PARTICIPATION HOUSE 9 BUTTERNUT LANE, MARKHAM B 3 CASE STUDY
RANDAL BROWN & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERING LTD. CONSULTING ENGINEERS LIFE SAFETY & FIRE PROTECTION 105 6 LANSING SQUARE TORONTO, ONTARIO PARTICIPATION HOUSE 9 BUTTERNUT LANE, MARKHAM ON B 3 CASE STUDY: FIRE ALARM REPLACEMENT, SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION, AND INTERIM FIRE SAFETY PLAN TRAINING OMFPOA CONFERENCE: MAY 1, 2013 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 2
PRESENTERS Simon Crosby, CET, CFPS David Vickers, CET, CFPS Don Casey, LEL, CET, CFPS Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 3
BACKGROUND Participation House s Butternut Lane Residence is a group home that can house up to forty eight adults with developmental disabilities The facility provides residential services, 24 hour nursing care, pool therapy, recreation, life skills, and adult literacy services for residents in a 38,800 ft 2 single storey facility. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 4
BACKGROUND 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 5
BACKGROUND 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 6
BACKGROUND RBA Engineering acted as the Owner s Representative for the installation of automatic sprinkler protection throughout the facility and the upgrade to the building s fire alarm system. This included the preparation p of the Specifications for the new fire protection systems and overseeing the construction of these systems for the owner. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 7
BACKGROUND RBA Engineering also assisted Participation House with staff training on their Interim Fire Safety Plan, including fire protection systems, building life safety features, staff responsibility, and emergency procedures. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 8
BACKGROUND As a result of the system installations and modifications, Participation House Markham was presented with a Fire Safety Award by the City of Markham Fire and Emergency Services This award was presented in October 2012 as part of Fire Prevention Week 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 9
BACKGROUND 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 10
EXISTING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Existing single storey Group B 3 care facility Designed and constructed in early 1970 s Assumption that building was designed and constructed per 1970 National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) First edition of OBC wasn t issued until 1975 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 11
EXISTING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Approximate building area of 38,800ft 2 (3600m 2 ) Combustible construction No sprinkler protection Existing fire alarm Standpipe system Required by NBCC Clause 3.2.5.4.(1)(b) and Table 3.2.5.A due to the building area being in excess of 20,000ft 2 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 12
EXISTING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION The 48 residential sleeping quarters are located in six pods referred to as Purple House, Blue House, Yellow House, Red House, Green House and Orange House (8 separate sleeping rooms per pod) 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 13
INVOLVEMENT PODS 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 14
Staffing levels EXISTING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8 PSWs during the day shift 6 PSWs during the evening shift 2 PSWs during the night shift 1 nurse on every shift 1 maintenance personnel on every shift Admin staff 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 15
INVOLVEMENT RBA involvement following fire drills that were conducted by Markham Fire and Emergency Services and Participation House senior staff members. Two fire drills conducted in Early 2011 and measured against NFPA 101 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 16
INVOLVEMENT The fire scenario used for the drills was a fire occurring at night which is the most challenging time to evacuate the building Night time staffing levels are lower (4 staff members total), and Residents will be asleep Orange House used for the fire scenario since it is most remote from the nursing station 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 17
INVOLVEMENT ORANGE HOUSE NURSES STATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 18
INVOLVEMENT The scenario included for 8 occupants in their beds. One occupant is a resident that required some assistance in evacuating the building. The remaining 7 occupants are residents that are unable to assistance with transport 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 19
Drill Results INVOLVEMENT Drill #1 required 6 minutes and 34 seconds to remove the last resident out of the fire area. Drill #2 required 4 minutes and 54 seconds to remove the last resident out of the fire area. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 20
INVOLVEMENT Based on drill times in excess of 3 minutes, facility considered to have a Slow Evacuation Capability Since building was not sprinklered, goal was to reach Prompt Evacuation Capability Definitions per NFPA 101 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 21
INVOLVEMENT To meet this, Participation House considered the following: Install sprinkler protection Reduce occupant loads within the building Construct new fire compartments to reduce occupant loads within the compartments Increase staffing levels Move persons requiring greatest assistance closer to nurse stations 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 22
INVOLVEMENT Of these options, the installation of sprinkler protection was chosen Allows for 13 minute evacuation time (OFM Staffing Levels for the Emergency Evacuation of Residents in Care Occupancies ) Cheaper than new construction Cheaper than the addition of new staff Allows for greatest flexibility in housing residents 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 23
