FAQs about Fire SAFETY Plans

Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT Fire SAFETY Plans 

A fire safety plan is like a building owner's maintenance manual for the fire protection and life safety features of a building. The  Saskatchewan Fire Code requires fire safety plans to be site specific. 

I have over 20 years in the fire protection and life safety industry, 11 years with Regina Fire and Protective Services as a fire inspector & fire investigator, and ten years in consulting. I have reviewed and prepared many fire safety plans and conducted fire inspections in every type of building. 

I know what the fire department is looking for and what you need as a building owner. Many building owners struggle to complete fire safety plans as they hire unqualified companies and people, which results in adequate fire plans, delays and extras. 

The following list of frequently asked questions will assist you as a building owner or property manager in understanding the requirements for fire safety plans in Saskatchewan. Whether you are in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, or Moose Jaw, the following comprehensively reviews the fire plan requirements identified in the Saskatchewan Fire Code.   

The Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations also require a fire safety plan under Section 25-2. While there are similarities between the fire safety plans, fire drills, and fire warden training requirements, each regulation is different. This page covers the information outlined in the Saskatchewan Fire Code, not the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. 

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency drafted a 4-page document on Fire Plans and Emergency Planning. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a Fire Safety Plan or Fire Plan? 

A fire safety plan or fire plan is a site-specific document that contains information related to the: 

• building characteristics, 

• location, description, and operation of the fire protection and life safety systems, 

• inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for the fire protection and life safety systems, 

• fire evacuation procedures, 

• appointment, organization, and delegation of fire wardens, floor wardens, and other supervisory staff to assist in evacuating occupants, and other assigned duties,

• training requirements for fire wardens and other supervisory staff, 

• fire drill requirements, 

• hazard abatement activities for preventing and minimizing the potential for fires in a building. 

A new owner or property manager should be able to read the fire safety plan and have an in-depth knowledge of the building. The fire safety plan should provide necessary information to various entities, such as firefighters, fire inspectors, inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) contractors for the fire protection or life safety systems, and design professionals working on future renovations. 

Who is a Fire Safety Plan Developed For? 

Fire safety plans contain information for both the building owner and the local fire department. 

The fire safety plan contains information for the local fire department such as: 

• emergency contacts,

• identifying fire hazards, for example,

o   the storage of materials,

o   the storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible materials and other dangerous goods, as well as 

o   identifying hazardous processes & operations.

• Identification of shut-off valves and other information that will assist firefighters in an emergency response. 

The remainder of the fire safety plan is information for the owner, property manager, or facility manager. 

Why do I Need a Fire Safety Plan? 

Fire safety plans are required by Law (Saskatchewan Fire Code). They also provide a valuable resource for building owners, property managers, and facility managers to ensure that the building is maintained. 

In addition, a properly prepared and implemented fire safety plan can assist in preventing fires, minimizing damage if a fire does occur, and protecting the occupants by providing appropriate evacuation procedures. 

Fire safety plans are intended to bridge the gap between the designers and the owners. Your fire plan should provide all the relevant design assumptions & intents and relevant calculations to ensure these details are not lost. This will save you time and money in the future.

What Happens If I Don’t Have a Fire Safety Plan 

If you don't have a fire safety plan and you are required to have one, the fire inspector may do one or more of the following: 

• request that you prepare one and submit it for review, 

• issue an order to remedy contravention, 

• issue fines under their local bylaw for failing to comply, or 

• initiate prosecution. 

Can I be Fined If I Don’t Have a Fire Safety Plan 

Yes. The Saskatchewan Fire Safety Act 42(3) states that, 

Every person who contravenes any provision of subsection (1) or (2) is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction:

(a) in the case of an individual, to a fine of not more than $25,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine of not more than $5,000 for each day or part of a day during which the offence continues; and;

(b) in the case of a corporation, to a fine of not more than $200,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine of not more than $20,000 for each day or part of a day during which the offence continues. 

What Buildings Need a Fire Safety Plan in Saskatchewan? 

