Fire Safety Plans

All building owners are required to prepare an effective and properly documented fire safety plan in accordance with Section 2.8 of the Manitoba Fire Code.   The fire safety plan provides important information to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service for use in preparation for fire fighting procedures. A building owner has a responsibility to implement the provisions of a fire safety plan and should be able to provide specific information on the building and its contents to responding fire personnel during an emergency.

Fire safety plans are subject to review or approval by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services. Building owners must closely follow the format and ensure that all required provisions of the Manitoba Fire Code have been met.

The fire safety plans for each building must be kept at the main entrance in a locked white metal cabinet (Fire Plan Box) next to the fire alarm panel.  Fire plans must always be available for reference by the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, supervisory staff and/or other personnel.   

The fire safety plan must include the following information:  

• Building description and use;

• The emergency procedures to be used in case of fire; 
• The appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties;
• The training of supervisory staff and other occupants in their responsibilities for fire safety;
• Building floor plans.  Plans should include:  evacuation routes, muster sites, life safety equipment, utility controls, special hazards, fire protection systems and life safety equipment, etc.; 
• Documents, including diagrams, showing the type, location and operation of the building fire emergency systems including: fire department access, emergency power and lighting, exits, fire alarm system, extinguishers, HVAC systems, smoke and CO alarms, fire pumps, water supplies, special extinguishing systems, standpipe and hose systems, automatic sprinkler systems, etc.; 
• The holding of fire drills and log sheets; 
• The control of fire hazards in the building; 
• The inspection, testing and maintenance of building facilities, including log sheets.

An important part of the fire safety plan includes diagrams indicating evacuation routes from each floor level.  The diagrams must also include alternate escape routes, exits and muster sites located outside the building.  These evacuation floor plans must be posted next to the exit in every room  and in each building. 

The school division has created a template diagram and will be detailing specific escape routes for each classroom and for each school.  Upon completion, these maps will be posted in every room using special protective plexiglass holders.

For more information on your school's fire safety plan please contact the divisional Safety Officer.