Fire Safety Emergency Plan 600-003

8/7/2019 Fire Safety Emergency Plan 600-003

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14-600-003

FIRE SAFETY & EMERGENCY PLAN

per

NATIONAL FIRE CODE OF CANADA(1995)

for

PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICKGROUP A OCCUPANCIES

DIVISION 2

SCHOOLS

Prepared by:

EDEN MCAULEY

FIRE SAFETY PROGRAM COORDINATORDEPARTMENT OF SUPPLY AND SERVICES

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

August 1996


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I N D E X

1. INTRODUCTION

2. GENERAL CONDITIONS

3. FIRE SAFETY PLAN

4. SPECIAL/MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

5. FIRE DRILLS

6. INSPECTION, TESTING, MAINTENANCE & OPERATION

7. RECORD KEEPING

8. APPENDIX


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INTRODUCTION

National Fire Code (NFC) establishes the standard for fire prevention, fire fighting and lifesafety in buildings in use, including standards for the conduct of activities causing firehazards, maintenance of fire safety equipment and egress facilities, standards for portableextinguishers, limitations on building contents and the establishment of fire safety plansincluding the organization of supervisory staff for emergency purposes. In addition, theNFC establishes the standards for prevention, containment and fighting of fires originatingoutside buildings which may present a hazard to a community and sets standards for thestorage and handling of dangerous goods, flammable liquids and combustible liquids.

The NFC 1995 Part 1, Section 1, Subsection 1, Article 1, states: "Responsibility - unless

otherwise specified, the owner or the owner's authorized agent shall be responsible forcarrying out the provisions of this Code."

The Authorities Having Jurisdiction (A.H.J.) interpret the above Article to mean that theowner of any facility is responsible for providing a safe building with applicable safetysystems per Code, and the owner or owner's representative is responsible for the on-goingtesting, inspection, maintenance and upkeep of said systems, (per applicable Codes andManufacturer's recommendations) and the establishment and implementation of a firesafety plan approved by the A.H.J.

The A.H.J. notes that the inspection and maintenance of safety systems may be

contracted out to approved firms/individuals, providing proper record keeping.


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GENERAL CONDITIONS

Fire emergency procedures shall be provided for:

Every building containing a Group A or B occupancy. Every building required by the NBC to have a fire alarm system. Demolition and construction sites. Buildings used for the short or long term storage of raw materials, goods in process, or

finished goods as classified in NFC Article 3.2.1.1 and 3.3.1.1. Areas where flammable or combustible liquids are stored or handled. Areas where hazardous materials are present.

Supervisory staff shall be instructed in the fire emergency procedures as described in thefire safety plan before they are given any responsibility for fire safety.

Adequately trained supervisory staff can be of great value in directing people to move in anorderly fashion in the event of a fire and in carrying out appropriate fire control measuresuntil the fire department arrives. These measures are, as described in the fire safety plan,developed in co-operation with the fire department. The supervisory staff referred to in thissafety plan are assigned their responsibilities by the building owner, unless the public firedepartment is prepared to take on these responsibilities. It is not intended that supervisorystaff be in the building on a continuous basis, but be available to fulfill their obligations asdescribed in the fire safety plan on notification of a fire emergency.

Keys or special devices needed to operate any fire systems or provide access to any fireprotection systems or equipment or to operate elevators shall be readily available to on-duty supervising staff and/or fire department. Annunciator Panels and/or offices at thefront entrance are normally used for this purpose.


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9. Confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire. Supervisory staff are to be

instructed in the operation of building facilities provided for the safety of occupantsincluding fire alarm systems, fire (smoke) doors, fire extinguishers, hose systems,emergency communication systems and ventilation. Specifically, the problem areamust be isolated by use of doors and windows and occupants are to be directedaway from this area.NOTE: It is NOT intended that supervisory staff involve themselves in trueemergency situations, but be capable of handling minor problems.

B The appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out firesafety duties. On-site security/maintenance staff are ideally suited, supplementedwhere applicable by occupant wardens. As indicated in Part 2 it is not required that

supervisory staff be "in house" at all times.

C. The instruction of supervisory staff and wardens in their responsibilities for firesafety.

D. The preparation of diagrams showing the type, location and operation of thebuilding fire emergency systems. Diagrams are to be displayed prominently andpermanently on every floor (lobby). Diagrams to include brief emergencyinstructions. For sample drawing see Appendix.

E. The holding of fire drills. Drills are to be fully supervised including appointed staff,

wardens and occupants. Written records must be logged accordingly. See alsoParts 5, 6 and 7.

F. The control of fire hazards in the building including storage areas, electricalsystems, HVAC systems, access and egress, individual suite safety. See alsoParts 4 and 6.

G. The inspection and maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety ofoccupants. See Parts 6, 7 and 8.

H. The Fire Safety Plan shall be in the building for references by the Fire Department,

supervisory staff and other personnel. This is to include all aspects of the planincluding records of tests and drills, lists of disabled occupants, workers,supervisory staff and maintenance logs.

I. A copy of the fire emergency procedures and other duties for supervisory staff, aslaid down in the Fire Safety Plan, shall be given to all supervisory staff. Any newstaff shall be educated of their duties immediately upon arrival.


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J. 1. When any portion of the fire alarm system is temporarily shut down for any

reason, including maintenance or periodic inspection, alternative measuresshall be taken to ensure that all persons in the building can be informedpromptly, and the fire department notified if a fire should occur while the alarmsystem is out of service.

2. Appropriate alternative measures for informing building occupants and the firedepartment of a fire during a shut down of a fire alarm system should be workedout in co-operation with the local fire department. The alternative measuresdecided upon should be recorded as part of the building fire safety plan.Normally the accepted procedure involves security staff walking corridors on anhour to hour basis recording both the time of day and seemingly relevant

information. The on tour watch person should be equipped with the means tocontact the security office immediately (i.e. mobile phone, etc.). Should thewatch person discover a fire they should immediately commence the circle ofemergency procedures detailed in Section A, beginning with ringing the firedepartment. In this scenario where there is no means to ring fire bells, specialattention must be directed to evacuating occupants in the immediate troublearea.

K. Activities which create a hazard and which are not allowed for in the original designshall not be carried out in a building unless acceptable provisions are made tocontrol the hazard ("approved" by AHJ).

L. Where fire separations are damaged so as to affect their integrity, they shall berepaired immediately so that the integrity of the fire separation is maintained.

M. 1. Combustible waste materials in and around buildings shall not be permitted toaccumulate in quantities or locations that will constitute an undue fire hazard.

2. Combustible materials, other than those for which the location, room or space isdesigned, shall not be permitted to accumulate in any part of an elevator shaft,ventilation shaft, means of egress, service room or service space. (The definedterm for service rooms includes boiler rooms, furnace rooms, incinerator rooms,

garbage rooms, janitors' closets and rooms to accommodate air-conditioning orheating appliances, pumps, compressors and electrical services. The intentthen, is to discourage the use of these rooms for storage of miscellaneouscombustible materials. If storage space is needed in a building, a room thatdoes not contain building service equipment should be provided. Even ingarbage rooms, combustible materials should not be allowed to accumulate.When the garbage is periodically cleared from the room, the room should beempty, except for the garbage container itself.)


