Risk & Business Magazine Miller Insurance Summer 2019 Magazine | Page 6

FIRE SAFETY FOR BUSINESS
FIRE SAFETY CHECKLIST
FOR BUSINESS
The Fire Safety Checklist is designed to assist business owners, and operators in keeping their place of business, staff
and customers safe from fire. Following the checklist can help a business be better prepared for an inspection by
Kincardine Fire & Emergency Services.
It is the responsibility of all businesses to conduct an inspection of their place of work to ensure the business is operated
as per the Ontario Fire Code.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Ensure fire extinguishers are fully charged and are
mounted in such a way they are visible and easily
accessible. Are electrical panels kept clear and at least 1 metre
from storage.
Conduct a visible inspection of fire extinguishers once
a month. The gauge should show that it is full. Check
the hose to ensure it is attached tightly and has no
cracks or blockages. Ensure temporary electrical solutions (e.g. power bars,
splitters and cords) are not used in conjunction with
one another.
Have each extinguisher serviced annually by a qualified
technician. A service tag must be attached noting the
date of service.
Ensure staff are aware of the location of fire
extinguishers.
SMOKE ALARMS
Do not overload circuits.
Plug large appliances such as refrigerators and freezers
directly into wall receptacles.
Ensure no damage to electrical cords, plugs or outlets.
EXIT SIGNAGE
Make sure exit signage is visible, intact and fully
illuminated.
Test smoke alarms once a month.
Change batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year.
This can be timed with the changes to Daylight Savings
Time each spring.
Make sure smoke alarms are not painted or altered in
any way.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
Have your fire alarm system serviced annually by a
qualified technician.
Perform monthly fire alarm tests on emergency power.
Log those tests and make them available for a fire
inspector to view.
Ensure all parts of the fire alarm system are intact and
are unaltered. Make sure fire bells are not painted.
Ensure pull stations are not blocked by shelving,
inventory or furniture.
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EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Have your emergency lighting serviced annually by a
qualified technician. Ensure emergency lighting is in
working order at all times.
Test emergency lighting monthly.
EXIT PASSAGEWAYS AND DOORS
Ensure passageways leading to an exit are free of
obstructions at all times.
Ensure all exit doors have approved locking mechanisms.
Ensure all exit doors do not require specialized tools (e.g.
a key) or knowledge (e.g. code) or effort to exit.