Fire and Extinguisher Safety:

Fires can happen anywhere, including in the workplace. In Canada, fires in the workplace are a significant cause of property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. According to the National Fire Information Database (NFID), from 2015 to 2019, there were over 12,000 workplace fires reported in Canada, resulting in 225 injuries and 20 fatalities (Source: Canada National Fire Information Database (NFID), URL: https://nfidcanada.ca/statistics-canada-report/).

These statistics emphasize the importance of implementing proper fire safety measures in the workplace. By prioritizing fire safety and implementing preventive measures such as fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, evacuation plans, and employee training, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of workplace fires and protect the well-being of employees.

DEFINITION

What is the fire triangle/tetrahedron?

Fire is the state of combustion resulting from a chemical reaction that requires the presence of three elements in proper combination — a fuel source (anything that burns), oxygen (a component of air), and an ignition source such as heat or a spark — in order to begin and develop. This is often referred to as a "Fire Triangle." Four elements must be present at the same time for a fire to take place:

• Fuel or combustible material - something to burn, such as paper or wood.
•  Heat - to raise the material to its ignition (burning) temperature.
•  Oxygen - to sustain combustion (the fire).
•  Chemical reaction - the process of burning.

If you remove any of these four elements, the fire will not be able to burn.

(Source: Government of Canada, Agent of deterioration: fire, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration/fire.html#comb2).

What are the different classes of fires?

Fires are grouped into classes, which depend on the material or substance that is present.

• Class A - Fires involving ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, cloth, rubber, or plastics.
•  Class B - Fires involving flammable liquids, gases, oil, paints, or lacquer.
•  Class C - Fires involving energized (live) electrical equipment such as motors, appliances, or power tools.
•  Class D - Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, and potassium.
•  Class K - Fires involving combustible cooking oils or fats in cooking appliances.

(Source: Government of Canada, Agent of deterioration: fire, URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration/fire.html#comb2).

What are the main types of extinguishers?

The main classes of extinguishers are:

• Water extinguishers: These extinguishers are filled with water and pressurized with air and are typically used for Class A fires. By removing heat from the burning materials, water extinguishers can help put out the fire.
•  Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishers: CO2 extinguishers are filled with pressurized carbon dioxide and are used for Class B and C fires. When the CO2 is released, it blankets the fuel and displaces oxygen, stopping the reaction at the surface. It's important to use CO2 extinguishers thoroughly, as they have a moderate spray range and last for only 10 to 30 seconds. A hard horn attached to the end of the spray tube can help aim the spray at the target area.
•  Dry Chemical extinguishers: These are the most common type of extinguisher and come in various types. Each extinguisher is marked with the classes of fire it is designed to put out (e.g., ABC type extinguisher will put out Class A, B, and C fires). When discharged, dry chemical extinguishers release a blanket of fine powder that creates a break between the fuel and the oxygen in the air, thus breaking the chemical reaction. It's important to be accurate when using dry chemical extinguishers, as they have a short to moderate spray range and last only 10 to 25 seconds.
•  Foam: Foam extinguishers are effective on fires involving flammable liquids and solids, such as gasoline and wood. They are not suitable for electrical fires.

What are the main hazards of Fire?

Fires can be dangerous and cause a variety of hazards, including burns and scalds, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, and explosions.

• Burns and scalds: Burns and scalds are common injuries resulting from fires. They occur when the skin comes into contact with hot surfaces, flames, or hot liquids.
•  Smoke inhalation: Smoke inhalation can lead to serious respiratory problems. Smoke contains harmful gases and particles that can cause irritation, inflammation, and damage to the lungs.
•  Carbon monoxide poisoning: Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be produced by fires. Inhaling this gas can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and even death.
•  Explosions: Explosions can occur when there is a buildup of pressure inside a confined space, such as a room or building. Explosions can cause severe injury or death.

These hazards emphasize the importance of fire safety measures such as early detection systems, proper evacuation plans, and employee training to mitigate the risks associated with fires. By implementing preventive measures and promoting fire safety awareness, organizations can protect the well-being of individuals and minimize the potential damage caused by fires.

LEGISLATION

Fire and Extinguisher Safety is implemented by complementary federal, provincial and territorial legislation and regulations.

What is federal legislation?

Federal Fire and Extinguisher Safety legislation refers to the set of laws and regulations established by the Canadian government to ensure that workplaces are safe and prepared to handle fire emergencies.

