Helpful Forms & Tips for Businesses
HELPFUL FORMS
TIPS
A high standard of housekeeping and building maintenance is probably the most important single factor in the prevention of fire. It is the collective responsibility of all staff and building occupants.
- Not put burning material such as cigarettes and ashes into the garbage or garbage chutes.
- Not dispose of flammable liquids or aerosol cans in garbage or garbage chutes.
- Properly dispose of any oily rags.
- Properly store any flammable or combustible liquids / gases.
- Avoid unsafe cooking practices (deep fat frying, too much heat, unattended stove, wearing loose fitting clothing, etc.).
- Not use unsafe electrical appliances, frayed extension cords, over-loaded outlets or extension cords for permanent wiring.
- Avoid careless smoking. Use deep ashtrays. Never smoke in bed. Ensure cigarette butts are out. Do not discard smokers materials from decks/balconies or windows. Thoroughly wet prior to disposing of smokers materials in garbage cans.
- Never leave candles unattended; use candle holders that have a glass cylinder which covers the flame.
- Keep hallways, stairwells, passageways and exits clear of obstructions, combustible refuse and other items at all times.
- Always keep laundry, furnace and electrical rooms/panels clear of combustible materials.
- Maintain 1 meter ( 3 feet) between space heaters and combustible material.
- Do not wedge open or obstruct any fire doors or disengage the self-closing devices (where installed).
- Test your smoke alarm(s) monthly.
- Test your carbon monoxide alarm(s) monthly (where installed).
- Change the batteries in your smoke alarm(s) and carbon monoxide alarm(s) at least once per year or immediately if you hear the low battery sound.
- Develop, implement, & practice a fire escape plan.
- Always clean out clothes dryer lint collector before and after each use.
- Avoid washing clothing or rags saturated with flammable or combustible liquids in laundry facilities.
- Storage, handling and use of portable oxygen systems shall be in conformance with CSA-Z305.12. “Safe, Storage, Handling, and Use of
- Portable Oxygen Systems in Residential Buildings and Health Care Facilities”.
- Restrict ignition sources when oxygen is in use.
- Clean kitchen hoods and filters frequently to avoid buildup of grease.
- Ensure cleaning rags / paper towels that contain grease are disposed of in a metal container outside and away from the building.
- Where solid fuel (wood) is used for cooking / heating, a plan shall contain approved procedures for ash control, safe fuel limits and restrictions against using flammable or combustible liquids to ignite the fire.
- Know how to alert building occupants of a fire condition.
- Know where exits are located.
- Call 911 whenever you have an emergency.
- Know the correct address of the building.
- Notify the building owner/property management if special assistance if required in the event of an emergency.
- Know the fire alarm signals and the procedures established to implement safe evacuation.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s smoke alarm (and CO alarm if applicable) instructions, available from building owner/property management.
- Know the supervisory staff in your building.
- Report any fire hazard to supervisory staff.
- Know the stairwell designation and the crossover floors (if any).
- Ensure that visitors are familiar with the fire safety rules and emergency procedures.
- Do not park vehicles in fire routes.