| Paramedic Services | Effective Date: December 31,2023 |
| Topic: Vehicles, Equipment & Facilities | Replaces: April 30, 2019 |
| Subject: Fire Extinguishers | Policy No. G.5.17.2023 |
To ensure each Paramedic Services vehicles and stations has the required number and appropriate design of fire extinguisher present, and that the fire extinguishers are fully charged, in an operable condition, and regularly inspected.
Paramedic Services personnel will confirm during their start of shift inspections that all extinguishers located in the ambulances/PRU’s are in working order and in good condition. Staff will ensure sign off sheets are present, safety pins and seals are in place, and that the fire extinguisher is fully charged. The status of each vehicle extinguisher will be reported in the Operative IQ system.
Monthly vehicle/station fire extinguisher checks will be performed as part of the health and safety inspection process. Each extinguisher will be confirmed operational, and the tag signed off for the month. The inspection will include the following activities:
a) removing the extinguisher from its holder,
b) ensuring that there is nothing blocking the hose,
c) turning it upside down twice,
d) replacing it into its holder.
Any fire extinguisher that is found to need recharging or servicing shall be removed from service. A ticket will be submitted in the Operative IQ system and the Paramedic Superintendent notified.
Annual Fire extinguisher inspections are performed by the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB certified vendor. Records of the annual inspections are inputted into the Operative IQ system.