Fire Safety and Security

The vulnerability of any building in a fire situation is higher during the construction phase when compared to the susceptibility of the building after it has been completed and occupied. This technical note reinforces the importance of compliance with provincial regulations related to fire safety planning during construction, and the need for cooperation between all stakeholders in establishing the plan. An understanding of the hazards and their potential risks is the first step towards prevention and mitigation. While there are many types of hazards and risks that require consideration during construction of all buildings, this technical note will focus on fire-related aspects.

While an Ontario guideline, this outlines some best practices for fire safety during construction of five- and six- storey buildings of predominantly wood (combustible) construction which is important to reference in all jurisdictions. The document is intended as a best practice guideline for builders and developers, but may also cover program requirements for the architect and engineers to include in their respective designs and specifications in order to facilitate adherence to best practice guidelines during construction.

This bulletin is provided by the Surrey Fire Service to assist owners, contractors, and workers on the requirements of a Construction Fire Safety Plan (CFSP). The document is intended to provide a brief overview of existing information that has previously been developed. Each site and construction project will have site specific issues that will need to be addressed in the CFSP.

Buildings face the greatest risk from fires during the construction phase. In recent years, there have been several examples across Canada of major construction site fires, including those in Calgary, Alberta in March 2015, Kingston, Ontario in December 2013 and Richmond, British Columbia in 2011.

Many risks exist at construction sites, including: the proximity of combustible materials to ignition sources (e.g. electrical equipment and hot work such as welding); the lack of completion of any built-in fire-safety systems such as sprinklers; the absence of doors, finished walls and other separations that may slow fire spread; and, potential site security issues.

With an analysis and comparison of course of construction fire data, and the collection and comparison of course of construction fire safety best practices from Canada, United States and Europe, this report provides recommendations on content for a new Model National Course of Construction (Fire) Best Practices Guide.

The purpose of this study was to examine fire-related casualties, fire outcomes, and casualty behaviour for fires that occurred in residential properties, and to compare fires that occurred in buildings completely protected by sprinkler systems with those fires that occurred in buildings without any sprinkler protection.

This report provides an overview of the current state of construction site fire and life safety regulations using a detailed comparison of building codes, fire codes, occupational health and construction safety regulations from a section of jurisdictions throughout Canada.