The Saskatchewan Fire Code requires the following buildings to have a fire safety plan.

• Every building that contains an assembly occupancy. 

• Every building that contains a care occupancy. 

• Every building that contains a treatment occupancy. 

• Every building that contains a detention occupancy. 

• Every building that is required to have a fire alarm system.

• Demolition and construction sites.

• Properties that have indoor or outdoor storage of combustible products or dangerous goods.

• Buildings in which flammable or combustible liquids are stored, handled, processed, or used.

• Buildings that contain hazardous processes or operations. 

What Buildings Are Required to Have a Fire Alarm System In Saskatchewan? 

Generally, a fire alarm system is required in all buildings equipped with a fire sprinkler system installed in conformance with NFPA 13. 

A fire alarm system is required in a building that is not equipped with a fire sprinkler system and that contains at least one of the following:  

• a contained use area

• an impeded egress zone

• more than 3 storeys, including the storeys below the first storey,

• a total occupant load of more than 300, other than in open-air seating areas,

• an occupant load more than 150 above or below the first storey, other than in open-air seating areas,

• a school, college, or child care facility, including a daycare facility, with an occupant load of more than 40,

• a licensed beverage establishment or a licensed restaurant with an occupant load of more than 150,

• a low-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,

• a medium-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,

• a residential occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons,

• a high-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load of more than 25,

• an occupant load of more than 300 below an open-air seating area.

There are several other instances in which a fire alarm system is required to be installed in a building. 

Do I need a Construction Fire Safety Plan? 

The Saskatchewan Building Code Regulations, (National Building Code of Canada) require that buildings, facilities, or areas undergoing construction, alteration, or demolition have construction fire safety plans in conformance with the Saskatchewan Fire Code. 

What Is a Construction Fire Safety Plan? 

The fire safety plan for construction and demolition sites is to address the specific hazards associated with construction sites, such as:

• access for firefighting,

• firefighting equipment,

• controlling ignition sources,

• temporary water supplies,

• storage of dangerous goods,

• mitigating fire spread to adjacent buildings,

• mitigating fire spread to occupied portions of a building under construction or demolition,

• fire warning.  

While the title of Section 5.6 of the Saskatchewan Fire Code is Construction and Demolition Sites, this also includes alterations and renovations.

What Are The Objectives of a Fire Plan? 

There are three main objectives of a fire safety plan.

1. Fire Prevention – The fire safety plan is developed to assist in preventing fires through the control of fire hazards and by identifying the proper maintenance of the building's fire protection and life safety systems and features.

2. Occupant Safety – The fire safety plan establishes a systematic method for the safe and orderly evacuation of the building in an emergency.

3. Fire Control and Extinguishment – Fire safety plans establish procedures that will maximize the probability of controlling and extinguishing a fire most safely and efficiently.

What Information Should Be Included In a Fire Safety Plan? 

The Saskatchewan Fire Code identifies the information required to be provided in the fire safety plan.  

Fire safety plans must contain the following at a minimum:  

1. Emergency procedures to follow in the event of a fire

2. Appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out the fire safety duties

3. Training of supervisory staff and other occupants of the building in their responsibilities identified in the fire safety plan

4. Documentation, including diagrams showing the type, location, and operation of the fire protection and life safety systems

5. Holding of fire drills

6. Control of fire hazards in the building

7. Inspection, testing, and maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety of occupants

8. Hot works procedures, including procedures for fire watch  

What Are Fire Emergency Procedures? 

The Saskatchewan Fire Code outlines the minimum fire emergency procedures that must be provided in the fire safety plan. The following emergency procedures must be provided in every fire safety plan. 

• Procedures for sounding the fire alarm,

• Procedures for notifying the fire department,

• Instructing occupants on procedures to follow when the fire alarm sounds,

• Procedures for evacuating occupants, including special procedures for persons requiring assistance,

• Measures for confining, controlling, and extinguishing a fire. 

Do The Fire Emergency Procedures Need to be Posted? 

