Subject: Fire Safety / Number: RMP 028
Approving Authority: VP Administration
Contact: EHS Officer / Effective Date: December 1, 2007
Applicable Legislation:
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
National Fire Code of Canada, 1995
Ontario Fire Code (O.Reg.388/97)
Ontario Building Code (O.Reg.419/86)
1.0 Policy
1.1 Orientation
All university orientation programs will include the procedures to be followed upon hearing the fire alarm.
1.2 Fire Wardens
A minimum of one Fire Warden will be appointed for each floor of each university building and residence. This person will have responsibilities for fire safety within the building and is responsible to promote awareness of and adherence to university regulations regarding fire safety. Fire Wardens also provide leadership in the evacuation and muster process in the event of a fire or fire drill. Fire Warden training will be provided by the Risk Management Office.
1.3 Control of Fire Hazards
Every University Department and Program will take every precaution reasonable to ensure the control of fire hazards in their workplaces.
1.4 Fire Plan
The Department of Physical Resources will establish Fire Plans for each University building. All Fire Plans shall be approved by the Peterborough Fire Department. A copy of the Fire Safety Plan shall be maintained in each building in a location approved by the Fire Department. Fire Wardens will be provided with a copy of the Fire Plan for their building.
1.5 Emergency Procedures
The Department of Physical Resources shall ensure fire emergency procedures are prominently posted on each floor of every University building.
2.0 Plans, Procedures and Regulations:
2.1 Fire Plans
Fire Plans are required under section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code. Every Fire Plan must include:
(a) The emergency procedures to be used in case of fire;
(b) The appointment and organization of supervisory staff;
(c) The instruction of supervisory staff and other occupants;
(d) The holding of fire drills;
(e) The control of fire hazards;
(f) The maintenance of building facilities;
(g) The provision of alternate measures during any shutdown of fire protection equipment;
(h) The type, location and operation of building fire emergency systems.
2.2 Fire Procedures
The health and safety orientation offered by the Risk Management Office includes steps to be followed when the fire alarm rings. The minimum steps include:
(a) All persons must leave the building via the nearest exit;
(b) Close doors behind you;
(c) Remain calm; and
(d) Gather on the closest parking lot.
2.3 Fire Regulations
Fire Wardens are expected to play a leading role in the control of fire hazards in their building by working with employees and students to promote awareness of and adherence to the following fire safety regulations:
(a) Doors to Stairways are kept closed (i.e. not propped open);
(b) Stairways, landings, hallways, passageways and exits are kept clear of obstructions;
(c) Combustible materials are not allowed to accumulate in any part of a stairway, corridor, fire escape or other routes of egress, or in elevator or ventilation shafts;
(d) Combustible materials which could constitute a fire hazard are not allowed to accumulate;
(e) Access roadways, fire routes and fire pumper connections are kept clear and accessible at all times for Fire Department use;
(f) Open flames are not used in University Buildings, with the following exceptions;
o In laboratories following established, safe practices, or
o In operations authorized in writing by a University Manager, Academic Department Chair, Academic Program Chair, Academic Program Director, or Research Director (Principal Investigator) and the University’s Fire Safety Coordinator;
(g) Only CSA-approved or ESA-approved electrical equipment is used in University buildings. Damaged electrical equipment is immediately removed from service until repaired;
(h) Extension cords are only used as temporary measures to supply power. CSA-approved or ESA-approved power bars that are protected against overload may be used to power computer and ancillary equipment that is designed for use with power bars;
(i) Equipment using portable, electrically-heated elements is only operated in University buildings with the authorization of the University Manager, Academic Department Chair, Academic Program Chair, Academic Program Director, or Research Director (Principal Investigator). Such equipment must be CSA- or ESA-approved and equipped with controls that shut-off the unit in the event it overheats or tips over. No combustible material should be used or stored within one meter of any such equipment. If combustible material is placed closer than one meter, the person operating the heater will periodically verify that the combustible material is not over heating and will not leave the heater on unattended;
(j) With the exception of laboratory settings, flammable liquids or gases are only used or stored in University buildings with the authorization of a University Manager, Academic Department Chair, Academic Program Chair, Academic Program Director, or Research Director (Principal Investigator) in consultation with the University’s Fire Safety Coordinator;
(k) Materials are not stored within 0.5 m of a sprinkler head or in any location that obstructs a pull station, extinguisher, fire hose or panel, or other fire detection or suppression equipment;
(l) The posted Room Occupancy of assembly areas (eg. Lecture halls, seminar rooms, meeting rooms, dining halls or teaching laboratories) is not exceeded at any time. Any questions regarding occupancy restrictions should be directed to the University’s Fire Safety Coordinator;
(m) No person makes physical changes to University buildings or building services without the approval of the Director of Physical Resources or Designate;
(n) No person undertakes any activity that may create a fire hazard which has not been allowed for in the original building design unless:
o provisions are implemented to control the hazard, and;
o the activities and provisions are authorized by the University Manager, Academic Department Chair, Academic Program Chair, Academic Program Director, or Research Director (Principal Investigator) in consultation with the University’s Fire Safety Coordinator;
(o) Overnight accommodation is limited to areas approved for residential use by the Director of Physical Resources (eg. Residence rooms, guest suites, sleep lab). Sleeping in offices, labs, common areas or any other area not approved for residential use is prohibited;
(p) Christmas trees (real trees) are only allowed in non-assembly areas of buildings equipped with sprinkler systems. Artificial trees can be placed in any building as long as they do not interfere with exit routes;
(q) All persons will leave the building when the fire alarm sounds. Instructors are responsible to ensure their students leave the building when the fire alarm sounds;
(r) All members of the Department / Program are familiar with these precautions and the building’s Fire Safety Plan.