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Fire Safety Plan for Trinity United Church

This official document is kept in the Church Office area and is readily available in the building at all time for use by Fire Department Officials in the event of emergency.

General Information

Introduction 1

Policy Statement 1

Distribution of the Fire Plan 1

Building Data 2

Access

Keys

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Fire Alarm System and Panel

Emergency lighting and Power

Exit Locations

Elevator/Lift

Safe Area Refuge

In Case of Fire

Emergency Call-Out List 3

Emergency Procedures 4

If you Discover a Fire

If you Hear Fire Alarm

Emergency Exit Procedures 5

Upon Hearing the Alarm

If Circumstances Prevent You from Leaving

Staff Duties and Responsibilities 6

Fire Safety Officer

Back-up Person

Rest of Trinity United Church Staff

Fire Extinguishing, Control or Confinement 7

Big Fires

Small Fires

Fire Safety

Employer Duties and Responsibilities 8

Trinity United Church

Property Chair

Training of Staff 9

Fire Drills 10

Fire Safety Precautions 11

Alternate Safety Procedures during Shut Down of Fire Protection Systems 12

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule for Fire Protection 13

Maintenance Definitions

Fire Department Access

Maintenance Schedule for Fire Protection Egress 14

Means of Egress

Exit Signs

Emergency Lighting - Battery Pack

Maintenance Schedule for Fire Protection Systems and Equipment 15

Fire Alarm System

Portable Fire Extinguisher

Location of: Fire Alarm Stations

Exits

Fire Extinguishers

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

INTRODUCTION

Your responsibility for emergency situations is to know and understand your Fire Safety Plan developed for this building.

Your area FIRE SAFETY OFFICER (or designate) and/or member of an Outside Emergency Services agency are in charge of your personal safety. Your co-operation may save your life.

During an evacuation or emergency, stay calm and follow the Plan. As circumstances dictate, the Plan may have to be abandoned and the directions of the Fire Safety Officer (or designate) or that of a Member of an Outside Emergency Services Agency should be followed. They have been trained to protect you, but they need your co-operation to do so.

Fire Drills should be held on an annual basis and the Employer should always ensure that employees are notified that their participation will ensure their safety when a real emergency occurs. The purpose of a Fire Drill is to ensure that the occupants and staff are familiar with emergency evacuation procedures, resulting in orderly evacuation with efficient use of exit facilities.

 

POLICY STATEMENT

It is the commitment of Trinity United Church to provide a safe environment for all building occupants at 74 Frederick Street, Kitchener. Trinity United Church will therefore work towards the elimination or control of fire hazards wherever possible and ensure that procedures are in place for the safe evacuation of all church occupants in the event of fire, in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. This plan will be reviewed annually by Trinity United Church, Property Committee.

DISTRIBUTION OF FIRE PLAN

The Fire Safety Plan will be approved and signed by an officer from the Kitchener Fire Prevention Bureau and distributed as follows:

A copy of the Fire Safety Plan (including the floor plans) will be kept by the Kitchener Fire Prevention Bureau.

Copies will be kept at Trinity United Church Office and at the Fire alarm panel at the Office Entrance.

One copy will be kept at the Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre and Market Square Parking Office.

Emergency Procedures (page 5 of the Fire Safety Plan) will be posted in the main entrances (Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Chapel,) and all other entrances, corridor areas and meeting rooms.

BUILDING DATA

FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS: From Frederick Street, Duke Street, YWCA/Church Lane

        KEYS:   The master key for the Fire Department is located at the Church Office.

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

There are sixteen (16) portable fire extinguishers in various locations throughout the church. (see Appendix A)

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM:

The building is equipped with Smoke Detectors and Heat Detectors in corridors, with a one-stage alarm system. A one-stage system sounds a general alarm throughout the facility that may require total evacuation of the building. A manual pull station, heat detector or smoke detector activates operation of the fire alarm system. The Fire Alarm Panel is located inside the office foyer doors to the right (See Appendix C, Exit 1).

