SMOKE ALARMS

• A smoke alarm combines smoke detection and alarm sounding together in one unit and is used in residential dwellings and sleeping areas. A smoke detector does not have a built in alarm but is used generally to activate a building fire alarm system.

  All smoke alarms in Canada must meet the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standard, CAN/ULC S-531 "Smoke Alarms."

  An ionization type smoke alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air in the sensing chamber. As a result, the chamber becomes conductive permitting current to flow between two charged electrodes. When smoke particles enter the chamber, the conductivity of the chamber air decreases. When this reduction in conductivity reaches a predetermined level, the alarm is set off. Most smoke alarms in use are of this type. Because these types of detectors operate on the "ionization" principle, they are subject to false alarms from high moisture/steam, toasters, cooking appliances, etc., which do not emit smoke but do interrupt the ionization of air. This type of alarm is faster at detecting a flaming fire.

  A photoelectric type smoke alarm consists of a light emitting diode and a light sensitive sensor in the sensing chamber. The presence of suspended smoke particles in the chamber scatters the light beam. This scattered light is detected and sets off the alarm. This type of alarm is faster at detecting a smouldering type of fire which gives off large quantities of smoke.

  Information provided by the National Fire Protection Association reveals that over 70% of fires that occur in residential homes, originate as a flaming fire, such as from children playing with matches or lighters.

  The two types operate on different principles and therefore may respond differently to various conditions. Photoelectric smoke alarms may respond slightly faster to smouldering fires, while ionization alarms respond slightly faster to flaming fires. Both alarms will detect all types of fires that commonly occur in homes. To achieve ULC listing, both alarms must be tested in the same manner and meet the same requirements of the standard.

  Smoke alarms are required in all new dwelling units and sleeping rooms not within dwelling units, in accordance with Article 3.2.4.21 and Subsection 9.10.18 of the National Building Code of Canada 1995. Smoke alarms are also required on every floor level and must be interconnected. They must be hardwired unless the building is not provided with electric power.

  The National Fire Code of Canada 1995 requires smoke alarms to be installed in or adjacent to all sleeping areas of existing buildings, but permits them to be battery operated alarms and does not require them to be interconnected.

  Smoke alarms are provided with test features to allow regular testing of the unit. Manufacturers also supply instructions as to how to test their units properly.

  Dust and grime can affect the operation of a smoke alarm. If necessary, instructions for care and maintenance must be posted in a readily available location. If a smoke alarm is more than ten years old, it likely should be replaced.

TEN TIPS FOR FIRE SAFETY

1. Crawl low under smoke to your exit: If you have to escape a fire through smoke, crawl low, keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) above the floor, where the air is cleaner.
2. Plan your escape: Make a home escape plan and hold regular fire drills so everyone in your household knows what to do in a fire emergency.  When escaping a fire, feel the cracks around doors with the back of your hand before opening them.  If they're warm, try another escape route. Make sure all of your bedrooms have a large enough and openable window for emergency escape or Fire Fighter rescue.
3. Install smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, inside and outside of the bedrooms. Test them once a month, and replace their batteries once a year. Smoke alarms more than ten years old should be replaced.
4. Be careful with smoking materials: Never smoke in bed or when your drowsy or have been drinking or taking medication.
5. Install an automatic home fire sprinkler system: Automatic fire sprinkler systems control or extinguish fires in less time than it takes for the fire department to arrive. Consider installing a system in your home.
6. Use electricity safely: Replace damaged electrical cords and repair appliances that smell, smoke, or overheat.
7. Cook safely: Never leave cooking unattended, and keep cooking areas clean and uncluttered.
8. Space Heaters need space: Keep portable and space heaters at least three feet (one meter) from anything that can burn. Fuel fired space heaters also need a supply of fresh air.
9. Keep matches and lighters out of sight: Keep matches and lighters away from children, stored up high in a locked cabinet. Don't become one of those parents who thought "my child would not play with it".
10. Stop, drop, and roll if your clothes catch fire: If your clothing catches fire, stop, don't run. Drop to the ground. And roll over and over to smother the flames. Cool any burns with clean water only and call for help. Do not put anything on a burn other than clean water to cool it and a dressing, then see your doctor.

Home Portable Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers have limits:

Used properly, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives.

Portable extinguishers for home use, however, are not designed to fight large or spreading fires. Even against small fires, they are useful only under certain conditions. (Extinguishers should never be used by children.)

• The operator must know how to use the extinguisher. There is no time to read directions during an emergency. Read the directions beforehand.

• The extinguisher must be within easy reach, in working order, and fully charged.

• The operator must have a clear escape route that will not be blocked by fire.

• The extinguisher must match the type of fire being fought. Extinguishers containing water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires.

• The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire. Many portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight to ten seconds, so in order for it to be effective, you have to know what you are doing.

Choosing your extinguisher:

Select only fire extinguishers that have been tested by an independant laboratory and labeled for the type and size of fire they can extinguish. Use the labels as a guide to purchase the kind of extinguisher that suits your anticipated needs.

Classes of fires:

There are three basic classes of fires. All fire extinguishers are labeled with standard symbols for the classes of fires they can put out. A red slash through any of the symbols tells you the extinguisher cannot be used on that class of fire. A missing symbol tells you only that the extinguisher has not been tested for a given class of fire.

Class "A": Ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, and paper.

Class "B": Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint thinners, and oil-based paint.

Class "C": Energized electrical equipment, including wiring, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery, and appliances. A "C" rating states it is safe to use on energized electrical equipment.

The extinguisher must be appropriate for the type of fire being fought. Multipurpose fire extinguishers, labeled ABC, may be used on all three classes of fire. If you use the wrong type of extinguisher, you can endanger yourself and make the fire worse.

Cooking oil fires in a pan can be snuffed out by using a tight-fitting lid and turning the heat source off. Discharging the extinguisher closer than six to eight feet may spread the fire, as the extinguishing agent is discharged under pressure, similar to using your garden hose nozzel.

Extinguisher Sizes:

Portable extinguishers are also rated for the size of the fire they can handle. This rating will appear on the label. As an example, 2A10BC. The larger the numbers, the larger the fire that the extinguisher can put out, but higher rated models are often heavier. Make sure you can hold and operate an extinguisher before you buy it.

Installation and Maintenance:

Extinguishers should be installed in plain view, above the reach of children, near an escape route, and away from stoves and heating appliances.

Extinguishers require routine care. Read your operator's manual or the instructions on the extinguisher to learn how to inspect your extinguisher. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance.

Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. (Service companies are listed in the yellow pages of the phone book under "Fire Extinguishers"). Disposible extinguishers can be used only once and must be replaced after use.

Using the extinguisher: Remember the Pass-word.

Keep your back to an unobstructed exit and stand six to eight feet away from the fire. Follow the four step proceedure: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.

Pull the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have other lever-release mechanisms. The extinguisher will not operate if you do not do this.

Aim Low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the lever above the handle: This discharges the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of a lever).

Sweep from side to side: Moving carefully towards the fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be out. Watch the fire area. If the fire reignites, repeat the process.

Always be sure the fire department inspects the fire site, even if you think you've extinguished the fire.

Should You Fight The Fire?

Before you begin to fight a fire, make sure that:

• Everyone has left, or is leaving, the building, and that the fire department has been called.

• The fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading.

• You have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread.

• The extinguisher is the right type for the fire.

• You have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.

It is reckless to fight a fire in any other circumstances. Instead, leave immediately and close off the area and make sure the fire department has been called.