APPENDIX A
Extracts from the Ontario Fire Code

SECTION 2.8 EMERGENCY PLANNING

Subsection 2.8.1. General

Application

2.8.1.1.(1)

The requirements of this Section shall apply to buildings containing a

(a) Group 'A' or 'B' occupancy,

(b) Group 'C' occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 10,

(c) Group 'D' occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300,

(d) Group 'E' occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300,

(e) Group 'F' Division 1 occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 25,

(f) Group 'F' Division 2 occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 100, or

(g) Group 'F' Division 3 occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300.

(2)

Despite Sentence (1), the requirements of this Section shall apply to buildings or premises

(a) containing 4 stories or more, including stories below grade,

(b) subject to the provisions of Subsection 3.5.3.,

(c) subject to the provisions of Article 4.1.5.6.,

(d) subject to the provisions of Article 4.12.4.1.,

(e) regulated by Section 9.3 (Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses),

(f) subject to the provisions of Sentence 9.5.3.1.(3), or

(g) used as a convalescent home or children's custodial home providing sleeping accommodation for more than 3 persons.

(3)

Despite Sentence (1), the requirements of this Section apply to recreational camps regulated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Instructions in emergency procedures

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.

Subsection 2.8.2. Fire Safety Plan

Measures in a fire safety plan

2.8.2.1.(1)

A fire safety plan shall include

(a) the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire including sounding the fire alarm, notifying the fire department, provisions for access for fire fighting, instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sounds, evacuating endangered occupants and confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire,

(b) the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties,

(c) the instruction of supervisory staff and other occupants so that they are aware of their responsibilities for fire safety,

(d) the holding of fire drills including the emergency procedures appropriate to the building,

(e) the control of fire hazards in the building,

(f) the maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety of occupants,

(g) the provision of alternative measures for the safety of occupants during any shutdown of fire protection equipment and systems or part thereof, and

(h) instructions, including schematic diagrams, describing the type, location and operation of building fire emergency systems.

(2)

The fire safety plan shall be prepared, approved and implemented in buildings regulated by Article 2.8.1.1.

(3)

The fire safety plan shall be kept in the building in an approved location.

Institutional occupancies

2.8.2.2.

There shall be sufficient supervisory staff available in institutional occupancies to carry out the duties as required in the fire safety plan.

High buildings

2.8.2.3.(1)

The fire safety plan in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the Building Code shall, in addition to the requirements of Sentence 2.8.2.1.(1), include

(a) the instruction of supervisory staff on the use of the voice communication system,

(b) the procedures for use of elevators and for evacuation of persons in need of assistance,

(c) 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,

(d) the procedures established to facilitate fire department access to the building and fire location within the building, and

(e) the instructions for the supervisory staff and fire department for the operation of the fire emergency systems.

2.8.2.4.

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.

Posting fire emergency procedures

2.8.2.5.

At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted and maintained on each floor area.

Subsection 2.8.3. Fire Drills

Procedures

2.8.3.1.(1)

The procedure for conducting fire drills described in Clause 2.8.2.1.(1)(d) shall be included in the fire safety plan, 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, and

(e) the testing and operation of the emergency systems installed in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the Building Code.

(2)

The fire drill procedures required in Sentence (1) shall be prepared in consultation with the Chief Fire Official.

Frequency

2.8.3.2.(1)

Fire drills as described in Sentence 2.8.3.1.(1) shall be held once during each 12-month period for the supervisory staff, except that

(a) in day-care centers and Group 'B' occupancies, fire drills shall be held at least monthly,

(b) in schools attended by children, total evacuation fire drills shall be held 3 times in each of the fall and spring school terms, and

(c) in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the Building Code, fire drills shall be held every 3 months.

(2)

Records of a fire drill required by Sentence (1) shall be kept for 12 months after the fire drill.
 

Fire safety planning

OUTDOOR TIRE STORAGE YARDS

3.5.3.3.(1)

Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), storage yards shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.8.

(2)

The fire safety plan shall include provisions respecting access for water tanker shuttle operations within the fire department access routes, if water tanker shuttle operations are required in the circumstances of the storage yard.

(3)

At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted and maintained at the storage yard.

(4)

The telephone number of the fire department and location of the nearest telephone shall be posted conspicuously in attended locations.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

Fire safety plan

4.1.5.6.

The requirements of Section 2.8 shall apply to buildings and open areas where the quantities of flammable and combustible liquids exceeds 500 L in total or exceeds 250 L of Class I liquids.