Ontario Fire Code Presentation of Health SafetyWorkplace Safety

Ontario Fire Code Presentation of Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee HS/WSIAC Conference 2015

Living with a Fire Hazard Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Overview of Fire Code �The Ontario Fire Code is provincial legislation that enables municipalities to provide all Ontarians with the best possible level of protection from fire, in the most efficient manner. �The Ontario Fire Code is a regulation under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and is a companion document to the Ontario Building Code. �Properties are built under permit utilizing the Ontario Building Code and the Fire Code is utilized to ensure ongoing maintenance to the fire and life safety requirements. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Nine Sections of the Fire Code �Part 1 General �Part 2 Fire Safety �Part 3 Outdoor and Indoor Storage �Part 4 Flammable and Combustible Liquids �Part 5 Hazardous Materials, Processes and Operations �Part 6 Fire Protection Equipment �Part 7 Checking, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Emergency Systems in High Buildings �Part 8 Demolition �Part 9 Retrofit Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Safety Plans Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Safety Plans • 2. 8. 1. 2. (1) Supervisory staff shall be instructed in the fire emergency procedures as described in the fire safety plan before they are given any responsibility for fire safety. • (2) Supervisory staff shall be available on notification of a fire emergency to fulfill their obligation as described in the fire safety plan. • (3) It is not necessary that supervisory staff be in the building on a continual basis. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Measures in a Fire Safety Plan Measures in a fire safety plan � 2. 8. 2. 1. (1) A fire safety plan shall be prepared, approved, and implemented in buildings and premises to which this Section applies. 2. 8. 2. 1 (2) A fire safety plan shall (a) provide for the emergency procedures to be followed in case of fire, including �(i) sounding the fire alarm, �(ii) notifying the fire department, (CALL 911) �(iii) instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sounds, Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Safety Plan �(iv) evacuating occupants, including special provisions for persons requiring assistance, �(v) the procedures for use of elevators, and �(vi) confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire, ◦ (b) provide for the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties, ◦ (c) provide for the training of supervisory staff and instruction of other occupants in their responsibilities for fire safety, Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Safety Plan ◦ (d) include documents, including diagrams, showing the type, location and operation of the building fire emergency systems, ◦ (e) provide for the holding of fire drills, and set out fire drill procedures, ◦ (f) the control of fire hazards in the building, ◦ (g) provide for the maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety of occupants, and ◦ (h) provide for alternative measures to be provided for the safety of occupants during a shutdown of any or all fire protection equipment or systems. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Safety Plan • (3) The fire safety plan shall be kept in the building or premises in an approved location. • (4) The fire safety plan shall be reviewed as often as necessary, but at least every 12 months, and shall be revised as necessary so that it takes into account changes in use or other characteristics of the building or premises. • (6) The revised fire safety plan prepared under Sentence (4) or (5) shall be implemented. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Legal Responsibility of all members Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Definition: Legal Responsibility • Owner – 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. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Individual Responsibilities Daytime • Required to set off alarm and call 911 • Report to supervisor any potential Fire Hazard e. g. Overcrowding, blocked exits, improper storage of flammable/combustibles After hours • Knowledge of evacuation procedures Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Drills Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Fire Drills • 2. 8. 3. 2(3) In a school, as defined in the Education Act, and a private school, as defined in the Education Act, or for a total evacuation fire drill shall be held • • • (a) if the school or private school is in session during the fall term, at least three times during that term, (b) if the school or private school is in session during the spring term, at least three times during that term, (c) if the school or private school is in session during the summer, at least three times or at least once a month during the period it is in operation, whichever is less. • 2. 8. 3. 2 (5) A fire drill for supervisory staff shall be held at least every three months in a building to which Subsection 3. 2. 6 of Division B of the Building Code applies. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Egress from Public Buildings Act Doors of public buildings to open outwards � 1. In every church, school, hall, house or other building used for holding public meetings or as a place of public resort or amusement, every outer door and every door leading from every assembly room or school room shall be hinged so that it will open outwards freely, and every gate of an outer fence, if not so hinged, shall be kept open by proper fastenings during the time the building is used for public purposes, in order to facilitate the egress of the public in case of alarm from fire or other cause. R. S. O. 1990, c. E. 3, s. 1. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Definition: Means of Egress • 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. Includes both exits and access to exits. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Definition: Exit ▶ 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. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Means of Egress �Keep exits, stairways, landings, and hallways clear of obstructions (chairs, desks, tables, shoes, boots, and clothing stored in hallways is subject to the approval of the local fire department �Keep external exits free of obstructions such as snow and ice accumulations, vegetation, vehicles, bikes etc… (2. 7. 1. 8 (1)) �Ensure that exit doors are not locked, bolted or chained in such a manner so as to prevent evacuation (2. 7. 2. 1 (1)) Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Means of Egress �No blocked doors or hallways �No obstructions in hallways �No flammables on door or within 3 feet of the doorway (2. 4. 1. 1 (1), (2), (3), and (6)) �No flammables can be stored or hanging above door/ceiling �Posted fire route sign (yellow sign) in rooms occupied by students �Fire Exit Doors to the exterior must swing out and be marked with lit fire exit signs Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Means of Egress • Fire doors cannot be propped open and must be equipped with either a Panic or Crash Bar (2. 7. 2. 2 (1) (a) & (b)) • Gymnasium, Cafeterias - seating aisle and corridors should lead directly to fire exits Section 2. 7. 1. 6 (2) • Outside areas (sidewalks, parking lots, pathways) that are used to evacuate the building must be clear of all obstacles. (ice, snow, etc…) Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Occupancy Load Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Occupant load � 2. 7. 1. 4. (1) The number of persons occupying a room or floor space in an assembly occupancy shall not exceed the occupant load for the intended use as determined in Sentence (2). �(2) The occupant load for any room or floor space shall be the lower of ◦ (a) the occupant load as calculated in accordance with Sentences (3) to (7), or ◦ (b) the occupant load for which means of egress are provided as determined by the Building Code. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Occupant load • (3) The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area in an assembly occupancy shall be based on – (a) the number of fixed seats, or – (b) the number of persons • (i) for which the area is designed, or • (ii) determined from Table 2. 7. 1. A. for occupancies other than those described in Clause (a). Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Table 2. 7. 1. A. Forming Part of Article 2. 7. 1. 4. Type of Use of Building or Floor Area or Part Thereof Area per Person m 2 Space with fixed seats See Clause (3) (a) Space with non-fixed seats 0. 75 Stages for theatrical performances 0. 75 Space with non-fixed seats and tables 0. 95 Standing space 0. 4 Stadia and grandstands 0. 6 Bowling alleys, pool and billiard rooms 9. 3 Classrooms 1. 85 School shops and vocational rooms 9. 3 Reading or writing rooms or lounges 1. 85 Dining, alcoholic beverage and cafeteria space 1. 1 Laboratories in schools 4. 6 Exhibition halls other than those classified in mercantile occupancy 2. 8 Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Occupant Load – Legal requirement for posting • 2. 7. 1. 5. (1) When the occupant load as determined in Article 2. 7. 1. 4. is more than 60 persons, the occupant load shall be posted in a conspicuous location. • (2) When the occupant load has been determined using Subclause 2. 7. 1. 4(3)(b)(i), a permanent sign indicating the occupant load shall be posted in a conspicuous location. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Non-fixed Seating • 2. 7. 1. 6. (1) Non-fixed row seating in an assembly occupancy shall be arranged as described in Sentences (2) to (8). • (2) Aisles leading to exits shall be provided so that there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Non-fixed Seating • (3) The minimum clear width of aisles shall be at least 1100 mm (3. 5 feet), except as permitted by Sentence (4). • (4) Aisles required in Sentence (3) may be reduced in width to 750 mm (2. 5 feet) when serving 60 seats or less, or 900 mm (3 feet) when serving seats on one side only. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Non-fixed Seating • (5) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit and the width of such cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be at least the required width of the widest aisle plus 50 per cent of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves. • (6) The distance of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall not be greater than 30 m (100 feet). Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Subsection 2. 2. 3 Closures ▶ Closures in fire separations shall not be obstructed, blocked, wedged open, or altered in any way that would prevent the intended operation of the closure (Section 2. 2. 3. 3) ▶ Maintenance of Closures (Section 2. 2. 3. 2 (1)) Closures in fire separations shall be maintained to ensure that they are operable at all times by o a) b) c) d) Keeping fusible links and heat or smoke-activated devices undamaged and free of paint and dirt, Keeping guides, bearings and stay rolls clean and lubricated Making necessary adjustments and repairs to door hardware and accessories to ensure proper closing and latching, Repairing or replacing inoperative parts of hold-open devices and automatic releasing devices. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