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3. Horizontal concealed spaces, such as crawl spaces, shall not be used for the

storage of combustible materials.

4. Combustible materials shall not be stored on a roof or adjacent to any buildingso as to create a fire hazard to the building or its occupants.

N. 1. All greasy or oily rags, materials subject to a spontaneous heating, etc. shall bedeposited in a receptacle constructed of noncombustible materials with a close-fitting metal cover and if the flooring material upon which it is placed iscombustible, have a flanged bottom or legs not less than 50 mm high.

2. All cigarette ashes shall be stored in receptacles conforming to the above, and

combustible materials shall not be stored with ashes in the same container.

3. Non combustible receptacles as required above shall not be placed closer than1 metre from combustible materials, except as previously noted regardingflooring material.

O. 1. Fire department shall have direct access to at least one face of every buildingby means of a street, yard or private roadway.

2. Access panels or windows provided to facilitate access for fire fightingoperations shall not be obstructed by vehicles, vegetation, signs or any form of

construction.

3. Where access to a roof is provided for fire fighting purposes, keys shall beprovided for locked roof access doors in an acceptable location accessible tothe fire fighters.

4. Access to fire department connections for sprinkler or stand-pipe systems by firefighters and their equipment shall be maintained free of obstructions at alltimes.

5. Street, yards and private roadways provided for fire department access shall bemaintained so as to be ready for use at all times by fire department vehicles.

6. Vehicles shall not be parked to obstruct access by fire department vehicles andsigns shall be posted prohibiting such parking.

P. Devices on any required exit door shall be maintained such that the door may bereadily opened from the inside without the use of keys and shall be designed to beopened in a conventional manner without the use of unusual devices or requiring aspecialized knowledge of the door opening device.


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Q. Storage and Handling of Flammable Liquids, Combustible Liquids and Hazardous

Materials

In buildings within the scope of Part 4 and/or 5 of the National Fire Code,(laboratories, shops and, potentially garages and kitchens) the Fire Safety Plan, inaddition to all other requirements noted, shall include the following information.

1. For the purpose of this section, flammable and combustible liquids shall beclassified in conformance with NFPA standards for Class 1 liquids (flammable),and/or Class 2 or Class 3A liquids (combustible).

2. Portable extinguishers shall be provided and maintained as required elsewhere

in this Plan and in Part 6 of NFC.

3. In addition to extinguishers required above, fire protection equipment shall beprovided where there are special hazards of operation, dispensing or storage.

4. Open flames and spark-producing devices shall not be used in a manner thatwill create a fire hazard in areas described in this section.

5. Except for acceptable designated smoking areas, smoking shall not be permittedin areas described in this section, and signs that conform to NFC 2.4.2.2. shallbe prominently posted in those areas.

6. Areas described in the Plan shall be kept clean and free of ground vegetationand accumulations of combustible materials not essential to operations.Cleaning rags shall be stored in receptacles conforming to this Plan.

7. Required aisles and other access paths shall be maintained to permit theunobstructed movement of personnel and fire department apparatus so that firefighting operations can be carried out in any part of an area used for the storage,use or handling of flammable liquids or combustible liquids.

8. Rooms or enclosed spaces shall be provided with either natural or continuousmechanical ventilation where

(a) Class I liquids are stored, processed, dispensed or used, or(b) Class II liquids are processed, dispensed or used.

9. Where storage consists of only prepackaged containers of flammable liquids orcombustible liquids and no dispensing operations are performed, ventilationneed not be provided.


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10. Inlet and exhaust openings and associated ducts shall be kept free of anyobstructions that may interfere with the operation of the ventilation system.

11. All flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be stored in acceptablestorage tanks or containers.

12. Maintenance and operating procedures shall be established to prevent theescape of flammable liquids or combustible liquids to areas where they wouldcreate a fire hazard.

13. Flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall not be stored in or adjacent toexits, elevators or principal routes that provide access to exits.

14. Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be separated from otherdangerous goods.

15. Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be kept in closed containers andstored in a cabinet conforming to this section or in a room having no openingscommunicating directly with the public portions of the building. Room must befire separated from rest of building in accordance with N.B.C. Storage cabinetsrequired in this section shall conform to ULC-C1275, STORAGE CABINETSFOR FLAMMABLE LIQUID CONTAINERS.

16. (a) The storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids outside of a

cabinet or room as specified in this section is permitted, provided suchstorage does not exceed 10 L, including not more than 5 L of Class I liquid,in a single room, or

(b) 250L, including not more than 60L of Class II liquid, or 10L of Class I liquid,in a single fire compartment having at least a 45 minute fire separation.

17. In the automotive shops or industrial arts area of an educational facility, storageof up to 75 L of flammable liquids and combustible liquids, including not morethan 25 L of Class I liquid, shall be permitted outside of a cabinet or room.

18. Where individual containers with a storage capacity of more than 5 L arerequired for storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in the building,metal safety cans conforming to applicable CSA/ULC Standards, and of notmore than 25 L capacity, shall be used. Containers of flammable liquids orcombustible liquids shall be kept closed when not in use.


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19. Flammable liquids shall not be stored, handled or used in basements, except not

more than 5L of flammable liquid is permitted to be stored in basements,provided it is stored in safety cans conforming to NFC 4.2.3.

20. Storage rooms in this section shall be liquid-tight where the walls join the floor.Storage rooms shall be designed to accommodate possible spills.

21. Every storage room shall be ventilated in conformance with this section.Mechanical ventilation shall be used if flammable liquids are dispensed withinthe storage.

22. The contents of flammable liquid and combustible liquid storage rooms shall be

arranged to provide aisle widths of not less than 1 m.

23. Portable extinguishers shall be provided for storage rooms in conformance withPart 6 of NFC.

24. Flammable liquids and combustible liquids stored in cabinets shall be incontainers conforming to this section.

25. Cabinets for containers storage shall be labelled in conspicuous lettering toindicate that the cabinet contains flammable materials and that open flamesmust be kept away.

26. Hazardous materials, processes and operations shall be located and thepremises maintained so that the means of egress will not be obstructed in anymanner that would interfere with evacuation of the floor area in the event of afire.

27. The fire safety plan shall also include:

(a) The product classifications for each part of the building where products ofdifferent classification are stored.

(b) The method of storage.(c) The location and identification of storage and use areas for specific

products.(d) The names, addresses and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted

in case of fire during nonoperating hours.


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R. Laboratories

This section applies to laboratories where dangerous goods, including flammableliquids and combustible liquids, are used.

1. Interior finish materials, floors, fixed furniture and equipment shall be chemicallyresistant to dangerous goods being used in a laboratory to minimize theirdeterioration.

2. Measures shall be taken to prevent or minimize corrosion or deterioration ofshelving, racks, and piping system components, due to contact with storeddangerous goods.

3. Floors in areas where dangerous goods are stored shall be constructed ofimpermeable materials to prevent the absorption of chemicals.

