JOURNAL The First Defense: Fire Protection Devices - La première ligne de défense : dispositifs de protection incendie - Canadian Fire Alarm ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
May 2017 | mai 2017
JOURNAL
Canadian Fire Alarm Association • Association Canadienne d'Alarme Incendie
The First Defense:
Fire Protection Devices
La première ligne de défense :
dispositifs de protection incendie
Building Safe and
Secure Communities
Experience Fire Alarm
Vipond has the products and expertise to provide innovative
Our Fire Alarm panels are backward
and code compliant solutions. Vipond is capable of P3 design compatible and can accomplish a conventional
build and is able to act as prime. Our applications include: or addressable system. Our panels have the
multiple location networks, fiber optic networks, air aspiration capability to unify networking of multiple panels
systems, nuclear environments, power generation stations, or a command and control application from one
armed forces, high security clearance environments, voice master panel.
communication, and upgrades or retrofits.
Our Services Security
Vipond is your complete solution for service, maintenance Let Vipond propose a complete security
solution. We have expertise in a full range
and monitoring for fire, security and life-safety systems. Our of security systems for Video Surveillance,
trained specialists deliver expert service to help keep your Access Control, Perimeter Intrusion and
systems in excellent working order, maximize your equipment Detection, Paging & Intercom as well as
investment and ensure 24/7 response to an emergency. integrating these systems on a single interface.
Testing & Inspection: Ensures your code compliancy and Sprinkler
that systems are ready when needed.
Preventive Maintenance: Keeps all components ready to Whether the project calls for a Wet Fire
protect life and property. Sprinkler System, a Dry Fire Sprinkler
Service and Repair: Gets you back on line 24/7/365. System, a fail-safe Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler
System, or a Clean Agent Fire Suppression
System Monitoring: Electronic surveillance across your fire, System,Vipond offers our clients the best
life safety and security infrastructure. solution, every time.
Get in touch: (905) 564-7060
info@vipond.ca
6380 Vipond Dr.
Mississauga, ON L5T 1A1 www.vipond.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volume 16. Number 2 2 From the Editor’s Desk
The Journal is published four times per year 3 Message de la rédactrice en chef
in the interest of safety from fire, through
the use of properly designed, installed 4 President's Message
and maintained Fire Detection and Alarm
Systems.
5 Message du président
Association President:
8 Learn Before You Work at Heights
Simon Crosby 10 Travail en hauteur
Copyright Editor: 12 Explanation of Fire Detection Zones and Zone
Mike Cox
Indication of Fire Alarms
Publishing, Printing & Advertising:
Business & Office Centro, Inc. 14 Explication des zones de détection incendie et des
(905) 470-1122 indicateurs de zones d’alarme incendie
Unless otherwise indicated, the opinions 16 Portable Fire Extinguishers – Continual Accountability
expressed herein are those of the authors Minimizes Risk & Increases Safety
and do not necessarily reflect the opinions
of the Canadian Fire Alarm Association. The 20 Membership Information / Information sur l'adhésion
Association hereby disclaims any liability
resulting from information or advice given in
22 Extincteurs d’incendie portatifs –
articles or advertisements. La responsabilité continue minimise les risques et
rehausse la sécurité
Reproduction (for non-commercial purposes)
of original articles appearing in this publication 26 Chapter News
is encouraged, as long as the source of credit
is shown. Permission to reproduce articles 32 Fire Alarm Zoning: Low Frequency (520 Hz) Signals
from other sources must be obtained from
36 Zonage d'alarme incendie : Signaux à basse
the original sources. All rights reserved.
fréquence (520 Hz)
Comments, suggestions, letters and articles
related to the Journal are always welcome. 42 CFAA 2017 National Board of Directors / Conseil
Please send them to: d'administration national 2017
Ann Law, Editor-in-Chief 44 Education News & Updates / Upcoming Events
Business & Office Centro Inc.
1-7750 Birchmount Rd.
45 Advertisers Index & Rates
Markham, Ontario, L3R 0B4
Tel: 905-470-1122
Email: annlaw.cfaa@bocentro.com
Advertising inquiries should be directed to:
CFAA VISION STATEMENT
Ann Law, Business & Office Centro Inc.
Tel: 905-470-1122
The CFAA will be recognized nationally as the definitive
Email: annlaw.cfaa@bocentro.com resource for fire alarm related information, education,
qualifications, expertise, and industry support with active
Chapters throughout Canada
85 Citizen Court, Units 3 & 4, Markham, ON L6G 1A8
www.cfaa.ca www.acai.ca
From the Editor’s Desk
I
t is tragic that with almost every new issue of the CFAA Journal, there is a fire tragedy of one kind or another
highlighted in the intervening news. The most recent international incident involved the astonishing Grenfell Tower
apartment fire in London, England that needlessly claimed many lives. In this context, the title of this issue: “The
First Defense: Fire Detection Devices’, serves as an appropriate reminder of the work done by Fire Alarm Technicians
and their role in a well executed and comprehensive fire safety plan. Fire detection devices are the most critical element
in preventing the escalation of any fire. Although a full inquiry into the London fire has been ordered, preliminary
assessments certainly point to deficiencies in building code rules, inspections and the absence of sophisticated fire
protection systems in buildings that are home to so many people.
The articles in this issue certainly highlight the nature of the changing environment in which we do business. Discussion
of building code requirements for fire zone coverage, the importance of fire extinguisher monitoring and the efficacy of
520 Hz low frequency signals not only illustrate the complexity we are facing daily, but also the evolving technology and
research that allows the profession to evolve. All of this serves to reinforce the importance of ongoing education in our
profession. On that note, we also have an article reminding us of the need for technicians to have “Working at Heights”
training if they ever work at a height above 3 metres or 10 feet.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the Journal and the upcoming summer season.
