Fire Prevention
Employees are responsible for conducting visual checks for worksite fire hazards, particularly where the worksite contains flammables, combustibles or machinery which creates sparks. On entering/leaving the worksite, check and report to the Facilities Department:
• Fire doors blocked open
• Defective or exposed electrical wiring
• Missing or malfunctioning fire extinguishers
• Life safety devices that appear to be damaged or non-functional
• Oily rags and garbage not properly disposed of
The Facilities Department will ensure preparedness for safe exit in the case of fire by doing the following:
• Ensuring monthly inspections of life safety devices and alarms are performed at all locations
• Ensuring annual verification of life safety devices, suppression systems, sprinkler systems and alarm systems is performed
• Post fire exit route maps at all doorways
Campus Administrators or Administrative Assistants will:
• Identify muster areas and alternative muster areas for their campus and submit work orders for maintenance such as signage and snow removal.
• Conduct regular fire drills (at least once a year)
• Designate and train a fire warden for each shift on each worksite or work area.
Fire Wardens will:
• Attend any training or update sessions as required.
• Participate in at least one regular fire drill (at least once a year)
• Ensure all equipment or supplies issued to the fire warden is in good repair and report to the Campus Administrator any deficiencies needing remedy .
Instructors shall:
• Begin the first class or session of the term with a preamble including fire escape and muster procedures.
• Reiterate the fire escape plan every 60 days.
• Ensure students are all aware of the posted evacuation plan and confirm understanding of the plan and map.
• Ensure the classroom has a quick reference guide.
Fire Procedures
In the event of fire,
Fire Wardens shall:
• Set off the nearest fire alarm. This will alert the Fire Department.
· Advise all personnel within your area to evacuate by the nearest safe exit and meet at the nearest muster area during any emergency or fire.
- Maintain an orderly evacuation.
- Conduct a sweep of their work area to ensure evacuation is complete.
- Check washrooms, rest areas, or any place where alarms may not be audible.
- Ensure building entrances are not congested.
- Cooperate with incident command, security and fire officials.
- Participate in debriefings resulting from the evacuation.
· When outside make all reasonable attempts to keep staff and students from try to leave with their vehicles as this tends to impede emergency personnel from entering College grounds..
Staff and instructors shall:
• Set off the nearest fire alarm. This will alert the Fire Department.
• If the fire is light, and NOT between the worker and the nearest exit, the worker should attempt fight it with a fire extinguisher. It is important to note that heroism often has undesirable results. If the fire extinguisher is not working the worker should drop it and exit the area immediately.
• Follow the evacuation procedures for the specific area the worker is occupying.
• Direct their students to leave the building in an orderly manner at a brisk but safe pace, taking keys and valuables with them. There will be no use of elevators during fire evacuation. Take the quick reference guide with them.
• Ensure that all students are notified and evacuated prior to the instructor evacuating the building. Ensure that special needs students have assistance to exit the building. Close windows and doors to prevent airflow.
• Assemble their class for roll call once outside the building. Notify emergency personnel if a student is missing. Keep students away from the building and keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles. The fire warden is responsible to ensure that everyone has left the building.
• Re-enter the building only when it is declared safe to do so by the fire department.
Maintenance of emergency equipment other than first aid equipment
The Facilities Department will be responsible for the maintenance of emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, hoses and pumps. A maintenance log shall be kept on site for these items and a regular schedule adhered to. If the campus does not employ personnel qualified to maintain the equipment, an outside contractor will be commissioned to perform the required maintenance.
Emergency Evacuation and Emergencies other than Fire
Each campus is responsible to prepare and post emergency procedures specific to the work site. Administrators will consult with the JOHSCs, the Manager, Safety and Facilities Services to develop Emergency Evacuation Procedures for reasons other than fire (some examples are gas leaks and incidents where the normal muster areas are not considered safe).
Notification of Utilities
If a gas or electrical utility disruption occurs as a result of construction, maintenance or normal operation on Northern Lights College property, leased or rented property or in an area being used by Northern Lights College for college business the supervisor or designate will follow this process:
• Ensure the safety of all in the area, if evacuation is required then the site specific evacuation procedures will be implemented.
• Summon any emergency personnel (Police, Fire and Ambulance) necessary.
• Inform the utility owner (e.g. PNG, BC Hydro, etc...) as soon as possible.
• Notify the Campus Administrator
• Notify Regional Administration via the Regional Switchboard
• Submit written report to Manager, Safety and Facilities Services within 48 hours.
Training
All workers required to participate in emergency response action must have the training sufficient to the task or duty. If the employee requires additional training or certification it will be supplied and cost covered by Northern Lights College.
Only training by recognized certification bodies will be acceptable to the College, for example Occupational First Aid has different certifying agencies all must meet WorkSafeBC requirements for agency status.
If workers are trained on the job, documentation describing the process, observation of progress and skill evaluation must be completed. All documentation or copies of documentation must be forwarded to the HR Dept.