INTERIM FIRE SAFETY PLAN TRAINING 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 24
FIRE SAFETY PLAN TRAINING In 2011, RBA Engineering provided staff Fire Safety Plan Training based on an interim Fire Safety Plan which included interim evacuation strategies Emergency yprocedures were based on the existing fire alarm system (single stage fire alarm system with no voice communication) and based on a nonsprinklered building 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 25
ORIGINAL FIRE SAFETY PLAN Nurse In Charge responded to annunciator / Nurses Station to determine location of alarm First Responders also responded to main entrance or to the Resident Care Office to receive instructions from the Nurse In Charge or the Receptionist (too time consuming) Staff roles were not clearly defined (Nurse In Charge was responsible for assigning evacuation roles to individuals based on order of arrival) 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 26
ORIGINAL FIRE SAFETY PLAN Total evacuation was immediately implemented No focus on lateral evacuation of the fire zone or to those zones located immediately adjacent to the fire zone 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 27
CHALLENGES No voice communication Large single storey floor plate (with a ring corridor system) Establishing efficient roles for first responders How to decrease staff response times to the fire area? How to eliminate redundant searches within resident sleeping area? How to increase staff communication? 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 28
FLOOR LAYOUT 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 29
IMPLEMENTED STRATEGIES Text paging system Clearly identify resident sleeping areas (Colour Coded Pods) Pylon markers Evacucheck door flaps Revised response procedures (more direct staff response) 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 30
INTERIM FIRE SAFETY PLAN Established Supervisory Staff Clearly defined Supervisory Staff responsibilities Clearly defined Supervisory Staff emergency procedures Established a means to reduce redundant / multiple searches of resident areas Increased First Responders response time to the fire zone Maximize the use of all available staff 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 31
SUPERVISORY STAFF Organizational Chart Owner Fire Safety Co ordinator Responders Maintenance Staff / Kitchen Staff Laundry Staff Reception Occupants 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 32
Owner SUPERVISORY STAFF Cerebral Palsy Parent Council of Toronto Chair, Board of Directors, Mr. Phil Garment Fire Safety Co Ordinator Maintenance Supervisor Responders All staff not assigned specific duties in the Fire Safety Plan (i.e., Maintenance Staff, Reception, Laundry Staffandand Kitchen Staff) 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 33
INTERIM EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 34
EVACUATION PROCEDURES Lateral Evacuation Lateral evacuation refers to moving residents from a fire area to a safer area. The boundary between the fire area and the safe area has a fire separation door which has a fire resistance rating and which automatically closes upon activation of the alarm. These doors are located generally between housing pods and between main hallways. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 35
EVACUATION PROCEDURES Lateral Evacuation Participation House is zoned by fire separations across floor areas. Lateral evacuation is to begin upon activation of the fire alarm system. The general order of evacuation should be first: Residents in immediate danger from the fire and then, Residents in other areas. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 36
EVACUATION PROCEDURES Lateral Evacuation EXAMPLE: If there is a fire in yellow house, evacuate residents beyond the doors of yellow house on both sides. If unable to proceed through h these doors, evacuate to outside via corner room doors and proceed to the parking lot. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 37
EVACUATION PROCEDURES Total Evacuation Every occupant in the building is to be evacuated outside and meet in the parking lot. This decision can only be made by the Nurse in Charge or the Fire Department. The Nurse in Charge will assign a person to obtain the Residents cardex file so that residents can be accounted for. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 38
EVACUATION PROCEDURES Total Evacuation Pre planning for the total evacuation should also include establishing plans with the police force, the Ambulance Centre, Markham Stouffville Hospital and other emergency services in the community to determine what measures will be necessary to maintain the care of residents while away from home. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 39
UPON DISCOVERY OF SMOKE OR FIRE R= If a resident is involved in a fire, evacuate the resident to safety. A= Sound the Fire Alarm immediately. C= Close doors to contain the fire. E= Begin lt lateral levacuation by moving residents from the fire to beyond fire separation doors. Do not place yourself or the residents in danger. E= If safe to do so, use the fire extinguisher to put out the fire. 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 40
UPON DISCOVERY OF SMOKE OR FIRE 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 41
Nurse in Charge UPON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM Proceed to fire alarm control panel in the Nurse s Station and determine location of the fire alarm and call 9 1 1 Use the text paging system to notify staff members of the location of the fire Direct staff to the location of the fire Supervise and assist in lateral (or full) evacuation as necessary Assist the Fire Department as requested. Do not permit occupants to re enter until authorized to do so by Fire Department 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 42