Ann Law
CFAA Editor in Chief
2 C A NA D IA N F I R E A L A R M A S S O C IAT I O N
Message de la rédactrice en chef
À
la publication de pratiquement chaque numéro de la revue de l’ACAI, il est tragique de constater que
les nouvelles rapportent un quelconque événement lié à une tragédie incendie. Le plus récent incident
international implique l’épouvantable incendie de la tour à logements Grenfell Tower à Londres, en
Angleterre, qui a inutilement causé de nombreux décès. Dans ce contexte, le titre de la revue : « La première ligne
de défense : dispositifs de protection incendie », sert de rappel approprié du travail accompli par les techniciens
en alarme incendie et de leur rôle dans le cadre d’un plan de sécurité incendie détaillé et bien exécuté. Les
dispositifs de détection incendie sont les éléments les plus importants pour prévenir l’escalade d’un incendie.
Même si une enquête approfondie de l’incendie à Londres a été commandée, l’examen préliminaire semble viser
des infractions aux règlements du Code du bâtiment, aux inspections et l’absence de systèmes de protection
complexes dans les édifices qui hébergent tant de personnes.
Les articles du présent numéro soulignent de toute évidence la nature de l’environnement changeant dans lequel
nous faisons affaire. Les discussions entourant les exigences du Code du bâtiment relativement à la couverture
des zones d’incendie, l’importance de la surveillance des extincteurs d’incendie et l’efficacité des signaux à basse
fréquence de 520 Hz illustrent non seulement la complexité que nous devons affronter chaque jour, mais aussi
le caractère évolutif de la technologie et de la recherche qui permet à la profession d’évoluer. Tous ces aspects
servent à renforcer l’importance de la formation continue au sein de cette profession. À ce sujet, nous proposons
un article soulignant la nécessité pour les techniciens de suivre la formation sur le travail en hauteur lorsqu’ils
travaillent à des hauteurs de 3 mètres (10 pieds) ou plus.
Nous espérons que vous aimerez ce numéro de la revue et profiterez de la saison estivale.
Ann Law
Rédactrice en chef de l'ACAI
Thank you to the contributing authors for finding time in your busy schedules to donate your effort, writing skills, and most importantly, for sharing your knowledge.
Merci aux différents auteurs d’avoir pris du temps de vos horaires chargés pour offrir vos efforts, vos talents de rédaction et, plus important, d’avoir partagé vos connaissances.
L ' A s s o c i a t i o n Ca n a d i e n n e D ' A la r m e I n c e n d i e 3
SIMON CROSBY
CFAA National President
President's Message
W
elcome to the CFAA Journal. Over the last few article, Wayne discusses the advancements of Fire Extin-
months, we’ve been busy at work at the CFAA guisher monitoring technology. This technology, which
National Office on a few important initiatives. was recently reviewed by Underwriters’ Laboratories of
Canada, provides continual monitoring of the presence
Firstly, we’ve been working on the delivery of CFAA Cat- and condition of fire extinguishers by the fire alarm.
egory 1 Continuing Education. We’ve developed a multi-
faceted approach to make a wide range of delivery options Lastly, we have updates from our local Chapters on their
available for our Registered Technicians. This includes activities and events. This is a great way of getting to know
all-day Seminars (where attendees can obtain all eight what’s going on in your local area and who you can contact
credits), working with approved training partners to offer to get involved with the Association at your local Chap-
the courses through Third Parties, and Remote Training ter. Thanks again to our Chapter Presidents for putting
for Technicians who cannot readily access our training together these updates.
events in person.
Thank-you for taking the time to read the CFAA Journal.
If you would like more information on the Continuing As we start into summer, I hope everyone has a safe and
Education options available, please contact the CFAA of- enjoyable season. As always, we welcome your comments,
fices. suggestions, and feedback.
In this Edition of the Journal, Betty MacDonald from the
Health and Safety Management Group discusses require- Sincerely,
ments for Working at Heights training. As fire alarm Simon Crosby
technicians regularly climb ladders and work on elevated CFAA National President
platforms, knowing the proper ways of protecting yourself president@cfaa.ca
is vital to ensuring everyone goes home safe at the end of
the day.
Next, Don Boynowski, Past President of the CFAA, pro-
vides an article about fire detection zones and zone indi-
cation of fire alarms. This article, written to be included
as Appendix Material to the next edition of CAN/ULC
S524, Installation of Fire Alarm Systems, discusses the re-
quirements of the National Building Code of Canada with
respect to proper fire alarm zoning. Don also provided
an article on 520 Hz low frequency signals. These new
devices, which have been requested to be included in the
National Building Code of Canada, have in recent research
proven to be an effective way of alerting sleeping persons
in the event of a fire.
Our final technical article in this Edition of the Journal
comes from Wayne Moore of JENSEN HUGHES. In his
Have thoughts or ideas? Call or write me anytime at president@cfaa.ca
4 C A NA D IA N F I R E A L A R M A S S O C IAT I O N
SIMON CROSBY
Président national de l’ACAI
Message du président
B
ienvenue à la revue de l’ACAI. Au cours des derniers ont fait l’objet d’une demande d’inclusion dans le Code
mois, le bureau national de l’ACAI a travaillé très national du bâtiment du Canada, se sont révélés être une
fort sur plusieurs initiatives importantes. manière efficace d’alerter les personnes qui dorment en cas
d’incendie.
D’abord, nous avons travaillé sur la prestation de la forma-
tion continue de l’ACAI pour la catégorie 1. Nous avons Le dernier article technique de ce numéro de la revue a
élaboré une approche à volets multiples afin d’offrir une été rédigé par Wayne Moore de JENSEN HUGHES. Dans
vaste gamme d’options à nos techniciens inscrits. Cela cet article, Wayne discute des progrès de la technologie de
comprend des séminaires d’une journée (où les partici- surveillance des extincteurs portatifs. Cette technologie,
pants peuvent obtenir les huit crédits), le travail avec des récemment examinée par les Laboratoires des assureurs
partenaires de formation approuvés pour offrir des cours du Canada, fournit une surveillance continue de la pré-
par l’entremise de tierces parties et la formation à distance sence et de l’état des extincteurs d’incendie par le système
pour les techniciens qui ne sont pas en mesure de par- d’alarme.
ticiper à nos activités de formation en personne.