4. Class 5 oxidizing substances shall not be stored on combustible floors orplatforms.

5. A laboratory shall be separated from other parts of the building by fireseparations conforming to the National Building Code of Canada 1995, buthaving a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.

6. Fire drills shall be held at intervals not greater than 3 months in a laboratory.

7. Personnel working in a laboratory shall be trained in the safe handling and useof dangerous goods, in conformance with sentences 8, 9, and 10.

8. In a building regulated by this section, at least one person shall be

(a) trained in conformance with sentence (9),(b) in responsible charge during operating hours, and(c) available to respond to a day or night emergency.

9. The person in responsible charge specified in sentence (8) shall be trained inthe correct procedures for the handling, storing and offering for transport ofdangerous goods in accordance with

(a) the appropriate federal, provincial, or territorial occupational safety andhealth regulations, or

(b) in the absence of regulations mentioned in Clause (a),(i) the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, or(ii) the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).


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10. All employees involved in the storage and handling of dangerous goods shall be

trained in safe handling procedures and correct responses to an emergencysituation.

11. Products classified as dangerous goods shall display appropriate identifyinglabels from the time they enter a facility until they are issued as finished productsor waste material. Fire fighters need to identify the substances they mayencounter in a building during a fire. Labelling of products to comply with theWorkplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) or otherprovincial, territorial or federal legislation is deemed to satisfy this requirement.

12. Individual storage areas used for storage of dangerous goods shall be clearly

designated as such by posted placards conforming to the Transportation ofDangerous Goods Regulations.

13. Where storage consists of a single product, only the UN Product IdentificationNumber (PIN) need be posted.

14. Where storage consists of multiple products within the same class, the individualclass and division placard shall be posted.

15. Where storage consists of more than one class, a placard for each individualclass, or the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations Danger symbol

shall be posted at the entrance to the storage area.

16. Individual storage areas described in sentence (12) shall be identified in the firesafety plan.

17. Measures shall be taken to prevent access to the laboratory by unauthorizedpersons.

18. Where combustible materials, such as packaging materials, are used in alaboratory, their quantity shall not be greater than the supply for one day ofnormal operation.

19. Combustible materials in excess of those permitted in sentence (18) shall bestored outside of the laboratory, in conformance with section Q.

20. Absorbent and neutralizing materials shall be provided in the laboratory and inthe dangerous goods storage areas in conformance with sentence 22.


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21. Measures to control spilled liquid or solid dangerous goods shall be provided in

conformance with section Q.

22. Materials or liquids used in cleanup of spills and leakages of dangerous goodsshall be

(a) compatible and non-reactive with the dangerous goods being cleaned up,and

(b) disposed of in conformance with section Q.

23. Except as provided in sentence 27, electrical equipment in areas where theconcentration of flammable vapours can be greater than 25% of its lower

explosive limit shall be in conformance with CSA C22.1, Canadian ElectricalCode, Part 1, for Class I, Division I hazardous locations.

24. Electrical equipment located inside a power-ventilated enclosure required insentence 33 and 34 and its exhaust duct system shall

(a) conform to sentence (23), and(b) be designed and maintained to prevent the accumulation of combustible or

reactive deposits.

25. Smoking shall not be permitted in a laboratory and signs shall be posted.

26. Where overheating of unattended equipment using heat can cause a fire or anexplosion, such equipment shall be equipped with a high temperature limitswitch fitted to

(a) sound an alarm, and(b) shut off the heat.

27. An ignition source that is an integral part of an operation involving flammablevapours shall be permitted provided

(a) the supply of flammable liquids or combustible liquids for this operation iscontrolled and kept to a strict minimum,

(b) flammable vapours and combustion fumes are exhausted in conformancewith sentence 33 and 34,

(c) there is no other source of ignition capable of igniting the flammablevapours in an uncontrolled manner, and

(d) there is no combustible material in the immediate vicinity of this operation.


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28. Electrical equipment, mechanical systems, piping, valves, and automatic and

manual control and safety devices shall be inspected, tested and maintained ingood operating condition at all times.

29. The ventilation systems serving a laboratory shall be inspected and cleaned toprevent the accumulation of combustible or reactive deposits, and the intervalsbetween inspections shall not be greater than

(a) 12 months for the ventilation of the laboratory and dangerous goods storageareas, and

(b) 6 months for ventilation system of a power-ventilated enclosure required insentence 33 and 34.

30. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in the laboratory in conformancewith NFC, Part 6.

31. A laboratory shall be provided with continuous mechanical ventilation designedand maintained to ensure that dangerous goods vapours and particles

(a) do not accumulate in the laboratory,(b) are prevented from migrating to other parts of the building,(c) do not accumulate in the ventilation system,(d) are exhausted to the outdoors, and

(e) are not returned to the building.

32. A ventilation system required in this section shall be provided with monitoringdevices to

(a) indicate that the ventilation system is in operation, and(b) sound an alarm if the ventilation system is malfunctioning.

33. The use of dangerous goods in a laboratory shall be confined inside a power-ventilated enclosure conforming to sentences 35 - 39 when

(a) their use releases flammable vapours, or causes run-away or potentiallyexplosive reactions,

(b) liquids are heated to a temperature equal to or greater than their flash point,or

(c) Class I liquids or unstable liquids are used.


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34. A power-ventilated enclosure required in sentence (33) shall not be used for the

storage of dangerous goods, and any quantity in excess of the supply necessaryfor normal operations shall conform to sentences 40 - 55.

35. The ventilation system for a power-ventilated enclosure required in sentences 33and 34 shall

(a) conform to NFPA 91, Exhaust Systems for Air-Conveying of Materials,(b) provide continuous exhaust ventilation at an air velocity sufficient to prevent

the accumulation of combustible or reactive deposits in the power-ventilatedenclosure and its exhaust duct system,

(c) confine dangerous goods vapours and particles to the area where they are

generated and exhaust them to the outdoors,(d) not return the exhausted air to the building, and(e) be provided with well identified control switches that are

i) located outside of the power-ventilated enclosure, andii) readily accessible in case of an emergency.

36. Where deposits referred to in Clause 35 (b) can accumulate in the power-ventilated enclosure and its exhaust duct system and create a fire or explosionhazard,

(a) provisions shall be made to remove such deposits so they do not create a

fire or explosion hazard, or(b) an automatic fire suppression system shall be provided in conformance withNFC Part 6.

37. The power-ventilated enclosure required in sentences 33 and 34 and its exhaustduct system shall

(a) except as provided in sentences 38 and 39, be constructed ofnoncombustible materials compatible with and chemically resistant to thedangerous goods vapours and particles being exhausted,

(b) be provided with access doors to permit inspection and maintenance of thefan assembly and exhaust ducts,

(c) be provided with instructions for its use and the operation of the ventilationsystem, and

(d) be provided with means to control accidental spillage in conformance withsection Q.


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38. Combustible materials are permitted in systems described in Clause 37 (a) if

(a) such materials are required by the corrosive or reactive properties of thedangerous goods being used, and

(b) their flame spread rating is not more than 25.

