This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, and it should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the law based on the facts they find in the workplace.

Background

Structural firefighting is very dangerous work. Firefighters respond to buildings of all shapes, sizes and uses. It is beneficial to firefighter health and safety to have familiarity with the buildings in which they may operate.

Concerns/hazards

Building use may change, which may alter their configuration and fire protection systems. Building configurations may differ from how they appear on the exterior.

Firefighters operate in limited visibility. The risk increases in unfamiliar buildings — especially large commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Building familiarity is especially important as it relates to building construction and susceptibility to early structural collapse.

Actions for employers

Employers should:

  • develop a pre-incident planning program that compiles building information
  • keep building information updated with information gained during fire prevention activities or from other allied agencies
  • provide known building information to responding firefighters
  • familiarize firefighters with building configurations and functions
  • coordinate building familiarization tours for firefighters
  • train firefighters on how to conduct pre-incident planning and how to use the information to protect their health and safety

Considerations

The information that should be gathered as part of a pre-incident planning program should include, but not be limited to:

  • address, building name and access information
  • building size, type, use, special features, occupancy, construction and zoning
  • primary and secondary entrances
  • location of key box
  • location of fire safety plan
  • location of utility controls
  • location of fire alarm system panel(s)
  • location and operation of fire protection systems (sprinklers, standpipes etc.)
  • location, type and function of elevators
  • storage of hazardous materials or pesticides
  • building contact/key holder information
  • water supply and hydrant locations
  • calculation of critical flow rates
  • any other applicable hazard or health or safety information
  • any information obtained from allied municipal agencies, such as the local building department

Applicable regulations and acts

Read:

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act
    • clause 25(2)(a) for providing information and instruction to a worker
    • clause 25(2)(d) for making workers aware of hazards
    • clause 25(2)(h) for taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers

Applicable standards

For information on developing pre-incident plans to help responders effectively manage emergencies, read NFPA 1620 — Standard for Pre-Incident Planning

For information on the knowledge and skills required by fire officers to conduct pre-incident planning, read NFPA 1021 – Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications

For information on the knowledge and skills required by firefighters to conduct pre-incident planning, read NFPA 1001 – Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications

Related

Read firefighter guidance note 6-44: Hoarding