Enfin, nos sections locales nous donnent des nouvelles sur
Si vous souhaitez obtenir plus de renseignements sur les leurs activités et événements. C’est une excellente façon de
options de formation continue disponibles, veuillez com- savoir ce qui se passe dans votre région et avec qui com-
muniquer avec le bureau de l’ACAI. muniquer pour participer aux activités de l’Association au
niveau de votre section locale. Je remercie nos présidents
Dans le présent numéro de la revue, Betty MacDonald du de sections locales de partager ces renseignements avec
Health and Safety Management Group discute des exi- nous.
gences entourant la formation sur le travail en hauteur.
Puisque les techniciens en alarme incendie sont souvent Je vous remercie également de prendre le temps de lire la
appelés à grimper dans des échelles et à travailler sur des revue de l’ACAI. Je vous souhaite à tous et à toutes une sai-
plateformes élévatrices, il est essentiel pour eux de con- son estivale sécuritaire et agréable. Comme toujours, c’est
naître les façons appropriées de se protéger pour s’assurer un plaisir de recevoir vos commentaires et suggestions.
que tout le monde retourne à la maison sain et sauf à la fin
de la journée.
Ensuite, Don Boynowski, ancien président de l’ACAI, Cordialement,
propose un article sur les zones de détection d’incendie et Simon Crosby
les indicateurs de zones des systèmes d’alarme incendie. Président national de l’ACAI
Cet article, rédigé dans le but de faire partie de l’annexe president@cfaa.ca
portant sur le matériel de la prochaine édition de la norme
CAN/ULC S524, Installation des réseaux avertisseurs
d’incendie, aborde les exigences du Code national du bâti-
ment du Canada en ce qui concerne le zonage approprié
des systèmes d’alarme incendie. Don fournit également
un article sur les signaux à basse fréquence de 520 Hz.
Selon les récentes recherches, ces nouveaux dispositifs, qui
L ' A s s o c i a t i o n Ca n a d i e n n e D ' A la r m e I n c e n d i e 5
Less = More
Get everything you need in one full line of AV appliances. Building off the success of
SpectrAlert ® Advance, the enhanced and expanded L-Series gives you more ways to save.
Lower Current Draw
up to 35% more efficient, reducing
the number of power supplies needed
Less Installation Time
easier to configure, set up and inspect
Limited Overhead
product standardization reduces SKUs
Now including compact
horn and strobe devices.
Featuring a new low-profile design with a high-fidelity speaker
and a full range of candela settings now standard.
©2017 System Sensor. All rights reserved.
systemsensor.ca/av | 800-736-7672 AVAD89600 04/17
Making buildings safe and sound,
and smarter too
Fast, flexible, and user-friendly, FireFinder XLS delivers intelligent fire protection
for large or complex applications.
FireFinder® XLS protects your future in more ways than one.
Our premier fire safety system is fast, powerful and offers the
premium features and options you need. It’s been designed for
easier installation, simplified maintenance and greater flexibility
for expansions, upgrades and custom applications. The result is
intelligent fire safety that’s state-of-the-art, cost-effective and
especially effective for large, complex or specialty applications.
FireFinder XLS delivers confidence. Its true ring topology and
layers of redundancy ensure continuous communication. A large,
intuitive interface and increased processing power make it fast
and easy to use in an emergency. Compatible with a variety of
devices and inputs, it addresses your industry-specific applications
and code compliance needs.
Speed, power, flexibility – FireFinder XLS has everything your
facility needs.
www.usa.siemens.com/firefinder-xls
Betty McDonald
President, The Health and Safety Management Group
Learn Before You Work at Heights
A
ll provincial jurisdictions in Canada require fall We provided on site Working at Heights Training recently
protection training. If you are a fire alarm techni- for Carlon Fire in Markham. Mike Phillips of Carlon had
cian climbing ladders, using a scissor lift or a boom these kind words, which explain the benefits better than I
truck to install wiring for a fire alarm, or any form of fall can: ”Having The Health and Safety Management Group
protection, you need Working at Heights Training. To re- involved in our workplace safety program is instrumental
duce your risk of falling and injury, you should learn how to in keeping our technicians current and compliant. Their in-
protect yourself. house training options allow us to provide necessary safety
training on our schedule, rather than losing handfuls of
Working at Heights training is required under the Ontario technicians at random intervals, while giving us the security
Occupational Health and Safety Act and the construction of knowing the training our personnel receive is consistent
regulation O. Reg. 213/91 291. The law says if you have a haz- and correct. The addition of their new, ministry-approved
ard from falling over 10 feet, you should have this training. Working at Heights seminar is just one more way they are
Training is required for workers on construction projects making it easier for us to run our business, and safer for our
who use any of the following methods of fall protection: employees in the field.”
travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, fall arrest
systems, safety nets and work belts or safety belts. The author is President of The Health and Safety Manage-
ment Group, thehsmg.com; a training organization dedicated
If you are doing an inspection in an industrial establishment to life safety which has served the Fire Alarm industry for 14
and are working 10 feet above ground, you are required years. They are an authorized Working at Heights trainer.
to have Working at Heights training. The training can be
from your own internal program. However, the Ministry of
Labour must approve the program. In the construction sec-
tor, it is required to have Working at Heights Training from Working at Heights training for
an approved provider. Fire Alarm Technicians
In Ontario employers must ensure that certain workers com- Dear CFAA Members
plete a working at heights training program, delivered by a Meet your Working at Heights legal training requirements or gain
training provider, both approved by the Ministry of Labour, CFAA points toward your registration or Continuing Education, with
before they can work at heights. A list of providers is here: a CFAA-approved Instructor.