39. The flame spread rating required in sentence 38 is permitted to be greater than25 if an automatic fire suppression system conforming to NFC Part 6 is providedinside the power-ventilated enclosure and its exhaust duct system.

40. The quantity of dangerous goods kept in a laboratory shall be minimized andshall not exceed the lesser of

(a) the supply necessary for normal operation, or(b) when located in

(i) a Group A, Division 2 educational or Group D major occupancy, 300 L offlammable liquids and combustible liquids, of which not more than 50 Lshall be Class I liquids.

41. Quantities of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in excess of thosepermitted in sentence (40) shall be stored in

(a) cabinets conforming to section Q except that, in laboratories described in

Clause 40 (b), the total quantity of flammable liquids and combustible liquidsstored in such cabinets shall not exceed the quantity permitted for onecabinet, or

(b) a room conforming to section Q.

42. Quantities of dangerous goods other than flammable liquids and combustibleliquids in excess of those permitted in sentence (40) shall be stored outside ofthe laboratory.

43. Except as provided in sentence (44) and (45), flammable liquids or combustibleliquids in a laboratory shall be kept in containers conforming to section Q.

44. Where Class I liquids are required to be kept in individual containers having acapacity greater than 5 L in a laboratory, such containers shall

(a) be safety containers conforming to ULC/ORD-C30, Safety Containers, and(b) have a capacity of not more than 25 L.


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45. Containers of flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall be kept closed when

not in use.

46. Storage cylinders and piping systems for Class 2 gases used in a laboratoryshall be firmly secured and protected against mechanical damage.

47. Each point of supply and each point of use of cylinders or piping systems forClass 2 gases shall be provided with

(a) labels identifying the gas being supplied, and(b) a manual shut-off valve.

48. A Class 2 gas cylinder valve shall be closed when not in use.

49. Where refrigerators are required to keep Class I liquids at a temperature belownormal ambient conditions in a laboratory, such refrigerators shall be designedso that

(a) electrical equipment located within the storage compartment, within theouter shell, on the door and on the door frame of the refrigerator is inconformance with CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, for Class I,Division I hazardous locations, and

(b) electrical equipment mounted on the outside surface of the refrigerator is

i) in conformance with CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, forClass I, Division 2 hazardous locations, orii) located above the top of the storage compartment.

50. Refrigerators described in sentence (49) shall be identified in conformance withsentence 12-16.

51. Class I liquids in refrigerators shall be kept in closed containers.

52. Where perchloric acid is heated above normal ambient temperature, it shall bedone in a separate power-ventilated enclosure

(a) conforming to sentences 35-39, and(b) provided with conspicuously posted instructions specifying that it shall be

used only for this application.

53. The power-ventilated enclosure required in sentence (52) and its exhaust ductsystem shall be washed with water after each use to prevent the accumulation ofhighly reactive deposits.


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SPECIAL MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

GENERAL NOTE:

Part 4 "Special/Miscellaneous Provisions", in its entirety, is intended as support informationonly to assist individual maintenance supervisors better understand the "general principals'of fire safety management as is applicable to their facility. Part 4 is not legally or officially apart of the National Fire Code, Section 2.8, that demands fire safety and emergencyplanning.

A. Egress

1. The basics of means of egress design apply to Group A occupancies as to allothers. There must be two remote exits from every floor. The exits must beremotely located and properly illuminated. (Under certain very limitedcircumstances only one exit is required; those circumstances are describedin NBC Article 3.4.2.1.).

2. Access to them by separated paths of travel. Not only must the entrances tothe exits be remotely located, but the discharges from the exits must also beremotely located, so that one fire event will not block both exits.

3. Where access to exits is by corridors, the walls separating the corridors from

the use spaces are required to be of 1 hour fire-resistive construction. Thepurpose of the corridor wall is primarily for smoke control; therefore, evenwhen the 1 hour rating is not provided the corridor wall should form aneffective membrane against the passage of smoke. Corridors shall beprovided with emergency lighting as per NBC 3.2.7.3.

4. The exit discharge must also be provided with emergency lighting. The exitdischarge must be maintained free of obstructions, including ice and snow.Some reliable method must be provided to prevent the accumulation of iceand snow in areas subject to such weather conditions.

5. Lobbies, stairs and stairwells forming a part of egress design must at alltimes be unobstructed, free from tripping hazards and equipped with properdirectional signs, proper flooring materials, handrails (in stairwells) andemergency lighting.


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6. Travel distance to an exit must not exceed 100 ft. "Landscaping"arrangements can create serious travel distance problems if a maze iscreated. Although important, some flexibility and judgment must be used inenforcement of travel distance requirements. (Note: In sprinklered Group Aoccupancy, distance to exit is up to 150 ft.).

7. Exit signs must be placed to properly mark the exits and the paths to reachthe exits, such that a person is not more than 100 ft. from an exit sign at anypoint in the corridor.

B. Electrical

NOTE: The electrical system in a building is not a fire safety system but is a firehazard. All electrical installations are strictly governed by the CanadianElectrical Code 1994. The following information is intended as a guideonly, not as specification.

1. Electrical fires are due principally to arcing and overheating. Arcing occurswhen electrical current or energy attempts to take an unintended route, andcan occur over small breaks within a conducting wire or from a conductor togrounded metal in very close proximity. Arcing produces sufficient heat toignite nearby combustible material and can throw off particles of hot metalthat can also cause ignition. Conditions creating an arc usually will causeprotective devices, such as fuses and circuit breakers, to operate, making

heat exposure brief. Intermittent arcing, such as some arcing ground faults,can sometimes occur without tripping such devices. Arcs can ignitecombustible material such as insulation, melt metal conductors, and producesparks. Overheating is more subtle, harder to detect, and slower to causeignition, but it is equally capable of fire potential. Dangerous heat isgenerated in conductors and other electrical equipment when the currentcarried is in excess of rated capacity. Overloading deteriorates insulationand can ignite nearby combustible materials. Insulation failure caused byoverheating can also lead to arcing of the conductors.

2. Transformers, if self owned, should be tested annually by a licensed

electrician. Transformers should be inspected regularly for any signs oftrouble-leaks, electrical arcing and burning. Also transformer enclosuresmust be secure and properly marked. Ground clamps and connectors mustbe checked periodically to ensure integrity.


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3. The interior electrical distribution system begins with the main switch panel

which must be properly identified. All circuit breakers, fuses and thermaloverload devices in the main panel must also be identified and in top workingorder. All panel boards and associated boxes must be covered. All wiringmust be in conduit (or acceptable alternative) and conduit must be properlysecured to walls etc. All conducting cables/conduit must be protected fromphysical damage where they pass through wall and floors. Distributionpanels throughout the building are to be marked and schedules postedinside. There are to be no missing breakers, etc. or open spaces insidepanels. Only heat sensitive fuses (marked "D" or "P") are to be used forelectric furnaces, dryers, ranges, air conditioners, water and baseboardheaters. GFCI type must be used anywhere where moisture is present. All

on/off type of fuses/breakers must be switched (treated) in spring and falleach year to prevent oxidation. All termination wiring connections must be fitand tight.

