Recent fire in the UK brings ongoing focus to Smoke Control Systems, in High-Rise Buildings right here in Ontario
In a recent report released by the London Fire Brigade documenting the investigation into a high-rise fire, has found that their were several life safety system failures in the building at the time of fire - Seriously impacted both resident and firefighter safety.
In Ontario.... and in addition to a current, up to date fire safety plan - and properly trained staff, Part 7 of the Ontario Fire Code (OFC) requires that a building-specific smoke control Inspection and testing document containing an equipment list, sequence of operations and associated testing requirements be maintained for all buildings in Ontario equipped with smoke control systems.
The building Owner is required to ensure that tests and inspections are carried out on these "Smoke Control" systems as required in the Engineered document.
The spread of smoke and toxic gas is recognized as a major hazard in all structure fires and in high-rise buildings, smoke can travel from the fire quickly. Smoke control systems can assist in mitigating the impacts to occupants during the evacuation, and assist / protect arriving firefighters.
Confirm your building’s smoke control systems have been tested as required and are fully functioning. If you are unsure, reach out and connect.
In addition to the above, Ontario Buildings Owners and building staff must be trained on their roles and responsibilities in the fire safety plan - Its actually a fire code requirement!
Why is it a code requirement? How else would they (staff) know their roles and responsibilities in the fire safety plan? How would building Owners or property managers even know how and what to test? How would a building Owner even know if there is a smoke control system in the building? The only way - Is training - on the buildings fire safety plan - approved by the local fire department.
Each party in the training process must sign and acknowledge their awareness and understanding of those roles and responsibilities. This is already a fire code requirement in Ontario, and building Owners are already required to ensure proof of this training has been provided to all persons having a role and responsibility in the plan.
See more information here on the incident in the UK.