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/wah_providers.php.
• Schedule training at your site, OR
• Register for scheduled class in Markham.
The Ministry has now extended the transition period for the
• 8 hours in one day
new rules for some people by six (6) months to October 1,
• Counts for CFAA Category 5 Continuing Education points
2017. Employers will have until then to ensure that workers (maximum 4 per year)
successfully complete approved training. The extension ap- • Ministry of Labour approved
plies only to experienced workers - those who completed fall • Bryan Ward, a CFAA tech and firefighter, is your instructor.
protection training prior to April 1, 2015 - who are enrolled • $20 discount for the Fire Alarm industry
in an approved working at heights training program sched- (use Promo Code CFAA171).
uled to be completed before October 1, 2017.
Toll Free: 1-877-905-2040 • Toronto: 416-282-4764
Falls of less than three metres (under 10 feet) are among the info@thehsmg.com • www.thehsmg.com
leading causes of injuries resulting in workers missing time We look forward to keeping you safe!
at workplaces in Ontario's industrial sector. In 2015, there
were eight work-related deaths from falls at industrial work- Authorized CFAA training partner since 2003
places.
management group
8 C A NA D IA N F I R E A L A R M A S S O C IAT I O NDurable, Reliable Protection from -40ºF to 280ºF
THERMOFLEX®
MP SERIES
Conventional Heat Detection for Harsh
Environments and Unconditioned Spaces
The MP Series features robust u Parking garages and commercial
construction, dependable performance vehicle storage.
and discreet protection in a stylish low
profile design. u Wineries, greenhouses and food
processing facilities.
Technical specifications and complete
list of distribution partners can be u Cold storage & unheated space.
found at: u Heavy industry & manufacturing.
www.firedetectiondevices.com
u Recreational facilities with
swimming pools and skating rinks.
u Any facility where corrosion or
condensation is present.
www.firedetectiondevices.com Our OEM Partners include:
or call us at: 1 800 267-3473
C A N A DI A N F IRE A L A RM A SSOCI A TION 9Betty McDonald
Président, The Health and Safety Management Group
Travail en hauteur
T
ous les territoires provinciaux au Canada exigent une protection contre les chutes avant le 1er avril 2015 – qui
formation sur la protection contre les chutes. En tant sont inscrits dans un programme approuvé de formation
que technicien en alarme incendie, si vous grimpez sur le travail en hauteur dont l’achèvement est prévu avant
dans des échelles, utilisez une plateforme élévatrice à ciseau le 1er octobre 2017.
ou un camion à flèche pour installer le câblage d’un système
d’alarme incendie, ou toute forme de protection contre les Les chutes d’une hauteur inférieure à trois mètres (moins
chutes, vous devez suivre une formation sur le travail en de 10 pieds) font partie des principales causes de blessures
hauteur. Pour réduire vos risques de chutes et de blessures, entraînant l’absence des travailleurs sur les lieux de travail
vous devez apprendre à vous protéger. dans le secteur industriel de l’Ontario. En 2015, huit décès
au travail attribuables à des chutes sont survenus dans les
Une formation sur le travail en hauteur est exigée en vertu lieux de travail industriels.
de la Loi sur la santé et la sécurité au travail et du règlement
sur les chantiers de construction O. Reg. 213/91 291. La Récemment, nous avons offert une formation sur le
loi indique que s’il existe un risque de chute de plus de travail en hauteur sur place pour Carlon Fire à Markham.
3 mètres (10 pieds) de hauteur, vous devez suivre cette Mike Phillips de Carlon nous a écrit ce beau message, qui
formation. La formation est requise pour les travailleurs explique mieux que moi les avantages : « La participation du
œuvrant sur des chantiers de construction qui utilisent The Health and Safety Management Group dans le cadre de
l’une ou l’autre des méthodes de protection contre les chutes notre programme de sécurité au travail est essentielle pour
suivantes : systèmes de limitation de déplacement, systèmes garder nos techniciens à jour et conformes. Leurs options
de limitation de chute, systèmes d’arrêt de chute, filets de de formation sur place nous permettent de fournir la
sécurité et ceintures de travail ou ceintures de sécurité. formation de sécurité requise selon notre horaire, plutôt que
de perdre plusieurs techniciens à intervalles aléatoires, tout
Si vous faites une inspection dans un établissement en nous donnant la paix d’esprit en sachant que la formation
industriel et que vous travaillez à 3 mètres (10 pieds) au- de notre personnel est uniforme et appropriée. L’ajout du
dessus du sol, vous êtes tenu d’avoir suivi la formation sur nouveau séminaire sur le travail en hauteur approuvé par le
le travail en hauteur. La formation peut être donnée par ministère représente une autre façon pour cet organisme de
l’entremise de votre propre programme interne. Cependant, simplifier l’exploitation de notre entreprise et de rehausser
le ministère du Travail doit approuver le programme. Dans la sécurité de nos employés sur le terrain. »
le secteur de la construction, la formation sur le travail en
hauteur doit être donnée par un fournisseur approuvé. L’auteur est président du The Health and Safety Management
Group, thehsmg.com, un organisme de formation dédié à
En Ontario, les employeurs doivent s’assurer que certains la sécurité des personnes, qui a servi l’industrie de l’alarme
travailleurs suivent le programme de formation sur le travail incendie pendant 14 ans. L’organisme est un formateur
en hauteur, offert par un organisme de formation, les deux autorisé sur le travail en hauteur.
approuvés par le ministère du Travail avant qu’ils puissent
travailler en hauteur. Voici une liste de fournisseurs : https://
www.labour.gov.on.ca/french/hs/wah_providers.php.
