Fire Protection

• Prepare procedures for evacuation and response
• Include building plans marked for fire exits, fire extinguishers, alarm points, smoke detectors, first aid boxes, main electrical panel, main water supply, evacuation routes, etc.
• Methods required to prevent fires (e.g., storage of items, etc.)

• Communicate fire safety plan and emergency response procedures to all employees and contractors.
• Conduct fire drills at least twice a year (or as required by local jurisdiction)
• Observe the response to fire drills, and adjust the plan as necessary to ensure its effectiveness

• Post all emergency numbers and instructions close to telephones
• Post the location/address of the building, with any specific instructions that may be needed by the responders

• Provide education and training to all designated employees on the type and correct use of fire extinguishers.
• Fire wardens must be educated and trained in how to clear an area quickly and other related duties.

• Inspect all the fire extinguishers, fire alarm system, emergency lighting system, sprinkler system, and other fire protection monthly or as per the Fire Code and other applicable legislation

• All aisles, emergency exits, fire extinguishers, etc. must be kept clear of product or storage objects, fork trucks, etc. at all times
• Exit routes from buildings must be clear of all obstructions

• Each building must have at least two means of escape separate from each other
• Fire doors must not be left open unless equipped with self-closing mechanisms. Fire doors must be kept free of obstructions that would prevent the door from closing
• Exit doors must open in an emergency (not permanently locked or chained closed)
• Exit doors must be properly marked with signs indicating they are exits from the building

• Install and maintain adequate emergency lighting to cover stair cases, washrooms, meeting rooms, parking lots, exits, etc.

• Mark all fire extinguishers clearly with the class of fire for which it is appropriate

• Install fire extinguishers as per the Fire Code
• Must be kept free of obstructions for easy access

• Inspect portable fire extinguishers monthly or as required by your local jurisdiction

• Provide and maintain adequate fire alarms and smoke alarms according to the Fire Code
• Test periodically (monthly) or as required according to your jurisdiction
• If smoke alarm is battery operated, do not remove batteries unless they are replaced immediately with fresh batteries

Fire Hazard Audit/Checklist

Hazards

Y/N

Suggested Corrective Action

Ignition Sources

Has the workplace taken fire safety precautions for operations that have exposed flames?

• Isolate operations
• Do not store any combustible items near these operations
• Clean equipment and work areas before and after each use so that they are free from dusts and oil particles

Are all sources of ignition identified?

• Identify all sources of ignition (e.g., sparks, welding, smoking, hot plates, pilot lights, space heaters, boilers, furnace, etc.)
• Make sure combustible or flammable items are not stored near ignition sources
• Ensure appropriate fire walls are erected around hot equipment when required
• Check ventilation rates for equipment and repair where appropriate

Are operations involving hot work such as welding, grinding, or cooking considered as potential source of fire hazard?

• Make sure all the equipment and accessories used in hot work are in good working condition
• Separate hot work areas from other operations
• Keep combustible or flammable materials away from hot work areas
• Develop safe work procedures for operations involving hot work
• Use a “fire watch” attendant as necessary
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as face shield, respirators, eye protection, etc.

Has the use of a space heater been identified as a fire hazard?

• Perform a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) audit to ensure the unit is functioning correctly and the space is being heated properly
• If a space heater is still required, develop guidelines about the type (radiant heat, fan, etc.) and their safe use
• Include storage guidelines for combustible items within a certain distance of a heat source that complies with local Building and Fire Codes

Electrical

Is all wiring installed properly and appropriate to the current or voltage ratings?

• Make sure that all electrical systems are installed and function according to any Codes that may apply
• Identify and replace wiring that is not appropriate for the loads they are carrying
• Repair or replace any exposed wiring
• Do not overload electrical equipment or electrical outlets
• Replace extension cords that are being used for long term purposes with permanent wiring.
• Develop a lock-out/tagout program for any work done on energized systems
• Educate and train employees on electrical safety
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where a risk of arc-flash or arc-blast is present

Chemical Storage, Handling, Distribution, Dispensing

Is an inventory of all flammable and combustible materials available?

• Identify all flammable and combustible materials (e.g., paints, degreasers, parts washer solvent, alcohol based cleaners, aerosols, etc.)
• Maintain an inventory with the quantity, location of use, and storage
• Include all quantities such as small pails or cans

Are precautions for flammable and combustible materials taken?

• Do not use combustible or flammable materials for cleaning purposes where possible (e.g., do not use gasoline and other flammable solvents)
• Do not heat cleaning agents, or use on hot surfaces or near open flames
• Ventilate areas where solvents are used
• Place rags in designated covered metal containers until the rags can be properly cleaned or disposed
• Remove clothing that becomes contaminated with a cleaning agent as soon as possible and clean as directed by the manufacturer of the product

Are precautions taken when dispensing containers of flammable liquids that generate static or sparks?

• Bond and ground containers or process equipment to a receiving container before dispensing, transferring, or collecting flammable liquids

Are flammable and combustible materials stored and used in a safe manner?

• Do not allow hot work, flames, or smoking in flammable or combustible material storage areas
• Do not store other combustible materials near flammable storage areas or lockers
• Separate flammable liquid transfer areas from other operations by distance or by fire walls with the proper fire resistance
• Make sure there are routes of exit for the rooms in which flammable or combustible materials are stored or handled
• Locate exits so that occupants can exit quickly and not be trapped in the event of fire
• Use explosion-resistant light fixtures in storage rooms
• Store flammable liquids in approved flammable storage lockers, or containers
• Bond and ground bulk drums of flammable liquids during dispensing
• Keep large bulk storage of gasoline, diesel, or oil in above ground tanks
• When not in use, keep flammable liquids in covered containers
• Clean the spills promptly
• Keep combustible waste material and residues to a minimum, store in covered metal receptacles, and dispose daily
• Make sure appropriate fire extinguishers are mounted within the required distance for both indoor and outdoor areas containing flammable liquids. Check your local Fire Code for specifications
• Provide appropriate ventilation, including continuous mechanical exhaust ventilation system for every indoor storage room