Yes. At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures must be posted in each floor area. Note that in some buildings, there may be multiple “floor areas” within a single floor of the building. 

If the building fire alarm system does not automatically send a signal to the fire department, signage is required above each manual station providing the telephone number of the fire department and indicating that the fire department is to be notified. 

All signage is required to be permanently mounted. 

What are Some Additional Considerations for Emergency Procedures? 

The minimum requirements for fire emergency procedures were identified above. It’s important to note that these procedures are the minimum required by the Saskatchewan Fire Code. The fire emergency procedures for one type of building, such as a residential apartment building or a business, will not be the same as the emergency procedures for a hazardous processing plant. This is important if you are considering a fire safety plan template and preparing a fire safety plan yourself. 

Depending on your building, there may be many different procedures for the various staff. 

Some additional items to consider are as follows:  

• Individual procedures for tenants or groups that rent various spaces,

• Commercial cooking operations, 

• Other hazardous processes and operations,

• For persons requiring assistance (note that staff should understand how to approach an individual and ask how they can assist if needed), 

• Night staff and after-hours staff,

• Procedures for contractors and how to manage their location and evacuations, 

• Reminder to events to provide fire safety/occupant evacuation message at the start of the event,

• Fire protection and life safety equipment and system shut down.   

Consider providing templates for staff on how to:  

• Ask people if they need assistance in evacuating, 

• Disengage a phone conversation when the fire alarm system activates, 

• Address and disperse lineups when the fire alarm system activates, 

• Complete a monetary transaction when the fire alarm system activates.  

What is a "Person Requiring Assistance"? 

A person requiring assistance (sometimes referred to as a PRA) is someone that requires assistance in evacuating the building. Sometimes "person requiring assistance" is stated as persons with disabilities. However, not all people requiring assistance have a “disability”. Some individuals may require assistance for other physical or cognitive limitations. In addition, it’s important to consider temporary issues, such as a broken leg. 

The fire safety plan must consider individuals who may require some assistance in evacuating the building. A list of persons requiring assistance should be maintained in the fire safety plan. 

Sometimes individuals may need an individual evacuation plan, sometimes called a PEEP (Personal Emergency Evacuation Procedure).   

Are There Additional Fire Safety Plan Requirements? 

Yes. In addition to the information identified on this page, the Saskatchewan Fire Code also requires that fire safety plans include information specific to the following:

• Fire Safety Plan Requirements for High Buildings

• Indoor and Outdoor Storage of Dangerous Goods

• Indoor Storage of Combustible Products and Dangerous Goods

• Outdoor Storage

• Rooms for Storage Tanks

• Hazardous Process and Operations

• Laboratories

• Spill Control Procedures

The Saskatchewan Fire Code contains additional information that must be included in a fire safety plan, such as information about industrial trucks, idle pallet storage, etc. 

The intent of a fire plan is to provide owners with the information they need to maintain their buildings following the original design. Contact me to discuss these requirements or to ensure that your current fire safety plan contains the appropriate information.

ARE THERE Additional Requirements For High-Rise Buildings? 

Yes. There are additional requirements for high-rise buildings. 

Generally, a condo or apartment building is considered a high building if they have a residential floor level more than 18 m above the street level. Typically this is a building of more than 6-storeys above the street level. There are additional requirements for these high buildings. Office buildings are generally considered high buildings when the top floor is more than 36 metres above the street level. 

The fire safety plan for high-rise buildings must include:

• Information on the training of supervisory staff in the use of the voice communication system,

• The procedures for the use of elevators,

• Information on the action to be taken by supervisory staff in initiating any smoke control or other fire emergency systems installed in a building in the event of fire until the fire department arrives,

• Instructions to the supervisory staff and fire department for the operation of the smoke control and other fire emergency systems,

• The procedures established to facilitate fire department access to the building and fire location within the building,

• The test procedures described in Subsections 7.3.2. to 7.3.15., as appropriate to the fire safety measure being used, in addition to those required by Sections 7.1. and 7.2., unless otherwise specified in the fire safety plan. 

