FIRE SAFETY PLAN
FOR
Building
Name
Address
Produced By:
Telephone:
Name
Address
(250) 000-0000
Ref-017
1
BUILDING EMERGENCY CONTACT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS
(Minimum Three Local Emergency Contacts Required)
NAME:
Name of Contact
PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)
CELL PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)
TITLE: Title of Contact
NAME:
Name of Contact
PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)
CELL PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)
TITLE: Title of Contact
NAME:
Name of Contact
PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)
CELL PHONE NUMBER: 250 (000-0000)
TITLE: Title of Contact
SUPERVISORY STAFF
FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR:
Name of FSD
TELEPHONE: (250)-000-0000
EMERGENCY: (250)-000-0000
TITLE: Title of FSD
DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR: Name of DFSD
TELEPHONE: (250)-000-0000
EMERGENCY: (250)-000-0000
TITLE: Title of DFSD
AREA OF
RESPONSIBILITY
FLOOR WARDEN
ASSISTANT FLOOR WARDEN
1st Floor
Name of Warden
Name of Warden
2nd Floor
Name of Warden
Name of Warden
3rd Floor
Name of Warden
Name of Warden
2
EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL PHONE NUMBERS
Fire Department .............................................................................. 911
Police Department .......................................................................... 911
Ambulance ...................................................................................... 911
Nanaimo Fire Department Non Emergency ................................... (250) 753-7311
Nanaimo RCMP Non-Emergency .................................................... (250) 754-2345
Fire Alarm Service .....................Name of Company ……………… (250) 000-0000
Sprinkler Service ........................Name of Company ……………… (250) 000-0000
Fire Extinguisher Service ..........Name of Company………..…….. (250) 000-0000
Emergency Lighting Service…. Name of Company . …………….. (250) 000-0000
Fire Alarm Monitoring ................Name of Company…………....… (250) 000-0000
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fire Department Letter of Approval
TITLE PAGE
BUILDING EMERGENCY CONTACT NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS
2
SUPERVISORY STAFF
2
EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL PHONE NUMBERS
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
1. DEFINITIONS
6
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN
GENERAL
EMERGENCY EVACUATION CONCEPT
EMERGENCY EVACATION SEQUENCE
EXCERPTS FROM 2012 BC FIRE CODE 2.8.1
EXCERPTS FROM CITY OF NANAIMO BYLAW NO. 7108
10
10
10
10
11
15
3. SUPERVISORY STAFF & DUTIES
APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISORY STAFF
DUTIES OF SUPERVISORY STAFF
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
FIRE WATCH PROCEDURE
FIRE DRILL PROCEDURE
FIRE INCIDENT / ACTIVITY REPORT
17
17
17
19
21
22
23
4. OCCUPANT FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND CONTROL
FIRE PREVENTION
FIRE PREPAREDNESS
FIRE EVACUATION
INSTRUCTIONS TO OCCUPANTS
EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR PEOPLE WITH
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
OPERATION OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
24
24
25
26
27
28
31
32
4
5. BUILDING DESCRIPTION & SAFETY FEATURES
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & OCCUPANCY
AREAS OF USAGE
EXIT SYSTEMS
ROOF/ATTIC ACCESS
ELEVATORS
HEATING, VENTILATING & AIR CONDITIONING
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS
FIRE PUMPS
FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
FIRE DOORS
FIRE DAMPERS & FIRE STOP FLAPS
SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS
MAIN ELECTRICAL SHUT-OFF
GAS SHUT-OFF
WATER SHUT-OFFS
FIRE HYDRANTS
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS
HAZARDS
33
33
33
33
34
34
35
35
35
36
36
36
36
36
37
37
37
37
37
37
37
38
38
38
38
38
6. FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT SERVICING
39
39
39
39
40
41
44
45
46
47
47
48
48
GENERAL
RECORDS
FIRE PROTECTION TECHNICIANS OBLIGATIONS
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
MEANS OF EGRESS
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDINGS
FIRE DAMPERS AND FIRE STOP FLAPS
HEATING, VENTILATING & AIR CONDITIONING
EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS (Generators)
5
FIRE PUMPS
49
APPENDIX A - Fire Alarm Panel Operation
50
APPENDIX B - Drawings
SITE PLAN
FLOOR PLANS
EVACUATION PLANS
52
53
54
58
1. DEFINITIONS AND FIRE PROTECTION TERMS
ACCESS TO EXIT: Meaning that part of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an
exit serving the floor area.
ALARM SIGNAL: Meaning an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones or throughout a
building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists.
ALERT SIGNAL: Meaning an audible signal to advise designated persons of a fire emergency.
APPROVED: Meaning approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
AREA OF REFUGE: Means a space that facilitates a safe delay in egress, is sufficiently protected from
fire conditions developing in the floor area, and provides direct access to an exit or fire fighters' elevator.
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION: Means the fire commissioner, inspectors and local assistants to
the fire commissioner.
BUILDING: Means any structure used or intended for supporting, or sheltering any use or occupancy.
BUILDING HEIGHT: Means the overall height of a building from the first storey to the roof.
CLASS "A" FIRE: Means a fire involving combustible materials such as wood, cloth or paper.
CLASS "B" FIRE: Means a fire involving a flammable liquid or combustible liquid, fat or grease.
CLASS "C" FIRE: Means a fire involving energized electrical equipment.
CLASS "D" FIRE: Means a fire involving a combustible metal.
CLASS "K" FIRE: Means a fire involving fryers and cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking
media, vegetable or animal oils and fat.
CLOSURE: Means a device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation or an exterior
wall, such as a door, shutter, wired glass or glass block, and includes all components such as hardware,
closing devices, frames and anchors.
6
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION: Means that type of construction that does not meet the requirements
for noncombustible construction.
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID: Means a liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8 degrees Celsius and below
93.3 degrees Celsius.
DEPUTY FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR (DFSD): The person designated to assist the FSD or fulfill his/her
duties in his/her absence.
ELECTRICAL SERVICE ROOM: Means a room or space provided in a building to accommodate building
electrical service equipment and constructed in accordance with the British Columbia Building Code.
EXIT: Means that part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves,
to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire
exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: Means a device or combination of devices designed to warn occupants of a
building of a fire.
FIRE CHIEF: Means the person appointed by the Council as officer in charge of the Fire Department and
includes Deputy Fire Chiefs and the Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention.
FIRE COMMISSIONER: Means the person appointed as Fire Commissioner pursuant to the Fire
Services Act of British Columbia.
FIRE DAMPER: Means a closure which consists of a damper installed in an air distribution system or a
wall or floor assembly, which is normally held open but designed to close automatically in the event of a
fire in order to maintain the integrity of a fire separation.
FIRE DETECTOR: Means a device which detects a fire condition and automatically initiates an electrical
signal to actuate an alert signal or an alarm signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors.
FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR (FSD): Means the person designated by the Building Management to
implement and maintain the Fire Safety Plan.
FIRE SEPARATION: Means a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM: Means a device or combination of devices designed to extinguish or
support extinguishment of fire.
FIRE WATCH: Means a procedure where a person is responsible to patrol a building or site and to sound
an alarm in case of fire, or conduct such duties as required by the Fire Chief.
FIREWALL: Means a type of fire separation of noncombustible construction which subdivides a building
or separates adjoining buildings to resist the spread of fire and which has a fire resistance rating as
prescribed in the B.C. Building Code and has structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for
the required fire-rated time.
7
FLAMMABLE LIQUID: Means a liquid having a flash point below 37.8 degrees Celsius and a vapor
pressure not more than 275.8 KPa (absolute) at 37.8 degrees Celsius.
FLASH POINT: Means the minimum temperature at which a liquid within a container gives off vapor in
sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.
FLOOR AREA: Means the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls and required
firewalls, including the space occupied by interior walls and partitions, but not including exits, vertical
service spaces, and their enclosing assemblies.
FLOOR OF ACTIVATION: Means the floor from which the fire alarm system was activated.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL: Means a product, substance or organism that is designated as dangerous in
the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada), but shall not include a quantity of such product,
substance or organism that if accidentally spilled is insufficient to cause danger to lives or the
environment.
INSPECTOR: Means an inspector with the Office of the Fire Commissioner and Local Fire Department.
MAJOR OCCUPANCY: means the principal occupancy for which a building or part thereof is used or
intended to be used, and shall be deemed to include the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of
the principal occupancy. The major occupancy classifications used in this Code are as follows:
A1 - Assembly occupancies intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts
A2 - Assembly occupancies not elsewhere classified in Group A
A3 - Assembly occupancies of the arena type
A4 - Assembly occupancies in which the occupants are gathered in the open air
B1 - Detention occupancies in which persons are under restraint or are incapable of self-preservation because
of security measures not under their control
B2 - Treatment occupancies
B3 – Care occupancies
C - Residential occupancies
D - Business and personal services occupancies
E - Mercantile occupancies
F1 - High-hazard industrial occupancies
F2 - Medium-hazard industrial occupancies
F3 - Low-hazard industrial occupancies
MEANS OF EGRESS: Means a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any
point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an
exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public
thoroughfare. Means of egress includes exits and access to exits.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION: Means that type of construction in which a degree of Fire Safety
is attained by the use of noncombustible materials for structural members and other building assemblies.
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.
SPRINKLERED: (as applying to a building or part thereof) means that the building or part thereof is
equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.
8
SUITE: Means a single room or series of rooms of complementary use, operated under a single tenancy,
and includes dwelling units, individual guest rooms in motels, hotels, boarding houses, rooming houses,
and dormitories as well as individual stores and individual or complementary rooms for business and
personal service occupancies.
SUPERVISORY STAFF: Means those occupants of a building who have some delegated responsibility
for the fire safety of other occupants under the fire safety plan (i.e. Fire Safety Director and Deputy Fire
Safety Director).
ZONE: Means an area of a building designated as part of a fire alarm system or sprinkler system.
ABBREVIATIONS
CSA: Canadian Standards Association
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
ULC: Underwriters Laboratories of Canada
9
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRE SAFETY PLAN
GENERAL
Fire Safety Planning has three primary objectives:



Fire Hazard Control
Fire Protection System Maintenance
Emergency Evacuation
Fire Safety Planning prevents the occurrence of fire by the control of fire hazards in the
building, ensures operation of fire protection systems by establishing maintenance
procedures, and provides a systematic method of safe and orderly evacuation of
the building in the event of fire. Fire Safety Planning includes the appointment and
organization of supervisory staff to carry out the objectives of the Fire Safety Plan.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION CONCEPT
Although often precautionary, protecting lives by the means of evacuation is the
primary protective action utilized during a fire related emergency in a building.
The concept of emergency evacuation contains the following elements:



Provisions for alerting occupants of a fire; generally, the activation of a fire alarm
system.
Procedures for occupants to follow; such as an evacuation plan, posted
prominently on each floor area, complete with an evacuation route map and
information on procedures to follow in the event of a fire or fire alarm.
Designated supervisory staff; that are trained to direct, and assist movement of
people in the event of a fire, and perform fire control until the fire department
arrives.
EVACUATION SEQUENCE
When the fire alarm sounds, all occupants will exit the building via a safe exit.
Persons with special needs should proceed with an assistant to the nearest safe
exit. Supervisory Staff should check each floor to ensure all occupants have exited
the building. All occupants should remain at the Evacuation Assembly Area until
cleared to leave by the fire department. If not on-site, the Fire Safety Director should
be available to respond to the premises after being contacted by the fire department.
10
Excerpts from the 2012 BC Fire Code 2.8.1.
SECTION 2.8
2.8.1.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
GENERAL
2.8.1.1. Application
(1) Fire emergency procedures conforming to this Section shall provided for
a)
every building containing an assembly or a care, treatment or a detention
occupancy,
b)
every building required by the British Columbia Building Code to have a fire
alarm system,
c)
demolition and construction sites regulated under Section 5.6,
d)
storage areas required to have a fire safety plan in conformance with Articles
3.3.2.5. and 3.3.2.9.,
e)
areas where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored or handled,
in conformance with Article 4.1.5.5. and
f)
areas where hazardous processes or operations occur, in conformance with
Article 5.1.5.1
2.8.1.2. Training of Supervisory Staff
(1) Supervisory staff shall be trained in the fire emergency procedures described in the fire safety
plan before they are given any responsibility for fire safety. (See Appendix A)
2.8.1.3. Keys and Special Devices
(1) Any keys or special devices needed to operate the alarm system or provide access to any fire
protection systems or equipment shall be readily available to on-duty supervisory staff.
2.8.2. FIRE SAFETY PLAN
2.8.2.1. Measures in a Fire Safety Plan
(1) In buildings or areas described in Article 2.8.1.1., a fire safety plan conforming to this Section
shall be prepared in cooperation with the fire department and other applicable regulatory
authorities and shall include:
a)
the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire, including
(i) sounding the fire alarm (see Appendix A),
(ii) notifying the fire department,
(iii) instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire
alarm sound,
(iv) evacuating occupants, including special provisions for
persons requiring assistance (see Appendix A),
(v) confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire,
(b)
the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry
out fire safety duties.
(c)
the training of supervisory staff and other occupants in their responsibilities for
11
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
fire safety,
documents, including diagrams showing the type, location and operation of the
building fire emergency systems,
the holding of fire drills,
the control of fire hazards in the building,
the inspection and maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety
of occupants, and (see Appendix A)
(2)
The fire safety plan shall be reviewed at intervals not greater than 12 months to ensure
that it takes account of changes in use and other characteristics of the building.
2.8.2.2. Care, Treatment and Detention Occupancies
(1) A sufficient number of supervisory staff shall be on duty in care, treatement or detention
occupancies to perform the tasks outlined in the fire safety plan described in Clause
2.8.2.1.(1)(a).
2.8.2.3. Assembly Occupancies
(1)
In Group A, Division 1 assembly occupancies containing more than 60 occupants, there
shall be at least one supervisory staff member on duty in the building to perform the tasks
outlined in the fire safety plan in Clause 2.8.2.1.(1)(a) whenever the building is open to the public.
2.8.2.4. High Buildings
(1) In buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6 of the British Columbia Building Code, the
fire safety plan shall, in addition to the requirements of Sentence 2.8.2.1. (1) include:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
the training of supervisory staff in the use of the voice communication system,
the procedures for the use of elevators ,
the action to be taken by supervisory staff in initiating any smoke control or
other fire emergency systems installed in a building in the event of fire until
the fire department arrives,
instructions to the supervisory staff and fire department for the operation of
the systems referred to in Clause (c), and
the procedures established to facilitate fire department access to the building
and fire location with the building.
2.8.2.5. Retention of Fire Safety Plans
(1)
The fire safety plan shall be kept in a location, designated by the authority having
jurisdiction with the building, for reference by the fire department, supervisory staff and
other personnel.
(2)
The fire safety plan for a building with the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the British
Columbia Building Code shall be kept at the central alarm and control facility.
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2.8.2.6. Distribution
(1)
A copy of the fire emergency procedures and other duties for supervisory staff, as laid
down in the fire safety plan, shall be given to all supervisory staff.
2.8.2.7. Posting of fire Emergency Procedures
(1)
At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted on each
floor area.
(2)
In every hotel and motel bedroom, the fire safety rules for occupants shall be posted
showing the locations of exits and the paths of travel to exits.
(3)
Where a fire alarm system has been installed with no provisions to transmit a signal to
the fire department, a sign shall be posted at each manually actuated signaling box
requesting that the fire department be notified,and including the telephone number of that
department.
(4)
All buildings served by one or more elevators shall have, at each elevator entrance on
each floor level, a permanently mounted fire safety sign or symbol indicating that the
elevator is not to be used in case of fire.
(5)
This symbol required by Sentence 2.8.2.7.(4) shall be at least 100 mm in height and
width and shall be designed in accordance with NFPA 170 “Standard for Fire Safety and
emergency Symbols.”
2.8.3. FIRE DRILLS
2.8.3.1.
Fire Drill Procedures
(1) The procedure for conducting fire drills shall be determined by the person in charge of the
building, taking into consideration:
(a)
the building occupancy and its fire hazards,
(b)
the safety features provided in the building,
(c)
the desirable degree of participation of occupants other than supervisory staff,
(d)
the number and degree of experience of participating supervisory staff,
(e)
features of fire emergency systems installed in buildings within the scope of
Subsection 3.2.6. of the British Columbia Building Code, and
(f)
the requirements of the fire department.
(see Appendix A.)
2.8.3.2.
Fire Drill Frequency
(1) Fire drills as described in Sentence 2.8.3.1. (1) shall be held at intervals not greater than 12
months for the supervisory staff, except that
(a)
in day-care centres and in Group B major occupancies, such drills shall be
held at intervals not greater than one month,
(b)
in schools attended by children, total evacuation fire drills shall be held at
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(c)
least 3 times in each the fall and spring school terms, and
in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the British Columbia Building
Code, such drills shall be held at intervals not greater than 2 months.
Division B - Appendix A
A-2.8.1.2.(1) Adequately trained supervisory staff can be of great value in directing people to move in an
orderly fashion in the event of a fire and in carrying out appropriate fire control measures until the public
fire department arrives. These measures are, as described in the fire safety plan, developed in
cooperation with the fire department. The supervisory staff referred to in this Section are assigned their
responsibilities by the building owner, unless the public fire department is prepared to take on these
responsibilities. Except in hospitals and nursing homes, it is not intended that supervisory staff should be
in the building on a continuous basis, but that they should be available to fulfill their obligations as
described in the fire safety plan on notification of a fire emergency. In hospitals and nursing homes,
however, staff must be in the building at all times to assist occupants who are not capable of caring for
themselves in an emergency.
A-2.8.2.1.(1) The fire safety plan may provide important information to the fire department for use
preparation of pre-fire plans for fire fighting procedures in specific buildings. This is especially
true for building where flammable or combustible liquids or other dangerous goods are stored.
A-2.8.2.1.(1)(a)(i) These procedures should also include training of authorized personnel for
silencing fire alarm and alert signals under specific conditions. If special key, or devices are
required to operate the alarm system, they should be readily available to supervisory staff on
duty.
A-2.8.2.1.(1)(a)(iv) Some occupants of a building may require special assistance during
evacuation because cognitive or physical limitations make them unable to proceed independently
to a place of safety. Fire safety for these persons will depend to a large extent on preplanning
and on their awareness of the fire protection measures incorporated into the building. In some
buildings, it may be appropriate to advise such occupants of these provisions by posted notices,
handouts or other suitable means. In certain, residential occupancies, such as hotels or motels,
staff should be aware of rooms occupied by persons requiring special assistance during
evacuation and should inform the responding fire department.
A-2.8.3.1.(1) A fire safety plan is of little value if it is not reviewed periodically so that all
supervisory staff remain familiar with their responsibilities. A fire drill, then is at least a review of
the fire safety plan by supervisory staff. The extent to which non-supervisory staff participate in a
fire drill should be worked out in cooperation with the fire department. The decision as to whether
all occupants should leave the building during a fire drill should be made based on the nature of
the occupancy.
It may be necessary to hold additional fire drills outside of normal working hours for the benefit of
employees on afternoon or night shifts, who should be as familiar with fire drill procedures as
those who work during the day. If full scale fire drills are not possible during non-regular working
hours, arrangements should be made so that night-shift supervisory staff can participate in fire
drills conducted during the daytime.
14
Excerpt from the City of Nanaimo Bylaw No. 7108 - A Bylaw to Regulate Fire
Protection and Life Safety and Provide Emergency Services, Part 5, Sections 17 & 28
17.
28.
Fire Safety Plans
(1)
The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure that has a Fire Alarm System shall
submit annually in a form acceptable to the Fire Chief a Fire Safety Plan.
(2)
The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure who has submitted a Fire Safety Plan to
the Fire Chief shall each year, before the expiry of one (1) year from the last approval of
Fire Safety Plan, revise it and resubmit it to the Fire Chief if any changes are necessary
as a consequence of changes to the Building, utilities or Fire and Life Safety Equipment.
(3)
The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure who has submitted a Fire Safety Plan to
the Fire Chief must post a notice visible to all occupants of the Building or Structure of the
location where a copy of the current Fire Safety Plan may be reviewed by the occupants.
Fire Alarm Systems
Contact Persons for Fire Alarm Systems
(1)
An owner or occupier of a Building or Structure at which a Fire Alarm System is installed
shall, on the same day on which the Fire Alarm System becomes operational, submit to
the Fire Rescue Department a list of emergency Contact Persons in the form shown on
Schedule “B” attached to and forming part of this Bylaw.
(2)
The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure at which a Fire Alarm System is
installed shall inform the Fire Rescue Department of any changes to the information
about the Monitoring Service or Contact Persons by notice in writing immediately when
changes to this information arise.
(3)
The owner or occupier of a Building or Structure at which a Fire Alarm System has been
installed shall ensure that the Contact Persons whose names are provided pursuant to
section 28(2) are persons who are:
(4)
(a)
Available to receive telephone calls from the Fire Rescue Department or
Monitoring Service in the event that the alarm system at the owner’s or
occupier’s Building or Structure is activated;
(b)
Able to attend at the address of the owner’s or occupier’s property within thirty
minutes of being requested to do so by the Fire Rescue Department or
Monitoring Service;
(c)
Capable of gaining access to the owner’s or occupier’s Building or Structure
where the Fire Alarm System has been activated; and,
(d)
Capable of operating the Fire Alarm System and able to secure the owner’s or
occupier’s Building or Structure where the Fire Alarm System has been activated.
An owner or occupier of any Building or Structure at which a Fire Alarm System has been
installed shall notify the Fire Rescue Department immediately of any False Alarm
incident.
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(5)
When a Fire Alarm System has been activated and the owner or occupier of the
Premises at which the Fire Alarm System has been activated or that person’s Contact
Person cannot be reached or is unable to attend the Premises, the Fire Rescue
Department will forcibly enter the Building at which the Fire Alarm System is activated to
suppress a fire, or determine the cause of the alarm. The Fire Rescue Department will
secure the Building or provide 24-hour security until the Building can be secured. The
owner or occupier will be charged the fee for the cost of security or securing the
Premises as prescribed in Schedule "A" attached to and forming part of this Bylaw.
(6)
No owner or occupier of a Building or Structure at which a Fire Alarm System has been
installed shall service, test, repair, adjust, alter or install any parts or items to the Fire
Alarm System that might activate a False Alarm without first notifying the Fire Rescue
Department.
(7)
No owner or occupier of a Building or Structure where a False Alarm has been activated
or that person’s Contact Person shall leave the Premises unless the problem that gave
rise to the False Alarm is indentified and corrected or security by a security company is
posted until such time as the problem giving rise to the False Alarm is identified and
corrected.
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3. SUPERVISORY STAFF & DUTIES
APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISORY STAFF
The building owner or the owners authorized agent is responsible for the appointment,
organization and training of designated supervisory staff in their responsibilities for fire
safety. A person filling a supervisory staff position may not necessarily have supervisory
responsibilities outside of those contained within the Fire Safety Plan. Names and
contact information for supervisory staff shall be kept current on page 2 of this fire
safety plan.
DUTIES OF SUPERVISORY STAFF
Duties of the Fire Safety Director:

Responsible for the administration and maintenance of the Fire Safety Plan that
meets all the measures contained in Section 2.8 of the current B.C. Fire Code
and Part 5 Section 17 of the Fire Protection and Life Safety Regulation Bylaw
2011 NO. 7108.

Responsible for reviewing the fire safety plan at intervals not greater than 12
months to ensure that it takes account of changes in use and other
characteristics of the building.

Responsible for training the Deputy Fire Safety Director, Floor Wardens, and
other key personnel to perform their duties in the areas of fire prevention and
emergency evacuation.

Responsible for obtaining and issuing equipment such as flashlights, ID bands,
and megaphones for outside communications.

Responsible for keeping proper records of; current supervisory staff and their
training, number and quality of fire drills, fire safety meeting minutes, fire
incidents, names and locations of physically disabled people in the building and
inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection equipment.

Responsible for the consideration of other emergency situations that could affect
the building such as bomb threats, earthquakes, and hazardous chemical spills.

Responsible for establishing a Fire Watch, in cooperation with the Fire
Department, during a temporary shutdown of the fire alarm system.
17

Responsible for assisting the Fire Department as a liaison.
Duties of the Deputy Fire Safety Director:

To assist the Fire Safety Director and be prepared to take over the duties as Fire
Safety Director in his/her absence.
Duties of the Floor Wardens:
Conduct a daily inspection of their floor area for:

Accumulation of combustible materials, rubbish or flammable liquids.

Dangerous ignition sources, i.e. worn extension cords, oily rags, overheating
equipment.

Exit lights in good order and adequate lighting in public corridors and stairwells.

Fire and exit doors and their self closing hardware to ensure that they are in good
operating condition. Doors must not be wedged open for any reason.

Unobstructed exit routes. (Definition of exit routes in previous sections).

Condition of firefighting equipment.
NOTE: The Fire Safety Director will temporarily assume the above duties until such time
as Floor Wardens are appointed.
Duties of the Assistant Floor Wardens:

Assist the Floor Warden in fire prevention and emergency evacuation.

Assume the duties of the Floor Warden in his/her absence.
18
FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Fire Safety Director Duties during an Emergency Evacuation:
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE
1. Activate the fire alarm.
2. Notify the fire department.
3. Fight the fire only if it is small and safe to do so.
4. Report details to the fire department officer.
5. Meet Floor Wardens and occupants at the assembly area.
IF YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM
1. Notify the fire department.
2. Proceed to the fire alarm annunciator panel and locate the fire zone.
3. Contact the Floor Warden closest to the fire zone and have them investigate the
cause of the alarm.
4. Report details to fire department officer.
5. Meet Floor Wardens and occupants at the assembly area.
NOTE: The Fire Safety Director may not be on site at all times but should be available
to respond to the premises upon receiving notification of an emergency.
Duties of the Deputy Fire Safety Director during an Emergency Evacuation:

To take over the duties as Fire Safety Director in his/her absence.
NOTE: The Deputy Fire Safety Director may not be on site at all times but should be
available to respond to the premises upon receiving notification of an emergency when
the Fire Safety Director is unavailable.
19
Floor Warden Duties during an Emergency Evacuation:
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE
1. Remove those in immediate danger. Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
2. Fight the fire only if it is small and safe to do so.
3. Supervise the evacuation of the occupants on your floor.
4. Check the floor area, including all washrooms to ensure that all people have left
the area. Close all doors as you go - DO NOT LOCK.
5. Persons with special needs should proceed with their assistants (if available)
to the nearest safe exit. Notify the Fire Safety Director of any persons unable to
evacuate in a timely manner.
6. Once everyone from your floor is safely at the assembly area, notify the Fire
Safety Director. Ensure that no one from your floor re-enters the building.
IF YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM
1. Supervise the evacuation of the occupants on your floor.
2. Check to see if the exits are clear of fire and smoke. Choose an alternate route if
necessary.
3. Check the floor area, including all washrooms to ensure that all people have left
the area. Close all doors as you go - DO NOT LOCK.
4. Persons with special needs should proceed with their assistants (if available)
to the nearest safe exit. Notify the Fire Safety Director of any persons unable to
evacuate in a timely manner.
5. Once everyone from your floor is safely at the assembly area, notify the Fire
Safety Director. Ensure that no one from your floor re-enters the building.
20
FIRE WATCH PROCEDURES
Duties of the Fire Safety Director:

Assign one or more responsible persons to be on Fire Watch duty in the event of
a temporary failure of the fire alarm system or where activities require the
interruption of any fire detection, suppression or alarm system component.

Notify the fire department and fire alarm monitoring company whenever the fire
protection systems are off-line and again when normal operation resumes.

Notify all occupants in the building of which fire protection systems are
temporarily out of order and that a Fire Watch has been instituted until repairs
have been made.

Post signage throughout the common areas of the building indicating which fire
protection system are temporarily out of order and that a Fire Watch has been
instituted until repairs have been made.
Duties of Fire Watch personnel:

Keep a diligent watch for smoke or fire in affected areas.

Patrol the affected area at least once per hour on a 24 hour basis while the
building is occupied.

Keep a logbook and record the time each patrol was completed and initial each
entry.

Have fire-extinguishing equipment readily availiable and be trained to use it.

Call 911 via a cell phone, in the event of a fire.

Sound a portable air horn to alert occupants, in the event of a fire.
21
FIRE DRILL PROCEDURES
Once a year the Fire Safety Director must conduct a fire drill. The drill will not test any
evacuation skills of the occupants; however, it will provide the supervisory staff and
occupants with the opportunity to hear the fire alarm, and consider their actions in the
event that the fire is real.
When conducting the fire drill:

Notify occupants of the date and time of the drill.

Notify the alarm supervisory service and the fire department on their nonemergency phone numbers that you are planning to have a fire drill, and that you
will call them back when the drill is complete.

Discuss evacuation procedures with supervisory personnel and those occupants
willing to participate.

Have supervisory personnel perform the If You Discover a Fire scenario on the
posted "Instructions to Occupants".

Restore the manual fire alarm pull station, and then reset the fire alarm system.