4. Outlets, switches and fixtures must have covers for junctions, all wiring to bein conduit, secure terminals, no sign of deterioration or discoloration.Fixtures must operate properly and quickly or be replaced. Sockets must betight/secure and show no deterioration.

5. Recessed fixtures must have remote connections and never be covereddirectly by anything (e.g. insulation) other than a non hazardous enclosure.

Wall outlets must be sufficient in number, plug connections must fit tightly, nomovement is allowable. All portable appliances must use grounded wiring (3prong). All conductor terminals must be secure and tight.

6. Emergency generators and related stand-by power sources must beinspected, tested and maintained in strict conformance with Code, see part 6.Any electrical equipment from entrance, through distribution to deviceshowing any perceptible damage deterioration or signs of any malfunctionsmust be inspected and corrected immediately.

7. Flexible extension cords must only be used temporarily, never repaired.Electrical rooms must be free of storage and complete with room to work.


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C. Computer Rooms

1. Computer room equipment and software is extremely valuable to any facility,and normally computer rooms are of fire resistant construction with non-combustible finishes. Usually a raised floor and/or drop ceiling is provided tohouse excessive electrical wiring requirements and serve as air conditioningplenums.

2. Given the value enclosed in a computer room and the unique "hazards"inherent in the design of the room itself, special attention, apart from theoverall fire safety planning, must be directed towards detection andextinguishing a fire. Smoke detectors shall be installed in open floor and

ceiling spaces and monitored by a dedicated control system separate from(but monitored by) the buildings systems. Computer room protection canalso be provided by total flooding extinguishing agents (carbon dioxide) forelectrical fires and water extinguishers should be available for ordinarycombustibles.

3. Another sensible safe guard is the installation of emergency disconnects forall electronic equipment in the room and for the air conditioning equipmentserving the room. Disconnects should be located near the operator consoleand next to the door.

4. Computers can require considerable quantities of paper recording media,stationery supplies, and other combustible support media. It is good practiceto restrict the presence of paper materials in computer rooms to the absoluteminimum necessary for efficient operations. Enclosed metal file cases orcabinets should be provided for combustibles in the computer room.Reserve stocks of paper media and other combustibles used with computersshould be stored in an orderly fashion in proper areas outside the computerroom, not in hallways or corridors.

D. Waste Disposal

1. Any occupancy can generate large amounts of waste paper. Normal routineis to remove the waste at the end of the day. In areas containing computersor other high-value contents, consideration should be given to trashcontainers with special tops that limit the supply of air, thus smothering a firein the can.


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2. The principal concern is how the waste material is handled after it is collected

from the various suites and work situations. If ash trays are emptied intotrash collection containers with other trash, special precautions are neededto ensure that the discarded smoking materials will not ignite the other trash.Fires started in that manner have been known to spread to other areas.Here again, the specially designed container tops can be useful.

3. All waste should be removed from the building quickly. If stored within thebuilding for short periods of time, the waste should be in proper containers orstored in specially designed rooms. The practice of piling up waste in plasticbags in lobbies or corridors while awaiting removal can have disastrousresults. Once waste is removed from the building it is a common practice to

hold the waste in outside storage bins (dumpsters) for frequent removal fromthe premises. If that is the case, observe the general condition of the outsidestorage area. Is it separated from the building far enough that it does notrepresent a fire exposure to the building? Sturdy enclosures around thetrash storage areas can discourage vandalism and unauthorized dumping.

E. Protection of Openings

1. One method of limiting the spread of fire in a structure is to divide the interiorinto compartments by means of fire barriers and rated floor/ceilingassemblies. Fire barriers can be expected to delay the spread of fire from

the room or area of origin to other parts of the structure only if they areconstructed and maintained properly and if the openings in them areprotected.

2. It is not uncommon for heated, unburned pyrolysis products to flow out of thearea of initial involvement, mix with air, and ignite. Such flame extension canoccur over noncombustible surfaces. Properly maintained openingprotection is essential to containing the fire until suppression activities havebeen initiated. Therefore nothing must be done to nullify the protection ofopenings.

3. A variety of methods for protecting openings in fire barriers is available. Themethod selected will depend on the type and function of the opening. Typicalprotection measures include fire stopping, fire-resistive construction, firedoors, and wired glass. Special problems will require other forms ofprotection.


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4. Unprotected openings in floors and ceilings - vertical openings - permit the

extension of fire from one floor to another through such openings.

5. When holes are made through floor/ceilings assemblies for the routing ofcables, conduits, or pipes, air gaps are created that permit the passage ofcombustion products from floor to floor if the gaps are left unsealed. Onemethod used to seal these gaps involve modular devices sized for the pipe,conduit, or cable, which contain an organic compound that expands whenheated and seals the penetration. Another employs a foamed-in-place fire-resistant silicone elastomer that expands as it foams and seals thepenetration. The penetrating objects should be supported sufficiently toprevent placing mechanical stress on the seal that could pull the sealant from

the opening.

6. Certain vertical openings cannot be sealed because their functions requirethat they communicate between floors. Examples include stairwells. Suchopenings should be enclosed in fire-resistive construction. Opening in thewalls of stair enclosures should be protected by rated fire door assemblies.

7. Openings in firewalls and partitions - horizontal openings - if left unprotected,will permit the spread of fire in the horizontal plane; that is, throughout thefloor of origin.

8. Corridors especially must be protected not only because they are a vehiclefor the horizontal spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases, but also they are apart of the means of egress for occupants. One of the most widely usedmeans of protecting openings in fire-resistive walls is the fire door assembly.Fire doors are given an hourly rating, each classification of fire door hasspecific applications. Where a wall separates a building into two fire areas,the opening requires a fire door. Openings in walls enclosing service areaswill also be protected with fire doors.

9. General storage rooms, boiler rooms, furnace rooms, fuel storage rooms,janitor closets, and maintenance shops are considered hazardous areas andshould be separated from the rest of the building by 1 hour rated enclosingconstruction, with door openings protected by 3/4 hour, labelled fire doors. Ifthe hazardous areas are sprinklered, they need only be enclosed by smoke-resistant walls with self-closing, smoke resistant doors protecting openings.


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10. Fire doors having 1/2 and 1/3 hour ratings are intended primarily for smoke

control. They are used across corridors where a smoke barrier is required.Fire doors must be self closing, never obstructed or blocked in any manner.

F. Housekeeping

1. Good housekeeping practices - both indoors and outdoors - are a goodmethod of controlling the presence of unwanted fuels, obstructions, andsources of ignition. Certain aspects of housekeeping are a commondenominator to most properties whatever their use; others are peculiar to aparticular occupancy.

2. The basic requirements of good housekeeping fall into three categories: 1)proper layout and equipment, 2) correct materials handling and storage, and3) cleanliness and orderliness. When proper attention is given toestablishing the routines for these three factors, good housekeeping isalmost a certainty.

