The relevant graphics and letter designations that accompany these classes are specified by NFPA 10, the standard for portable fire extinguishers.. Description of Major Occupancies. three . Features to examine and identify are (where applicable): Compile information about the employees on site. If the business involves outdoor storage or processes materials outdoors, begin the audit by examining the exterior of the property first. Ensure that any changes in the facility or the operation are reflected in the Fire Safety Plan and that the Fire Safety Plan is approved by the Chief Fire Official. Refer to the actual Ontario Fire Code Requirements outlined in Section 2.8 and Article 3.2.1.3. of Division B.). The following definitions have been copied from Section 1.4 of Division A of the Ontario Fire Code to assist you in understanding the meaning of these words and phrases where they are used in this guideline and in the regulation. This includes: The procedures for outdoor operations will differ from those to be followed by occupants within buildings. (vehicles or machinery). One other handy table to reference for sprinklers in NFPA 13 is Table 6.2.5.1, which deals with classifications and temperature ratings. Alternative measures must be included in the Fire Safety Plan. Occupancies of Same Classification All employees must understand that every precaution is to be taken to minimize accidents and prevent injuries. Where separations are not specified, the distances required shall not be less than the distances required by Table 415.3.1. The square root of the required end-head pressure is determined by “Q” divided by “K”. 4. storeys. Are compressed gases used or stored on site? Use exit stairwells where applicable to leave the building. hazard contents (2) Industrial occupancies in which incidental high hazard operations in low or ordinary hazard occupancies that are protected in accordance with Section 8.7 and 40.3.2 are not required to be the basis for overall occupancy classification Are aerosols used or significant quantities stored on site? Let’s suppose that we decide to extend our coverage to 324 square feet in a light hazard office, spacing sprinklers 18′ x 18′ apart. The guideline also provides guidance for owners on how to comply with the various aspects of the Ontario Fire Code that apply to their property. Where possible, all staff should be made aware of temporary shutdowns. 2.1  General Requirements for Fire Safety Planning, 2.3  Benefits of Implementing a Fire Safety Plan, 4.1  Step 1 – Conduct a Fire Safety Audit, 4.2  Step 2 – Appointment and Organization of Supervisory Staff, 4.3  Step 3 – Develop Emergency Procedures, 4.4  Step 4 – Fire Drill Procedures and Training, 4.5  Step 5 – Maintenance of Building Facilities and Fire Protection Equipment, 4.6  Step 6 – Alternate Measures for Temporary Shutdown of Fire Protection Equipment or Systems, 4.8  Step 8 – Fire Department Access for Fire Fighting and Related Fire Suppression Information, 4.9  Step 9 – Preparing Schematic Diagrams and Site Plans, 4.10  Step 10 – Posting Emergency Procedures and Emergency Phone Numbers, 5.0  IMPLEMENTATION / UPDATING THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN. The fire-detection system today consists of an FACP (fire alarm control panel) — this is the system’s brain, and it’s capable of making rapid decisions. However, where the required design density is less than 0.25 gpm/sf (and this goes for high-piled storage as well), a protection area of up to 130 square feet per sprinkler is allowable (Table 8.6.2.2.1-c). Do all employees understand the procedures they are expected to follow in an emergency (are there language barriers, etc.)? Identify the number of full time and part time employees who work on site. Schedule and perform the required maintenance of the fire safety features provided in the building as required. Division. Groups H-2 and H-3. Group F occupancies (Section 306) are those where factory and other industrial activities are undertaken. In order for that to be accomplished, larger system piping is installed to deliver the additional gpm necessitated by the extended-coverage heads. Are fire drills conducted at different times to train employees and supervisory staff on all shifts? Building:  means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. building height. Everyone must adhere to the workplace fire safety practices and procedures. (1)Major Occupancy Classification The following are examples of the major occupancy classifications described in Table 3.1.2.1.: • … (Refer to Subsection 6.5.2. of Division B of the Ontario Fire Code). Temporary Shut Down of Sprinkler System (example), Notify the Fire Department (phone #                            ) and all supervisory staff that the sprinkler system is temporarily shut down. When sprinklers are installed beneath pitched roofs, the highest sprinkler deflector (Sec. In outdoor tire storage yards, the telephone number of the fire department and location of the nearest telephone must be prominently posted and maintained at the storage yard. 4. There may be structures with mixed