• https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/codes-canada-publications/national-building-code-canada-2020.)
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• https://nrc.canada.ca/en/certifications-evaluations-standards/codes-canada/codes-canada-publications/national-fire-code-canada-2020).

What is provincial and territorial legislation?

In addition to federal legislation, each province and territory in Canada has its own Fire and Extinguisher Safety legislation. These laws are designed to provide more specific guidelines for fire safety practices within each region.

For example, in Ontario, the Fire Code outlines requirements for fire safety plans, fire alarm and detection systems, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. It also specifies the responsibilities of building owners and managers in ensuring that their premises meet fire safety standards.

In British Columbia, the Fire Services Act provides the framework for establishing local fire departments and ensuring that they have the necessary resources to provide fire protection services. The Act also includes provisions for training and certifying firefighters and establishing fire safety standards for buildings and other structures.

Similarly, in Quebec, the Fire Safety Act sets out requirements for fire safety plans, fire alarm systems, and other fire safety equipment. The Act also establishes the responsibilities of building owners and managers in ensuring that their premises are equipped with the necessary fire safety equipment and that all occupants are familiar with evacuation procedures in the event of a fire.

TRAINING

What is Fire and Extinguisher Safety?

Fire and Extinguisher Safety is an educational program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent fires and respond effectively in the event of an emergency. By educating employees about the risks and hazards associated with fires, companies can reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries while also minimizing property damage.

Who is responsible for Fire and Extinguisher Safety training?

Employers are responsible for providing training to their employees on Fire and Extinguisher Safety. This includes ensuring that employees know how to identify and use the appropriate extinguishers in case of a fire emergency(Source: Government of Canada, Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html), (section 25(2)(a) of the OHSA).

Who needs Fire and Extinguisher Safety?

Fire and Extinguisher Safety is essential for anyone who works in an environment where there is a risk of fire. This includes employees, managers, supervisors, and contractors in a variety of industries, such as:

• Construction: Construction sites are high-risk areas for fires due to the use of flammable materials and the potential for electrical faults. Workers on construction sites should receive Fire and Extinguisher Safety to ensure they can prevent and respond to fires.
•  Manufacturing: Manufacturing plants typically use machinery and equipment that can generate heat and sparks, increasing the risk of fires. Workers should receive training on how to identify fire hazards, use fire extinguishers, and evacuate safely.
•  Healthcare: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities house a large number of patients and use medical equipment that can malfunction and start a fire. Staff members should receive Fire and Extinguisher Safety to help prevent fires and safely evacuate patients in the event of an emergency.
•  Hospitality: Restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses often use open flames and heat sources for cooking, making them vulnerable to fires. Staff members should receive Fire and Extinguisher Safety to help prevent kitchen fires and safely evacuate guests.
•  Education: Schools and universities are responsible for the safety of students, staff, and visitors. Fire and Extinguisher Safety should be provided to all employees, including teachers, administrative staff, and maintenance workers.
•  Retail: Retail stores are at risk of fires due to the use of heating and cooling equipment, electrical faults, and flammable materials. Employees should receive Fire and Extinguisher Safety to help prevent fires and safely evacuate customers.

Can you do Fire and Extinguisher Safety online?

This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.

Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the required material effectively.

Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.

However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it's essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.

Where can you purchase Fire and Extinguisher Safety online training?

In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your Safety done. There are many methods and providers of Fire and Extinguisher Safety. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.

Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.

CERTIFICATE

What do you need to learn?

A Fire and Extinguisher Safety course typically includes a range of topics related to fire safety and the use of fire extinguishers. These may include:

How long is the Fire certificate valid?

Employees who work in environments where the risk of fire is high should re-take this course on a yearly basis. Being aware of how to properly prevent or evacuate a fire can save your life and/or that of a colleague in an emergency. Furthermore, employees may be required by their employee to undergo refresher courses periodically.

How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?

The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.

All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.

This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.

The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.

Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.

If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.

How can I find my certificate if I lost it?

In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.

If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.

CONCLUSION

Fire and Extinguisher Safety is crucial in preventing workplace fires and ensuring the safety of employees. Both federal and provincial/territorial legislations have been implemented to ensure that employers provide adequate training and equipment to their employees. By prioritizing Fire and Extinguisher Safety, employers can minimize the risk of workplace fires and ensure the safety of their employees.