What If We Store Dangerous Goods? 

The fire code outlines the requirements for the storage of dangerous goods. This is often missed in many fire safety plans. 

Where there is the storage of dangerous goods (indoor or outdoor), the Saskatchewan Fire Code requires that the fire safety plan include the following: 

Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people to be contacted in case of fire during non-operating hours. 

If radioactive materials are stored, the fire safety plan must also include:

• Methods to control a fire emergency and to safely and efficiently recover radioactive materials and equipment containing radioactive materials,

• The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of primary and alternative sources of expert advice and assistance on radiation safety,

• The location of primary and alternative sources of radiation survey instruments.

In addition, the fire safety plan is required to identify the location and the maximum quantity of each product stored. 

What If We Store Combustible Products and Dangerous Goods 

These requirements are often missed in fire safety plans. The Saskatchewan Fire Code requires that buildings or parts of buildings used for the storage of materials provide the following information in the fire safety plan:

• Product classifications for each part of the building where products of different classifications are stored,

• The method of storage, including aisles widths for rack storage,

• The maximum permitted height of storage for the building or part of the building if different,

• The maximum permitted size of individual storage areas, and

• In sprinklered buildings, the sprinkler systems design criteria, inside and outside hose allowances, and results of the benchmark sprinkler system water flow and water flow tests.

Where buildings store Group A Plastics, Rubber Products, Level 2 or 3 Aerosols, or dangerous Goods, the fire safety plan must identify their location and the maximum quantity of each product. 

How Long Do I Need to Keep My Fire Inspection Test Records For? 

The Saskatchewan Fire Code requires that all records of tests, inspections, maintenance, and operational procedures be retained such the current and immediately preceding records are available onsite. However, no record can be destroyed within 2-years of being prepared. In addition, all initial verification and test reports for each system must be retained for the life of the system.  

Alternative Solutions and Fire Safety Plans 

Alternative solutions are an alternative means of complying with the requirements of either the Saskatchewan Building Code or Fire Code. If Alternative Solutions were prepared for your building it is important to include the approved Alternative Solution in the fire safety plan. 

CAN/ULC-S1001 Integrated Systems Testing and Fire Safety Plans 

Integrated systems testing in conformance with CAN/ULC-S1001 is required where there are two or more interconnected fire protection or life safety systems. The fire safety plan should include a copy of the integrated systems testing report and plan. 

The following blog, Connecting the Safety Dots - CAN/ULC-S1001 provides an overview of the CAN/ULC-S1001, Standard for the Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems. 

The City of Regina also prepared a document outlining its requirements, Regina S1001 Advisory. 

Can I Prepare a Fire Safety Plan Myself? 

Yes. However, while there is no requirement for a building owner, property manager, or facility manager to hire a consultant in Saskatchewan, it is recommended. 

The preparation of a fire safety plan can be complex and time-consuming. In addition, you must ensure that all aspects of the Saskatchewan Fire Code are incorporated and documented. Many fire safety plan templates are generic and do not include all the information you need for your building. 

If you choose to prepare your fire safety plan, you should check with your insurance company. Burns Fire Code Solutions carries Commercial General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance.

Can I Use A Fire Safety Plan Template in Saskatchewan? 

Yes. Many fire safety plan templates are available to assist in creating a fire safety plan. However, many of them are meant only for small buildings. In addition, most templates are incomplete and are missing some of the requirements outlined in the fire code. If you aren't familiar with the fire code requirements, you should hire a qualified contractor to prepare your fire safety plan. 

For buildings such as high-rise buildings, and industrial buildings, these fire safety plan templates should not be used as these fire safety plans are complex and the templates do not provide the correct information. 

Special care should be taken if you attempt to use any of these fire safety plan templates. Saskatoon Fire Department and Regina Fire and Protective Services provide guidelines for fire safety plans. These fire safety plan guidelines can assist you in completing your fire safety plan if you choose to do it yourself. 

