Reducing the Risk of Fire on Your Farm - Ontario Ministry of ...

2.0 Preventative Maintenance to Reduce <strong>the</strong> <strong>Risk</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fire</strong>• Complete a yearly <strong>the</strong>rmographic inspection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire electrical system when <strong>the</strong> barn is at its peakelectrical demand (e.g. summer for swine and poultry). Many insurance companies now <strong>of</strong>fer this value addedservice for <strong>the</strong>ir policyholders. Make any necessary repairs to eliminate identified hot spots (Figure 2.3).Figure 2.3. Thermographic image <strong>of</strong> an electricaloutlet in a barn discovered during an annualinspection. Note <strong>the</strong> hotspots (red) at greaterthan 100 ºC (212 ºF).(Photo credit: R. Drysdale, Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan)• The Ontario Electrical Safety Code permits <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> wiring for damp locations in farm buildings housinglivestock or poultry when <strong>the</strong> area has adequate ventilation. For more information on ventilating livestockbuildings, see OMAFRA Publication 833, Ventilation for Livestock and Poultry Facilities, www.serviceOntario.ca• Replace older wiring that passes through <strong>the</strong> walls or o<strong>the</strong>r concealed building spaces with wiring installedin conduit.• Have a licensed electrical contractor perform all electrical work within <strong>the</strong> building to ensure it is donesafely and meets <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ontario Electrical Safety Code. All electrical installations mustbe inspected by <strong>the</strong> Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).• Properly secure wiring enclosure covers to minimize <strong>the</strong> entry <strong>of</strong> corrosive gases and moisture.Replace damaged or deteriorated parts.• Do not store flammable and/or combustible material underneath or around <strong>the</strong> electrical panels.• Ensure a minimum <strong>of</strong> 1 m (3 ft) <strong>of</strong> clear access space in front <strong>of</strong> each electrical panel.• Repair all damaged or malfunctioning fixtures or equipment as soon as practical.• Completely remove or physically disable all abandoned or malfunctioning wiring within <strong>the</strong> barn. Removing<strong>the</strong> fuse or turning <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> breaker is not a good practice, or long-term solution, and can lead to dangeroussituations if <strong>the</strong> circuit is reactivated by accident.• Heat lamps are a common source <strong>of</strong> fire. When heat lamps are required, protect <strong>the</strong> immediate area withnon-combustible sheathing (concrete board, concrete, steel, tile, etc.). Keep <strong>the</strong> area around <strong>the</strong> heat lampclear <strong>of</strong> clutter or bedding materials that could catch fire. Only use heat lamps with <strong>the</strong> CSA or ULC label.Figures 2.4a and 2.4b show examples <strong>of</strong> incorrect and correct uses <strong>of</strong> heat lamps.7