3. A close look at working areas, storage areas, and the equipment used tomove materials around will highlight any housekeeping problems. Aislesclogged with materials waiting to be processed, for example, can discourageeffective overall cleanliness. Some simple rearrangements could improvethe housekeeping considerably. At the least, management should look at its

workflow procedures if haphazard arrangement adds to the clutteredappearance.

4. Lack of facilities to store materials neatly and to move them about easilycompounds the housekeeping problem. Exit ways can become blocked;access to fire extinguishers, control valves for extinguishing systems, andsmall hose stations can be impaired; and other fire protection equipment,such as fire doors, can become inoperative. Disordered storage attractsdebris and trash in forgotten corners. Possibly the addition of storage areasor more efficient storage facilities would alleviate these problems.


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5. The level of fire safety is immeasurably improved when attention is paid to

keeping all areas as clean and neat as possible. The principal defenseagainst unsightly and dangerous accumulations of unwanted materials andtrash is an efficient and timely waste-removal program, backed up by eachindividual's personal sense of responsibility and desire to keep one'ssurroundings neat and clean. Observe the adequacy of waste-removaldevices. Are enough noncombustible wastebaskets, bins, cans, and otherproper containers provided so that occupants will find tidiness convenient?Is there a regularly scheduled waste-removal program?

6. Controlling where people smoke is frequently a difficult problem to solve.The urge to smoke often conflicts with the effect smoking will have on the

level of fire safety, and in some cases, on manufacturing processes andequipment (for example, computers). In some instances complete prohibitionof smoking is unrealistic; often, careful regulation and providing an areawhere smoking is allowed can achieve the same results.

7. a) Grease condensating in exhaust ducts from hoods over cafeteriaranges is a serious problem. Grease can be ignited by sparks fromthe range or, more often, by a small fire in cooking oil or fat in pans ordeep fryers.

b) The exhaust system should be inspected daily or weekly depending

on how much it is used. Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts,and associated equipment all need cleaning at frequent intervals.Make sure flammable solvents or cleaning aids are not used in thecleaning process. If an automatic extinguishing system is present,precaution should be taken to ensure that the cleaning process doesnot cause a false actuation.

8. Poor housekeeping on the outside can threaten the fire security of exposedstructures, goods stored in the yard, and the building itself. Accumulations ofrubbish, waste, tall grass, and weeds close to buildings and storage piles areprobably the most common hazards.

Dry weeds and grass can be controlled by herbicides. Among chemicalsused are chlorate compounds. Be aware that chlorate compounds areoxidizing agents and can contribute to fire conditions, particularly during longhot periods in the summer when the dead weeds and grasses have driedout. Burning dry grass and weeds to remove them can lead to disasterunless the burning is controlled at the proper time of the year and supervisedby the fire department.


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G. Heating Systems

1. Most large buildings utilize oil- or gas-fired hot water or steam boilers togenerate necessary building heat. Hot water or steam piping systems distributethis heat to air conditioning units, unit heaters, finned tube radiation units, and insome cases to ice and snow melting systems.

2. Most small buildings utilize a warm-air furnace and air conditioning unit as asource of temperature control. These systems have been energy engineered sothat efficiencies are very high. In fact, in some units, flue gas temperatures havebecome so low that condensation within the flue has become a major problem.For such combustion-efficient systems, the flue pipes should be checked for any

sign of acid corrosion. Although insulation has been added to both furnaces andductwork to increase operating efficiencies, proper clearance of such devices tosurrounding materials should be maintained.

3. If fuel is permitted to collect in the combustion chamber of a furnace in theabsence of an ignition source, an explosion could result if an ignition takesplace. Therefore, safety considerations require that fuel burners be equippedwith controls to cut off the fuel supply in the event of a malfunction.

4. Primary safety controls shut off the fuel supply in the event of flame or ignitionfailure. Interlock circuits are provided to shut off the fuel supply if an induced or

forced draft fails, if atomization fails, if dangerous fluctuations in fuel pressureoccur, or if oil temperature in burners requiring heated oil falls below the requiredminimum.

5. Inspections should verify that all controls operate satisfactorily by checking theoperators' logs to confirm that periodic tests are being made. In practice, boilerrooms often become storage areas for many building materials and chemicals;good housekeeping practices should be enforced. Building smoke detection andfire suppression systems should be installed in such equipment rooms. Periodictesting of these systems should also be confirmed.

6. Central warm-air furnaces are either the gravity type or the forced-air type.Gravity furnaces are mounted on the floor and heat only the spaces above them.Gravity furnaces should be equipped with high-temperature-limit controls thatshut off the fuel supply when the temperature of the discharge air reaches apredetermined level.


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7. Forced warm-air furnaces are equipped with plenums, which can become hot

enough to ignite adjacent combustibles. Such furnaces should be equipped witha limit control to shut down the fuel supply when the temperature in the plenumor at the entrance to the supply duct reaches a predetermined level. With allwarm-air furnaces, it is important to maintain adequate clearances fromcombustibles.

8. Wall furnaces are self-contained indirect-fired gas or oil heaters installed in or ona wall. They supply heated air by gravity or with the aid of a fan, and they areeither directly vented or vent- or chimney-connected. Wall furnaces shouldhave high-temperature-limit controls.

9. Unit heaters are self-contained, automatically controlled, chimney- or vent-connected air heating appliances, and equipped with a fan for circulating air.They can be floor mounted or suspended, and they are equipped with limitcontrols. Unit heaters that are connected to a duct system can be consideredcentral-heating furnaces and should be provided with the same safeguards.High-limit controls for all types of furnaces should be checked periodically.

10. Horizontal supply ducts, vertical ducts, risers, boots, and register boxes couldreach hazardous temperatures if the high-temperature-limit control malfunctions.It is essential, therefore, that safe clearances to combustibles be maintained.

11. Hot water pipe and radiators in systems operating with a maximum temperatureof 150 F require no installation clearances. Pipes and radiators supplied withhot water up to 250 F or steam at a pressure up to 15 psig require a clearanceof 1 in. from combustibles. Where these pipes pass through a floor, wall, orceiling, the clearance at the opening through the finish boards cannot be lessthan 1/2 in. and must be covered with a plate of noncombustible material.

12. A major consideration in the installation of any heat-producing appliance is itseffect on nearby combustibles. It is possible for wood and other combustibles toignite at temperatures well below their usual ignition temperatures if they arecontinually exposed to moderate heat over long periods of time. For this reason,installation clearances and steps to insulate combustible surfaces are of theutmost importance.


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13. Chimney and vent connectors are those lengths of pipe or other type of conduit

that connect the heat-producing appliance to the chimney or vent. Connectorsare made of noncombustible corrosion-resistant material, such as steel orrefractory masonry. They must be able to withstand flue gas temperatures andresist physical damage. Connectors must be short, well fitted and supported,continuously pitched toward the chimney or vent, and have adequate clearancefrom combustibles.

14. Vents are used with specific types of heat-producing equipment. In buildingsrequiring protection of vertical openings, vents should be enclosed in fire-resistive construction. For buildings less than four stories high, the constructionmust have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating.