EMERGENCY LIGHTING AND POWER:

These battery packs ensure that lighting is provided throughout the building for exits, corridors and principal routes in the event of loss of power.

EXIT LOCATIONS: (See Appendix C and D)

There are twelve (12) emergency exits from the building:

Frederick Street - Public entrance/exits - Main Floor (3) - Access, Chapel,

Office Foyer Entrance

Duke Street -Emergency exits - Main Floor (3) - Reception Room, Kitchen, Sanctuary Side

- Basement (2) - Boiler Room, Storage 8

- Second Floor (1) Sacristy Room off Fellowship Hall Mezzanine

YWCA/Church Lane -Emergency exits - Side (3) - Stage, Stairs, Sanctuary side

 

ELEVATORS/LIFTS:

 

There is one public access lift in the building at the Frederick Street entry.

 

SAFE AREA REFUGE:

 

Building occupants may use the Kitchener Downtown Health Centre or Market Square Parking Garage (main floor) as a safe area refuge.

 

IN CASE OF FIRE

EMERGENCY CALL-OUT LIST

 

Bruce Gorvett (Fire Safety Officer)

Sexton, Trinity United Church

Church: (519) 742-3578

Home: (519) 569-7840

Jane Ballantyne

Church Secretary, Trinity United Church

Church: (519) 742-3578

Mr. Ken Usher

Property Committee member

Home: (519) 744-1410

The Rev. Jack Paleczny

Minister Trinity United Church

Church: (519) 742-3578

Home: (519) 650-8171

The Rev. Roy Holton

Minister

Home: (519) 725-3456

The following are to be notified only:

Jim Wilgar

Chair Property Committee, Trinity United Church

Home: (519) 576-5036

Marguerite Johnston

Chair, Trinity United Church Council

Work: (519) 653-4000 ext 3248

Home: (519) 571-9805

EMERGENCY FIRE PROCEDURES FOR TRINITY UNITED CHURCH BUILDING OCCUPANTS

 

IF YOU DISCOVER A FIRE

1. Leave the area, closing all doors behind you. Do not lock.

2. Activate the building fire alarm system, using the closest fire alarm pull station.

3. Evacuate using the nearest exit.

4. Telephone the Fire Department at 911.

 

IF YOU HEAR THE BUILDING FIRE ALARM

1. Leave the building, using the closest exit.

2. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR

EMERGENCY EXIT PROCEDURES

UPON HEARING THE ALARM:

Before opening door, feel door bottom to top and knob with back of hand for heat.

If not hot, brace yourself against door and open slightly. If you feel air pressure or hot draft, close door quickly.

If you find no fire or smoke in corridor, take your key, close door behind you and leave by nearest exit.

If you encounter smoke in corridor or stairwell, consider taking corridor to the side of building where another exit may be clear, or return to your room.

For Sunday worship services, specific fire drill instructions are detailed in the back of each hymn book

IF CIRCUMSTANCES PREVENT YOU FROM LEAVING THE AREA:

Close, but do not lock the door for possible entry of firefighters.

Telephone the Fire Department by dialing 911 giving name, building address, room name or number and situation.

Wave a sheet of paper in the window to signal firefighters.

Seal all cracks where smoke can get in. Seal central air conditioning outlets if necessary. (Roll of wide strong masking tape is useful.

Crouch low on the floor if smoke enters the room and move to the most protected area.

Wait to be rescued. Remain calm. Do not panic.

Listen for instructions or information, which may be given by authorized personnel over loud speakers.

STAFF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FIRE SAFETY OFFICER: Sexton or designate

Note: The following instructions for staff to assist in the evacuation of building occupants apply only where such assistance can be provided safely. In the event of fire, staff persons will have to use their own judgement in deciding how safe it is to assist.