classifications, and other factors such as the items stored can affect the level that is assigned. This will reduce the incidence of fire, protect life safety and reduce the impact of fire should one occur. They are classified as light hazard, ordinary hazard or extra hazard. The IBC defines a health hazard to include toxic, highly toxic, and corrosive chemicals. Group. To derive the full benefit of the Fire Safety Plan: The preparation and implementation of a Fire Safety Plan, helps to assure effective use of people and resources to control and eliminate fire hazards in the workplace and to respond effectively to a fire emergency. occupancies Mercantile occupancies High hazard industrial occupancies Medium hazard industrial occupancies Low hazard industrial occupancies A-3.1.2 Use Classification. how to prevent or minimize fire hazards in the workplace. In some instances, municipalities may have a by-law that requires the owner to compile and provide this type of information to the fire department. D. Ensure that all employees are trained in the procedures to take upon discovery of fire or upon hearing an alarm of fire. Division 2, medium hazard industrial occupancies, provided a. the area is specifically designed for that purpose b. all flammable liquids and combustible liquids have been removed and the tanks are purged in accordance with Section 4.11. of the NFC(AE). This type of information can often be obtained by referring to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) or from other sources. Our square foot coverage then, is (12 x 14) 168 square feet. The development of a Fire Safety Plan is intended to take into consideration: Before preparing a Fire Safety Plan, it is suggested that a fire safety audit of the property be conducted using the following checklists. Mercantile occupancies F1 High‐hazard industrial occupancies F2 Medium‐hazard industrial occupancies F3 Low‐hazard industrial occupancies A-3.1.2.1. The site drawing may become a key element of the Fire Safety Plan. instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sounds; confining controlling and extinguishing the fire. building area. buildings containing a low hazard industrial occupancy, having an occupant load exceeding 300 people (i.e., creameries, laboratories, power plants, storage garages and warehouses). Find out information about high-hazard industrial occupancy. For example, ask the following questions: (Yes the hazardous activities or substances are present). A Fire Safety Plan is a detailed document designed to deal with all aspects of fire safety relating to a specific building or property. Keep permanent records of all tests and corrective measures for a period of at least two years. 2018 IBC Mixed Occupancies 5 General Provisions Section 508.1 Three options established in Section 508 to address mixed-occupancy buildings include: Accessory Occupancies. Everything changes when extended-coverage sprinklers are employed. The Fire Safety Plan must also include the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff and alternates who are required to be trained to respond to a fire emergency in a predetermined manner. Ensure that all fire protection features provided in each building are checked, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies specified in Parts 2 and 6 of Division B of the Ontario Fire Code and all applicable referenced standards; When using in-house personnel to conduct some of the checks, inspections and tests, ensure they are fully trained and qualified to carry out the activity; Keep permanent records of all tests and corrective measures taken for a period of two years after they are made. Have the necessary checks, tests, inspections and maintenance of fire protection equipment completed as required by the Ontario Fire Code. Group H-4 includes occupancies containing materials that pose a "health hazard." 3. Identify all fire risks and employee resources, APPOINTMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF EMERGENCY SUPERVISORY STAFF, Establish supervisory staff structure and related responsibilities, Establish procedures for what to do in case of fire, MAINTENANCE OF BUILDING FACILITIES AND FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT, ALTERNATE MEASURES FOR TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN OF FIRE OF FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT OR SYSTEM, What to do when emergency warning or suppression systems are down, Avoid, prevent, reduce and control all fire hazards, FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS FOR FIRE FIGHTING AND RELATED FIRE SUPPRESSION INFORMATION, PREPARING SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS AND SITE PLAN, POSTING OF EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS, Post the Fire Safety Plan, Emergency Procedures and phone numbers in key locations. Every telephone should have the fire department telephone number and the business name and address prominently posted close by for reference during an emergency. Other factors to take into consideration may include but not be limited to: Clause 2.8.2.1. Column 1. Are oxidizing