Responders UPON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM Secure patients under your immediate care Proceed to the closest pod, the annunciator panel or the Nurse s Station to determine the location of the alarm (text message system) Proceed to the alarm zone and assist in the lateral evacuation of residents Evacuate residents at least two smoke zones away from the fire / alarm zone 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 43
UPON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM Responders Once a room / pod is evacuated, flip the Evacucheck flap indicating that the room is clear (Do not double check a room that has an Evacucheck kflap engaged). 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 44
Responders UPON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM Once the pod has been cleared, place a pylon in the doorway indicating the pod is clear The first responder to arrive will take charge and instruct other responders One responder will be instructed to return to the Nurse s Station to inform the Nurse in Charge / Fire Department of conditions within the alarmzone 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 45
Responders UPON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM Assist the Fire Department as requested. Do not permit occupants to re enter an alarm zone (lateral evacuation) or the building (full evacuation) until authorized to do so by the Fire Department 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 46
Results FIRE SAFETY PLAN RESULTS Pod evacuation times were decreased Staff organization was increased Staff comprehension of fire safety procedures was increased as instructions were clarified Individual roles were clearly defined 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 47
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM REPLACEMENT 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 48
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Configuration Cerberus Pyrotronics System 3 Single Stage Sequence of Operation Conventional Wiring Fire Alarm Control Panel at Nurses Station Remote Annunciator Panel at Main Entrance LED Annunciation Separate Fire Alarm Zones for each Resident s House FireAlarm Zones for each Activity / Service Area 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 49
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 50
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Inputs Smoke Detectors in Sleeping Rooms Smoke Detectors in Corridors Detectors in Service and Non Residential Areas Manual Stations at Exits 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 51
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 52
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 53
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 54
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Outputs Bells Throughout the Facility for Notification Smoke Detector Relay Bases to Release of Door Hold Open Devices on Smoke Control Doors Monitored by ULC Listed Signal Receiving Centre 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 55
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 56
EXISTING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Reasons for Replacement Issues Due to Sprinkler System Installation Older Technology Not Expandable for New Sprinkler Zones Replacement Parts Difficult to Find Operational Issues Conventional Detection Identifies Only Initiation Zone Communication Difficult for Staff While BllRi Bells Ringingi No Voice Communication 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 57
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Specified Configuration Single Stage Sequence of Operation Addressable Technology Fire Alarm Control Panel at Nurses Station Remote Annunciator Panel at Main Entrance LED & LCD Annunciation Secondary (Emergency) Power Through Batteries Maintain Existing Fire Alarm Zones 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 58
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 59
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 60
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Inputs Addressable Fire Alarm System Devices Manual Stations at Exits Maintained Height of 60 Due to Damage Concerns Smoke Detectors In Resident Sleeping Rooms Connected to Lights Outside Each Sleeping Room In Corridors Serving as Means of Egress At Smoke Control Doors 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 61
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Inputs Sprinkler System Supervision Water Flow Switches Supervisory Devices on Valves Kitchen Fire Suppression System 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 62
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 63
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 64
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 65
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Outputs Audible Notification Devices Speakers for Temporal (T3) Tone Installed Throughout the Facility Class A Wiring Visual Notification Devices Strobe Lights Installed in Corridors, Common Areas, and asrequired by the OntarioBuildingCode Synchronized Flash Rate Class A Wiring 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 66
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM System Outputs One Way Voice Communication System All Call Throughout the Facility Selective Paging by Area Operated at the Nurses Station Fire Alarm Control Panel Door Release Local Smoke Detector Fire Alarm Ati Activation Monitored by ULC Listed Signal Receiving Centre 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 67
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 68
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 69
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Additional Features By Passes For Testing and Maintenance Audible Devices Fire Alarm Monitoring Door Release Password dprotected t Activation Causes Visual / Audible Trouble Signal Door Hold Open Release Manual Release of Hold Open Doors in the Facility 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 70