Le ministère a maintenant prolongé la période de transition
concernant les nouvelles règles pour certaines personnes de
six (6) mois jusqu’au 1er octobre 2017. D’ici cette date, les
employeurs doivent s’assurer que les travailleurs suivent
et réussissent une formation approuvée. Cette période
de prolongation s’applique seulement aux travailleurs
d’expérience – ceux qui ont suivi la formation sur la
10 L ' A s s o c i a t i o n Ca n a d i e n n e D ' A la r m e I n c e n d i eAddressable audio
Easier testing
Cuts wiring costs
Sounds great!
SIMPLEX TrueAlert ES speakers feature excellent
sound quality, so messages are heard even in busy
environments.
They also combine Fire alarm with public address capability, so you can
target different zones with different emergency announcements. Easier
installation, testing and maintenance means fewer interruptions and better
cost efficiency.
And as you may have heard, they provide the same design and wiring
flexibility as all of our TrueAlert ES addressable solutions.
Sounds like the perfect choice for your next fire alarm project…call us today to
find out more.
www.troylfs.com
1-877-441-8769
© 2017 Troy Life & Fire Safety Ltd. T1012Donald Boynowski
CFAA Past President
Explanation of Fire Detection Zones and
Zone Indication of Fire Alarms
Draft Annex X (informative) (for S524 & S527)
A
rticle 3.2.4.8 of the 2015 National Building Code of tive that they know immediately where new fire detector
Canada (NBC) requires that, except for specific situa- activations have occurred in an area of the building outside
tions, a fire alarm annunciator be provided in close the initial zone of alarm.
proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or a fire ac- Therefore, according to the National Building Code, fire
cess route. The annunciator is required to have separate zone alarm zones and not the specific alarm initiating devices
indication of the actuation of the alarm initiating devices for are the mandatory units for the discrete indication of fire
each: alarms. The aim is to provide unique indications for the
• floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone in a areas in which fire alarms originate, so that a multiplicity of
building that is not sprinklered is not more than 2 000 alarm initiations from fire detectors in one fire alarm zone
m2, do not clutter an annunciator and risk preventing the rapid
• floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone is recognition of new fire detection zones in alarm.
neither This could be achieved through the provision of specific
▷▷ more than one storey, nor annunciation (LED) of each unique fire alarm zone in the
▷▷ more than the system area limits as specified in building with a supplemental alphanumeric (LCD) display
NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, of each device activation. Alternatively, a sequential alpha-
• shaft required to be equipped with smoke detectors, numeric (LCD) display listed to ULC-S527, Control Units
• air handling system required to be equipped with for Fire Alarm Systems and capable of simultaneously an-
smoke detectors, nunciating a minimum of eight fire alarm zones could be
• fire extinguishing system required by NFPA 96, “Venti- used.
lation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial A fire alarm zone will contain one or more fire detectors
Cooking Operations”, and/or manual stations installed within a localized area
• contained use area, of the building. In general, a building is divided into fire
• impeded egress zone, and alarm zones in order to assist in:
• fire compartment required in Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2).
• the rapid location of the source of a fire alarm initia-
Unfortunately, the word “zone” is not a defined term within tion,
the NBC. On the other hand, ISO 7240 1, Fire Detection and • assessing the size of the fire and monitoring its rate of
Alarm Systems, Part 1: General and Definitions, does pro- growth outside the original fire alarm zone, and
vide information that is useful. • sub dividing the installed system for the purposes of
alarm organization and fire protection measures.
fire detection zone
geographic sub-division of the protected premises in More than one fire alarm zone is not generally expected for
which one or more points are installed and for which a a single floor area, except in the case of very large floors as
common zonal indication is provided found in warehouses or shopping malls. If a floor area of a
building is subdivided into multiple areas, separated by fire
The National Building Code of Canada requires indication and/or smoke barriers and the fire plan allows relocation
of the physical areas, not specific fire alarm initiating de- of occupants from the area of origin to another area on the
vices, as firefighters should not be delayed in establishing same floor, each area may be considered a separate zone.
how a fire may have spread within a building. It is impera-
12 C A NA D IA N F I R E A L A R M A S S O C IAT I O NFor example, the NBC requires that floors containing pa- include physical areas, such as contained use areas, impeded
tient sleeping rooms care and treatment occupancies con- egress zones, exit stairs, and elevator shafts. Other types of
tain at least two smoke separated compartments, each up to zones include duct¬ type smoke detectors and inputs from
a maximum area of 1 000 m2, on each floor for horizontal special fire suppression systems.
evacuation. Each of these smoke-separated compartments
is required to be a separate fire alarm zone. Just as firefighters should not be unnecessarily delayed in
establishing how a fire may have spread beyond the initial
If the area is very large and not subdivided, it is general fire zone within a building, neither should they be distract-
practice to limit the number of detectors and/or manual ed by resounding of alarm signals. This is achieved by the
stations and consequently zones, to avoid an unacceptably reactivation of silenced fire alarm notification devices when
large search area where the space is contiguous and without a subsequent alarm is received by the fire alarm system. A
barriers. “subsequent alarm” is defined by ULC-S527 as the activa-
tion of another input zone before the control unit is reset.
It is common practise in certain applications such as high
rise buildings, to separate fire detectors and manual stations Similarly, for two-stage fire alarm systems, once the auto-
into separate zones. This is to allow detectors in an area to matic evacuation timer is cancelled, the timer counter
be turned off easily while leaving manual station active to should not restart unless a subsequent alarm is received by
protect the area during renovations. the fire alarm system. Again, it is imperative that first re-
sponders are able to differentiate between a new fire detec-
In addition to floors areas, the National Building Code of tor activation in the same fire alarm zone or the spread of
Canada requires that certain specific areas of buildings be fire into another zone of the building.
separately identified on the fire alarm annunciator. These
CAN/ULC UPDATES
Training for
Fire Alarm Technicians
Canadian Fire Alarm
ULC Listed Fire, Burglary & Financial Technology Program
3rd Party Contract
• Public Weekend Courses
Alarm Monitoring Services • Corporate Training Sessions
tailored to meet your needs
for Security Professionals. Toll Free: 1-877-905-2040 • Toronto: 416-282-4764
info@thehsmg.com • www.thehsmg.com
Registered as a Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005
We look forward to working with you!