In the event of being advised of fire or on hearing the fire alarm:

Ensure that alarm has been sounded

Contact the Fire Department by telephoning 911

Give the name and address of the building (Trinity United Church, 74 Frederick Street).

Give your name and telephone number (742-3578).

Meet the Fire Department Officers. Explain the situation and provide them with the Fire Safety Plan kept in the main reception area.

 

BACK-UP PERSON: Church Secretary or Ministers

Ensure that all occupants have been evacuated from all rooms, washrooms and meeting rooms

Report to Fire Safety Officer when all rooms are clear

Notify the Fire Safety Officer if there is any person(s) in the basement.

 

REST OF TRINITY UNITED CHURCH STAFF:

Evacuate all people with whom you are working at that moment and close all doors behind you. DO NOT LOCK DOORS.

Mark all doors after clearing the rooms.

 

FIRE EXTINGUISHING, CONTROL OR CONFINEMENT

 

BIG FIRES:

Do not attempt to extinguish big fires.

Sound alarm - call the Fire department - 911

Follow EMERGENCY PROCEDURES as in Page 4 and 5

 

SMALL FIRES:

Sound alarm - call the fire department - 911

Consider extinguishing the fire only if you are trained and properly equipped, and if, in your judgment, you can do so safely.

Before fighting a fire make sure you have an escape route.

If fire cannot be extinguished using a portable Fire Extinguisher, or if the smoke presents a hazard, leave the area immediately.

Close the door to the area to confine and contain the fire.

Follow EMERGENCY PROCEDURES as in Page 4 and 5

 

FIRE SAFETY EMPLOYER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TRINITY UNITED CHURCH:

Ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code by communicating with the Fire Safety Department.

Prepare and annually review a written Fire Safety Plan, which will include floor plans of the building.

Maintain a copy of the Fire Safety Plan at fire alarm box in the office entrance.

Post fire safety procedures in conspicuous locations.

Ensure that a schematic diagram, showing type, location and operation of all building fire emergency systems (e.g. location of Fire Alarm Panel) is maintained.

Appoint and train staff to carry out fire safety duties.

Hold a fire drill on at least an annual basis.

Prevent, under all reasonable circumstances, fire hazards in the building.

Prepare and ensure implementation of maintenance schedule relating to fire safety.

Provide alternate measures for safety of occupants during shut down of the fire protection equipment.

Ensure that fire equipment checks, inspections, and tests as required by the Ontario Fire Code are completed on schedule and records retained.

Provide education and training to all staff in the use of existing fire safety equipment and in the actions to be taken under the Fire Safety Plan.

Provide a copy of the Fire Safety Plan to the Kitchener Fire Department and notify the Department of any changes to the Plan.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE CHAIR:

Ongoing responsibility:

Assist with development, implementation and annual review of the Fire Safety Plan

Notify to the Church Council annually

TRAINING OF STAFF

Fire training is to be initiated by the Trinity United Church Property Committee in conjunction with the Fire Safety Officer and the Kitchener Fire Department officials.

All employees and regular building occupants will be instructed in fire safety precautions and emergency procedures.

Supervisors of all church programs and other designated staff will be instructed in their specific functions relating to fire safety.

Relevant sections of the Fire Safety Plan will be reviewed every six months with all the staff at their staff meetings.

All new staff will be given an orientation regarding the Fire Safety Plan.

Designated church staff will be trained in the use of fire extinguishers (including: the Health and Safety Representative/Sexton, and the Church Secretary.)

All staff will participate in a fire drill once a year as part of their staff training program.

FIRE DRILLS

The purpose of a Fire Drill is as an educational tool to familiarize Trinity United Church Staff, parishioners and occupants with evacuation procedures as per instructions in the back of the Pew Hymnals, the sound of the alarm and the efficient use of Fire Exits. 

Drills are to be held Annually

        ‑ for the Trinity congregation during Sunday worship at a time determined by the Worship Committee. 

