Rainy River District School Board Emergency Response – Fire Safety Check, Test, and Inspection Procedure
School Name: Year:
CHECK, TEST, AND INSPECT
To assist you in fulfilling your obligations, included is a list of the portions of the Fire Code which require that checks, inspections and/or tests be made of equipment and facilities from time to time. It is suggested that you read over this list and perform, or have performed, the necessary checks, inspections and/or tests for the items, which may apply to your property.
Fire Prevention Officers may check to ensure that the necessary checks, inspections and/or tests are being done, when conducting their inspections.
This list has been prepared for purposes of convenience only. For accurate reference, the Fire Code should be consulted.
Definitions for key words are as follows:
CHECK: visual observation to ensure the device or system is in place and is not obviously damaged or obstructed.
TEST: operation of device or system to ensure that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.
INSPECT: the physical examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function.
It is stated in the Fire Code that records of all tests and corrective measures are required to be retained for a period of two (2) years after they are made.
CHECK, TEST, AND INSPECTION TIMELINES FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility 2.5.1.2. ensure streets, yards, and private roadways As required Principal provided for fire department access are kept Ref 7.22 Superintendent
Rev. October 14 clear
MEANS OF EGRESS
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility 2.2.3.4. inspect all doors in fire separations Monthly Principal
2.2.3.5. check all doors in fire separations to ensure As required Principal they are closed 2.7.3.1. maintain exit signs to ensure they are clear and As required Principal legible 2.7.3.2. maintain exit lights to ensure they are As required Principal illuminated and in good repair 2.7.1.7. maintain corridors free of obstructions As required Principal
SERVICE EQUIPMENT, DUCTING CHIMNEYS
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility inspect disconnect switch for mechanical air Annually Manager, Plant 2.6.1.8. conditioning and ventilation Operations & Mtce. 7.2.3.1. inspect controls for air-handling systems used Annually Manager, Plant for venting Operations & Mtce.
PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility 6.2.7.2 inspect all portable extinguishers Monthly Principal 6.2.7.1. Subject to maintenance Annually Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce. 6.2.7.1. hydrostatically test carbon dioxide and water Every 5 yrs. Manager, Plant type extinguishers Operations & Mtce. 6.2.7.1. empty stored pressure type extinguishers and Every 6 yrs. Manager, Plant subject to maintenance Operations & Mtce. 6.2.7.1. hydrostatically test dry chemical and vaporizing Every 12 yrs. Manager, Plant Liquid type extinguishers Operations & Mtce. 6.2.7.6. & 6.2.7.1. recharge extinguisher after use or as indicated As required Manager, Plant by an inspection or when performing Operations & Mtce. maintenance
FIRE ALARM & VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS (reference should be made to ULC S-536 for exact details)
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility 6.3.2.1. check fire alarm AC power lamp and trouble Daily Principal light 6.3.2.1. check trouble conditions Daily Principal 6.3.2.2. check central alarm and control facility Daily Principal 6.3.2.1. check all fire alarm components including Monthly Manager, Plant standby power batteries Operations & Mtce. 6.3.2.1. test fire alarm system Monthly Principal 6.3.2.2. test voice communication to and from floor Monthly Principal Rainy River District School Board Emergency Response – Fire Safety Check, Test, and Inspection Procedure
areas to the central alarm and control facility 6.3.2.1.(1) test fire alarm system by persons. As per 1.1.5.3. Annually Manager, Plant (1)(a) or 1.1.5.3.(2). Operations & Mtce.
STANDPIPE & HOSE SYSTEMS
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility 6.4.2.1. inspect hose cabinets to ensure hose position Monthly Principal and that equipment is in place and operable 6.4.2.4. inspect hose valves to ensure tightness to Annually Manager, Plant ensure no water leakage Operations & Mtce. 6.4.2.5. remove and re-rack hose and replace worn Annually Manager, Plant gaskets Operations & Mtce. 6.4.1.3. remove plugs or caps on fire department Annually Manager, Plant connections and inspect for wear, rust or Operations & Mtce. obstructions 6.4.3.6. hydrostatically test standpipe system piping Every 5 yrs. Manager, Plant which normally remains dry Operations & Mtce. 6.4.3.1. hydrostatically test standpipe systems that have As required Manager, Plant been modified, extended, or are being restored Operations & Mtce. to use after a period of disuse exceeding one (1) year.
SPRINKLERS
Fire Code Reference Number Particulars Timeline Responsibility 6.5.3.1. check that unsupervised sprinkler system Monthly Principal control valves are open 6.5.5.2. test sprinkler alarms using alarm test Monthly Manager, Plant connections Operations & Mtce. 6.5.5.7. test sprinkler supervisory transmitters and Every 2 months Manager, Plant water flow devices Operations & Mtce. 6.5.5.7. test gate valve supervisor switches and other Every 6 months Manager, Plant sprinkler and fire protection system Operations & Mtce. supervisory devices 6.5.3.2. check exposed sprinkler system pipe hangers Annually Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce. 6.5.3.5. check all sprinkler heads Annually Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce. 6.5.4.4. remove plugs or caps on fire department Annually Manager, Plant connections and inspect for wear, rust, or Operations & Mtce. Ref 7.22 Superintendent
Rev. October 14 obstructions 6.5.5.3. test waterflow on wet sprinkler systems using Annually Manager, Plant most remote test connection Operations & Mtce. 6.5.5.5. test waterflow on wet sprinkler systems using Annually Manager, Plant most remote test connection Operations & Mtce. 6.5.4.1. inspection auxiliary drains to prevent freezing As required Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce.