Burns Fire Code Solutions carries Commercial General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance. If you prepare your fire safety plan, you should check with your insurance company to see if there are potential issues in creating your own. 

Fire Safety Plans in Regina

Developing a fire safety plan to meet the specific requirements for each building can be challenging. Many building owners are tempted to use a fire safety plan that they downloaded from the internet. However, these templates are generic and do not outline all of the requirements of the Saskatchewan Fire Code. Regina Fire and Protective Services created the following guidance document, Regina Fire Safety Planning Guide. Before preparing your fire safety plan, contact your insurance provider to determine if there are any issues. 

Burns Fire Code Solutions carries Commercial General Liability and Errors and Omissions Insurance. 

Fire Safety Plans in Saskatoon

Similar to Regina, Saskatoon Fire Department created the following guide, Saskatoon Fire Safety Planning Guide. This guide provides owners and property managers with additional information on fire safety plans. As noted above, you should consult your insurance provider before preparing a fire safety plan. 

Does My Fire Safety Plan Need To Be Approved? 

No. In some provinces, the fire codes state that fire safety plans are required to be approved by the local fire department. The Saskatchewan Fire Code does not require that fire safety plans be approved by the local fire department. However, submitting your fire safety plan to the local fire department for review is considered the best practice.

Where Do I Keep My Fire Safety Plan? 

The current 2015 Saskatchewan Fire Code requires that a copy of the fire safety plan be retained in the building. 

In high buildings, a copy of the fire safety plan must be maintained at the central alarm and control facility. 

In the following buildings, or facilities, a copy of the fire safety plan must be kept at the principal entrance:

• Where there is the storage of combustible products or dangerous goods, inside or outside buildings,

• Buildings containing the storage, handling, or use of flammable or combustible liquids,

• Buildings containing operations that involve risk from explosion, high flammability, or related conditions that create a hazard to life safety. 

Do I Need a Fire Safety Plan Box? 

No. However, as some of the information contained in the fire safety plan may be sensitive and not intended for the public, many building owners choose to install fire safety plan boxes. The fire safety plan boxes can be equipped with a lock. These boxes are sometimes mounted on the exterior of the building, or inside the main entrance doors. 

Fire safety plan boxes are available online. 

How Do I Implement My Fire Safety Plan? 

A fire safety plan is no good if it sits on a shelf and is not implemented. Implementation of the fire safety plan is one of the most important steps in the fire safety planning process. Burns Fire Code Solutions provides a 9 step process for implementing fire safety plans.

1. Retain - a current copy of the fire safety plan in the building or in the required location.

2. Train - supervisory staff (fire wardens, floor wardens, etc) in their assigned responsibilities prior to delegating responsibility.

3. Delegate - responsibilities to supervisory staff in writing. 

4. Distribute - copies of the emergency procedures to all supervisory staff.

5. Post - at least one copy of the emergency procedures in each floor area.

6. Review – and update the plan at least annually, or when there are changes to the building, fire protection systems or supervisory staff.

7. Practice – evacuation drills / fire drills to reinforce the training and to identify improvements in the emergency procedures.

8. Inspect, Test & Maintain - all fire protection and life safety systems and features.

9. Document - all ongoing training, fire drills, ITM procedures and repairs, and operational procedures. 

Do Fire Warden & Supervisory Staff Require Training? 

Yes. The Saskatchewan Fire Code requires that “supervisory staff” be trained in their duties before being delegated any responsibility. The term supervisory staff is defined as those occupants of a building who have some delegated responsibility for the fire safety of other occupants under the fire safety plan.

What Training Should THE Fire Warden & Supervisory Staff Have? 

Fire warden and supervisory staff training should be specific to your building. Your fire safety plan was prepared specifically for your building to protect your people, property, and assets based on the hazards in your building.  

Burns Fire Code Solutions recommends that supervisory staff training, fire warden training, or floor warden training include the following:

• Basic fire theory,

• Occupancy-specific fire statistics and hazards,

• Fire prevention,

• Roles and responsibilities,

• Fire protection and life safety features of the building,

• Conducting fire drills,

• Fire emergency procedures, including procedures for persons requiring assistance.