Notify the alarm supervisory service and the fire department that the fire drill is
complete.

Discuss the drill with occupants in an attempt to identify any issues.

The Fire Safety Director should perform his or her duties as detailed in the Fire
Emergency Procedures.

Complete the Fire Incident/Activity Report.
22
FIRE INCIDENT/ACTIVITY REPORT
(1) INCIDENT / ACTIVITY
_____FIRE
_____ FALSE ALARM
_____FIRE DRILL
_____ TRAINING
_____FIRE SAFETY MEETING
_____ FIRE EQUIP. OPERATED
(2) DETAIL
DATE: __________________
TIME: _________________
DEVICE/EQUIP.: __________________________________________________
FLOOR: ________________
ALARM ZONE: __________
# OF INJURIES: __________
CAUSE/REASON FOR INCIDENT:
________________________________________________________________
EXPLAIN DAMAGE/LOSS:
________________________________________________________________
(3) ACTION
WHO DISCOVERED THE FIRE?
_______________________________________________________________
DID FIRE DEPT. ATTEND? ______
IF NOT, WHY? __________________________________________________
WHO OPERATED THE FIRE EQUIPMENT?
_______________________________________________________________
(4) COMMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS
SIGNED ______________________________________
DATE ________________________________________
23
4. OCCUPANT FIRE PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS & CONTROL
FIRE PREVENTION

Smoke only within designated areas.

Use large non-tip ashtrays and empty them only when you are sure the ashes,
matches and butts are cold. Make sure that no one, including visitors, has left
cigarettes smoldering in wastebaskets or on furniture.

Be alert around electrical equipment. When electrical equipment is not working
properly or if it gives off an unusual odor - often the first sign of a problem that
could cause a fire - disconnect the equipment and call an appropriate
maintenance contractor.

Promptly replace any electrical cord that is cracked or has a broken
connection.

When using extension cords, protect them from damage: do not put them
across doorways or any place where they will be stepped on or chafed. Check
the amperage load specified by the manufacturer or the "listing laboratory", and
do not exceed it. Do not plug one extension cord into another, and do not plug
more than one extension cord into one outlet.

Keep all heat-producing appliances away from the wall and away from anything
that might burn. Leave plenty of space for air to circulate around equipment that
normally gives off heat.

Make sure all appliances in your area - such as coffee makers and hot plates - are
turned off when not in use. It's best to assign one person to make this check
every day.

Do your part to keep storage areas, stairway landings and other out-of-way
locations free of waste paper, empty cartons, dirty rags and other material that
could fuel a fire.
Report fire hazards to the Fire Safety Director.
24
FIRE PREPAREDNESS

Know the location of the two exits closest to your area. Count the number of
doors between you and each of those exits - in case you must escape through a
darkened, smoke-filled corridor where you can't read the names on the doors.

Learn where the nearest pull station is located and how to activate it.

Post the 9-1-1 Fire Department Emergency Number on your telephone.

Learn the sound of your building's fire alarm.

During the annual fire drill which will be conducted by the Fire Safety Director, do
the following:
 Review the basic IN CASE OF FIRE procedures posted in the corridors,
and Evacuation Procedures.
 Ensure you know who the Fire Safety Director and Deputies are,
and how to contact them.
 Read the other information provided in Occupant Fire Prevention,
Preparedness & Control

Volunteer to be one of two designated persons who will assist a person
requiring assistance.
25
FIRE EVACUATION

While exiting, walk and do not run.

Shut all doors behind you.

Alert those who have difficulty hearing that an emergency evacuation of the
building is underway.

Proceed along corridors and through exits in a quiet and orderly manner.

Do not push or jostle.

Assist persons requiring assistance to reach the nearest safe exit:
 Try to keep exits clear by permitting others to pass.
 It may be necessary to hold persons requiring assistance in or near the
exit, and wait for fire department assistance.

If you must use an escape route where there is smoke, stay as low as possible.
Crawling lets you breathe the cleaner air near the floor as you move toward the
exit.

Before you open a closed door, feel it with the back of your hand. If it is hot,
leave it closed and use your alternate escape route. If it feels normal, brace your
body against the door and open it a crack - be prepared to slam it shut if heat or
smoke starts to rush in.

If all exits are blocked by fire or smoke, enter a room preferably with an exterior
window, and seal the cracks in the door with available materials to prevent
smoke entering the room.
 Phone 9-1-1 to report your situation, and attract the attention of someone
outside the building by any possible means.

When you have reached the outside of the building, move away from the exit
allowing others behind you to emerge.

Do not attempt to drive your vehicle from the parking area.

Do not enter the building again until permitted by a fire department officer or the
Fire Safety Director.
26
INSTRUCTIONS TO OCCUPANTS
IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE:

Remain calm and leave the fire area via the nearest safe exit.
DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR





IMMEDIATELY, activate the nearest fire alarm pull station.
Call the Fire Department. Dial 9-1-1
Tell them you are reporting a fire at: 123 Any Street, Anywhere, B.C.
At your discretion, attempt to control the fire with available fire equipment.
Go to the designated assembly area.
DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON.
The Fire Department will advise when it is safe to do so.
WHEN YOU HEAR THE FIRE ALARM:

Remain calm. If safe, leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit.
DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR





Close doors behind you when proceeding along corridors and down stairways.
When you have reached the outside, move away from the building.
Call the Fire Department. Dial 9-1-1
Tell them you are reporting a fire at: 123 Any Street, Anywhere B.C.
Go to the designated assembly area.
DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE BUILDING FOR ANY REASON.
The Fire Department will advise when it is safe to do so.
THE DESIGNATED ASSEMBLY AREA FOR THIS BUILDING IS:
On the opposite side of 123 Any Street (across the street from the main entrance)
27
EVACUATION PROCEDURES FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
In most cases people with physical disabilities should be placed under the
supervision of designated personnel until the Fire Department can rescue them. If it
is life threatening for the people with physical disabilities and their supervisors to
remain on that floor, it is recommended that the people with physical disabilities be
transported via the stairwell to a grade level exit.
Below are some techniques which may be used to perform this transport:
1. THE BACK PACK LIFT:
The Rescuer would kneel at the front of the person being assisted and place the
person's arms up and over the rescuer's shoulders and chest. The rescuer would then lean
forward before raising slowly, to a full standing position. (Figure 1)
Ref-017
28
2. TWO RESCUER EXTREMITIES CARRY:
The person being assisted would be placed on the stairwell landing. One rescuer
would lift at the legs, under the knees, while the other would lift under the shoulders
with fingers locked across the individual's chest. Rescuers, with backs erect, would lift
together, rising slowly to a standing position. (Figure 2)
29
3. TWO RESCUER SEAT CARRY:
Two rescuers position themselves next to the wheelchair (or beside the person being
assisted) in order to grasp each other's upper arm or shoulder (Figs. 3 & 4). The
person being assisted would place his/her arms firmly around both rescuers’ necks as per
Fig. 5. The two rescuers would then lean forward placing their free arm under the
individual's legs, firmly grasping each other's wrists as per Fig. 6. Working together, both
rescuers lift, using legs, and carefully step forward.
Figure 3
Figure 5
Figure 4
Figure 6
These are but a few examples of transporting a person down a stairwell.
30
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
A fire extinguisher is a storage container for an agent, like water or chemicals. It is
designed to put out a small fire, not a big one.
Extinguishers are labeled A, B, C, D according to whether the fire on which it is to be
used occurs in wood or cloth, flammable liquids, electrical, or metal sources. If you plan
to buy one extinguisher, a multi-purpose dry chemical labeled ABC puts out most types
of fires — wood, paper, cloth, flammable liquid or electrical fires.
BUYING AND MAINTAINING AN EXTINGUISHER
Extinguishers come in dry chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, and water types. Whatever
type you buy, it should be labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
The higher the number rating on the extinguisher the more fire it puts out. High rated
ones are often (not always) the heavier models. Make sure you can hold and operate
the one you might buy for home use or be required to use at work.
Ask your dealer how to have your extinguisher serviced and inspected. Recharge it after
ANY use. A partially used one might as well be empty.
Extinguishers should be installed away from potential fire hazards and near an escape
route.
31
OPERATION OF PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
32
5. BUILDING DESCRIPTION & SAFETY FEATURES
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION & OCCUPANCY
Building Street Address:
Building Name:
Occupancy:
123 1st Avenue, Nanaimo, BC
Port View – Building - B
Residential / Business
No. of stories above grade:
No. of stories below grade:
No. of suites:
3
1
28 Residential
1 Commercial Business
Year of Construction:
Main Construction Materials:
Exterior Finish:
Roof Construction:
2009 / 2010
Wood Frame
Hardy-board and wood trim
Shingles supported by wood
sheathing & wood joists
Gypsum wall board on top of metal &
wood studs covered by various wall
coverings and metal trim
Interior Construction and Finish:
AREAS OF USAGE
Parking Level
Interior enclosed parking garage, elevator
mechanical room, electrical room, sprinkler
room, tenant storage lockers
1st Floor
Main entrance lobby, office, laundry
8 residential condominium units,
1 commercial business
2nd Floor
12 residential condominium units
3rd Floor
8 residential condominium units
EXIT SYSTEMS
Stair Descriptions:
- North stairwell, located at the north end of
each corridor, serves the parking level, 1st,
2nd and 3rd floor, protected
- South stairwell, located at the south end of
each corridor, serves the parking level, 1st,
2nd and 3rd floor
33
Exit Doors:
- Identified by illuminated exit sign mounted
above
Exterior Exit Doors:
- West side of building (north end) serves
north stairwell
- West side of building (middle) serves main
lobby
- West side of building (south end) serves
south stairwell
- South side of building serves commercial
space
(Exit locations are clearly shown on attached floor plan drawings)
Evacuation Assembly Area:
Between Main Street and the fence gate
ROOF/ATTIC ACCESS
Roof access:
3rd floor corridor next to elevator, hatch
locked with padlock, key in key vault
Attic access:
Ceiling hatch, south end of 3rd floor corridor,
not locked
ELEVATORS
Number of Elevators:
1
Location:
Located centrally, west side of corridor
Type:
Passenger
Floors Served:
Parking level, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors
Capacity:
6 persons
Emergency Recall:
Automatically returns to 1st floor
(Elevators are not to be used for exiting during an emergency)
34
HEATING, VENTILATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Description:
Forced air heat & ventilation system
serves the common corridors and
commercial space
Electric baseboard heaters serve the
residential suites
Underground Parking Ventilation System:
Vents to south side of building
Activated automatically by CO sensing
device
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Type:
Enter-phone
Location:
West side of the building, left side of main
entrance
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Main Fire Alarm Control Panel:
Location:
No. of stages:
Remote Annunciator Panel Location:
MIRCOM FA -1000
Parking level in electrical room
Single
West side of the building exterior, adjacent
to the main entrance
Supervised (Monitored):
Monitoring Company:
Yes
Name
(250)-000-0000
Fire Alarm System Initiating Devices:
Initiating Devices Cause:
Extent of Alarm Sounding:
- Pull stations
- Smoke detectors
- Standpipe / sprinkler flow
Evacuation alarm
Throughout building
Smoke Detector Locations:
Heat Detector Locations:
Common corridors, tops of stairwells
Commercial space, parking level
Smoke Alarm Locations:
All residential suites
(Smoke alarms are local alarms only and are not interconnected to the fire alarm system)
Fire Alarm Panel Silencing Information:
Appendix A
35
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
System Type:
Areas Protected:
Automatic-dry
Parking level and attic space
System Type:
Areas Protected:
Automatic-wet:
Remainder of the building
Sprinkler Main Valve Location:
Located centrally at parking level, within the
sprinkler room
Isolation Valve Locations:
North stairwell at 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor
Monitored by Fire Alarm System:
Yes
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
System Type:
Standpipe Connection Locations:
Automatic-wet
In north and south stairwell at 1st, 2nd and 3rd
floor
Hose Cabinet Locations:
Storage locker room at north and south exit
doors of parking level
Monitored by Fire Alarm System:
Yes
FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS
Number & Type of Connection:
Location:
Serves:
(1) - 2½" F.D. siamese connection
North side of building, east side of
underground parking entrance
Combination standpipe and auto sprinkler
FIRE PUMPS
Type:
Location:
Pump Controller Location:
Electric motor
Sprinkler room
Sprinkler room
FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
System Type:
Location:
Kitchen suppression system
Commercial space - kitchen
36
Extinguishing Agent:
Detection Type:
Manual Discharge Station Location:
Wet chemical agent
Fusible link
Kitchen
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Extinguisher Type:
Locations:
ABC multi-purpose dry chemical
Throughout the building
Extinguisher Type:
Location:
Class-K wet chemical
Commercial space, kitchen
FIRE DOORS
Locations:
Hold-open Devices:
Exit stairwells, elevator lobby in parking
level
None, fire doors to be kept closed
FIRE DAMPERS & FIRE STOP FLAPS
Fire Dampers:
In all duct work that pass through fire
separations
SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS
HVAC:
Pressurizes stairwells
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Locations:
Throughout the building
(In case of power failure, battery powered emergency lighting units are used in
this building. These units must operate for a minimum of 30 minutes.)
EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS
Type:
Location:
Serves:
Diesel motor generator, 200 kVA
Northeast corner of the property
Lighting, heating, fire protection systems
and elevator
MAIN ELECTRICAL SHUT-OFF
Main electrical shut-off location:
Electrical / Mechanical Room
Main electrical room:
North side of the 1st floor
37
GAS SHUT-OFF
Type of Gas:
Location:
Serves:
Natural Gas
Northeast corner of the building exterior
Furnace, commercial kitchen appliances
WATER SHUT-OFF
Interior Location:
Parking level within the sprinkler room
Exterior Location:
West side of Building – A at 1st Avenue
FIRE HYDRANTS
Type
Public
Private
Location
Southwest corner of Main Street and 1st Ave
North side of parking lot
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS
Primary Access:
Main entrance off 123 1st Avenue
Secondary Access:
Access to commercial space and south side of
building from Main Street
F.D. Key Box/Vault Location:
In pillar south of main entrance
HAZARDS
Description:
Size:
Location:
Above-ground diesel fuel tank
200 litre
North east corner of property
38
6. FIRE & LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT SERVICING
GENERAL
The 2012 B.C. Fire Code Regulations require that fire & life safety equipment be
maintained in operating condition in accordance with Part 6 & 7 of the Code. In most
cases the Fire Code does not specify in detail the necessary inspection, maintenance,
and testing procedures; instead, it references standards such as those developed by
the National Fire Protection Association, Canadian Standards Association, and
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. Where such standards are referenced by the
Code, they have been identified in this plan as Reference Standard.
RECORDS
Records of inspection, testing or maintenance of Fire & Life Safety Equipment, which
are completed by the Fire Safety Director, qualified person, or fire protection technician,
shall be retained on the premises for examination by the fire department. The initial
verification or test reports for equipment shall be retained throughout the life of the
equipment. Records of all inspections, testing and maintenance as stipulated in the Fire
Code are required to be retained during the required interval between inspection, testing
or maintenance or for 2 years, whichever is greater. The activities on the Daily
Inspection Report are exempted from this requirement.
FIRE PROTECTION TECHNICIAN’S OBLIGATIONS
Fire Protection Technicians will, after any required servicing of Life and Fire Safety
Equipment, attach to the Life and Safety Equipment a service tag approved by the Fire
Chief (see Fig. 1). A record of any maintenance work performed on Life and Safety
Equipment shall be documented in a service report/log.
Note: Emergency lighting shall be tagged on an individual unit, except where;
a)
a single tag, located in the main electrical room, indicates the satisfactory
annual testing/inspection of the entire emergency lighting system or
b)
a service report, located in the main electrical room, indicates the
satisfactory annual testing/inspection of the entire emergency lighting
system.
39
Fire Protection Technicians may perform their own unique inspection and testing
procedures; however, their procedures must meet the minimum requirements set by the
applicable code. Information pertaining to such procedures is available in this part of the
Fire Safety Plan; so that the Fire Safety Director has some idea of what the contractor
should be doing.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Reference Standard: ULC S536, Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems.
Daily Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure:
 Check Fire Alarm AC power lamp
 Check Fire Alarm trouble lamps
Record Keeping: None
Monthly Testing
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure:
 Notify the alarm monitoring company, the fire department and the tenants that
you are testing the system. Notify all parties when you have completed testing.
40
 Under emergency power, one manual alarm initiating device shall be operated on
a rotation basis and shall initiate an alarm condition.
 Intended function of all alarm audible signal appliances shall be ensured.
 The annunciator panel shall be checked to ensure that the tested devices
annunciate correctly.
 Intended function of the audible and visual trouble signals shall be insured.
 Fire alarm batteries shall be checked to ensure that:
o Terminals are clean and lubricated where necessary
o Terminal clamps are clean and tight where necessary
o Electrolyte level and specific gravity, where applicable, are specified by
the manufacturer
Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report
Annual Service
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedure: Contractor shall perform service in accordance with ULC S536
Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
Reference Standard: B.C. Fire Code Regulation 2012 Section 6.4 and NFPA 25
Notification: Prior notification of water-flow or other tests to be made to a sprinkler
system shall be given to parties who could be affected by an alarm.
Daily Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedures:
 Dry-pipe valve rooms or enclosures in unheated buildings shall be inspected at
intervals not greater than 24 hours during periods of freezing weather and
measures shall be taken to ensure that the temperature of the room or enclosure
is maintained above 4 degrees C.
41
Record Keeping: None
Weekly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedures:
 Valves controlling sprinkler water supplies or alarms shall be inspected at
intervals not greater than 7 days to ensure that they are in the open position.
 Sprinkler pit shall be inspected to ensure OS & Y Valves are in open position and
water is not collecting in pit.
Note: For valves locked in the open position see Monthly Inspection & Test.
For electrical supervised valves see Bi-monthly Test & Inspection.
Record Keeping: Weekly Inspection Report
Monthly Inspection & Tests
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedures:
 When the alarm line discharge is subject to freezing, water-flow alarm tests using
the alarm test connection located at the sprinkler valve shall be performed on
sprinkler systems at intervals not greater than one month. (This test operates
mechanical or electrical gong.)
Note: On electrically supervised systems, the water flow actuated devices may be
tested annually. See Annual Tests and Maintenance.
Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report
Bi-monthly Test and Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedures:
All Sprinkler Systems
 Transmitters & water flow actuated devices shall be tested at intervals not
greater than 2 months for system connected to electrical supervisory signal
service. (Example: fire alarm system or central station monitoring service.)
42
 Inspect all electrically supervised control valves.
Record Keeping: Bi-monthly Testing Report
Semi-Annual Tests
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedures:
All Systems
 Gate valve supervisory switches, tank water level devices, building and tank
water temperature supervisory devices and other sprinkler supervisory devices
shall be tested at intervals not greater than 6 months.
Record Keeping: Semi-Annual Inspection & Testing Report
Annual Tests & Maintenance
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedures:
Wet Systems
 Water-flow alarm tests using the inspector's test connection shall be performed
on wet pipe sprinkler systems at intervals not greater than twelve months.
All Systems
 Water-flow tests using the main drain shall be conducted at intervals not greater
than 12 months to ensure that water supply available has not deteriorated.
 Drainage facilities shall be tested to ensure that the drains are capable of taking
the full flow from the main drain pipe without causing damage.
 Sprinkler control valves are accessible.
 Pits containing sprinkler control valves are free of water and protected from
freezing.
 Sprinkler piping and hangers are in good repair.
43
 Sprinklers are inspected for damage, corrosion or accumulations of grease, paint
or other deposits and are replaced where such conditions would impair the
operation of the sprinkler.
 Spare sprinklers shall be checked to ensure that the stock on hand is not less
than: 6 spare sprinklers (not more than 300 sprinklers).
 Spare sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the
sprinklers in use.
 A sprinkler wrench shall be kept in the cabinet where the spare sprinklers are
stored.
Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report
Fifty Year Test
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedure:
 Sample sprinklers from sprinkler systems which have been in service more than