SECTION 2. 4 FIRE HAZARDS Subsection 2. 4. 1. Combustible Materials Accumulation of combustible materials � 2. 4. 1. 1. (1) Combustible materials shall not be accumulated in or around a building in such quantity or such location as to create a fire hazard. � 2. 4. 1. 1 (2) Combustible materials shall not be accumulated in any part of an elevator shaft, ventilation shaft, means of egress, service room or service space, unless the location, room or space is designed for those materials. � 2. 4. 1. 1 (3) Horizontal concealed spaces, such as crawl spaces, and ceiling spaces shall not be used for the storage of combustible materials. � 2. 4. 1. 1 (6) Outdoor storage receptacles, such as dumpsters, used for combustible materials shall be located so that they do not create a fire hazard to buildings. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Combustibles �Combustible materials are not permitted to hang, suspend, or attach to any hallway, stairwell or classroom ceiling (2. 4. 1. 1 & 2. 10. 2) �Cooking/frying with grease or oil is not permitted unless it is in a designated food preparation area with an approved automatic fire suppression/extinguishing systems. (2. 6. 1. 12 & 2. 6. 1. 14) �Lint traps in laundry equipment shall be cleaned to prevent accumulation of lint that creates an undue fire hazard. (2. 4. 1. 5) �No propane cylinder storage or propane cooking is permitted within any school building. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Subsection 2. 10. 2 Combustible Materials � 2. 10. 2 Combustible artwork and teaching materials that are attached to walls shall not exceed 20 per cent of the area of the walls. Waste receptacles � 2. 10. 2. 2 Waste receptacles shall be made of non-combustible materials. Flammable and combustible liquids � 2. 10. 2. 3 Flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored in conformance with Part 4 and in areas inaccessible to children. Staffing � 2. 10. 3. 1 Where children with disabilities are cared for, sufficient staff shall be present at all times during the period the children are in the centre to escort them to safety in the event of a fire emergency. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Display of combustible materials Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Display of Combustible materials or Artwork (Section 2. 10. 2) Shall not be displayed on �Exit doors in corridors �Stairways or other means of egress �Shall not cover more that 20% of the area �Confined to designated bulletin boards �Work should be arranged to provide 3 feet breaks at intervals not exceeding 12 feet �Classroom door without materials on or above can provide such a natural break Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Storage of Flammables/combustible gases � 4. 2. 6. 3 In small quantities and only in approved containers and locations �Compressed gas cylinders shall only be stored in approved locations (5. 6. 1. 2 (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) & 5. 6. 2. 4) �Whenever possible substitute combustible or flammable liquids (use liquids with a higher flash point or use water based products) �Spray painting activities using flammable or combustible liquids should only be done in fire rated spray booths subject to the approval of the local fire department. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Control of Heat or Sources of Ignition �Ensure that coffee makers, kettles, stoves or other similar devices are not left unattended and are turned off/unplugged before leaving the area. �All appliances should be in good condition (cords, plugs, etc. ) and should have either CSA, UL or ULC labels. �Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring (2. 4. 6. 1) �Do not use unsafe or damaged electrical equipment or wiring �Do not block or store flammable materials in Electrical vaults, in front of or beneath electrical panels. (2. 6. 4) Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Candles & Open Flames Section 2. 4. 4. 1(1) • In a building used for public assembly, open flames shall not be used in such quantity or manner as to create a fire hazard unless the use has been approved. • Contact Local Fire Department for protocols in place for the approval Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Definitions • Flammable: • Having a flash point below 37. 8 C. • Combustible: • Have a flash point equal to or greater than 37. 8 C. • Flash point: • The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapour in sufficient concentrations to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Use of schools for overnight accommodation �Since sleeping accommodation is not normally considered in the design of schools, Article 2. 1. 2. 2. of the Ontario Fire Code would be applicable to the temporary use. Article 2. 1. 2. 2. of the Fire Code states: �"Activities that create a hazard and that are not allowed for in the original design shall not be carried out in a building unless approved provisions are made to control the hazard. " Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Use of schools for overnight accommodation (Office of the Fire Marshall – OFM-TG-01 -2002) �The Article prohibits an owner from using their facility for a purpose other than for which it was designed without first obtaining approval from the authority having jurisdiction, this being the Chief Fire Official (CFO) in the municipality. �Prior to granting approval, the CFO must be satisfied that appropriate measures are taken in the form of fire safety systems and procedures to provide an adequate level of life safety for the occupants who may be in the facility at the time. Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Use of School Corridors During Lunch Recess �Use of corridors as a “lunch room” may be considered a violation of Article 2. 1. 2. 2 as it creates a hazard �Large waste containers must be removed from the corridors. Some small waste containers may be permitted at the discretion of the fire department 2. 4. 1. 1 (1) �Fire Safety Plan should be revised, where necessary, to reflect changes resulting from the adoption of the common lunch period and submitted to fire department for approval. 2. 8. 2. 1 (4) Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Alternative Measures for Occupant Fire Safety (fire watch) 5. 11. 2. 5 • Fire watch personnel shall be provided the equipment to communicate with the Fire Department and ensure a fire warning is sounded in the event of an emergency. • Inspection of affected areas of the building shall be toured by fire watch personnel at least once each hour. • Must be recorded in a written log Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee

Questions? ? Health & Safety/Workplace Safety and Insurance Act Committee JSM/ctc cope 343