15. A masonry chimney should be inspected for its entire length so far as it isaccessible. On the roof, note the condition of the mortar, chimney lining, andflashing, and look for evidence of cracking or settling. Note the number of flues.

16. In the attic, check for cracks and loose mortar; do the same in the basement.On the other floors, check chimney connections. One simple method ofdetermining that a chimney is unsafe is to hold your hand against it while it is inuse. If it is too hot for comfort, no combustible material should be permitted tocome in contact with it. If mortar has begun to fall out from between the bricks,openings can be expected to develop all the way through the wall. If a sharp

instrument can be pushed through the wall, it is time to rebuild the chimney. Thetops of chimneys are the most likely places to need rebuilding. Factory-built andmetal chimneys are used in limited applications. The major hazard of thesechimneys is inadequate clearance to combustibles where they penetrate floors,ceilings, and roofs.

H. Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems

1. Some systems mix fresh air with recirculated air, while others use fresh airexclusively. In either case, provision needs to be made for introducing fresh airto the system. The opening of the air-intake duct should be protected with agrill or screen that will prevent foreign materials from entering the system. Makesure that the duct is not broken, clogged, or missing and that it is free of rubbishand debris. The air-intake system should be equipped with a fire door ordamper that is operated automatically by fire or smoke detection equipment ifsmoke, heat, or flames from an outside exposure fire could enter the system.Be sure that the door or damper is in working order by testing its operation.


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2. Fans, air heating and cooling units, and filters should be in a room that is

separated from the rest of the building by construction having a fire-resistancerating of 1 hour. The enclosure should be equipped with a 3/4 hour fire doorwith closer. In lieu of providing adequate fire separation, automatic sprinklerscan be used. Equipment rooms, which are often used to store air filters, paperproducts, and light bulbs, should be kept clean and free of storage. Somesystems might utilize smoke and heat detectors to stop the fan and closedampers in a fire emergency. Where such systems and devices are provided,they should be inspected and tested periodically.

3. Lack of lubrication and accumulations of dust are two of the greatest enemies offans and motors. Both can cause the equipment to overheat to the point that it

can become an ignition source. Fan belts should be checked for wear andreplaced if necessary. Often fans are located in places that are difficult to reach.Nevertheless, they should be accessible and included in the inspection program.

4. The hazards of cooling equipment are related to the hazards of electricalinstallations and of the refrigerant itself. Proper wiring and grounding arediscussed earlier. Some refrigerants present a combustibility hazard. Thegreatest problem associated with refrigeration units is the explosion hazard ofthe pressurized refrigerant.

5. The purpose of filters and air cleaners is to remove entrained dust and other

particulate matter from the air stream. The filtered particles accumulate in thefilter material or on the air-cleaner collector plates, and, if ignited, could burn andproduce a large volume of smoke. The products of combustion could becirculated throughout the building by the air-distribution system, posing a threatto life safety.

6. Electronic air cleaners utilize electrostatic precipitation to remove particulatematter. Entrained particles pass through electrostatic fields and are collectedeither on a filter or on charged plates. Lethal voltages and currents are used inelectronic air cleaners; therefore, they are equipped with interlocks that shutdown the unit if a door or access panel is opened. Some systems have anautomatic wash and recoating cycle for proper plate operation. These systemsshould be checked for proper operation and to ascertain that proper cleaningsolvents and adhesives are being used. Other systems use disposable filters,which are simply discarded and replaced when dirty.


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7. Distribution of conditioned air throughout the building is through the duct system.

During fire conditions, the same duct system could disperse smoke and toxicgases throughout the building instead of breathable air.

8. Ducts can create both vertical and horizontal openings in structural fire barriers.Where the ducts pass through fire barriers or fire walls, adequate firestoppingmust be provided to seal the space between the duct walls and the edges of theopening. If properly installed and firestopped, sheet metal ducts in the gaugescommonly used can protect an opening in a fire barrier for up to 1 hour.Openings in a wall, partition, ceiling, or floor could be required to be protectedwith a fire damper. These should be inspected, cleaned, and tested for properoperation.

9. There are two recognized approaches to smoke control in buildings that makeuse of the air conditioning system. The passive approach requires than fans beshut down and smoke dampers in ductwork be closed during a fire. In thesecond approach - the active approach - the air conditioning system is used toexhaust the products of combustion to the outdoors, which prevents smokemigration from the fire area.

10. When the active approach is used, some of the smoke and fire dampers couldbe omitted from the system if applicable to that particular system. When smokedampers are used in the passive form of smoke control, they should be installed

in ducts at the main fan room. They should also be installed in ducts thatpenetrate smoke partitions and which are controlled by smoke detectors locatedin ducts or in the occupied space.

11. Like electrical systems, HVAC can be a fire hazard. An organized schedule formaintenance and cleaning is the key to safe operation of air conditioning andventilation systems. Rust and corrosion on moving parts must be eliminated.Filters must be changed regularly. Dust and lint must not accumulate in ducts.Electrical wiring and connections must be the same standards as any otherelectrical systems.

I. Miscellaneous Notes

1. Regarding HVAC systems, the simplest and most effective means to ensurefire prevention and general safety measures is planned and organizedmaintenance carried out by specialists in the field.


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2. The installation of fuel storage systems (including piping, valves etc)

intended for use in conjunction with HVAC are governed in addition to theNFC, by various Codes and Standards:

eg. CAN/CSA-B139 "Installation Code of oil burning equipment".CAN/CGA-B149.2 "Propane Installation Code". "Boiler andPressure Vessel Act" (O.C.84-606) etc.

Compliance with said Codes is strictly enforced and includes inspections bythe applicable AHJ.

3. A proper installation in accordance with Code and ongoing maintenance of

the associated HVAC system, per manufacturers recommendation, are theprimary safeguards for fire prevention. The owner should also be aware of(at the very least, the location of) any devices used to maintain control.These may include manual shut offs, flame-failure shut offs, check valves,pressure relief devices etc., which might possibly be used in the event of anemergency.

4. The protection of persons and property from injury or damage by fire or othercauses arising from welding and cutting equipment, its installation, operationand maintenance shall conform to CSA W117-2 "Code for Safety in Weldingand Cutting" and to the requirements of NFC 5.2 "Hot Works".

It is not intended that the building manager be in any way acquainted withsaid Codes, but to ensure that any such operations be conducted incompliance with them. The simplest approach is to hire specialists andrequire proof of licenses, permits etc.

5. Prior to the commencement of any construction or renovation project, theFire Safety Plan shall be (temporarily) amended to include:

a) the designation and organization of site personnel to carry out firesafety duties, including watchman services if applicable,

b) the emergency procedures to be used in the case of fire, including(i) sounding the alarm,(ii) notifying the fire department,(iii) instructing site personnel on procedures to be followed when

the alarm sounds, and(iv) fire fighting procedures,

c) the control of fire hazards in and around the building, andd) the maintenance of fire fighting facilities.