50 years shall be sent to a recognized testing laboratory for testing, and this
procedure shall be repeated at intervals not greater than 10 years thereafter.
 When sprinklers are required to be tested in conformance with Sentence (1), no
fewer than 6 sprinklers of each type shall be tested, except that no fewer than 2
sprinklers per floor per individual system shall be tested.
 All sprinklers shall be replaced in sprinkler systems from which sample sprinklers
have been tested and found defective.
Record Keeping: Fifty Year Test Report
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Reference Standard: NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
Inspection of an extinguisher is a quick check that an extinguisher is available and will
operate. It is intended to give reasonable assurance that the extinguisher is fully
charged and operable.
Maintenance is a thorough check of an extinguisher which is intended to give maximum
assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely, and will normally
reveal the need for hydrostatic pressure testing. Recharging is the replacement of the
extinguishing agent.
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Monthly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure: Check portable fire extinguishers for the following:
 Located in designated place
 No obstruction to access or visibility
 Operating instructions on nameplate legible and facing outward
 Seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing
 Determine fullness by weighing or hefting
 Examine for obvious physical damage: corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle
 Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position
 Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report
 Serial number of extinguishers requiring maintenance should be recorded on
report for qualified contractor
 Fill-out extinguisher tag with following information:
o Date extinguisher was inspected
o Initials of person performing inspection
Annual Maintenance
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedure:
 Perform maintenance in accordance with the B.C. Fire Code Regulations and
NFPA 10, including any necessary hydrostatic pressure testing.
Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report
MEANS OF EGRESS
Daily Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure:
Doors in fire separations shall be inspected to ensure that they remain closed and
latched unless the door is equipped with an acceptable hold open device that will permit
the door to close and latch automatically in the event of fire.
Corridors used by the public and exits shall be maintained free of obstructions.
Exterior passageways and exterior exit stairs shall be maintained free of snow and ice
accumulations.
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Record Keeping: None
Monthly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure:
 Doors in fire separations shall be operated to ensure that they are properly
maintained.
 Doors equipped with a hold open device must release automatically in the event
of a fire.
Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report
EMERGENCY LIGHTING UNITS
Reference Standard: B.C. Fire Code Regulation 2012, Section 6.5
Monthly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure:
 Self-contained emergency lighting unit equipment shall be inspected to ensure
that:
o pilot lights are functioning and not obviously damaged or obstructed,
o the terminal connections are clean, free of corrosion and lubricated when
necessary,
o the terminal clamps are clean and tight as per manufacturer's
specifications, and the battery surface is kept clean and dry.
Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection and Testing Report
Monthly Testing
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Procedure:
 Self-contained emergency lighting unit shall be tested at intervals not greater
than one month to ensure that the emergency lights will function upon failure of
the primary power supply.
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Record Keeping: Monthly Inspection & Testing Report
Annual Testing
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedure:
 Self-contained emergency lighting unit equipment shall be tested at intervals not
greater than twelve months to ensure that the unit will provide emergency lighting
for a duration equal to the design criterion under simulated power failure
conditions.
 Minimum operating time of 30 minutes.
 After completion of the test, the charging conditions for voltage and current and
the recovery period shall be tested to ensure that the charging system is
functioning in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Record Keeping: Annual Inspection and Testing Report
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDING
Daily Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
 Streets, yards and roadways provided for fire department access shall be
maintained so as to be ready for use at all times by fire department vehicles.
 Vehicles shall not be parked to obstruct access of fire department vehicles and
signs shall be posted prohibiting such parking.
 Access panels or windows provided to facilitate access for firefighting operations
shall be maintained free of obstructions at all times.
Record Keeping: None
FIRE DAMPERS AND FIRE STOPS
Annual Inspection
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedure:
 Ensure that the fire dampers and fire stops are in place and are not obviously
damaged or obstructed.
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Record Keeping: Annual Inspection and Testing Report.
HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
Systems Annual Testing and Servicing
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
Procedure:
 Inspect and service as necessary to ensure that these systems do not create a
fire hazard.
 Except for self-contained systems within dwelling units, disconnect switches for
mechanical air-conditioning and ventilating systems shall be operated to
establish that the system can be shut down in an emergency.
Record Keeping: Annual Inspection & Testing Report.
EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEMS (Generators)
Emergency power systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in conformance
with CAN/CSA C282 Standards. (Hospitals use Standard Z32.4)
Daily Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
 Emergency power supply is maintained as per the manufacturer’s Manual of
Operation.
Weekly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
 Maintain as per manufacturer’s Manual of Operating Instructions including
CAN/CSA S282 Table 2.
Monthly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
 Maintenance procedures are scheduled and completed as per operating
instructions CAN/CSA S282 Table 2.
Annual Inspection
The annual, 2nd year, 3rd year, and 5th year maintenance.
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Responsibility: Qualified Contractor or Manufacturer’s Representative
FIRE PUMPS
Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in
conformance with NFPA 25, “Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based
Fire Protection Systems.” Water-based fire protection systems include sprinkler
systems, standpipes, private hydrants, hose systems, water spray fixed systems, foamwater sprinkler systems, foam-water spray systems, and fire pumps.
Daily Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Weekly Inspection
Responsibility: FIRE SAFETY DIRECTOR
Annual Inspection
Responsibility: Qualified Contractor
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APPENDIX A - Fire Alarm Panel Operation
Mircom FA-1000 Fire Alarm Panel
SEQUENCE OF OPERATION
Once the fire alarm system has been activated do not reset the fire alarm system. Prior
to the arrival of the fire department, if it is positively determined that it is a false alarm, a
supervisory staff person with knowledge of the fire alarm may silence the system.
The fire alarm panel can be in one of three modes: NORMAL, ALARM, and TROUBLE.
There are at least three lamps and three switches (buttons) you should familiarize
yourself with:
NORMAL MODE / AC ON Green LED Lamp
The green AC ON LED illuminates steadily while the main AC power is within
acceptable levels. It turns off when the level falls below the power-fail threshold
and the panel switches to standby (battery) power.
The fire alarm system senses that all detectors, devices, wiring and all panel
components are operating properly. The only visual indication on the panel is the
illuminated power-on green lamp.
ALARM MODE / COMMON ALARM Red LED Lamp
The red Common Alarm LED illuminates steadily whenever the panel is in alarm
as a result of an alarm on any initiating circuit.
 Audible and Visual Indication: bells/horns/speakers throughout the building are
sounding. At the panel there is only visual indication of alarm. The panel is
zoned, locate the illuminated red zone lamp, and note the description to locate
the cause of the alarm.

