FIRE PREVENTION AND PROTECTION FOR THE HOUSE OWNER

General

• Use large non-combustible ashtrays. When emptying an ashtray, make sure there is no live ash left in it. Emptying ashtrays into a garbage pail or wastebasket may cause a fire. It is preferable to empty them into a metal container with a tight lid.

• When discarding a lighted match, hold it for a second or so after blowing it out and then put it into an ashtray, never a wastebasket. Never carelessly toss away a lighted match or cigarette.

• Never strike a match in, or carry a lighted candle into, closets, attics, or other confined spaces where combustible materials are stored. Use a flashlight.

• Do not smoke while working near gasoline, oil drippings, or combustible vapours.

• Never smoke in bed. It is too easy to fall asleep and drop a lighted cigarette. Toxic gases from a fire can render one unconscious before the heat has a chance to waken a sleeper. If you must smoke before going to sleep, it is safer to sit in a chair.

• Before you go to bed, look under cushions for smouldering cigarettes. If a lighted cigarette is dropped in a couch or easy chair, remove it promptly, and ensure that the lighted end is still attached. If it drops through a crack, do not rest until the cigarette is found, or until certain it cannot smoulder. A heated cigarette end can smoulder for some time before actually igniting the upholstery material.

• Never leave small children where they can gain access to matches or lighters. In the United States, it is estimated that 200 people die each year in fires associated with cigarette lighters - of these, 140 are children and 125 are under the age of four. In a review, it was disclosed that both boys and girls play with lighters and that children aged three and four can operate them. In fact, some children as young as one and two have used lighters to start fires.

• Be aware that disposable butane cigarette lighters can be a fire hazard. In fact, defective butane lighters have been proven to be responsible for many injuries and several deaths. They have been known to explode or self-ignite while carried in a pocket as well as during use.

• Have a competent electrician repair defective house wiring. Make certain your home is equipped with adequate electrical wiring and an adequate service entrance. If buying a new house ensure it is wired according to your local Electrical Code. Be sure wiring is adequate for such heavy appliances as electric ranges, clothes dryers and air conditioners.

• Buy only electrical appliances and cords approved by CSA (Canadian Standards Association) - the items should be marked with the CSA logo. Have appliances repaired if they are not working properly - they could be a potential fire hazard.

• One special hazard may be found in houses that contain wiring made from aluminum rather than copper. Aluminum wiring is safe if it is used with the appropriate devices (such as switches and receptacles) that are designed for it. Overheating and fire can occur if aluminum wire is connected to devices meant for copper wiring. If you are unsure whether your house uses copper or aluminum wire, look inside switch and receptacle boxes - aluminum wire is silvery instead of copper-coloured. If you find that aluminum wiring is installed, check all switches and receptacles to ensure that they are compatible with aluminum wiring.

• If your service entrance is equipped with replaceable fuses, ensure that they are replaced with the proper sizes and that they are not bypassed. When a fuse blows, or a circuit breaker operates, find the cause of the overload before replacing or resetting.

• Avoid the excessive use of extension cords and multiple-plug outlets, which increase the chances of overloading electrical circuits. Replace electrical cords of lamps, vacuum cleaners, appliances, etc. if they become worn or otherwise damaged. Do not splice broken or frayed wires and bind them with electrical tape. Do not cover frayed wires or broken insulation with electrical tape. This will result in delaying the proper replacement of damaged wiring, or in forgetting about it altogether.

• Do not run wires under rugs or over nails, or where they might be subjected to mechanical damage.

• Disconnect electric irons when not in use. Do not use electric toasters under drapes or near any other flammable material, and keep your eye on anything being toasted to ensure it pops up at the right time and does not get stuck or start burning.

• Do not leave electric blankets turned on longer than necessary, and ensure that they are turned off while the house is unoccupied. Make sure that the blanket and wiring are in good condition and not worn or frayed in any way. Inspect them regularly.

• Always remove cords from electric sockets by grasping the plug, not the wire.

• Have dry hands when using electrical appliances. If an appliance gets wet, have it serviced.

• If the TV or stereo is not working properly, have it checked out - it could be a potential fire hazard.

• Do not make home repairs on television sets, unless you are qualified to do so. This goes for any other appliance in the home. Fire or shock may result.

• TV sets and some stereos generate a considerable amount of heat and should have adequate ventilation. Do not obstruct ventilation. Do not place near opened heat vents. Cool air should be allowed to flow in from the direction of the floor, past the ventilation holes in the TV or stereo (where it will be warmed), and out towards the direction of the ceiling. Do not leave television sets or stereos on overnight.

