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Oct. 9-15, 2016 Is Fire Prevention Week

Oct. 9-15, 2016 is Fire Prevention Week in Canada. This year’s theme is ‘Don’t Wait ‘ Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years.’

Yes, this week is geared toward fire safety at home. But it’s still a good time to assess your fire prevention and safety measures in the workplace, too.

The OHS laws require you to take certain steps as to fire preparedness and response. For example, you should have a fire safety plan that:

  • Includes measures to control fire hazards, such as storage of flammable substances and explosives
  • Spells out procedures in case of a fire, including sounding the fire alarm, notifying the fire department and evacuating workers and others (including anyone who’s disabled and may need special assistance)
  • Identifies individuals designated to carry out specific duties under the plan and describe their responsibilities
  • Describes the training that must be provided to each individual with fire response duties
  • Addresses the procedures for and frequency of fire drills to verify the effectiveness of the plan as well as identify and correct weaknesses.

Use this fire safety assessment form to assess all areas and aspects of your workplace that are relevant when it comes to fire safety. You can also use these forms to inspect your workplaces with an eye toward fire safety (fire safety checklist for industrial workplaces and fire safety checklist for offices).

You should also make sure that your workplace has appropriate fire suppression and protection equipment, such as fire and smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, and ensure that this equipment is working properly.

And make sure that workers can easily find and access fire extinguishers. The time spent trying to locate an extinguisher could mean the difference between life and death.

Lastly, make sure that your emergency exits and fire doors aren’t blocked.