Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Fire safety
Summary:
Every University employee has a role to play in fire prevention and emergency preparedness.
The University’s fire safety program is described by Fire Safety Plans (FSP's), which have been approved by either Peterborough or Oshawa Fire Services. The University’s FSP's can be found on the University’s Health and Safety SharePoint portal (under Fire Safety).
Each University building has its own unique FSP. All University employees have fire safety responsibilities and are strongly encouraged to read and follow the Fire Safety Plan as it applies to their work location(s) and operation(s).In addition, every employee should be familiar with the basic emergency response procedures described on the Campus Safety website.
When a fire alarm rings every person in the building is required to leave immediately and move to the closest muster point. A muster point is a designated area outside of a building where people gather during a building evacuation. They are generally located a safe distance away from the building, and away from roadways to give clear access to emergency vehicles attending to the emergency. The online Trent map has been updated to include these assembly locations, which you can find under the heading for Campus Safety. Please familiarize yourself with the location of muster points closest to your work areas.
In the event of a fire occupants will:
- Leave the fire area;
- Take keys but leave doors unlocked;
- Close doors behind them;
- Activate the fire alarm using a pull station (if necessary);
- Use stairs (not elevators) to leave the building immediately. If you cannot use the stairs, try another set or proceed to a safe space where you can wait;
- Advise Security and/or the Fire Department (911) of the fire, giving the correct location;
- Gather at the closest muster point
- Do not return until it is declared safe to do so by Security or the Fire Department.
Fire Wardens assist with the evacuation of their areas in the event of a drill or a fire. Look for a fire warden in a reflective vest if you need direction. A list of certified fire wardens for each building can be found on the health and safety boards and the SharePoint site. Please email healthandsafety@trentu.ca if you are interested on becoming a Fire Warden.
Individuals requiring accommodation for fire safety and related emergency response procedures should contact healthandsafety@trentu.ca to make arrangements for an Individual Emergency Response Plan (IERP).
Door Wedges/Propping Open Doors
Self-closing doors are intentionally and thoughtfully installed to act as a barrier and containment method for flames, smoke, or other fumes in the event of a fire. These doors help to prevent the spread of fire, reduce damage, provide potential areas of refuge, and allow more time for occupants to escape. The Ontario Fire Code states that a door in a fire separation shall be kept closed when not in use. Items to hold open self-closing doors such as wedges are in violation of the Fire Code and best practices and should not be used.
In the event of a fire, flames and/or smoke can spread more easily throughout a building if doors are kept open. Propping doors open defeats their safety features, and may allow a fire to cause further damage, decrease time for occupants to escape, and cause breached areas of refuge. Additionally, frequent propping of doors can cause damage and disallow them from closing properly even once release.
You may see doors, commonly in hallways, that are held open with electromagnetics (door holders). The hardware on these doors is designed such that when a fire alarm activates, the doors are released and automatically close. Maglocks are are devices that hold a door shut and can be opened through means of door swipe or password. These devices will release when a fire alarm is activate and allow passage through the door.
Educational videos:
How Fire Doors Save Lives during a Fire Emergency
See the Dramatic Difference a Door Can Make
For more information see:
Fire Safety Plans are posted on the H&S portal.
Additional Resources:
e-laws: The Ontario Fire Code:
Last Revised: February 9, 2024