Authorized CFAA training partner since 2003
Your Partner…Not Your Competitor
management group
1-800-561-5433 www.armcom.ca
C A N A DI A N F IRE A L A RM A SSOCI A TION 13Donald Boynowski
L'ACAI président sortant
Explication des zones de détection incendie
et des indicateurs de zones d’alarme incendie
Ébauche annexe X (informative) (pour S524 & S527)
À
moins de situations spécifiques, l’article 3.2.4.8 du déclenchement d’alarme incendie, car les pompiers doivent
Code national du bâtiment de 2015 (CNB) exige être en mesure d’établir rapidement la manière dont un
qu’un annonciateur d’alarme incendie soit instal- incendie s’est propagé dans le bâtiment. Il est essentiel pour
lé à proximité de l’entrée d’un bâtiment qui donne sur une eux de déterminer sur-le-champ les endroits où les nou-
rue ou une voie d’accès aux véhicules du service d’incendie. velles activations de détecteurs d’incendie sont survenues
L’annonciateur doit avoir des indicateurs de zones distincts dans un secteur du bâtiment se trouvant à l’extérieur de la
pour le déclenchement des dispositifs d’alarme pour chaque : zone d’alarme initiale.
• aire de plancher de façon qu’aucune zone d’un bâti- Par conséquent, selon le Code national du bâtiment, les
ment qui n’est pas protégée par des gicleurs n’ait plus zones d’alarme incendie, et non les dispositifs spécifiques de
de 2 000 m2; déclenchement d’alarme, représentent les éléments obliga-
• aire de plancher de façon qu’aucune zone n’ait : toires des indicateurs discrets d’alarme incendie. Le but est
▷▷ plus d’un étage; de fournir des indicateurs uniques pour les zones à partir
▷▷ plus de la limite spécifiée pour le système dans la desquelles les alarmes incendie proviennent, de sorte que de
norme NFPA 13 « Installation of Sprinkler Sys- multiples déclenchements d’alarme provenant de détecteurs
tems »; d’incendie dans une zone d’alarme incendie n’encombrent
• gaine ou cage verticale devant être équipée de détec- pas l’annonciateur et ne préviennent pas l’identification
teurs de fumée; rapide de nouvelles zones de détection d’incendie en
• installation de ventilation devant être équipée de détec- alarme.
teurs de fumée; Cela peut être réalisé par l’installation d’un annonciateur
• système d’extinction d’incendie exigé par la norme spécifique (DEL) pour chaque zone unique d’alarme in-
NFPA 96 « Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of cendie dans le bâtiment, avec un écran d’affichage alphanu-
Commercial Cooking Operations »; mérique (LCD) supplémentaire pour chaque activation de
• zone de détention cellulaire; dispositif. Autrement, un écran d’affichage alphanumérique
• zone à sortie contrôlée; séquentiel (LCD) inscrit selon la norme ULC-S527, Postes
• compartiment résistant au feu exigé au paragraphe de contrôle pour les réseaux avertisseurs d’incendie, en
3.3.3.5.(2). mesure d’afficher simultanément un minimum de huit
Malheureusement, le mot « zone » n’est pas un terme défini zones d’alarme incendie pourrait être utilisé.
dans le CNB. En revanche, la norme ISO 7240 1, Systèmes Une zone d’alarme incendie comprendra un ou plusieurs
de détection et d’alarme incendie, Partie 1 : généralités et détecteurs d’incendie et (ou) avertisseurs manuels installés
définitions, fournit de l’information utile. dans un secteur localisé du bâtiment. En général, un bâti-
ment est divisé en zones d’alarme incendie pour contribuer
zone de détection d’incendie à:
Sous-division géographique des lieux protégés dans
laquelle un ou plusieurs points sont installés et pour • localiser rapidement la source du déclenchement de
laquelle un indicateur de zone commun est fourni. [Tra- l’alarme incendie;
duction libre] • évaluer l’ampleur de l’incendie et à surveiller sa vitesse
Le Code national du bâtiment du Canada exige l’indication de progression à l’extérieur de la zone d’alarme incendie
des zones physiques, et non des dispositifs spécifiques de originale;
14 L ' A s s o c i a t i o n Ca n a d i e n n e D ' A la r m e I n c e n d i e• sous-diviser le système installé afin d’organiser les En plus des aires de plancher, le Code national du bâti-
alarmes et les mesures de protection incendie. ment du Canada exige que certains secteurs spécifiques des
bâtiments soient identifiés séparément sur l’annonciateur
Habituellement, une seule zone d’alarme incendie est pré- d’alarme incendie. Ceux-ci comprennent les zones phy-
vue sur une aire de plancher unique, sauf dans le cas des siques, les zones de détention cellulaire, les zones à sortie
aires de plancher très grandes, comme les entrepôts et les contrôlée, les escaliers de sortie et les gaines d’ascenseur.
centres commerciaux. Si l’aire de plancher d’un bâtiment Les autres types de zones incluent les détecteurs de fumée
est sous-divisée en multiples zones, séparées par des élé- de type conduit et les entrées provenant des systèmes spéci-
ments coupe-feu ou coupe-fumée et que le plan de sécurité aux de suppression d’incendie.
incendie prévoit le déplacement des occupants du secteur
d’où provient l’alarme à un autre secteur sur la même aire de Les pompiers doivent pouvoir identifier rapidement la
plancher, chaque secteur peut être considéré comme étant propagation possible d’un incendie au-delà de la zone
une zone séparée. d’incendie initiale dans un bâtiment; parallèlement, ils
ne devraient pas être distraits par le bruit des signaux
Par exemple, le CNB exige que les étages des établissements d’alarme. Pour ce faire, il est possible de réactiver les dis-
de soins et de traitements comprenant des pièces où les gens positifs d’alarme incendie dont l’alarme a été interrompue
dorment soient équipés d’au moins deux compartiments de lorsqu’une alarme subséquente est reçue par le système
fumée séparés, chacun ayant une aire maximale de 1 000 d’alarme incendie. Une « alarme subséquente » est définie
m2, sur chaque étage pour l’évacuation horizontale. Chaque par la norme ULC-S527 comme étant l’activation d’une
compartiment de fumée séparé doit être relié à une zone autre zone d’entrée avant le réenclenchement du poste de
séparée d’alarme incendie. contrôle.
