Workplace Fire Safety in Ontario
Are you responsible for fire safety in a workplace in Ontario? Workplace fire safety programs not only enhance public and employee safety, the requirements fall under both the Ontario Fire Code and the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
Beyond being a requirement, a proactive fire safety program benefits business continuity programs and can support business goals with respect to protecting the “bottom line”.
NLS Group offers the below tips for Fire Safety at Work;
1) Ensure your workplace is holding fire and evacuation training / drills as required by Fire Code. This includes involving both building and workplace Supervisory staff - as well as building occupants. Your workplace or building fire safety plan provides this information to all building Owners and workplaces. To know how often, and how to conduct these drills, refer to your workplace’s approved fire safety plan.
2) Ensure your workplace has a "documented" evacuation program. This program must include procedures for Supervisory Staff and may include Fire Wardens during both emergency evacuations AND shelter in place orders. Ensure your program reviews important questions like what staffs are suppose to do during medical emergencies during evacuations. Review your evacuation program at least annually. Engage your building landlord to request a copy of the building’s approved fire safety plan, and educate your workplace supervisors on the program.
3) Consider training your staff and employees in the safe use of fire extinguishers. To know which staff must receive this training, always review your workplace fire safety plan.
4) Ensure your workplace has an active “HOTWORK” Program.
Fire Safety in the workplace includes targeted fire safety during any work or repairs that would result in a higher fire risk, such as work involving flame, heat or sparks. Your HOTWORK policies and procedures should be found in your building’s approved fire safety plan.
5) Ensure your workplace has an active “FIRE WATCH” Program.
An “Fire Watch” can be defined as a temporary action and/or surveillance measure(s) for the purposes of ensuring the fire-safety of a building or specific area of a building, in the event of any act or situation that creates an increased risk to persons or property. For example, your fire alarm system is being worked on and it is disabled – requiring a dedicated person or persons whose sole responsibility is to look for fires and other hazards. Documentation or proof of this program is in place is a requirement for all workplaces.
6) Report fire safety deficiencies immediately such as burnt out exit lights, obstructed sprinkler heads, overloaded electrical plugs, and blocked egress routes. Safety concerns should be reported to both your immediate Supervisor. If needed, engage building Management and or Landlord.
7) Review procedures for building occupants with special needs or those who require special assistance in the event of evacuation. These procedures must be reviewed at minimum annually as per the Ontario Fire Code. This information will be found in your building’s approved Fire Safety Plan. Your Fire Safety Plan – Must be reviewed and updated every 12 months.
8) Ensure your facility is testing and inspecting the buildings fire alarm and life safety systems as required by the fire code. All test and inspection records must be maintained at the workplace / building and can be requested as proof of completion at anytime by the local fire services.
If you need any help, please let us know. National Life Safety Group
NLS Group is a team of facility fire safety and workplace crisis management experts established to ensure greater public safety. We uniquely achieve this by utilizing leadership and experience from both the private, and public sector, utilizing the principles of emergency management in everyday business and facility operations.
www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca