WeMac & Associates Inc.

Providing risk management solutions since 1988

Facts

Most fire safety plans are not implemented

Fire safety plans must be reviewed and updated every 12 months

Buildings are required to have a full evacuation drill at least once every 12 months

 

The Requirements .........

 

The National, Provincial and Municipal fire codes require that certain types of occupancies have in place a Fire Safety Plan. This plan must be approved by the local municipal Fire Chief and implemented with the building owner and on-site personnel.

Fire Safety Plans must conform to guidelines and requirements of the National and Provincial Fire Code. Section 2.8.1 of the Ontario Fire Code outlines the specifics.

Failure to comply can result in fines of not more than $50,000 for an individual or $100,000 for a Corporation or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or both. Directors and officers who know the company has committed a violation of the fire code is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000. Failure to comply with an inspection order can result in a fine of $10,000 per day.

The building owner or tenant has a legal duty to ensure that the building and/or leased space complies with the regulations at all times even if the building has not been inspected by the fire department. If you have a fire alarm system consider having a fire safety plan.

The Building codes classify buildings by their 'Major Occupancy'. These classifications include assembly, residential, business, mercantile, and industrial occupancies.