Reduce The Risk Of Fire On Your Farm

• short circuit or ground fault in electrical equipment
• failure of the built-in automatic controls in mechanical equipment or system

• improperly discarded smoker’s material
• ignition source left unattended
• smoking where flammable vapours are present
• improper use of extension cords (e.g. overloaded circuit, multiple strings in sequence)

• improperly constructed building feature or system
• improperly installed object such as a heating appliance that is too close to combustible building features
• improper maintenance such as failure to remove accumulation of combustible dust or debris, which is then ignited by heating appliances, process equipment or electrical equipment
• faulty product design causes a fire even when the product is installed and used correctly

• Do not allow smoking in farm buildings. Restricting access to farm buildings keeps people out who don’t know or respect these rules.
• When repairing fixed or stationary equipment inside a farm building (livestock penning, stabling, etc.) with ignition source equipment (welders, cutting torches or grinders), ensure that:
  • fire extinguishers are located in the work area
  • all combustible materials are removed from the work area
  • the site is well ventilated to reduce the concentration of combustible gases presen.
• Establish a fire watch during the work and for a period of time following completion. Gas detection devices are available if accurate gas concentration levels are required.
• Establish good housekeeping practices. Eliminate clutter inside and outside the buildings. Keep grass and weeds mowed around buildings. These measures reduce the risk of fire spread and improve the effectiveness of suppression activities.
• Be careful when pressure washing inside a farm building. The high pressure water can physically damage equipment and allow deep water penetration into unwanted areas such as electrical panels, heater controls, etc.
• Grain handling and feed preparation activities generate dust which presents an explosion and/or fire hazard. Vent these areas and provide a fresh air supply. Properly protect electrical fixtures and use totally enclosed, fan-cooled motors. Good housekeeping practices are critical to limit combustible materials from this area.
• Ensure all liquid fuel and propane storage areas are located according to applicable Codes (adequate separation distance from fixed ignition sources, etc.). If the storage tanks are exposed to vehicle traffic, install protection (i.e. bollards or equivalent) around the storage tanks to reduce risk of damage from vehicle collisions.

The combination of a humid (wet) and corrosive environment is harmful to exposed electrical equipment (plug ends, unsealed junction points, etc.). Excessive corrosion increases the equipment’s electrical resistance and results in increased heat production, the suspected ignition source in a number of barn fires. Thermographic imaging exposes the problem, primarily in swine buildings, however the issue is also seen in poultry and other livestock facilities. Review and follow these best practices relating to the use and maintenance of electrical equipment.

• On a yearly basis, have a licensed electrical contractor inspect all electrical equipment within the barn. Focus particular attention on cord caps (ends), ceiling mounted outlets, light fixtures and electrical panels located within the animal areas.
• Complete a yearly thermographic inspection of the entire electrical system when the barn is at its peak electrical demand (e.g. summer for swine and poultry). Many insurance companies now offer this value added service for their policyholders. Make any necessary repairs to eliminate identified hot spot.
• Replace older wiring that passes through the walls or other concealed building spaces with wiring installed in conduit.
• Properly secure wiring enclosure covers to minimize the entry of corrosive gases and moisture. Replace damaged or deteriorated parts.
• Do not store flammable and/or combustible material underneath or around the electrical panels.
• Repair all damaged or malfunctioning fixtures or equipment as soon as practical.
• Completely remove or physically disable all abandoned or malfunctioning wiring within the barn. Removing the fuse or turning off the breaker is not a good practice, or long-term solution, and can lead to dangerous situations if the circuit is reactivated by accident.
• Heat lamps are a common source of fire. When heat lamps are required, protect the immediate area with non-combustible sheathing (concrete board, concrete, steel, tile, etc.). Keep the area around the heat lamp clear of clutter or bedding materials that could catch fire. Only use heat lamps with the CSA or ULC label.

Mechanical systems such as ventilation fans, feed auger motors, milk cooling equipment and generators break down or wear out with time. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of overheating and decreases the risk of fire.