• If you have a roof antenna, ensure that a lightning arrestor is installed (with an adequate ground). This will prevent damage and fire caused by a lightning strike to the antenna. During a thunderstorm, remove all antenna and cable connections to television and stereo sets.

• Furnaces, as well as chimneys and all flues, can be a fire hazard when they are clogged or coated with soot. They should be cleaned at least once a year.

• Periodically examine gas furnaces, water heaters, fires, etc. and call a qualified gas fitter if there is the slightest indication that there might be a problem. Gas furnaces should have a maintenance inspection periodically. Areas near furnaces should be kept free of combustible materials such as rubbish and paints. If the gas leaks, call the gas company immediately.

• Gas fireplaces must have the chimney damper permanently secured in the open position. This is a legal safety requirement.

• Ashes from a fireplace should be placed in a metal container. Keep a metal fire screen in front of every fireplace to prevent sparks escaping.

• Be sure your kitchen stove is in good repair. Oven, broiler, and burners should be kept free of grease. There should be sufficient clearance between electric ranges and combustible walls. Do not hang drapes, towels, or other combustible materials near or on the stove. Do not store things over the stove as people (and their clothes) can get burned reaching. Keep children away from the stove.

• Do not preheat the frying pan or cooking oil and walk away unless the burner is turned off and the pan moved to a cool burner. A very greasy broiler tray can catch fire if it is preheated, especially if excess fat has not been trimmed from the roast. If the oven (and broiler tray) needs cleaning, don’t cook in it. Clean the oven at least once every six months.

• If you have a gas stove, never leave the house with it lit. Be sure the pilot light works properly. Wear tight sleeves when you cook as loose-fitting garments can catch fire. Tie up long hair.

• Turn off portable oil or gas heaters before retiring and before going out. Do not place portable heaters where they can easily be tripped over or overturned. They should be kept at least 0.9m (3 feet) from combustible materials, such as bedding, drapes and furniture, and away from areas where children play.

• Never throw flour or dust from a vacuum cleaner or dustpan into an open fire. Dust is explosive - wrap it up and dispose of it safely.

• If your blow dryer stops automatically under normal conditions, it is a warning that the unit is overheating and could become a fire hazard. Unplug the dryer and remove all hair, dust and lint from the dryer vents before trying the dryer again. Unplug your blow dryer, curling iron, styling brush, etc. when not being used. Make sure the appliance is cool before storing and do not wrap the cord around the appliance.

• Keep your clothes dryer in good working order and operate it in strict accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Make sure the lint tray is in place before using and clean it out regularly (preferably after every use). Lint and some types of anti-static sheets can become a fire hazard if they get too close to the motor.

• In the workshop, install enough electrical outlets, properly fused and in accordance with your local electrical codes, to eliminate the need for extension cords.

• Store gasoline and other flammable liquids in tight metal containers. Do not store these, or propane cylinders, in the house. Do not use flammable liquids near heat, a pilot light, or while smoking.

• Clean up gas and oil spills in the garage or carport and either dispose of oily or greasy rags or keep them in a sealed metal can. Old paint cans should be discarded. Clean up sawdust immediately and discard away from the house.

• Paint, paint removers and solvents, if they must be stored in the house, should be stored in tightly closed metal containers. Use these liquids only in an area that is well ventilated (preferably outside).

• Propane barbecues must be kept away from the house at all times (in use and while stored). They can turn into giant blowtorches if the proper precautions are not taken. Before lighting, ensure that all gas fittings are properly tightened and do not leak. For further information on the safe use of propane appliances refer to Chapter 4.

• Do not use gasoline on a grill or barbecue fire ever. Once the fire has been started, never use lighter fluid either. Use dry kindling to revive the fire.

• Move the lawnmower (gas or electric) away from gasoline fumes before starting. Cool motor before refuelling gas lawnmower.

• Stacks of old newspapers should be removed. Find a school or organisation that is collecting newspapers for recycling.

• Clean up the dead leaves in the yard, also any fallen branches or limbs. Remove broken glass and discard all piles of rubbish.

• Check the outside of the chimney for signs of cracks and inspect the chimney flue for creosote build-up.

• If backyard burning is allowed in your area, watch fires constantly and extinguish with water before leaving. Never allow children to play near outdoor fires or barbecues.

