Emergencies and Response Plans > Emergency Equipment Placement

Responsibility

Persons responsible for operating equipment (forklift operator, truck driver, etc.) or senior personnel responsible for a worksite (i.e.: Shop Foreman) are responsible for ensuring that the following equipment is provided / placed, and that it is inspected and maintained as identified in the following section.

Frequency

The emergency equipment inspection checklist is to be completed monthly as part of the vehicle / equipment inspection.

Required maintenance on specific equipment is identified below.

Format

This monthly inspection is to identify if the equipment is in place and functional; no maintenance should be required at this time.

Equipment requiring maintenance shall be identified on the checklist. The equipment shall be taken out of service and sent in for the required maintenance. If possible, the missing equipment should be replaced.

Records of all maintenance, tests, calibrations, and inspections shall be kept on file in the area office for the duration of the piece of equipment being in service.

Placement

Ensure emergency equipment is in its proper location and that it is operational at the beginning of each shift. Do not use this equipment for any use other than for what it was intended. Please keep access to this equipment clear.

Fire Extinguishers:

Placement:

Portable, hand held (usually 20 - 30 lb.) extinguishers should be placed so that travel distance to an extinguisher does not exceed 15 m. (50 ft.). All extinguisher locations should be marked and kept clear (easily accessible). At least a 20 lb. extinguisher should be mounted in each vehicle with a proper vehicle mount bracket and extinguisher cover.

All fire extinguishers must be approved for Class C fires.

Monthly:

Check to see if the extinguisher is in place, the pin is sealed, and the indicator button in the cap is down. If it is a pre-pressurized type, ensure the pressure gauge indicates a full charge, (if the indicator is below the green area, have it recharged).

Extinguishers mounted in vehicles, equipment, or in any other high vibration areas, should be tipped up-side-down periodically to break up the powder, and the hose should be checked for a blockage.

Annually:

Inspection, testing and routine maintenance must be performed by a certified technician, (according to the National Fire Code), including:

•Empty and inspect the powder and extinguisher shell;

•Inspect and ensure the hose is unblocked;

•Inspect and weigh the pressure cartridge;

•Replace gaskets and seals as required.

Hydro Test:

Every 12 years for cartridge operated extinguishers.

Every 5 years for pre pressurized extinguishers.

Technicians usually track and ensure this as part of annual inspection.

First Aid Kits:

Placement:

A first aid kit (see chart on following pages) shall be provided at each work site and placed in each vehicle and mounted behind the back seat on the fire wall on the driver’s side. First aid kits shall be mounted in a location where it can be accessed by all personnel working on the site and with a sign identifying its location. Also see First Aid Requirements. An inventory list shall be included in the first aid kit as required by OH&S legislation.

Monthly:

Ensure the list of contents is checked, and replace missing stock (the list should be on the inside cover). Replace dated stock, or anything that is old or dirty.

Eye Wash:

Placement:

One sealed and expiry dated eyewash bottle shall be kept readily available with first aid kits. An eyewash bottle should be available in each tool crib on a job site where an eye injury or a chemical hazard exists. As it is difficult to keep eyewash bottles in every truck or piece of equipment due to freezing, onus is placed on each employee to assess the need, and provide the bottles as required by the job or hazards.

Refillable eyewash bottles are not recommended, but if they have to be used, ensure they are filled with the required solution (not water) and expiry dated for no more than 3 months.

Quarterly: Ensure cap seals are not broken, bottles are full, clean and functional.

As Required: Replace the bottle if the seal is broken or if the expiry date has passed.

Breathing Apparatus: Also see Respiratory Protective Equipment Code of Practice 5.10

Placement:

Supplied air or self-contained breathing apparatus should be available to all workers at a potentially sour worksite. Air packs should be in a readily accessible, but safe, area (not too close to potential hazards). At least two packs should be provided (one for back-up). Also see respiratory protective equipment code of practice.

Weekly:

Ensure bottles are full, masks are clean and bagged.

Bi-Annually:

Don apparatus and ensure it works, clean, refill bottle and replace.

Every 3 Years:

Send unit into a certified inspection and test facility.

Every 5 Years:

Fiberglass composite bottles to be hydro tested.

Metal bottles to be hydro tested.