• Inspect all motors and mechanical equipment according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (minimum, yearly) for evidence of wear, overheating, etc. Repair or replace equipment as required.
• Ventilate mechanical rooms to reduce the risk of motors (standby generators, refrigeration compressors, milk vacuum pumps, etc.) overheating during normal operation.
• Properly shield exhaust pipes from standby generators or vacuum pumps, that pass through a wall or ceiling, to reduce the risk of the building overheating and possibly igniting.
• For belt-driven fans, regularly inspect the belts to ensure they are not damaged or missing. Also ensure the fan blade assembly spins freely and does not hit the fan housing.
• Dust and debris build up over time and can cause fan blades to stop turning, resulting in overheating of the fan motor. Remove dust and debris from fan motors and blades to reduce the risk of a fire starting. This maintenance is especially important in feed rooms and barns housing livestock and poultry.

Heating systems are particularly important as they contain an ignition source (i.e. pilot light, igniters) and open flames.

• Complete annual maintenance of all heating devices within the farm buildings. Consult a qualified heating technician for this maintenance.
• Ensure all heat shields are in place for any heating device that requires them. This is especially important for radiant tube heaters.

One of the key concepts of fire safety in all buildings, including farm buildings, is to limit the spread of fire throughout a building with a physical barrier, known as a fire separation. A fire separation can be a wall, ceiling or floor of a building. Several fire separations are often used in combination to surround a given space and contain fire within it; this space is termed a fire compartment.

A wall, when put together or constructed in a building, is known as a wall assembly. Similarly, ceilings and floors, once built, are referred to as ceiling and floor assemblies.

Wall, floor and ceiling assemblies of buildings are built in different ways using a variety of construction materials. The way these assemblies are constructed determines how long it will take a fire to burn through the assembly and penetrate from one fire compartment to another. Wall, floor and ceiling assemblies built as required fire separations are usually given a specific fire-resistance rating to meet.

A fire-resistance rating is a measure of the length of time a properly constructed and maintained assembly can withstand fire conditions. In the case of a fire separation, a fire-resistance rating identifies the time for a fire to burn through from one compartment to another (30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.).

A fire compartment is a usable, enclosed space in a building that is separated from all other parts of the building. Many Codes specify maximum compartment sizes, to contain a specific fire risk within an area and protect people in the rest of the building. For the concept to work, compartment boundaries must have an adequate level of fire-resistance. All openings and penetrations through these boundaries require protection with rated closures or fire stops. The level of fire-resistance required depends on many things including the building size and type of occupancy.

Fire stopping is another key concept for fire safety in all buildings, including farm buildings. Fire stops are used to limit the spread of fire throughout a building with a physical barrier in concealed spaces. Fire stops are usually located within walls, floors, ceilings and in attic spaces.

Properly installed fire stops also prevent rodents and birds from easy access throughout the same concealed spaces, making the buildings more durable while increasing fire safety.

Attic fire stops are one of the most neglected construction details in farm buildings. Pay particular attention to the tightness of the construction since it provides the critical function of reducing the rate of fire spread. If the fire stop is pierced with wiring, plumbing or ductwork, the space between the stopping material and the object piercing must be sealed and caulked with fire-rated material. A fire stop is expected to slow the progress of a fire by at least 15 minutes.

Fire spreads by convection, conduction, radiation and/or direct flame contact. Spatial separation is a concept that reduces the chance of a fire spreading by radiation to adjacent buildings.

Radiation is the transfer of heat from flames and hot surfaces to solid objects that are in the direct path of the heat source. The hotter the source and the greater its ability to emit heat, the better the radiant heat transfer to objects in its path. On a smaller scale, radiation in everyday life is one way gas fireplaces transfer heat throughout houses.

Fire spreads by radiation to neighbouring buildings when nearby materials absorb enough heat and begin to smolder and then burn. Providing enough distance between all buildings helps minimize heat gain between the source of the fire and the surfaces of adjacent buildings. This distance gives firefighters the opportunity to apply water to the nearby building surfaces in an effort to reduce the temperature of each surface.

It is important to understand how fire spreads. Compartments contain fire within a certain area, but designers also strive to reduce the rate at which flames and smoke spread within each compartment. Slowing down the development of a fire within a compartment provides more time for people to escape, and increases the chance that the fire is manageable when the fire department arrives. Selection of interior sheathing materials significantly impact the rate fire spreads within each compartment.

Plastics create very noxious gases when burned. At very high temperatures, the gases that develop may suddenly cause flashover of the entire room and increase the rate of fire spread.

Installation of drywall in a high moisture area, like a livestock barn, is not recommended due to the high humidity levels in the housing area. Where drywall is used, provide a vapour barrier in an appropriate location that protects the drywall from the high moisture environment.