Real Christmas trees: Cut Christmas trees become extremely flammable when cut long in advance of use, and when brought indoors where heat and low humidity accelerate drying. To reduce the hazard, the tree (if you feel you must use a real one) should be kept indoors only as long as absolutely necessary. The trunk should be sawed off at an angle at least 2.5cm (1-inch) above the original cut end and kept standing in water during the period the tree is in the house. Water should be added at intervals to keep the water level above the cut. There are Christmas tree stands available that are specially designed for cut trees, having a water-filled base and often including a safety reservoir for added protection. Fire retardants do not work well on Christmas trees and are not recommended as a means of fire protection. Live Christmas trees (those with roots) are safer than cut ones, providing they are watered regularly. Always dispose of a cut Christmas tree promptly after the holiday season - do not keep it in the house. Live trees should be transplanted outside as soon as possible.

Artificial Christmas trees: Only purchase an artificial tree that is labelled "non-flammable" or "fire-resistant" on the tree or on the box.

Firework Regulations: Class 7 of the Explosives Regulations is divided and subdivided to cover the various types of fireworks as defined in the regulations Class 7.2.1 refers to low-hazard "family" fireworks used for recreation (e.g. small fountains, volcanoes, Roman candles, pin wheels, sparklers, Christmas crackers, caps for toy guns). Fireworks of this class will not explode violently and may be sold to an adult for his own use and enjoyment - he bears the responsibility for their safe use by himself and his family. Class 7.2.2 refers to high-hazard fireworks used for public displays (e.g. rockets, large wheels and bouquets, fountains, batteries, candles, mines, firecrackers). Fireworks of this class present a special hazard and usually require a permit for their purchase and display. High-hazard fireworks must not be kept in private homes, apartments or any type of dwelling.

Firework Safety: With the exception of sparklers, no fireworks are designed to be, or should be, held in the hand when lighted. As fireworks are a potential fire and health hazard, always read the instructions on each item carefully before using. Other safety tips for a family fireworks display are given below:

• Select a firing site free of overhead obstacles such as trees and wires, and away from combustible materials and substances, including houses and wooden fences.

• A large water container should be kept at the firing site for safety and to dispose of used fireworks. A hose, connected and ready for using, will provide a measure of added safety.

• One adult should be in charge of the display. Young children should not participate in the firing, but older children may help one at a time under close adult supervision.

• Read all instructions thoroughly, using a flashlight or electric light - never an open flame.

• Implanted fireworks must be secure. Buckets, boxes and wheelbarrows filled with earth or sand make a good firing base. Set fireworks at a 10 degree angle away from spectators and pack earth or sand around them firmly so that they will not fall over during the display. Long pieces should be buried to half their depth.

• Glow ring igniters are recommended for lighting safety (although sparklers have to be started with matches or a lighter). Keep all spectators clear of the firing area while lighting the fuse and step back to a safe area quickly once the fuse is ignited.

• Do not approach a used firework or a firework that has not gone off until you are sure it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to relight a piece that has not gone off.

Selection of textile products for the best fire rating is not an easy matter. To properly determine the fire hazard rating of a particular fabric, it is necessary to know the ease of ignition, surface flame spread, heat release, smoke obscuration and toxicity of combustion products. It is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain such ratings from dealers or manufacturers that will allow the consumer to select a textile product for fire safety. The many factors affecting the fire hazard rating of a textile product include the type of fibre used, whether the fibre is blended, the construction of the fabric, the design of the product, the type of filling material and the type of dye used. In addition, various chemicals may be applied to the fibres or to the fabric to add flame resistance to normally flammable materials - it should be noted, however, that the use of phosphate detergents, fabric softeners and bleach may render the flame-retardant finish ineffective after a number of washings). The Canadian consumer is protected to a degree by the Hazardous Products Act, which is administered by the Products Safety Division of the Department for Consumer and Corporate Affairs. This act requires that clothing and certain textile products meet specified standards of flammability. More detailed information on finished products can be found in the sections on clothing and furniture and furnishings below.

The following table provides a list of some of the basic fibres and their reaction to flame. The list does not consider the affect of dyes, blending or chemical finishes on the fabric.

• Consider the age, physical condition and mentality of the wearer, as well as the burning properties of the fibres and fabric, when evaluating the fire hazard potential of clothing.

• When buying or making clothes or sleepwear choose fabrics that are difficult to ignite, slow to burn, are self-extinguishing when the ignition source is removed and do not melt readily. Also select fabrics with a tight weave (such as denim and double-knits) that will limit the amount of oxygen that is able to flow through the fabric to fuel a fire should the fabric ignite.