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FIRE DRILLS

The procedures for conducting fire drills shall be determined by the fire department inconsultation with the person in charge of the building, taking into consideration:

1. The building occupancy and its fire hazard.

2. The safety features provided in the building.

3. The desirable degree of participating occupants other than supervisory staff. FireDepartments dictate there be no participation of occupants other than the previouslystipulated role of wardens, supervised by security staff. (NOTE: On the Code required,

full scale drills staff are to "evacuate" the facility).

4. A fire safety plan is of little value if it is not reviewed periodically so that all supervisorystaff remain familiar with their responsibilities. A fire drill is a review of the fire safetyplan by supervisory staff. It may be necessary to hold additional fire drills, for securitystaff and wardens. Code required testing and maintenance involves monthly alarmconditions, hence security staff drills can be incorporated accordingly.

5. Fire drills as described above shall be held 3 times in each of the fall and spring terms.


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INSPECTION, TESTING, MAINTENANCE & OPERATION

(NOTE: The following is a "generic" list only and will differ slightly from building tobuilding.)

Systems Covered:

Exit lights Emergency lights/generator Fire detection and alarm Voice communication Ventilation

Sprinkler Fire separations Portable extinguishers Fire hose stations Elevators Chimneys and flue Fire (hose) pump

NOTE: A daily visual inspection is required of Exit lights, fire alarm and communicationsystems to ensure AC power is on and no trouble conditions exist. Daily inspections donot require logging.

A weekly inspection is required for the emergency generator to ensure proper oil level andpressure, coolant level, battery level and charge, water temp, damper, belt, etc.positioning. Sprinkler head supply valves shall be inspected weekly to ensure properpositioning. Filters and related apparatus associated with kitchen range hoods, etc. mustbe cleaned weekly.

Monthly:

a. Fire doors

Inspect all doors in fire separations for general condition and operation.

b. Hose stations (See Appendix , Pages 9 &10)

Ensure proper positioning and conditioning, ensure main valves to source ofwater supply are open. This includes exterior stand pipes too.


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i. Fire pumps (also, see NFPA25)

The pump shall be operated monthly at its rated speed until the satisfactoryperformance of the pump, driver and controller is verified.

j. Ventilation systems

Ensure proper shut-down operation in conjunction with fire alarm systemmonthly tests.

Check hoods, filters and ducts in systems, subject to the accumulation ofcombustible deposits.

k. Sprinkler system (also, see NFPA25)

Inspect control valves for proper positioning, alarm devices for secureelectrical connections and gauges for readings.

Quarterly:

a. Sprinkler

Prior notification of waterflow or other tests to be made to a sprinkler systemshall be given to all parties who could be affected by an alarm.

On wet sprinkler systems, waterflow alarm tests using the most hydraulicallyremote test connection shall be performed.

On dry sprinkler system, waterflow alarm tests using the alarm testconnection located at the dry-pipe valve shall be performed.

A record shall be kept of all tests and operation of each system, and thisrecord shall be retained for examination by the authority having jurisdiction.

Where an electrical supervisory signal service is provided for a sprinkler

system, all initiating and transmitting devices shall be tested.

All transmitters and water flow actuated devices shall be tested.

Sprinkler system waterflow tests shall be conducted from the main drain valveto determine whether or not the normal water supply is available to thesystem and to indicate the possibility of closed valves or other obstructions inthe supply piping.


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All mechanical and electrical alarms shall be tested to ensure that they are in

operative condition, including supervisory switches.

If any device in the sprinkler system does not operate properly on test, it shallbe repaired or replaced.

Twice Yearly:

a) Halon/CO2/Drychemical

- Conduct inspection and maintenance of special extinguishing systems.(See Appendix pages 18 and 19 and NFPA 12, NFPA 17, and UL300).

b) Hydrants (See Appendix, Page 17)

- Hydrants shall be inspected to ensure that hydrant caps are in place and that capswith worn, rusted or obstructed threads, which might hamper easy removal, arerepaired or replaced. (See Appendix page 17).

Yearly:

a. Hose stations

Remove and rerack all hoses, check hose condition. Inspect plugs and caps.Test valves. Inspect/test supply system.

Inspect and lubricate fire department connections. See Appendix.

b. Extinguishers

Major test/inspection - see Appendix.

c. Fire alarm

Major test/inspection - see Appendix.

d. Voice communication

Check calibrate speaker load, check wiring and circuit connections for opens,grounds or faults.


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e. HVAC

Inspect fire dampers, chimneys, flues, disconnect switches and ventilationsystem controls for proper operation, check for dust/dirt accumulation.

Test emergency ventilation shut off.

f. Emergency generator

Conduct engine tune up in conformance with CSA-282.

g. Sprinkler (also see Appendix, Pages 11-16 and NFPA25)

Inspect for damage, corrosion or accumulation of grease, paint or otherdeposits, and replace where such conditions would impair the operation of thesprinkler.

Conduct flow test.

h. Fire pump (see NFPA25)

Conduct flow test at full rated capacity to ensure system is capable ofdelivering the rated flow.

I. Emergency Lighting

Major test/inspection - See Appendix page 20.

It is intended as part of any Fire Plan, that on a permanent basis:

all keys/devices required per Part 2 be located in/at Annunciator Panel at thefront entrance.

all doors operate properly, including panic hardware. that corridors, lobbies, stairwells and public spaces be free of potential

tripping and fire hazards. that stairwell handrails are in place and secure. that unoccupied spaces be free of storage and hazards. that mechanical and electrical equipment spaces be clean, free of stored

materials, ventilated, locked and have applicable safety notices posted. that interior electrical - distribution panels be covered securely, properly

marked complete with schedules posted inside and have no missingbreakers. that garbage chute doors (or dampers) be closed at all times. that petroleum and supply systems operate and be monitored to respective

Codes. all means of egress be safely cleared of snow, ice, tripping hazards,

equipment, vehicles, etc. that clear access for Fire Department be maintained at all times.


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that all structures/components intended as to act as smoke barriers be

maintained accordingly (this not only includes doors and walls but ceiling andfloors as well).

NOTE: 1. Regarding the above, the Codes do not stipulate any specific inspectionschedules (daily, weekly, etc.). It is assumed that these conditions bepermanent hence staff and wardens must be constantly aware of theserequirements.

2. Regarding twice yearly and yearly testing and maintenance requirements,the following appendix information is intended as a guide only, not asspecification for tender.

Department of Supply and Services has developed, in cooperation withthe Fire Marshalls office, approved specifications for this purpose, whichyou are encouraged to use without modification.


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RECORD KEEPING

A record shall be kept of all inspections, tests and maintenance procedures required perthe Fire Plan. Records shall be retained for examination by Authorities Having Jurisdiction.Records shall be retained during the time interval between the inspections, maintenanceprocedures or tests, or for 2 years, whichever is greater. Where such service is contractedout it is the responsibility of Management to ensure proper records are submitted andretained accordingly.

There is no specific method of record keeping dictated by Code. Management may useany method acceptable to AHJ (Fire Department). Sample copies of a "standardized" logare included, see Appendix. These or any such related methods are acceptable to the

Authorities.

Documents

Fire Safety Emergency Plan 600-003