If you operate a restaurant, commercial kitchen, private club, hotel or other hospitality facility, you may be required to have a Fire Safety Plan under the Ontario Fire Code.
A Fire Safety Plan is a building-specific document that explains how fire safety is managed. It includes details on emergency procedures, staff responsibilities, fire drills, hazard control, and maintenance of fire protection systems.
Who Needs a Fire Safety Plan?
Not every commercial building automatically requires one.
The requirement depends on factors such as the building's occupancy classification, occupant load, size and use.
In Ontario, establishments applying for a liquor sales licence must demonstrate compliance with applicable fire-safety requirements, and the licensing process includes fire-department/fire-official approval. Where the Ontario Fire Code requires a Fire Safety Plan for that occupancy, an approved plan MUST be in place.
In Ontario, Fire Safety Plans are required for several types of occupancies, including assembly occupancies. This means many of the below may require one:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Banquet halls
- Private clubs
- Event spaces
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Hospitality facilities
The exact requirement should always be confirmed for the specific building and its approved use.
When opening, renovating or changing the use of a commercial space, the local fire department may require an approved Fire Safety Plan as part of the fire-safety compliance and inspection process.
Why Is It Important?
A Fire Safety Plan helps ensure everyone knows what to do during an emergency.
It outlines:
- How to contact the fire department
- What staff should do when an alarm sounds
- Evacuation procedures
- Fire drill requirements
- Responsibilities of supervisory staff
- Maintenance of fire protection systems
- Procedures if a fire safety system is temporarily out of service
For restaurants and commercial kitchens, this is important because of cooking equipment, gas appliances, grease, electrical equipment and high occupant loads.
Fire Safety Plans Must Stay Current
A Fire Safety Plan, where required, must be prepared, approved and implemented. It should also be reviewed regularly and updated when there are changes to the building, equipment, layout, occupancy or operating procedures.
Need Help With Your Fire Safety Plan?
At SFI Hospitality, we work with restaurants, private clubs and commercial foodservice facilities on kitchen design, equipment, ventilation, consulting and project coordination.
SFI can also assist with preparing your Fire Safety Plan, contact us for pricing.
Whether you're opening a new facility, renovating an existing space or aren't sure if your current plan is up to date, contact SFI Hospitality for more information.
Requirements vary by building, occupancy and municipality and should be confirmed for your specific facility.