Burns Fire Code Solutions can prepare fire warden training for your staff, even if someone else prepared your fire safety plan. 

How Often Should I Review My Fire Safety Plan? 

The Saskatchewan Fire Code requires that fire safety plans be reviewed at least annually or whenever there are changes to the building, fire protection or life safety systems, occupant characteristics, or supervisory staff. 

The annual review should include an update to the specific dates for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of the fire protection and life safety equipment. 

Burns Fire Code Solutions is available to provide an annual review of your fire safety plan, even if someone else prepared the fire plan.  

What is a Fire Drill? 

A fire drill is a simulated emergency in which building occupants practice evacuating a building in response to a fire alarm. The purpose of a fire drill is to help people become familiar with the emergency evacuation procedures so that they can safely evacuate a building in the event of a fire. In addition, they help identify potential weaknesses in the emergency evacuation procedures, as well as to reinforce the procedures for designated supervisory staff (fire wardens, floor wardens, etc). 

Saskatoon Fire Department has created a guideline for fire drills. 

How Often Do I have To Hold Fire Drills In Saskatchewan? 

Fire drills are primarily intended for fire wardens, floor wardens, and other supervisory staff. However, occupant participation is encouraged in many circumstances. 

Fire drills are required to be performed as outlined below. 

Burns Fire Code Solutions can oversee your fire drill and provide a fire drill evaluation in the form of a report for your records.

Do I Need to Document My Fire Drill? 

Yes, you need to document your fire drill. A record of the fire drill is required to be retained on-site for at least 2 years. The record of the fire drill should contain at least the following information:

• Building Address

• Date & time

• Participant names and signatures

• Type of fire drill and level of occupant participation

Burns Fire Code Solutions can oversee your fire drill and provide a fire drill evaluation in the form of a report for your records.

How Do I Know My Fire Safety Plan Meets The Fire Code? 

One of the objectives of a fire safety plan is to ensure that the fire protection and life safety systems are maintained so that they will operate as designed. As an owner, it is your responsibility to comply with the fire code. Therefore, your fire safety plan should identify all of the procedures you are required to complete as an owner. The fire safety plan should not contain any of the following phrases:  

• Maintain as per manufacturer’s instructions, 

• Maintain as per engineer’s design, or 

• Maintain as per Subsection XYZ of the fire code. 

Your fire safety plan should identify all the requirements without the need to go to other documents. The requirements should be specifically laid out for you. 

There may be times when some of the information is not readily available. This is typically encountered in an existing building where the initial design documents are not readily available. However, the design information should be established and included in the fire safety plan when available. 

Questions To Ask The Company Completing Your Fire Safety Plan 

• Who will be completing my fire safety plan?

• What training and experience does this person (not the company) have with your specific building type, occupancy, hazardous process, etc.? 

• What building code training does this person have pertinent to my building, processes, and hazards? 

• What fire code training does this person have pertinent to my building, processes, and hazards?

• What is the timeline for completion?

• What drawings are included in the plan, and what information do they identify?

• What extras have you charged for? Do you anticipate any extras in preparing this fire safety plan? 

• Commonly missed items that you should confirm if your fire safety plan will identify: 

  • location, type, and description of closures (fire doors, fire dampers, smoke dampers, fire shutters), 

  • fire alarm system sequence of operations, 

  • smoke control or smoke management system documentation, 

  • specific details on the storage of materials, such as individual storage areas, storage heights, locations of specific commodities, 

  • sprinkler design criteria for all areas of the building, 

  • provisions of Part 3, 4, 5 & 7 of the Saskatchewan Fire Code, 

  • CAN/ULC-S1001 Integrated Systems Testing documentation. It is up to the owner to complete for inclusion in the fire safety plan. 

Looking For More Information On Fire Safety Plans 

If you are looking for more information on fire safety plans check out my blog post, Building a Better Fire Safety Plan.