Make it your business to know

Fire can break out anywhere, including where you work. Each year numerous fires in the workplace cause injury and property loss. If a fire started in your office or in the building where you work, would you know what to do? Do you know your workplace evacuation procedures in the event of an alarm? What can you do to prevent fires in your workplace? Knowing the answers to these questions and following a few simple fire safety procedures can prevent tragic and wasteful fire loss in your workplace.

Be prepared!

These procedures are based on your workplace having a fire alarm system and an approved fire safety plan. Your building may not have an alarm system or a detailed fire safety plan. Your workplace fire evacuation procedures may differ. Make it your business to know the fire safety plan and evacuation procedures in your workplace.

Employees should know:

• the location of two exits closest to their work area;
• the location of the nearest fire alarm pull station and how to use it;
• the phone number for the Fire Department (Toronto - 9-1-1);
• your responsibilities in a fire, which are in the fire safety plan;
  the fire emergency procedures posted on your floor.
• If you work in a high building, visit the Fire in the Sky - Fire safety in high buildings page for more information.

Employers are responsible for:

• preparing and implementing the Fire Safety Plan;
• informing employees of the Fire Safety Plan;
• posting fire emergency procedures on each floor;
• conducting regular fire drills with all employees.

If you discover a fire:

• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station on the fire floor.
• Leave the area immediately, closing all doors behind you.
• Take keys with you.
• Go to the nearest exit and leave the building. Close all doors behind you.
• If you encounter smoke, consider taking an alternate stairwell/exit. Heat and smoke rise leaving cleaner air near the floor. Crawl low under smoke.
• Call the Toronto Fire Services at 9-1-1 regardless of the size of the fire. Never assume this has been done.
  Give correct address, location of fire and your name.

The use of extinguishers

Most workplaces contain portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers can only put out small, contained fires, such as a fire in a wastebasket. The extinguisher in your workplace may or may not be suitable for dealing with grease or electrical fires.

If you have not been trained in the proper use of portable extinguishers, do not attempt to fight a fire.

Never fight a fire:

• if the fire is large or spreading;
• if your escape route may be blocked by the spread of fire;
• if you are not trained in the correct use of the extinguisher or are unsure of the type of fire.

If you do fight a fire:

• call the Toronto Fire Services first at 9-1-1;
• ensure everyone has evacuated or is leaving the area/building;
• only fight a small fire.

Fire prevention tips for a safer workplace

• Smoking
  • Smoke only in areas allowed.
  • Use large, non-tip ashtrays. Do not empty contents into wastebaskets.
  • Check for smoldering cigarettes on furniture and in wastebaskets.
• Wiring
  • Check and replace any electrical cords that have cracked insulation or broken connectors.
  • Avoid octopus wiring.
    Do not run extension cords across doorways or under rugs.
  • Avoid plugging more than one extension cord into an outlet.
  • Use only CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved power bars.
• Appliances
  • Use only CSA approved appliances.
  • Leave enough space for the circulation of air around heaters and other equipment such as computer terminals and copy machines.
  • Keep all appliances a safe distance from combustible materials.
  • Always turn off or unplug appliances at the end of each day.

Arson
Arson is one of the leading causes of fire in the workplace. To prevent or minimize the risk of fire due to arson, remember:

• to be aware of your building security procedures;
• report any type of vandalism and notify security and/or police of suspicious behavior and visitors;
• lock doors after working hours;
• ensure areas around your building are free of combustibles and are well lit;
• keep all halls, lobbies and areas used by the public clear of obstructions.

Fire extinguishers

Your first line of defense against small fires

Limitations

Portable fire extinguishers have limited applications against small fires. When used properly, an extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until firefighters arrive. Fire extinguishers do not replace the need to call Toronto Fire Services. Always call 9-1-1 first when a fire occurs, no matter how small. Fire extinguishers are not designed for use on large or spreading fires. Even on small fires, they are effective only under the following conditions:

The extinguisher must be rated for the type of fire being extinguished.
The extinguisher must be large enough for the fire at hand.
The extinguisher must be in good working order, fully charged and within easy reach.
The operator must be trained in the proper use of the extinguisher.
The operator must be physically capable of lifting, handling and operating the extinguisher.

What type of extinguisher should I buy?

There are three basic classes of fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers must be labeled to show the class of fire they can extinguish.

Class A: Ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, rubbish, drapes and upholstery.
Class B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, solvents, paints and flammable gases.
Class C: Electrical fires involving Class "A" or Class "B" materials and live electrical power - overheated wiring, fuse boxes, stoves, motors etc.
The extinguisher must be tested and listed by The Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Look for the ULC label on the extinguisher.

Warning!

Be certain that you use the correct type of extinguisher for the fire you are fighting. If you use the wrong type of of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and even make the fire worse. Numbers are also used with letters for extinguishers labeled for class A and B fires. The larger the number, the larger the fire the extinguisher can put out. Extinguishers rated ABC Multipurpose provide the required protection for all of the above types of fire.

Take care of your extinguishers

Extinguishers require regular care. Learn how to inspect your extinguisher by reading your operator's manual. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Remember to recharge reusable extinguishers and replace disposable models after every use.

Where should I install my extinguishers?

Install your extinguishers in plain view, above the reach of children, near an exit route, and away from stoves and heating appliances. Ideal locations for your extinguishers are in the kitchen, workshop, upstairs and at the top of a basement stairwell.

When should I use my extinguisher to fight a fire?

Only fight a fire if:

the fire is small and not spreading
occupants have been alerted
everyone has left or is leaving the building
9-1-1 has been called
you have a clear escape route that won't be blocked by fire
you know how to operate your extinguisher and are aware of its capabilities
Don't fight a fire in any other circumstance. Leave the premises immediately, close off the area and call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's home.

Remember "P-A-S-S" when fighting a fire
(Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

PULL out the locking pin, breaking the seal. Some extinguishers may use a different release device. Please refer to your operator's manual.
AIM the nozzle horn (or hose) at the base of the fire about 3 meters (10 feet) from the fire.
SQUEEZE the trigger handle all the way, releasing the extinguishing agent.
SWEEP the material discharged by the extinguisher from side to side, moving front to back, across the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Keep your eyes on fire area. Repeat the process if the fire starts up again. Never turn your back on a fire even if you think it is out.
Most extinguishers will operate according to the PASS method. Some extinguishers may not. Read your operator's manual for specific directions. Remember to recharge the extinguisher immediately after use.

What is fire?

Fire is a combination of three elements: heat, fuel and oxygen. Remove any one of these three elements and the fire will go out. For example, an ABC multipurpose dry chemical extinguishing agent forms a coating layer over whatever is burning and thereby separates the oxygen from the fuel. The chemical also reduces the heat and interferes with the chemical reaction-combustion process.