        ‑for Trinity Staff and occupants as scheduled by the leadership of the program(s) and Trinity Staff. 

The Fire Safety Officer will notify all parties of the timeline for the drill with at least 2 weeks notice. These parties include:

Trinity Staff

 Worship Committee

Property Committee

Ushering Captains

Christian Development

Sts. Peter & Paul R.O.C. officials

The Fire Safety Officer will meet with Leaders of Programs (ie. G.H.2G. and Busy Babies) and relevant Trinity Staff to coordinate the Fire Drill for said Programs and Trinity Staff. 

The Ministers responsible for the Worship Service falling on the proposed date of the Fire Drill will choose a time in the service most appropriate and IT IS THEN THE MINISTRY TEAM'S RESPONSIBILITY TO NEGOTIATE THAT TIMING WITH THE MINISTER(S) OF STS. PETER & PAUL R.O.C. 

Elements of the Fire Drill should include:

‑An announcement just prior to the Fire Drill

‑Sounding of the Alarm

‑Educational instructions of evacuation procedures "in the event of a real emergency" as posted in the hymnals.

‑Educational instructions to anyone intending to enter the church during the week to familiarize themselves of the 

 - Fire Exits as indicated on the Yellow Posters placed in all classrooms and meeting rooms, halls throughout the church building. 

It is the duty of the Fire Safety Officer to::

 ‑To implement the Fire Drill and oversee the process.

‑To notify the Monitoring Company and the Fire Dept. Dispatch at least 30mins. prior to the drill to prevent any unnecessary response.

‑To sound the Fire Alarm at the designated time.

‑To reset the alarm and rearm the panel immediately following the sounding of the alarm.

FIRE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ALL OCCUPANTS OF TRINITY UNITED CHURCH

To avoid fire hazards in the building, occupants are advised to:

Keep stairwells, hallways, passageways and exits clear of obstructions and combustible refuse at all times.

Keep doors to stairways closed at all times.

Ensure that electrically powered equipment, especially coffee makers and hot plates are shut off when not in use and especially at the end of each business day.

Refrain from using unsafe electrical appliances, frayed extension cords, overloaded outlets and lamp wire for permanent wiring.

Do not use an appliance if you are unsure of its safety or you do not know how to use it.

Keep heaters clear. Clothes, papers and other articles should be kept away from heaters.

ALTERNATE SAFETY PROCEDURES

DURING SHUT DOWN OF FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

AND/OR SYSTEMS

WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M.

Trinity United Church will notify the Fire Department and the Trinity United Church occupants of any shut down of fire protection equipment and/or systems. This will be done by the Sexton or a designate; e.g., Secretary.

The Alternate Safety Procedures during shut down of fire protection equipment and/or systems will be posted in place of existing notifications.

If the shut down occurs during week days in the day time, staff will patrol the hallways once every hour or as often as feasible (but at intervals not to exceed three hours) during such shut down.

The Sexton/Secretary will patrol the main floor and the basement. These staff persons will ensure that there are no conditions occurring that might constitute a fire hazard.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR FIRE PROTECTION

MAINTENANCE DEFINITIONS:

The Fire Code specifies requirements for checking, inspecting and testing fire protection equipment and systems.

Fire Code definitions of key words:

Check means visual observation to ensure that a device or system is in place and is not obviously damaged or obstructed.

Inspect means physical examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function.

Test means operation of device or system to ensure that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.

The Fire Code requires that records of all tests and corrective measures be retained for a period of two (2) years after they are made.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS:

Fire Code No.

Maintenance Measures

 

Frequency

Conducted by

2.5.1.3

Fire access routes shall be maintained as to be immediately for use at all times by Fire Department vehicles - kept clear at all times

As required

Sexton

Fire Department Inspection

Annually

Fire Marshall

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR FIRE PROTECTION

EGRESS

MEANS OF EGRESS:

Fire Code No.