or reactive substances stored or used on site? Flash Point:  means the minimum temperature at which a liquid within a container gives off vapour in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid. Materials that pose a hazard in the event of fire include, but are not limited to: Refer to the following Sections in Division B of the Ontario Fire Code to determine if activities, equipment or processes involved in the business are regulated: The local fire department may be consulted about questions or problems that arise during this analysis. Safety in simple terms means freedom from the occurrence of risk or injury or loss. Shutdown process equipment in a preplanned manner where applicable. Information of this nature is not required by the Ontario Fire Code, however the information would be very useful for firefighters to refer to in the event of a fire. A. Are measures in place to respond to the safety needs of guests or contractors during an emergency? In a court of law, the definition of "owner" could be interpreted to mean the owner whose name is on title (an individual or individuals, a corporation, etc.). Many materials stored or processed on site are stable and inert, however if they become involved in a fire, they can pose serious risks to emergency responders and to the surrounding community. Are hot works activities carried out on site, including but not limited to, cutting, welding, soldering, brazing, grinding, adhesive bonding, thermal spraying or thawing pipes? Separated Occupancies. 1997, c.4. Column 3. Vapour Pressure:  means the pressure exerted by a liquid as determined by ASTM D 323, “Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Product” (Reid Method). 8.6.4.1 in NFPA 13. A.5.2 of the NFPA 13 Appendix. Medium Hazard, Group F Division 2 (F2) Industrial occupancy in which the combustible content is more than 50kg/m2 or 1200 MJ/m2 of floor area and not classified as a high hazard industrial occupancy. It could also contain information about the properties of the materials, identify the combustion by-products, fire fighting techniques and other relevant factors. The following are noted as light hazard occupancies: offices, churches, schools, museums, auditoriums, library seating areas, restaurant seating areas, and unused attics. Provide access to the firefighters, (provide entry, master keys, etc. Ordinary hazard Group 2 occupancies include the aforementioned dry cleaners, automobile repair and services areas, auditorium stages, woodworking plants, post offices, and stack room areas of libraries. 1. ); waterways, dikes, drains, sewer and manholes; gas shut off valves or other important isolation valves; electrical facilities including, power lines, transformers, transformer vaults, etc. In an effort to prevent fires and minimize the damage from fires when they occur, owners and operators of industrial occupancies are encouraged to develop and implement Fire Safety Plans for their property. A Fire Safety Plan is required under Section 2.8 of Division B and other areas of the Ontario Fire Code. Maximum sprinkler spacing for these occupancies is limited to 100 square feet. Temporary Shut Down of Standpipe System (example). ), may be consulted to assist with development of the plan or portions of the plan. At the same time, personal safety must be promoted. This guideline updates TG-02-2000 published in June 2002. Staff must be instructed to react quickly to a fire emergency. Where the property is large, or there are outdoor activities that may pose a fire or access problem, a site drawing should also be prepared and incorporated in the Fire Safety Plan. If time intervals between tests exceed two years, the records shall be retained for the period of the test interval plus one year. One of the goals of fire safety planning is to reduce the frequency of fire. Employees must be fully trained in the established fire prevention practices and these practices be adopted by everyone and be fully enforced. Full sprinkler protection shall be restored when work on the system is discontinued. This Code requires classification in accordance with every major occupancy for The drawing should be made to scale, if possible, and identify the following; Next, prepare a separate detailed audit for each building on site. Classification of fire. The guideline has been designed in an easy to use, step-by-step format, with checklists and examples that can be useful for preparing a comprehensive Fire Safety Plan. Routinely update relevant information pertaining to changes in the inventory of site materials for the fire fighters reference during an emergency. 