emergency planning.

The following text is a summary and interpretation of the code.  Refer to the code itself for detailed and accurate information.

General Information

Buildings are classified for certain uses and maximum occupancies.  These use restrictions and occupancies must be heeded.

Fire safety systems, many of which are regulated by the National Building Code of Canada, can include:

• Fire alarm, standpipe and sprinkler systems
• Voice communication systems that are integrated with the general fire alarm system
• Smoke alarms

All of these systems must be tested according to a plan, and documentation must be recorded.

Portable extinguishers should be installed in all buildings. There are specific standards (CAN/ULC-5508) the extinguishers must conform to, they must be tested regularly, and the test documented.  There are specific types of extinguishers for specific types of fires (types of fire fuel).  The location of the extinguisher, according to the National Fire Code of Canada, 2022, needs to be in proximity to a fire hazard “so as to be accessible without exposing the operator to undue risk.”  (Remember, the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations dictate 9 metres.)  Finally, if the portable extinguisher is in a place conducive to corrosion (outside), it must be stored in a protective enclosure.

Fire Hazards

The National Fire Code of Canada, 2020 outlines several areas of risk in addition to the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.   Some of these are:

• Lint traps in laundry are a common source of fire. Ensure lint traps are cleaned after each use.
• Smoking is only permitted in designated areas without flammable or explosive materials. The smoking area should be indicated by signs and have an adequate number of ash trays to ensure proper extinguishing of cigarettes.
• Vacant buildings must be secured against unauthorized entry.

 Fire Department Access to Buildings

Fire departments always need access to buildings in case of emergency.  There needs to be street access to at least one face of the building.  Furthermore, all access ways, panels, windows, roof access, and connections must be maintained to be free from obstruction, including snow.

Safety to Life

An essential part of an emergency action plan is to determine the “means of egress.”  This means, have a set route to exit the building and proceed to a muster point (some predesignated point away from danger.)

For efficient egress:

• Floor areas need to be kept clear of obstruction and there are minimum dimensions acceptable for isles and doors.
• There is a maximum number of occupants allowed based on a calculation involving the floor area and number of exits. In certain situations (commercial properties) exits must be indicated by signs.

Emergency Planning

Fire emergency procedures must be provided for residential complexes, schools, restaurants, and other commercial buildings.  The staff need to be trained in emergency procedures, and there needs to be always at least one trained staff member on location.

A fire safety plan must be created and reviewed yearly to ensure it takes account of changes in the use and characteristics of the building. This fire safety plan must include the following procedures (which are in line with the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations):

• Sound the alarm
• Call 911
• Evacuate occupants paying attention to those with special needs
• Attempt to confine, control, and extinguish the fire

A person must be appointed, as part of the emergency plan, to:

• Train other employees
• Maintain procedures and diagrams
• Hold fire drills
• Inspect the building for hazards and other safety items.

Fire drills must be planned at least once every 12 months by the appointed safety officer and take into consideration the occupancy numbers, fire hazards, and the safety features of the building.  In the case of daycare centres, schools, and other specialized buildings, fire drills must be held as often as monthly (depending on the building type.)

To conclude, regulations in Saskatchewan for fire safety are defined by both the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, and the National Fire Code, 2020.  In Saskatchewan, the agency WorkSafe Saskatchewan is an excellent source for employee training and other information.  Nationally, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provide excellent training material in information for supervisors.