Rohen's Burning Issues Blog

Wesley Jasper

Recent Posts

13 Potential Fire Hazards In Your Toronto-Area Medical Facility

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Tue, Jan 13, 2015 @ 07:00 AM

In a hospital or healthcare environment─ including nursing homes─ the potential safety risks cast a wide net; everything from violence to infectious disease control. Fire safety is just one of the risks that medical facilities need to be ready for.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2006 and 2010, there were 6,240 fires on healthcare properties, almost 25% of which were in hospitals or hospices. Those fires resulted in six civilian deaths, 171 civilian injuries, and $52.1 million in direct property damage. Here in Toronto, Ontario, fires in healthcare facilities regularly make the news, most often related to nursing homes, but also sometimes for hospitals.

Read More

Tags: Fire Safety Risks

Fire Sprinkler FAQs for Toronto Business and Property Owners

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Wed, Oct 08, 2014 @ 02:50 PM

Here are our answers to some frequently-asked questions about fire sprinklers. If you are researching fire sprinklers, don't miss this post!

How often does my fire sprinkler system need to be inspected?

There are maintenance items that should be done daily or weekly (per the 2002 version of Form 25-13X of the National Fire Sprinkler Association’s “Form for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Preaction and Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems," click for pdf). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s codes also recommend control valves be checked weekly to verify they are in the open position unless they are electronically supervised. Guidelines for maintaining and inspecting other systems components may vary under manufacturer’s recommendations or NFPA codes. The complete sprinkler system should be tested four times a year or more.

Read More

Tags: Fire Sprinklers

Ontario Fire Sprinkler Mandate: What Types of Sprinklers Are There?

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Tue, Aug 26, 2014 @ 01:10 PM

We recently wrote about new fire sprinkler requirements for retirement homes and long-term care facilities in Ontario. Whether you have to meet a legal mandate or simply want to protect your property and occupants, fire sprinklers are a very effective fire safety option. They make a significant difference for preventing loss of life and minimizing damage.

Read More

Tags: Fire Sprinklers

No More Fire Safety Excuses: How to Fight Noncompliance

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Wed, Aug 13, 2014 @ 11:46 AM

Fighting the Root Causes of Fire Safety Noncompliance:

In our last post, inspired by a survey of business owners in the UK, we looked at the four main reasons small businesses and property owners take fire safety risks: confusion, lack of resources, apathy, and denial. Now it’s time to talk about solutions.

Read More

Tags: Fire Safety Risks, Property Owners, Business Owners

4 Reasons Why Small Biz & Property Owners Take Fire Safety Risks

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Thu, Jul 24, 2014 @ 11:32 AM

Why do Toronto business and property owners take risks with fire safety?

In any given week, the regional media covers many devastating fire stories, centered around these themes:

Read More

Tags: Fire Safety Professionals, Fire Safety Risks

New Ontario Retirement Home Sprinkler Requirements: Plan Ahead!

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Mon, Jun 16, 2014 @ 10:33 AM

Just over a year ago, Ontario's Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced important new fire safety regulations impacting retirement homes and long-term care facilities. The law took effect January 1, 2014.

Read More

Tags: Fire Sprinklers

What to Look For in a Fire Protection Services Provider

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Thu, May 08, 2014 @ 05:07 PM

We’re often asked by people what they should look for when selecting a new fire protection service provider. You have different choices for your vendor relationships, but there is greater responsibility attached to a fire safety provider’s work versus that of a printer, plumber, or other service provider. (You don’t often hear of people dying or losing everything due to a bad print job or clogged drains).

Read More

Tags: Fire Safety Professionals

The Importance of a Fire Alarm Maintenance Checklist

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 @ 10:33 AM

A fire alarm is a vitally important part of nearly any building. As such, it is important that fire alarm system maintenance is a priority for any business owner, building superintendent or facility manager. The fire alarm provides 24-hour a day protection for building occupants, contents and visitors. Unfortunately, since the alarm is seldom used, problems are quite often overlooked until there is a need for the alarm. Because of this, the best way to ensure the alarm is properly maintained is by creating and utilizing a fire alarm maintenance checklist as outlined by NFPA, ULC, Ontario Fire Code and CSA. 

Read More

Tags: Fire Alarm

Lighting the Way to Safety: Exit Signs & Emergency Lighting in Canada

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Thu, Sep 05, 2013 @ 02:11 PM

Did you know that a 4-letter word could save your life?
If you're thinking of the 4-letter words that typically spring to mind, then the idea of a 4-letter word as a life-saver, seems ridiculous. 

Read More

Tags: Emergency Lighting, Exit Sign

The Ins and Outs of Fire Drill Procedures

Posted by Wesley Jasper on Tue, Jul 30, 2013 @ 10:52 AM

You're probably familiar with the old adage: 'Practice makes Perfect', but when it comes to fire drill procedures, not only does practice make perfect, it can also save lives. Fire drills are essential to preventing injury or loss of life to the occupants of your building.

Read More

Tags: Fire Drills

Subscribe to the Rohen Blog via E-mail

Latest Posts

Take Stock of Your Fire Safety Status

MORE INFO