Fire Protection Program

It is the expectation of PCML that every reasonable effort shall be taken to prevent or minimize the risk of fire while conducting construction activities on PCML projects. The safety of all persons, property, environment and equipment is of utmost importance and shall have the highest priority during any construction phase.

This section encompasses emergency response protocols, guidelines and requirements pertaining to emergency response and fire safety and includes specific guidelines pertaining to hot work performed inside and outside PCML projects. Requirements under the program shall vary depending on the location, duration and potential hazards identified with a specific task or activity. Hot work may only be undertaken with the express written consent of PCML, and shall be subject to compliance with components of the program. Effective implementation of this program shall ensure that hazards associated with hot work are minimized to the fullest extent.

This section is supplemental to PCML’s Site Specific Safety Program (Section 17.0 of the H&S Program) and includes specific information pertaining to fire safety measures during the construction phase(s) undertaken at the PCML project.

In addition to that mentioned within, all construction activities must be conducted in compliance with the rules, regulations, codes and / or bylaws of the authority having jurisdiction, including relative rules and regulations specified within the OH & S Regulation regarding emergency response, fire protection and public safety.

An Emergency Procedure (Appendix E) shall be posted on the site bulletin board.

Responsibilities

Construction Manager

Responsible to provide the workplace with all necessary resources required to carry out the objectives of the fire safety plan and procedures noted herein.

Site Superintendent

Responsible to monitor the effectiveness of the fire safety plan, emergency response procedures and ensure all workers on the project strictly comply with the requirements and procedures noted within this plan.

Site Safety Coordinator

Responsible to conduct day to day inspections of the workplace to ensure practices and procedures regarding context noted herein are being followed. This individual is also responsible to schedule and / or conduct training regarding safe work practices associated with controlling fire hazards and suppressing fires, including conducting periodic practice drills to check the effectiveness of the plan and procedures on site. During the project orientation to new workers, visitors etc. the components of the fire safety plan and emergency response plan will be reviewed to ensure fire safety and emergency response awareness is clearly understood by all on site.

Worker

Responsible to comply strictly with the requirements noted within this plan, including conducting tasks in a safe manner in order to eliminate the potential of fire or injury to occur. Any hazards or observations noted by any worker regarding the threat of fire, explosion or personal injury must be forwarded to their respective supervisor, the Site Superintendent, and / or the Site Safety Coordinator without delay.

Instructions for Fighting a Fire

Never attempt to fight any fire where:

• The fire is spreading at a rapid pace.

• The fire could block your escape route.

• You are alone.

• Heavy smoke or toxic gases are present.

• An explosion has or may occur due to the nature of the products you are attempting to extinguish (i.e., propane, gas, oily rags and paint).

Before fighting a fire:

• Notify the site of the incident occurring by sounding the alarm.

• Call the fire department. DIAL 911.

• At your discretion, decide if the fire is safe to fight.

• Ensure no hazards to yourself.

• Have an escape route at your back – behind you!

• Using a multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguisher (i.e. ABC):

• Remember the word – PASS

  • Pull the pin

  • Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire

  • Squeeze the handle – this releases the dry chemical

  • Sweep from side to side

Fire Safety Plans

A hazard assessment of the project must be conducted in order to develop a Project Specific Fire Safety Plan, which shall include:

• An architectural drawing (or equivalent) defining the boundaries of the project area;

• The location of active fire hydrants within 100 m (328 ft) of the perimeter of the project;

• The primary and secondary egress routes from any hoarded area, buildings or structures;

• The location of first aid facilities, telephones and portable fire extinguishers within the project area;

• The location of any flammable and / or hazardous material storage areas, along with the locations of Material Safety Data Sheets for said materials;

• Emergency contact information (names and numbers) in the event of an emergency situation.

Updating the Project Specific Safety Plan

The Project Specific Fire Safety Plan shall be updated as required reflecting changes to;

• Locations of portable  fire  extinguishers,  flammable  material  storage  areas, telephones or marshalling locations;

• Changes to active fire hydrants or hose cabinets;

• Changes to building layout where egress routes are altered;

• The addition of floors, areas or other structures that become part of the overall project site.

Firefighting Equipment

The amount and type of firefighting equipment will vary from one construction site to another. The minimum types and amount of equipment in all cases shall be:

• At least one fire extinguisher shall be located on each floor of buildings under construction;

• The housing for the fire extinguishers must be painted with fluorescent paint and marked “FIRE EXTINGUISHER”;

• In all cases, the firefighting equipment shall only be used for its manufactured purpose and shall  not  be  moved without authorization with  the  exception of an emergency situation arising.

Control Measures

• All “Hot Work” operations must be accompanied with a fire extinguisher positioned nearby in the event of a fire occurring.

• No worker is to leave a work area in which “Hot Work” has taken place until it can be proven that the materials cut or heated are cooled down to the point where they pose no potential threat of fire.

• No “Hot Work” activities will commence above or next to areas known to contain construction debris or combustible materials.

• Fuel containers such as those containing gasoline or diesel fuel will be kept sealed and stored in an area away from open spark and / or flame. Signage must be posted noting “Combustible Fuel Stored Here” and make mention of “No Smoking”. Fuel containers must not be stored inside the building under construction. A separate storage shed should be constructed and placed at least 9.0 m (30 ft) from any building, if possible.

• Compressed fuel containers, such as propane bottles must be stored upright and secured in a designated area away from potential heat or ignition sources.

• No materials or debris should be allowed to accumulate for long periods of time where it can or may become a potential fire hazard. Debris must be disposed of in a timely manner.

• Oily rags must be kept in sealed containers and labelled accordingly.

• Materials and / or debris must be stored or disposed of appropriately in order to reflect the effort put forth in maintaining a clean workplace.

• Access / egress routes must remain clear of all debris or obstructions during the entire course of the project.

• WHMIS products must be contained properly and have with them the appropriate and current MSDS. Products found to be on site without the MSDS will be removed immediately.

• Smoking is not permitted within any site office, trailer, or structure.

• All contractors on this project will be required to supply their own fire suppression systems as required to control fire hazards as specified within this plan.