Si l’aire de plancher est très grande et non sous-divisée, la De façon similaire, pour les systèmes d’alarme incendie à
pratique générale consiste à limiter le nombre de détecteurs deux étapes, lorsque la minuterie d’évacuation automatique
et (ou) d’avertisseurs manuels et, conséquemment, de zones, est annulée, le compteur de la minuterie ne devrait pas re-
afin d’éviter d’avoir un secteur de fouille inacceptablement démarrer, à moins qu’une alarme subséquente soit reçue par
large, où l’espace est continu et sans obstacle. le système d’alarme incendie. De nouveau, il est essentiel
que les premiers intervenants soient en mesure de différen-
Dans certains endroits, comme les bâtiments de grande
cier une nouvelle activation de détecteur d’incendie dans la
hauteur, la pratique courante consiste à séparer les dé-
même zone d’alarme incendie ou d’identifier la propagation
tecteurs d’incendie et les avertisseurs manuels en zones
de l’incendie dans une autre zone du bâtiment.
séparées. Cela permet d’éteindre facilement les détecteurs
dans un secteur, tout en laissant l’avertisseur manuel en
marche pour protéger le secteur durant les rénovations.
RÉACTUALISER CAN/ULC
L ' A s s o c i a t i o n Ca n a d i e n n e D ' A la r m e I n c e n d i e 15Wayne D. Moore
P.E., JENSEN HUGHES
Portable Fire Extinguishers – Continual
Accountability Minimizes Risk & Increases
Safety
T
echnology now exists that will aid higher risk and Building and fire codes require every aspect of a building’s
large square footage occupancies in solving critical fire protection system to be monitored to ensure they are
problems relating to the availability and use of in working order. The only part of the building fire protec-
portable fire extinguishers. tion equation that remains a stand-alone, un-monitored
fire protection device is the fire extinguisher. Given the
Portable fire extinguishers are required by code to be prop-
importance of fire extinguishers in the life safety for the
erly spaced throughout a facility for one simple reason;
occupants, technology is readily available to ensure reli-
if working and accessible when needed, they are highly
ability of fire protection systems by monitoring these im-
effective. A fire extinguisher is an active fire protection
portant devices.
device used to extinguish or control small fires. It is not
intended for use on an out-of-control fire. When a fire is Before we take a look at that technology, let's first explore
contained or extinguished during its early stages of de- the nature of the problems institutions and businesses face.
velopment, lives are saved and property losses are greatly All crucial components of a building’s fire suppression &
reduced. detection are required by code to be monitored continually
(Sprinkler systems, Smoke Detection, Heat Detection, En-
We often forget the important part a fire extinguisher plays
gineered Suppression systems), except the only component
in life safety because when a fire is extinguished in its early
that requires human interaction – the fire extinguisher.
stages, the fire department is not always made aware of the
Typically, the local fire prevention officer or fire marshal
incident. This fact has been revealed in numerous studies
will perform inspections and witness tests to determine
of fire extinguisher effectiveness. In the past twenty years,
whether or not the life safety systems remain operational.
a number of independent studies have demonstrated that
At the same time, the inspector will review the portable
an available working fire extinguisher is most effective at
fire extinguisher tags to ensure that occupancies have per-
controlling and extinguishing a fire at the earliest stage –
formed monthly and annual inspections and tests on these
study results include:
important fire safety devices.
1. 80% of reported fires are successfully contained or
The Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 10,
extinguished by fire extinguishers. 2010 Worcester
requires that facility owners maintain portable fire extin-
Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) study on fire extinguish-
guishers in a fully charged and operable condition. The
er use in academic institutions.
owners must keep the extinguishers in their designated
2. 95% of reported fires are extinguished. 1999 Na- places at all times when they are not being used. The stan-
tional Association of Fire Equipment Distributors dard also requires that the owners conspicuously locate
fire extinguishers where they are readily accessible and
Furthermore, the Texas State Fire Marshal’s office tracks immediately available in the event of fire. Nothing may
method of extinguishment for all reported fires within obstruct the fire extinguishers or obscure them from view.
Texas state agencies and universities. Between 2008 –
2010, 45% of all reported fires were extinguished by fire Over the years, the National Association of Fire Equipment
extinguishers. Given this performance history and the Distributors (NAFED) has kept the most comprehensive
fact that fire extinguishers can only be effective if they are data on accessibility failures regarding fire extinguishers.
operable and accessible, it’s crucial to ensure that these life Their survey data reveals a total disregard for extinguisher
safety tools are ready to be used in an emergency. maintenance. Survey results showed:
16 C A NA D IA N F I R E A L A R M A S S O C IAT I O N• 24% of extinguishers inspected annually are not in the gency responders will not have begun to respond to the fire
proper location because they have not yet received proper notification.
