Fire Safety Plan for Trinity United Church

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.