3. If a designer, owner or occupant wishes to have a building considered to be a low-hazard industrial (F3) occupancy, the following information must be submitted with the building permit application: 1. or less in . The following synopsis outlines the Ten Step Process to developing a Fire Safety Plan. The consequences of poor fire safety practices and a lack of emergency planning are especially serious in properties where processes or quantities of stored materials could pose a serious threat to the community and environment in the event of or an emergency. Fire emergencies occurring after regular business hours can also lead to a delay in the fire department’s ability to locate the fire and initiate fire suppression activities. (1)Major Occupancy Classification The following are examples of the major occupancy classifications described in Table 3.1.2.1.: Group A, Division 1 Temporary Shut Down of Special Extinguishing Systems (example). The Fire Code, Ontario Regulation 388/97, as amended, is a Provincial Regulation made under Part IV of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. d) Medium hazard industrial occupancy. “Owner” could also include any other person in control of the property such as an executive officer of a corporation owning the building, administrator, or even a maintenance supervisor. If designated with fire emergency duties, carry out pre-planned procedures. Also see general industrial occupancy, high-hazard industrial occupancy, special-purpose industrial occupancy. This guideline is intended to assist owners and managers of industrial operations to develop and implement effective Fire Safety Plans for their businesses. The designated employee must be knowledgeable about the property and associated processes that take place in it. F1High-hazard industrial occupancies F2Medium-hazard industrial occupancies F3Low-hazard industrial occupancies Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019. While conducting the audit, make notes of pertinent information relating to fire safety issues where applicable. Are there refueling operations taking place on site? Are combustible dusts, combustible fibres or combustible metals present or produced on site? Group F2 Medium Hazard Industrial Occupancies Group F3 Low Hazard industrial Occupancies What if the building doesn't appear to fit under any of these categories? Ensure that fire hazards are identified and eliminated or controlled. Appendix A - Sample Symbols for Diagrams and Drawings. At least once a year, review the contents of Fire Safety Plan to ensure that it remains current. The fire prevention practices should take into account the requirements of applicable regulations and practical fire safety precautions. Sample of Typical Emergency Procedures for all Employees, Sample of Minimum Supervisory Staff Duties to be Followed in Event of Fire. a) Current edition; b) First edition; c) 2004 edition; d) 2005 edition. Notify all supervisory staff and the fire department that the standpipe system is temporarily shut down. 2. The guideline has been designed in an easy to use, step-by-step format, with checklists and examples that can be useful for preparing a comprehensive Fire Safety Plan. buildings. This information is needed to develop a useful Fire Safety Plan designed to address a specific property and its special needs and characteristics. Are industrial trucks and lift equipment used on site, including lift trucks or forklifts, clamp trucks, tractors, sweepers and motorized hand trucks or automatic guided vehicles? To be absolutely certain of code compliance with respect to sprinkler elevations, we refer to Sec. Ensure a sufficient number of assistants are designated and trained to act in a supervisory capacity in the event that the appointed emergency supervisory staff are absent from the building/site. This information should be kept readily available for fire department reference along with the instructions and schematic diagrams described in Step 9. Industrial hazard may be defined as any condition produced by industries that may cause injury or death to personnel or loss of product or property. 9.33 psi is the required end-head pressure. Fire drills must be conducted at least once each year (Subsection 2.8.3. of Division B of the Ontario Fire Code). Owner:  means any person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of the building or property under consideration and includes the persons in the building or property. The date and time of all fire drills, as well as the names of participating staff, must be recorded and be retained for at least one year after the drill. Appoint, organize and train emergency supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties and emergency procedures. Owners, managers and administrators of an industrial occupancy should be thoroughly familiar with their responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code, since contravention of any provision can result in penalties as listed above. Assembly occupancies of the arena type. The reproduction of this guideline for non-commercial purposes is permitted and encouraged. Extended-coverage sprinklers for ordinary hazard occupancies work the same way. Factory and industrial occupancies are broken down into subdivisions based on: Select one: a. hours of operation. Identify accommodation needs of employees (i.e., physical disabilities, language requirements). For example, we could use the Tyco EC-14 extended-coverage pendent sprinkler (K=14.0) in a (Ordinary hazard group 1) restaurant service area to protect an 18′ x 18′ area, but here the data sheet parameters require a 49 