Fire safety systems (Life safety systems)
Fire safety systems are installed into buildings to help protect people and buildings from fires. They include but are not limited to portable fire extinguishers, sprinklers and fire extinguishing systems, fire alarms and their systems. Fire safety systems are also known as life safety systems and fire protection installations.
Installing and maintaining life saving equipment
There are minimum qualifications required for a tradesperson to install, repair or maintain lifesaving equipment such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire alarms.
When should a system be inspected?
Fire safety systems have to be inspected regularly, as per the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition), by a qualified service company. When a service company completes an inspection they will create a service report that will contain their findings. These reports must be kept on site for two years and be readily available for examination by a Fire Safety Codes Officer.
What is in a service report?
Service reports of a fire safety system will include:
- Building Address
- Inspection and testing date
- Testing Standard
- System Status (fully functional or system has deficiencies)
- Deficiencies
- Recommendations (reported on a separate page)
What is a deficiency?
Deficiencies are problems with the system that MUST be corrected according to the National Fire Code, Alberta Edition. They differ from recommendations which are suggestions on how you can improve your fire protection system and recommendations are not mandatory.
When do I report deficient systems?
If an owner or their authorized agent is unwilling or unable to correct a system that has deficiencies then the system must be reported to the Calgary Fire Department. The person(s) carrying out the maintenance are responsible for submitting the report. Reporting these systems is a requirement of the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition).
How do I report deficient systems?
Currently, deficient fire alarm and sprinkler systems can be reported electronically. Additional systems may be added in the future.
Service companies can contact the Calgary Fire Department to learn more about electronic reporting and to get the private electronic link to report deficient systems.
What happens after a report is filed?
Once a report has been submitted, a Fire Safety Codes Officer will contact the building owner to ensure that all repairs have been or will be completed. Building owners or operators will need to confirm the repairs through documentation. The documentation needs to be in the form of a formal report which indicates the inspection findings and any supporting documents from the service company that made the repairs. This is typically in the form of a letter which states the repairs were made and that the system is fully functional.
Are there consequences for not complying?
Failure to comply with the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition) can result in provincial orders or legal actions against companies, owners and/or operators. This information is outlined in the Safety Codes Act. Failure to comply applies to both reporting a deficient system and not repairing of deficient system.
Letters for service companies
Below are letters for service companies to use to help explain the requirements and standards that they are held to by the Calgary Fire Department and how the requirements impact their customers:
- Annual Fire Alarm Requirements
- Annual Fire Alarm Deficiency Reporting
- Annual Sprinkler System Requirements
- Sprinkler System Deficiency Reporting
It is up to the service company to decide when they want to provide these letters to their customers. Typically letters would be provided once an annual inspection has been completed and the final report has been given to the owner or operator of the building.
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If you install, repair or maintain life saving equipment such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire alarms, you must be able to prove that you have the skills, competencies and standards of performance to work in Alberta.
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A lockbox provides emergency responders quick access to a building. They must contain all keys or devices required to access the building and the Fire/Life safety systems.
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During an emergency, the Fire Safety Box program assists fire crews at times when buildings are closed or when information about the structure is not readily available.
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Residential fire sprinklers save lives and protect homes. Homes equipped with automatic fire sprinklers and smoke alarms reduce the risk of death in a home fire by 82 per cent and decrease property damage by as much as 90 per cent.