Maintenance Measures

 

Frequency

Conducted by

2.2.3.4

Inspect doors in fire separations

Monthly

Sexton

2.2.3.5

Check doors in fire separations to ensure that they remain closed

As required

Sexton

2.7.3.1

Maintain exit signs to ensure they are clear and legible

As required

Sexton

2.7.3.2

Maintain exit lights to ensure they are illuminated and in good repair

As required

Sexton

2.7.1.7

Maintain access to exits (e.g., corridors) and exits free of obstructions

As required

Sexton

Note:

Report Activity to Property Committee

At regular meetings

Sexton

EXIT SIGNS:

Required exit signs shall be clearly visible and maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times, in accordance with Section 2.7.3.1 of the Ontario Fire Code.

Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated at all times while the building is occupied, in accordance with Section 2.7.3.2 of the Ontario Fire Code.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING - BATTERY PACK

Fire Code No.

Maintenance Measures

 

Frequency

Conducted by

2.7.3.3

Pilot lights checked for operation

(To check if there is power to the unit)

Monthly

Sexton

Note: The Emergency Lighting System is tested annually by a certified contractor.

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

FIRE ALARM SYSTEM:

Fire Code No.

Maintenance Measures

Note: All noted inspections to be recorded in log book.

Frequency

Conducted by

6.3.2.2

Check fire alarm AC power lamp and trouble light

Daily

Sexton

6.3.2.2

Check central alarm and control facility

Daily

Sexton

6.3.2.2

Monitor Fire Panel located in main entrance door

Daily

Sexton

The following daily checks shall be conducted and if a fault is established appropriate corrective action shall be taken.

1. Visually check the principal trouble lights for trouble indication.

Green light: indicates that the system is working

Yellow light: indicates that the system is not working

Red light: indicates that there is a fire

2. Check the AC power-on is lit to ensure its normal operation

Note: The total system is tested monthly

The system is tested annually by a certified contractor.

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

Fire Code No.

Maintenance Measures

 

Frequency

Conducted by

6.2.7.2

Inspect all portable extinguishers

Monthly

Sexton

6.2.7.1

Maintain and test all portable extinguishers in conformance with NFPA 10 (National Fire Protection Association

Annually

Hired Company

APPENDIX A

LOCATION OF ALARM STATIONS, EXITS, EXTINGUISHERS

FIRE ALARM STATIONS:

There is a RED fire alarm signal box by every door that exits directly to the outside with the exception of the Access where the boxes are at the bottom of the stairs from the sanctuary.

EXITS:

Access doors to Frederick Street (at the bottom of each stair way) Exit #3

Chapel door to Frederick Street Exit #10

Office Foyer door to Frederick Street Exit #1

Reception Room to Duke Street Fire Escape Exit #7

Kitchen door to to Duke Street Fire Escape Exit #7

Sacristy storage room to Duke Street Fire Escape Exit #8

Fellowship Hall Back Stage to Lane Exit #6

Lower Hall back to Lane Exit #5

Lower Hall front to Lane Exit #4

Lower Hall front to Duke Street side Exit #2

Storage Room #9 to Parking lot Exit #9

Boiler Room door to Parking Lot Exit #9

PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER DRY TYPE ABC:

Sanctuary under Communion Table

Sanctuary Left side of Pulpit

Sanctuary choir loft right side of organ bench on wall

Narthex under stained glass window

Gallery coat rack top of stairs Duke Street side

Chapel door Exit #10

Office Foyer door Exit #1

Counting Room wall by stairs

Choir Room flower sink wall

Kitchen of Joy entrance

Wall by door to Lift/Storage Room #20

Wall by Classroom #3

Wall by door to lane Exit #4

Large Kitchen door to Duke Street Fire Escape Exit #7

Fellowship Hall back stage Exit #6

Basement Storage Room #8 to Parking Lot Exit 9

STATIONARY FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEM

There is also the fire control system for the gas stove hood in the Large Kitchen.

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