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Major System Improvements Addressable Fire Alarm System Technology Improved Fire Alarm System Annunciation Staff Response to Specific Fire Detector Activated Improved Response to Resident Sleeping Rooms Voice Communication Directions to Staff During Fire Alarms 10 Second dpaging Inhibit 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 71
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Installation Requirements Maintain Fire Alarm System Coverage During Replacement (Limit Impairments to One Zone) Provide Fire Watch During System Impairments CAN/ULC S537 04 Verification Engineer of Record Acceptance Testing Authority Having Jurisdiction Testing System Record Documents System Demonstration and Training 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 72
REPLACEMENT FIRE ALARM SYSTEM RBA Engineering s Role Owner s Representative Specified Fire Alarm System Replacement Concepts Reviewed and Commented on Design Conducted Inspections During Installation Next Steps Review Installed System for Contract Compliance Review Verification and Closeout Submissions 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 73
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 74
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION New sprinkler wet pipe sprinkler system installed throughout building Auxiliary dry pp pipe sprinkler system installed to protect wood porte cochere Bothsystems designed and installed in accordance with the 2007 edition of NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (as referenced by the 2006 OBC). 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 75
New sprinkler manifold Wet pipe sprinkler system with auxiliary dry pipe system SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 76
New backflow preventor SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 77
Dry pipe sprinkler system installed to protect combustible porte cochere SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 78
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION Also included removal of existing standpipe system and fire pump With sprinklers installed, no NBC or OBC requirement to install a standpipe system Removal of the standpipe addressed concerns regarding water supply into the building 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 79
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION New installations in existing buildings typically pose greater challenge than in new construction A lack of electronic drawings to prepare p designs from A lack of drawings to indicate the location of interferences such as other mechanical piping systems 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 80
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION Trying to find space to conceal the sprinkler piping Is the underground incoming main large enough for the water demand? Is the existing fire alarm panel adequately sized to accept the additional points required? 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 81
Tight above ceiling space SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 82
Most pipe could be concealed ldin the corridors SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 83
Pipe could not be concealed ld in the resident s s sleeping rooms due to the lack of suspended ceilings SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 84
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION Before 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 85
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION After 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 86
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION Is a fire pump required? Is there an adequate electrical service to accommodate the fire pump pif required? If a fire pump is required is there an existing generator and can it accommodate the fire pump requirements? 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 87
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION Challenges working in an occupied residential building Coordinating around residents schedules Protection of the contents in the rooms Resident s bedrooms, Offices, Classrooms Working over a pool Cleaning after every shift 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 88
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION Interruption of Building Services Shutting down the incoming water service to the building for the new backflow valve installation Working in sensitive areas or areas particularly l susceptible to the mess created by construction activities (kitchens) Asbestos concerns in older buildings 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 89
SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLATION RBA Engineering s Role Owner s Representative Specified Sprinkler System Installation requirements Reviewed and Commented on Design Conducted Inspections During Installation Next Steps Review Installed System for Contract Compliance Review Verification and Closeout Submissions 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 90
FUTURE PROJECT Reviewing installation of new sprinkler protection in another Participation House property The building was originally constructed as a single family home New sprinkler protection to be installed throughout Will require replacement of the existing fire alarm system Will require a new underground feed main 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 91
Issues with concealing pipe FUTURE PROJECT 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 92
FUTURE PROJECT 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 93
FUTURE PROJECT Existing Water Supply 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 94
THANK YOU Simon Crosby, CET, CFPS David Vickers, CET, CFPS Don Casey, LEL, CET, CFPS Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd 2013 Randal Brown & Associates Engineering Ltd. 95