Fire Audits & Safety Plans
What is a Fire Safety Plan?
A fire audit is a systematic inspection and evaluation of your building’s fire protection systems, life safety components, and operational procedures. During the audit, we examine:
- Fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems
- Egress paths, exit signage, emergency lighting
- Fire doors, fire separations, fire-rated construction
- Hazardous materials storage and ignition sources
- Emergency procedures, staffing roles, training, drills
- Compliance documentation, record keeping, past inspection findings
Using audit results, we then build a Fire Safety Plan (FSP) — a formal, documented strategy that defines:
- Emergency procedures (evacuation, notification, staff actions)
- Roles and responsibilities (owners, supervisory staff, fire wardens)
- Inspection, testing, and maintenance schedules
- Alternative measures during system shutdowns
- Floor plans, schematics, and diagrams
- Communication and training protocols
- Methods for continuous review and plan updates
This integrated approach ensures your building is ready not just in theory, but in practice.
When Do You Need a Fire Audit & Safety Plan?
You should plan for a fire audit and safety plan:
- At the start of operations / occupancy
Before opening a new building or facility, a fire safety audit and plan help verify compliance and readiness. - With major renovations or change of occupancy
If you change how a space is used (for instance, converting retail to office or residential), or perform significant renovations, new risks may be introduced, and the fire plan may need rework. - For regular compliance / due diligence
Ontario Fire Code (O. Reg. 213/07) requires that Fire Safety Plans be reviewed and updated at least every 12 months, or when there are changes to the building, occupancy, fire protection systems, staffing, or procedures. National Life Safety Group Canada+2Ontario+2
Many fire departments mandate an annual audit or review cycle as part of enforcement. - After incidents, system upgrades or equipment replacement
A fire incident, a significant alarm event, or system upgrades (new sprinklers, alarm panels, or structural changes) may trigger the need for an updated audit and plan. - To respond to fire department orders or deficiencies
If a fire inspector issues orders or identifies deficiencies, a fire audit and plan revision may be required to bring your building into compliance. Ontario+1
Delaying audits or plan updates can lead to serious safety gaps, noncompliance, or refusal of occupancy permits.s.
Why Is a Fire Safety Plan Important in Ontario?
🔍 Legal & Code Requirement
- The Ontario Fire Code, Regulation 213/07, Division B Section 2.8 (Emergency Planning) mandates that many types of buildings have a Fire Safety Plan that is prepared, approved, implemented, and maintained. National Life Safety Group Canada+4Township of Muskoka Lakes+4Ontario+4
- The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 provides authority for municipal fire departments and fire marshals to enforce the Fire Code and issue compliance orders. Ontario+2Ontario+2
- Penalties for noncompliance can be steep — corporations or individuals found violating the Fire Code may face fines up to $100,000 (or more under repeat offences). National Life Safety Group Canada+3OASIS Online+3Ontario+3
🛡 Life Safety & Risk Mitigation
- A well-prepared fire safety plan ensures that occupants know what to do in emergencies, reducing panic and confusion.
- It helps optimize response by fire services by providing floor plans, location of hazards, persons requiring assistance, and life safety system layout. National Life Safety Group Canada+2Township of Muskoka Lakes+2
- Identifies vulnerabilities ahead of time, allowing you to correct or mitigate hazards before they escalate into serious incidents.
📁 Operational & Insurance Integrity
- Many insurers require documented fire safety strategies and maintenance programs; lacking them can increase premiums or void claims.
- A current, approved plan demonstrates due diligence and legal compliance, reducing liability exposure if an incident occurs.
🔄 Continuous Compliance & Adaptability
Regular audits help ensure inspections, testing, maintenance, and documentation obligations are met and validated.
Since buildings, occupants, and hazards can change over time, the plan must evolve. Annual reviews and updates required by code keep your strategy aligned with reality. National Life Safety Group Canada+2Ontario+2
Our Process: From Audit to Full Implementation
01
Initial consultation & scoping
We discuss your building type, occupancy, systems in place, and identify risks or past issues.
02
On-site audit & risk assessment
Our team inspects all life safety systems, site conditions, egress paths, staff practices, hazard zones, documentation, and emergency procedures.
03
Draft Fire Safety Plan development
We prepare a detailed FSP including emergency procedures, staff roles, floor plans, inspection schedules, and training materials.
04
Review and submission to fire authority
We liaise with your local fire department or Chief Fire Official, submit the plan for review, and make required changes to achieve approval.
05
Implementation, training & drills
Once approved, we help you roll out the plan: train supervisory staff, facilitate drills, distribute the plan to occupants, ensure posting, etc.
06
Ongoing support & compliance monitoring
We provide guidance on documentation, inspections, recordkeeping, and liaise with fire authorities as needed.