gpm minimum discharge at 12.3 psi for the end-sprinkler. FIRE-RATED SEPARATION (NOT FULL HEIGHT OF THE BUILDING), SMOKE BARRIER (COMBINATION FIRE AND SMOKE BARRIER), WATER TOWER OR TANK ABOVE GROUND – VERTICAL, WATER TOWER OR TANK ABOVE GROUND – HORIZONTAL, ELECTRICAL MAIN DISCONNECT SWITCHES OR PANEL, EXPLOSION RELIEF WALL (DIRECTION OF EXPLOSION), 2.1     General Requirements for Fire Safety Planning, 2.3     Benefits of Implementing a Fire Safety Plan, 4.1     Step 1 – Conduct a Fire Safety Audit, 4.2     Step 2 – Appointment and Organization of Supervisory Staff, 4.3     Step 3 – Develop Emergency Procedures, 4.4     Step 4 – Fire Drill Procedures and Training, 4.5     Step 5 – Maintenance of Building Facilities and Fire Protection Equipment, 4.6     Step 6 – Alternate Measures for Temporary Shutdown of Fire Protection Equipment or Systems, 4.9     Step 9 – Preparing Schematic Diagrams and Site Plans, 4.10   Step 10 – Posting Emergency Procedures and Emergency Phone Numbers, 5.0     IMPLEMENTATION / UPDATING THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN, Legislation, Directives and Technical Guidelines, Regulations under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. provide other assistance as required including access keys and codes, etc. Establish procedures to gain access to other critical areas in a building or to fire equipment in a shared industrial complex (i.e., gas shut off, fire protection control valves, etc.). 1. The Fire Safety Plan must contain detailed procedures/practices for monitoring and controlling each of the activities. A. The following are noted as light hazard occupancies: offices, churches, schools, museums… Medium is an open platform where readers find dynamic thinking, and where expert and undiscovered voices can share their writing on any topic. Implement all aspects of the Fire Safety Plan. Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B:Acceptable Solutions Division B 3.1.2.2. – Quantities of such hazardous materials exceed those permitted within control areas as regulated by Section 414.2, based on Tables 307.1(1) and/or 307.1(2). Supervisory staff must be instructed in the fire emergency procedures that are described in the Fire Safety Plan before they are given any responsibility for fire safety. Once a fire begins, it spreads rapidly. Where a Certificate of Approval has been required to satisfy environmental or other purposes, the approval criteria should be re-examined to ensure the site still corresponds with the necessary compliance provisions. A copy of the fire emergency procedures and other duties outlined in the Fire Safety Plan must be given to all supervisory staff. To begin a calculation, the designer starts with the end-sprinkler and works “backwards” to the water supply source. While the sprinklers are shut down, a fire watch should patrol the area until the sprinkler system has been restored. Comparison of Regression Analysis Algorithms, “Trust the process?” How online sports communities are shaped by the offline context, Some Things I Wish I Had Known Before Scaling Machine Learning Solutions: Part I, Google Cloud Data Catalog hands-on guide: a mental model. The closer sprinklers are to the ceiling, the faster they will operate. 5. 4. In other words, Q= 49, K= 14.0, the square root of the pressure is 3.51, and the coverage is 324 square feet. The audit will help identify those factors affecting fire safety within the property. Examples include child day-care facilities, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. However, when exposed construction is combustible, with structural members spaced less than 3 ft. apart, the maximum coverage limit shrinks to 130 square feet. Now we must refer to the sprinkler manufacturer’s data sheets for direction. ), provide them with relevant information about the quantities and nature of materials stored or processed on site, provide them with a copy of the Fire Safety Plan and related drawings. Which exact edition of the NRCan “Energuide for New Houses” is applicable if compliance with Clause 12.2.1.1. Group H-5 includes occupancies containing hazardous production materials (HPM) used in semiconductor fabrication and research and development laboratories. This will ensure that the emergency procedures developed will be consistent with the available staff resources and be accounted for in the plan. Compile a list of telephone numbers for use during an emergency, including the building owner, the manager, supervisor, and other employees. Usually, the maximum limit is 225 square feet for light hazard on a hydraulically calculated system. (All telephones on site should have the emergency phone number of the fire department listed and the address of the property conspicuously posted close by for reference in an emergency.). Other Factors to Consider When Organizing and Conducting Fire Drills. The fire drill must involve the response of supervisory but should take into consideration the response of other employees and people on site or present in the building. Are industrial truck and lift equipment, battery charging operations conducted on site?