Fire Safety Code Policy
Applicable Legislation:
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
National Fire Code of Canada, 1995
Ontario Fire Code (O.Reg.388/97)
Ontario Building Code (O.Reg.419/86)
Intent:
To reference the Ontario Fire Code for fire protection standards at the University.
Policy:
- The Security Services’ Fire Division is responsible for setting fire safety standards for the University. The Ontario Fire Code shall serve as the basis of fire protection and fire prevention activities.
- Only artificial Christmas trees shall be permitted inside University buildings.
- Candles and unguarded halogen lamps shall not be permitted in student residence rooms.
- Portable electric heaters shall not be permitted in offices without express written permission from the University Fire Division.
- The Fire Division shall advise about the acceptability of potentially flammable banners and decorations to be displayed in University buildings.
Guidelines:
Life safety is the primary objective of the National Fire Code (NFC) of Canada (1995), though property protection requirements are included. The NFC contains safety measures for both the occupants of the building and the fire fighter. Regulation of fire safety is the responsibility of the provincial government. The Ontario Fire Code (O.Reg 388/97) adopts provisions of the NFC which are enforced under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. Fire Prevention Officers have authority to issue orders causing the removal of flammable, combustible, explosive materials or the removal of anything that may constitute a fire hazard which renders premises unsafe or dangerous.
The Ontario Fire Code (O.Reg. 388)
The Ontario Fire Code is divided into nine parts as summarized below. Personnel should refer to the applicable part, section, and clause for the particular requirements of the code.
| Part | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | Application and Definitions |
| 2 | Building and Occupant Fire Safety |
| 3 | Property Protection for Industrial and Commercial Occupancies |
| 4 | Flammable and Combustible Liquids |
| 5 | Hazardous Materials, Process and Operations |
| 6 | Fire Protection Equipment |
| 7 | Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Emergency Systems in High Rise Buildings |
| 8 | Demolition |
| 9 | Retrofit Appendix A: 1986 Building Code References Appendix B: 1990 Building Code References |
The Chief Fire Official in the local community is the final authority regarding interpretation of the Ontario Fire Code.
Web Sites of Interest:
Ontario Fire Marshal web site: www.gov.on.ca/OFM/index.html
Ontario Building Code: obc.mah.gov.on.ca
Effective: September 2000