Cause of an Alarm: An alarm may be caused by activation of a manual pull
station, fire alarm detectors or activation of a water flow switch in the sprinkler
system in the building.

How to SILENCE the fire alarm:
Locate the SIGNAL SILENCE push button (Blue)
Pressing this button will silence the bells but retain the alarm status of the panel.
Note: This should only be done when a False Alarm is confirmed by the
proper authorities.
This will aid investigation of the alarm cause. When the system is silenced the
panel is now in TROUBLE MODE and pulses the trouble buzzer as a reminder
that you have silenced the bells.
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
How to RESET the Fire Alarm System:
Locate on the alarm panel a push button labeled SYSTEM RESET (DarkGrey)
Pressing the System Reset button resets the fire alarm control panel and all
circuits
DO NOT RESET THE ACTIVATED FIRE ALARM UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY THE
PROPER AUTHORITIES (FIRE DEPT.) THAT THERE IS NO FIRE EMERGENCY
Note: If the panel fails to clear then the alarm cause is still present. Only
the SIGNAL SILENCE push button (Blue) will silence the bells/horns from
ringing until the problem has been corrected by a qualified person.
TROUBLE MODE / COMMON TROUBLE Amber LED Lamp
o Audible and Visual Indication: At the fire alarm panel a buzzer sounds and in
addition one or more amber lamps are illuminated.

Cause of Trouble: Trouble on the system could be from many sources and
requires a qualified technician to troubleshoot and locate the actual cause.

How to Silence the Trouble Buzzer: Locate the switch labeled BUZZER
SILENCE push button (Blue) and depress. Note that the trouble lamp remains
on.

How to Reset the Fire Alarm Panel: Note: the cause of the trouble needs to
be remedied prior to resetting the fire alarm panel.
Locate on the alarm panel a push button labeled SYSTEM RESET (Dark Grey).
Pressing the System Reset button resets the fire alarm control panel and all
circuits. While operating the SYSTEM RESET push button (Dark Grey) and it
fails to clear a trouble from the panel, refer above to Silence the Trouble Buzzer.
A qualified person must repair the fire alarm system.
FIRE DRILL BUTTON (Orange)
The Fire Drill button activates all programmed and non-disconnected indicating
circuits, but does not transmit any Alarms via the city tie or common alarm relay.
The Fire Drill button may be programmed to operate specific indicating circuits.
The Fire Drill is cancelled by pressing the push button again or if the panel goes
into a real Alarm.
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APPENDIX B - Drawings
SITE PLAN
FLOOR PLAN - PARKING LEVEL
FLOOR PLAN - FIRST FLOOR
FLOOR PLAN - SECOND
FLOOR PLAN - THIRD
EVACUATION PLAN - PARKING LEVEL
EVACUATION PLAN - FIRST FLOOR
EVACUATION PLAN - SECOND
EVACUATION PLAN - THIRD
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55
56
57
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