Fire Safety Plan Changes Coming January 1, 2026
The recent updates to Part 4 of the Ontario Fire Code, which harmonize it with the National Fire Code of Canada, have a significant impact on emergency plans, particularly for buildings
The code now requires more explicit and detailed spill control procedures to be integrated into the overarching fire safety plan. These procedures must address the prevention of leaks and spills, proper ventilation, control of ignition sources, and specific instructions for containment and cleanup.
In addition, the new regulations place a greater emphasis on enhanced training and drills. All staff who handle these materials must receive specialized training on material hazards, the correct use of fire extinguishers and spill kits, and emergency shutdown protocols for specific equipment. Regular drills are now a mandatory component of the emergency plan to ensure that personnel can effectively and safely respond to a chemical spill or release. This moves the focus of emergency planning beyond just fire response to a more comprehensive approach that includes chemical emergencies.
The updated code also provides clearer definitions and classifications for flammable and combustible liquids, which helps facilities to better assess their on-site hazards and develop more targeted and effective emergency plans.
Here’s a breakdown of the key updates as they relate to emergency plans:
1. Explicit Requirement for Spill Control Procedures: The Code now mandates a specific spill control procedure for any occupancy where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, handled, processed, or used. This is a more explicit and detailed requirement than previous versions.
2. Integration into the Fire Safety Plan: For buildings that meet the quantity threshold (generally exceeding 500 L in total or 250 L of Class I liquids), the new spill control procedures must be fully integrated into the existing Fire Safety Plan. This means the Fire Safety Plan must now be more comprehensive, addressing not only fire emergencies but also chemical spills and releases.
3. Enhanced Training and Drills: The updates emphasize the need for robust training and drills. Emergency drills must be a regular occurrence to simulate realistic scenarios involving flammable and combustible liquids, allowing staff to practice their roles and refine response strategies.