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

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REDUCING THE RISK OF FIRE ON YOUR FARMSprinkler systemsDesigned and installed correctly, sprinkler systems distribute water on <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fire. Although manyfarm buildings have challenging conditions such as cold winter temperatures, dust, corrosive environments,aggressive cleaning routines and limited water supply, <strong>the</strong>se problems are overcome with a unique design andappropriate maintenance protocols. For example, a dry-pipe system using corrosion resistant components canhave a serviceable life in cold and corrosive locations. With a dry-pipe system, water is not present in <strong>the</strong> pipesuntil a fire, when a valve opens to charge <strong>the</strong> system with water. There are o<strong>the</strong>r types <strong>of</strong> systems and uniqueoperating features to consider. Operators are advised to consult with experts to determine if a sprinkler systemis <strong>the</strong> right choice for <strong>the</strong>ir particular operation.<strong>Fire</strong> Department AccessIn <strong>the</strong> event <strong>of</strong> a fire, fire personnel must be able to access <strong>the</strong> site with <strong>the</strong>ir equipment in order to containand/or extinguish <strong>the</strong> fire as quickly as possible (Figure 4.2).Figure 4.2. This swine facility was devastated by a fire. Note <strong>the</strong> lack<strong>of</strong> an access road completely around <strong>the</strong> buildings which hampered <strong>the</strong>ability to fight <strong>the</strong> fire.(Photo credit: P. Stolk, Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan)32
4.0 <strong>Reducing</strong> <strong>the</strong> Impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fire</strong>A firefighting unit may require access to several sides <strong>of</strong> a building. Proper access roads around farm buildingsprovide <strong>the</strong> fire department with a better opportunity to fight a fire. Table 4.1 lists recommendations for lanewayaccess to farm buildings <strong>of</strong> varying sizes. Building complex area is <strong>the</strong> total footprint area <strong>of</strong> all buildings on <strong>the</strong>property that are interconnected by hallways/passageways.Table 4.1. Recommended Access Road ConfigurationsOverall Building Complex Area(m 2 ) (ft 2 )Type <strong>of</strong> Road Access Needed1,200 12,900 One side2,400 25,800 Two sides3,600 38,700 Three sides4,800 + 51,600 All sidesThere are several additional factors to consider when constructing a laneway.• Place <strong>the</strong> laneway a minimum <strong>of</strong> 15 m (50 ft) away from <strong>the</strong> building.• The minimum width <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laneway is 3.7 m (12 ft) for <strong>the</strong> entire length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lane, and greater than this at <strong>the</strong>entrance and at points where <strong>the</strong> laneway direction changes. Allow for vehicles with a large turning radius.• Construct <strong>the</strong> laneway wide enough for two vehicles to pass, at least in several places.• Set fences back, at least 2.4 m (8 ft), along <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laneway to allow for adequate snow removal. Keepall overhead objects, including branches and wires, cleared to a height <strong>of</strong> 6 m (20 ft) from <strong>the</strong> surface <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>yard or laneway.• Clearly identify all four corners <strong>of</strong> laneway bridges, culverts and Texas gates where <strong>the</strong> laneway meets <strong>the</strong>bridge. When a new bridge or culvert is necessary, construct it <strong>of</strong> corrugated steel and/or concrete. Consulta pr<strong>of</strong>essional engineer to evaluate an existing bridge or culvert or to design a new crossing.• Create a laneway wide enough at <strong>the</strong> road to allow longer vehicles to turn without extending past <strong>the</strong> edge<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laneway.33
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