Drywall can be used in dry environment areas of the barn that do not house livestock. For example, use two layers of fire-rated drywall to line the interior of the mechanical electrical room to provide a fire separation. A fire that starts in this area will take longer to spread to the rest of the building, providing more time for evacuation and extinguishing.

For harsh environments (humid and corrosive), choose durable sheathing materials that often have a higher fire‑resistance rating (i.e. concrete board, sandwich wall construction, fiberglass-coated plywood).

There are nine key recommendations to reduce the effects of the corrosive atmosphere in the livestock or poultry housing area of the building.

1. Use copper wiring for all conductor and cable assemblies.
2. Use suitable wiring methods in livestock or poultry housing areas for all locations. Provide adequate ventilation in the housing area. Most animal confinement areas are humid at times, or wet from cleaning practices that regularly wash down areas with high pressure washing systems.
3. Install only electrical equipment that is essential to the operation in the livestock or poultry housing area. Install equipment containing fuses or breakers only in locations suitably separated from the confinement area and which are supplied with clean, dry, temperature controlled air (e.g. offices, electrical/mechanical rooms, etc.).
4. Hard wire essential equipment and lighting in the livestock area, where practical, using wire connectors with an anti-corrosion agent. This eliminates the need for some of the receptacles, reducing possible failure points in the electrical system.
5. Where it is essential to use portable lighting or equipment fed from receptacles, use approved flexible cords, cord caps and receptacles for the location. 
6. As an alternative to using a receptacle, remove the cord cap and hard wire the equipment’s flexible cord to the branch circuit with the use of a box connector approved for the location. This is the recommended practice to eliminate points of failure and reduce installation costs.
7. Do not use extension cords as permanent wiring.
8. Ontario Electrical Safety Code requires the protection of electrical wiring from rodents in walls and attics.
9. Areas in barns and farm operations that use special processes, such as grain handling or grinding, must meet additional conditions. The Code specifies equipment used in these environments to meet dust and explosion requirements.

The TSSA Fuels Safety Program administers the fuel-related safety services associated with the safe transportation, storage, handling and use of hydrocarbon fuels (i.e. gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas in Ontario).

• Ensure any suspended non-vented box heaters in a barn are able to withstand a wet and corrosive environment. Connect the heater to the ceiling with four jack chains that all have separate termination points.
• Adhere to the clearance requirements for the heater. Each heater has these requirements clearly posted on the unit.
• Use bright yellow to paint natural gas or propane lines that pass through the building, to avoid accidental damage and protect the piping.
• Install bollards to protect exposed natural gas valves near the building from vehicle impact.
• Align the ends of on-farm propane tanks parallel to the farm building, at least 3 m (10 ft) from the building. If the tank is close to a driveway or parking lot, install vehicle protection (bollards).
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Fire alarm systems

Automatic fire detection connected to a fire alarm system provides very effective, early notification of fire. If notification is not received almost immediately, a fire can be out of control before personnel have time to take action or evacuate the building. A combination of flashing lights in visible locations and alarms that can be heard both inside and outside of the building are most effective. Consider the corrosive environment inside most livestock buildings in the design and installation. Ongoing testing and maintenance is essential to ensure the system continues to operate properly.

Fire extinguishers

Knowing how to correctly use a fire extinguisher can stop a small fire from growing into a large one. It is a best practice to install fire extinguishers in every building. Select the extinguisher based on the hazards that are present, and any special environmental conditions in the building. General purpose fire extinguishers are a good choice for overall protection. Use recognized standards and advice from industry experts to select and place fire extinguishers for maximum benefit. Remember to locate fire extinguishers to be highly visible and easily reached. Passageways and aisles that lead to exits are good locations. Do not block exit paths with fire extinguishers or place where they are subject to mechanical damage from moving objects. Inspect extinguishers monthly for good working condition and service annually by qualified personnel.

Train all employees in the use of fire extinguishers. Ensure training covers extinguisher locations, different classes of fires, and when and how to use extinguishers. Most importantly, train employees to never place their lives at risk to fight a fire.