• 26% of extinguishers inspected annually are inoperable Fortunately, occupancies can employ technology to bridge
due to low pressure the gap between what they expect to happen when some-
• 90% of occupancies mandated to do their monthly in- one discovers a fire and what actually happens. Following
spections do not do them. recent U.L.C. approvals, Canadian entities now have access
to an active monitoring system for portable fire extinguish-
NAFED states: “Because portable fire extinguishers are cen- ers. This extinguisher monitoring technology connects to
tral in helping to prevent fire damage and loss, and because the building fire alarm system or to any other centralized
of the fact that their effectiveness hinges on proper mainten- monitoring equipment. Whenever someone lifts a portable
ance, these survey results are alarming.“… … … “Every ef- fire extinguisher, the interface module will initiate either a
fort should be made to ensure that, as a minimum, fire ex- fire alarm signal or a supervisory off-normal signal on the
tinguishers are located and maintained in accordance with fire alarm system. The type of signal will depend on the
NFPA's standards.” building fire plan that the owner has developed and on the
requirements of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
In the United States, the National Fire Protection As-
sociation (NFPA) Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, addresses If someone blocks access to a portable fire extinguisher,
protective features and systems, building services, operat- the interface module will detect the blockage and, after a
ing features, maintenance activities, and other provisions. suitable and selectable time delay, initiate a supervisory
These requirements recognize the fact that to achieve an off-normal signal on the building fire alarm system. This
acceptable degree of life safety depends on these additional will notify building staff or occupants that something has
safeguards in order to provide adequate egress time. blocked access to an extinguisher. In addition, the extin-
guisher monitoring system will monitor the stored pressure
The common thread to every successful or unsuccessful inside the portable fire extinguisher and initiate a super-
outcome of a fire suppression effort relates to time. Forty-
seven years ago, Rexford Wilson, then editor of the NFPA
Fire Record (now the NFPA Journal) wrote an article en-
titled, "T-I-M-E, The Yardstick of Fire Control." The infor-
mation in Mr. Wilson's article remains valid today because
we have not significantly changed how we respond to a fire
condition. Time does indeed represent the yardstick of fire
control. We most often speak of detection time, occupant
response time, escape time, fire department response time,
fire suppression set-up time, and suppression time, as the
measured, specific time elements that mark the progression
of a fire event.
In some instances, people will attempt to fight a fire with an
extinguisher when they have not received proper training.
Even worse, a trained person will "forget" the training he or
she has received when faced with the crisis of a real fire. In
both cases, the individual will begin to fight the fire, but fail
to operate a manual fire alarm box to allow the fire alarm
system to notify the other building occupants and to notify
the fire department. When a person chooses to fight the
fire before notifying the other building occupants and the
fire department, they delay those critical notifications and
significantly increase the danger to the other occupants of
the building and negatively impact the response of the fire
department. If his or her efforts to fight the fire fail, emer-
C A N A DI A N F IRE A L A RM A SSOCI A TION 17visory off-normal signal on the building fire alarm system response time of the fire department and increase "detec-
to notify maintenance personnel that the extinguisher tion" time using the best fire detector we have: humans.
needs service.
Extinguisher monitoring technology offers many benefits to
The interface module along with an intelligent gauge, listed occupancies with large square footage or liability concerns.
to be compatible with pressurized extinguishers, allows a The 24/7 accountability ensures continued code compli-
portable fire extinguisher to become a fully supervised com- ance, increasing life safety and reducing the exposure to
ponent of a monitored fire alarm system. The technology risk, liability and tampering. Additionally, by utilizing
meets the requirements of NFPA 10 and the National Fire technology to ensure that the mandatory monthly inspec-
Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72. Since this technology tion criteria are met, the technology helps occupancies re-
monitors fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10, duce operating costs associated with the inspections. The
the occupancies only need one annual inspection of each state of New Hampshire became the first state in the United
extinguisher instead of 11 monthly inspections. The value States to require extinguishers be electronically monitored
of the extinguisher monitoring system rests on understand- in all new commercial construction where fire alarm sys-
ing the critical importance of time to truly effective fire pro- tems are required. The State found that the requirement of
tection. Using the extinguisher monitoring system allows the technology would actually be a cost positive for build-
system designers to integrate the use of portable fire extin- ing owners.
guishers as part of the alarm notification process and to be
included in the fire protection scheme. This will reduce the Building and fire life safety officials would scoff at the
concept of removing automated detection systems from
occupancies and go back to the days where fire watchmen
would patrol looking for any signs of fire. That is because
continual accountability is logically better safety than per-
iodic human checks. Today, fire extinguishers are assured
the same level of dependability and accountability with the
adoption of this new technology.
FIRE ALARM
TECHNICIAN
TRAINING
Canadian Fire Alarm Association training courses are
available at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta. These fire alarm training
courses are offered throughout the year:
• Electrical Theory 1
• Electronic Basics
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
• Advanced Fire Detection/Alarm Systems
• Portable Fire Extinguisher
• Pre-Engineered Restaurant Fire
Supression Systems
REGISTER TODAY
ma.training@sait.ca
403.284.8641
18 C A NA D IA N F I R E A L A R M A S S O C IAT I O NPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
fire alarm education for fire & building officials
This is your chance to upgrade your knowledge & credentials
Today’s advancing technology, innovative designs and demanding fire alarm installations can be a
challenge. To provide quality information to busy officials the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA)
is offering a limited number of Fire and Building Officials Fire Alarm System Seminars nationwide.
LEARN MORE AT:
www.cfaa.ca
CONTACT US:
admin@cfaa.ca • 1.800.529.0552
PERFECTIONNEMENT PROFESSIONNEL
formation en alarme incendie pour les représentants
de services d’incendie et les agents de bâitment
Voici votre occasion de perfectionner vos connaissances et vos compétences
De nos jours, les progrès technologiques, les conceptions novatrices et les installations d'alarme incendie
exigeantes peuvent poser de nombreux défis. Afin de fournir des renseignements de qualité aux
représentants occupés, l'Association canadienne d'alarme incendie (ACAI) offre un nombre limité de
séminaires portant sur les systèmes d'alarme incendie à l'intention des représentants de services
d'incendie et des agents de bâtiment à l'échelle du pays.
LEARN MORE AT:
www.cfaa.ca
CONTACT US:
admin@cfaa.ca • 1.800.529.0552
C A N A DI A N F IRE A L A RM A SSOCI A TION 19You can also read