• When buying or making clothes or sleepwear choose designs that fit snugly (i.e. are not long and flowing) so that the amount of oxygen available to fuel a fire from both sides is limited. For example, jogging suit styles of pyjamas are usually best for children's nightwear.

• Keep matches, lighters and open flames out of the reach of children.

• Do not allow children to play near or climb on stoves, fireplaces or other heat sources.

• Do not wear loose-fitting garments when cooking or around fires, barbecues, or other heat sources.

• If you buy or make clothes that incorporate a flame-retardant chemical, ensure that you follow the laundering instructions exactly.

• Do not smoke in bed.

• When buying or making bedding, choose fabrics and filling material made of fibres that are difficult to ignite, slow to burn, are self-extinguishing once the ignition source is removed, and do not give off excessive toxic fumes when burning.

• Keep any heaters or possible ignition sources at least one metre away from the bed. When removing bedding from the bed keep it at the same distance.

• Keep matches, lighters and open flames out of the reach of children.

• Install a smoke detector in the centre of the bedroom ceiling.

• If you buy or make bedding that incorporate a flame-retardant chemical, ensure that you follow the laundering instructions exactly.

Whether you buy new furniture with the UFAC label or whether you continue to use your existing furniture, take special precautions if you have a smoker in your household, or frequent visitors who smoke. For example, it is advisable to select a "smoking" chair or couch which has few, if any, areas where a cigarette may lodge and burn. It is particularly important to avoid crevices where back, side and seat areas join. For this reason, separate seat cushions should be avoided, as should seams used across the seat area that may tend to pull loose under heavy use, exposing the inner filling to possible ignition from a cigarette.

• When buying or making curtains and drapes, avoid purchasing shaggy or loosely-constructed fabrics. Instead, choose smooth, closely-constructed fabrics which are more likely to resist the spread of flame.

• Keep any heaters or possible ignition sources at least one metre away from curtains and drapes.

• Keep matches, lighters and open flames out of the reach of children.

• If you buy or make curtains or drapes that incorporate a flame-retardant chemical, ensure that you follow the laundering instructions exactly.

• Look for the certification mark on the label affixed to the appliance.

• Before buying the unit, advise your insurance agent that you are thinking of installing a wood-burning appliance - it could void your insurance or affect your premium.

• Contact your municipality and ask if a building permit is necessary.

• Make sure the installer is using the CSA Installation Code.

• Ask your local or municipal building or fire inspector to check the installation before using it.

• Ask your insurance agent to update your insurance policy.

• Check for a certification mark on your appliance, located near the manufacturer’s nameplate.

• Have your installation checked by your local fire or building inspector, or by a reputable retailer/installer who uses the CSA Installation Code.

• If there are any installation deficiencies, have them corrected or the unit reinstalled properly.

• Call your insurance agent to advise him that your wood-burning appliance meets the CSA Installation Code requirements.

• Always make sure your stove pipes and chimney are in good condition and check them regularly for creosote build-up. Shiny creosote deposits which look like black paint are an indication that your wood -fired system is not working properly. Call a chimney sweep for help.

• Burn seasoned wood to minimise creosote build-up. Wood which is cut, split and stacked under cover to air dry in the spring will be seasoned and ready for burning in the fall. Longer storage times, however, are preferable.

• When a wood furnace is the sole heat source, ashes must be removed at least once a week. Used as supplemental heating, it may require emptying once a month. The ashes, once removed, should be placed in a metal container and stored outside, away from any combustible material.

• During and after the heating season, check that the hinges, doors, latches, gaskets, and operating controls of the appliance are functioning properly.

• Do not load the appliance with too much wood. This can cause the wood to smoulder which, in turn, contributes to excessive creosote build-up.

Fire Endurance Test: The safe is exposed to an external source of heat (applied per classification level) before an internal temperature of 177é Centigrade was reached (as measured 150mm from the top and back of the interior, and 25mm from the side walls and door).

Explosion Hazard: The safe is exposed to a sudden heating of 1093é Centigrade for 30 minutes without producing an explosion sufficient to cause an opening into the interior. This is the same for all classifications.

Fire Impact Test: The safe is heated (per classification level), dropped 9145mm (30 ft.), then reheated (per classification level) in the inverted position. It must remain intact and the papers inside must still be usable after the test.

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