6.6.2.2. & 6.6.2.3. & 6.6.2.4. check tank heating equipment and water Daily Manager, Plant temperature of fire protections water tanks Operations & Mtce. during freezing weather 6.6.1.2. inspect valves controlling fire protection Weekly Manager, Plant water supply Operations & Mtce. 6.6.2.12. check water level and air pressure for Weekly Manager, Plant pressure water tanks Operations & Mtce. 6.6.2.13. inspect relief valves on air and water supply lines Weekly Manager, Plant of pressure tanks Operations & Mtce. 6.6.3.1. & 6.6.3.2. check water level in fire pump reservoirs Weekly Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce. 6.6.3.3. & 6.6.3.4. operate and inspect fire pump Weekly Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce. 6.6.2.1. inspect fire protection water supply tanks Annually Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce. 6.6.2.7. inspect catholic protection on fire protection Annually Manager, Plant water supply Operations & Mtce. 6.6.3.5. test fire pump at full rate capacity Annually Manager, Plant Operations & Mtce.
Inspecting Fire Hydrants – Plant Operations and Maintenance
1. Arrangements should be made with a service company to do an annual service on the school property hydrants. The services include the following:
a. The port caps shall be removed and the threads inspected for wear, rust, or other obstructions. Replace caps wrench tight.
b. The hydrant barrel shall be inspected to ensure that no water has accumulated within the barrel when the main valve is in the closed position.
c. When the hydrant barrel is found to contain water at ground level, the drain valve shall be inspected for operation.
d. Where the hydrant barrel is found to contain water because of poor drainage which cannot be corrected, provisions shall be made to prevent freezing during winter conditions.
e. Hydrant water flow shall be inspected annually in accordance with f.
f. The main valve shall be fully opened and the hydrant operated with one port open and the water flow checked.
g. A record of the hydrant operation as described in f shall be kept. A summary of the location of all building owned hydrants shall be established, kept up-to-date, and attached to this procedure. Rainy River District School Board Emergency Response – Fire Safety Check, Test, and Inspection Procedure
Emergency Lighting Unit Equipment – Principal/Designate
The unit equipment shall be checked monthly to ensure the emergency lights will function when primary power is lost.
Monthly Inspection
Where applicable inspect, electrolyte level and specific gravity monthly and maintain as per battery manufacturer’s specifications. Ensure battery surface is maintained clean and dry.
Ensure terminal connections are clean, free of corrosion and lubricated where necessary.
Ensure terminal clamps are clean and tight as per battery manufacturer’s specifications.
Ensure unit is secure in its location.
Annual Test – Plant Operations and Maintenance
1.The emergency lighting unit equipment shall be tested annually to ensure that the units will provide emergency lighting for a duration equal to the design criteria with simulated power failure conditions.
2.After completion of the test in #1, the charging conditions for voltage and current and the recovery period shall be tested to ensure that the charging system is in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
Record Keeping
Records must be maintained for a period of at least two (2) years with respect to all inspections.
Monthly checks and inspections to be conducted by Custodian. Yearly test to be conducted by Plant Operations and Maintenance. Ref 7.22 Superintendent
Rev. October 14 Automatic Extinguishing System Inspection & Maintenance – Plant Operations and Maintenance
All service, maintenance, and ‘detailed’ inspection of fixed extinguishing systems, shall be completed by an authorized service person at least every six (6) months.
Monthly Inspection (Visual Inspection)
1. Inspect system for obvious or mechanical damage.
2. Visually check the seals and lock pins are in place and the system is ready to operate.
3. Visually check all pressure gauges to ensure system is operational where applicable.
4.Visually inspect fusible links, detector assembly for any accumulation of grease or deposits. Have ‘authorized service contractor’ replace fusible links as required, but at least annually. Other detection devices must be serviced by authorized contractor or replaced in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Notes
1.Inspection and maintenance of special extinguishing systems is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2.Where a special extinguishing system or any part of it is shut down, alternate safety measures are to be established.
3. Written records shall be kept of all periodic inspection, maintenance and testing.
4. Operating and maintenance instruction shall be posted near the equipment and near manual control if any.
5. Valves and controls shall be clearly marked to indicate their function and shall be accessible at all times.
6.Extinguishing agent containers provided for special extinguishing systems shall be fully charged with the proper quality of extinguishing agent and the necessary operating pressure shall be maintained.
7. Discharge outlets for special extinguishing systems shall be kept free of dirt and residue.
8. Piping and equipment shall be mechanically secure and accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
9.No replacement equipment and devices provided for special extinguishing system may be used unless they are suitable for the installation in which they are placed.
Cleaning Procedures
Flammable solvents or other flammable cleaning aide shall not be used. Rainy River District School Board Emergency Response – Fire Safety Check, Test, and Inspection Procedure
At the start of the cleaning process, electrical switches, detection devices and system components that may be accidentally activated shall be locked, pinned, protectively covered and/or sealed.
Care shall be taken not to apply cleaning chemicals on fusible links or other detection devices of the automatic extinguishing systems.
When cleaning procedures are completed, all electrical switches, detection devices, and system components shall be returned to an operable state by qualified personnel. Cover plates shall be replaced and dampers and diffusers shall be positioned for proper air flow.
A permanent record must be kept of all inspections, test and maintenance for at least two (2) years.
Ref 7.22 Superintendent
Rev. October 14