Sprinkler systems

Designed and installed correctly, sprinkler systems distribute water on the source of the fire. Although many farm buildings have challenging conditions such as cold winter temperatures, dust, corrosive environments, aggressive cleaning routines and limited water supply, these problems are overcome with a unique design and appropriate maintenance protocols. For example, a dry-pipe system using corrosion resistant components can have a serviceable life in cold and corrosive locations. With a dry-pipe system, water is not present in the pipes until a fire, when a valve opens to charge the system with water. There are other types of systems and unique operating features to consider. Operators are advised to consult with experts to determine if a sprinkler system is the right choice for their particular operation.

In the event of a fire, fire personnel must be able to access the site with their equipment in order to contain and/or extinguish the fire as quickly as possible.

A firefighting unit may require access to several sides of a building. Proper access roads around farm buildings provide the fire department with a better opportunity to fight a fire.

There are several additional factors to consider when constructing a laneway.

• Place the laneway a minimum of 15 m (50 ft) away from the building.
• The minimum width of the laneway is 3.7 m (12 ft) for the entire length of the lane, and greater than this at the entrance and at points where the laneway direction changes. Allow for vehicles with a large turning radius.
• Construct the laneway wide enough for two vehicles to pass, at least in several places.
• Set fences back, at least 2.4 m (8 ft), along the side of the laneway to allow for adequate snow removal. Keep all overhead objects, including branches and wires, cleared to a height of 6 m (20 ft) from the surface of the yard or laneway.
• Clearly identify all four corners of laneway bridges, culverts and Texas gates where the laneway meets the bridge. When a new bridge or culvert is necessary, construct it of corrugated steel and/or concrete. Consult a professional engineer to evaluate an existing bridge or culvert or to design a new crossing.
• Create a laneway wide enough at the road to allow longer vehicles to turn without extending past the edge of the laneway

The fire department access laneways need all-season maintenance. Keep the snow cleared during winter months. Do not leave machinery or vehicles parked where they restrict access along the laneway or to an available water supply.

Water for fire fighting can come from a variety of sources. Farm ponds, concrete tanks, public water supplies/ hydrants are common sources. Firefighting units can also transport limited water quantities to the site. 

The required volume of water for fighting a fire depends on several factors, including:

• type of construction (combustible vs. non-combustible
• proximity to other buildings
• fire protection features (i.e. automatic sprinklers)

It is difficult to provide a guide on water capacity, however more water is always a positive asset. The local fire department may be able to provide recommendations on emergency water supply and appropriate connections. For ponds and concrete tanks, install a standard, remote water connection (dry hydrant) adjacent to the water storage for direct connection by the local fire department. A dry hydrant is useful, but not always required for obtaining water from a pond. Many rural fire departments have floating pumps and screened supply lines for this purpose. If a nearby pond is the source of supply water for fire suppression, discuss the options with the fire department so their capabilities are understood ahead of time.

Fire exit signage

Post permanent signs beside all fire exits in the building/compartment. Rooms connecting into common hallways should post signs in the hallway in front of the doorway, indicating the direction to an exit. If using electrical signs, ensure these signs have a battery backup system to remain lit in the event of a power outage.

Alternative exits (removable panels/windows)

Clearly mark these panels and test them periodically to ensure they are operational. The panels must open without the use of tools. Attach handles for ease of manipulating the panels. Inform staff using the facility that these are available as emergency exits.

Mechanical/electrical room exit

These rooms should have a direct exit to the outside. When a direct exit to the outside is not possible, consider a pass-through exit (through another room). In these cases, ensure employees determine the fire location before entering the room, in order to get to the exit.

Obstructions

Make every effort to keep exit paths and exit doors clear of obstructions from equipment, machinery, feed and similar items. A daily walk through the building will ensure exits and exit paths are unobstructed.



Low level lighting

Install a battery backup system in hallways and areas where a power outage could cause the area to become dark, to provide a minimum lighting level to allow safe exit.

Door swing/door locks/pins

Mount self locking doors along the vertical axis and ensure they open outwards, as a best management practice. Keep the area outside of the door clear of snow and debris to ensure the door is operational.

Training guide

Best management practices recommend that a farm operator provide training to all employees on the location of fire exits and extinguishers, and where to go in the event of a fire. Instruct employees on procedures for using the extinguishers and contacting the fire department after leaving the building. Post signage with the fire department’s phone number, directions to the property and the 911 address at each telephone on the farm property. The caller is only expected to read supplied paperwork because the stress of the situation may cause them to forget critical information.