CAER

 Purpose

The purpose of this Guideline is to help ensure that the communication of information required to safely and effectively deal with site incidents involving hazardous materials is readily available to the Toronto Fire Services and other First Responders.

 Scope

The provision of information listed below is recommended for all commercial and industrial facilities that handle, use or store hazardous products. Information additional to that list below will be required in some instances.

 Hazardous materials include those that are:

• Flammable,
• Toxic,
• Poisonous,
• Reactive,
• Pathogenic,
• Corrosive,
• Environmentally deleterious,
• Compressed or Liquefied Gases,
• Radioactive and/or
• Substances whose products of combustion are any of the above.

Suggested Information Required

The following information should be shown on the site plan of at least 24” x 36” in size: 

• Control Points, including Emergency Shut Off Devices for All Services (Natural Gas, Electricity, Steam, Refrigeration Systems, Containment Systems, Sewers (both Storm and Septic),
• Fire Suppression Equipment, including Hydrants, Fire Water Pumps, Sprinkler Risers, Foam Systems and Portable Fire Fighting Equipment (Hoses & Extinguishers),
• Chemical Storage Locations indicated with the appropriate symbols for the Chemicals as prescribed under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act,
• Access Point and Routes
• Critical Hazards of a Hazmat Incident or Fire.

 Multiple Levels of a structure should be shown inset on the same drawing, to the extent that site size and complexity will allow.

 An 8½” x 11 Contact List should be attached to the top right-hand corner of the site plan. Home, Office and Mobile Numbers of key personnel who will be able to provide significant information to the First Responders is to be listed. These may include the following: 

• Plant Manager(s) and Supervisor(s);
• Environmental Health & Safety Personnel;
• Incident Commanders or Team Leaders;
• Technical Advisors;
• Emergency Response Contractors, who are familiar with the Company and its Products.

It is recommended that the Site Plan and Contact List be Laminated to improve durability and ensure legibility in inclement weather.

 Plan Location

The Site Plan and Contact List's location should be discussed with your local fire department.  Applicable MSDS sheets should also be made available to the First Responders.

 Review

 The Initial Site Plan and Contact List should be discussed with the First Responders when completed.

Updating

 Information contained in the Site Plan or Contact List should be update as changes are made and a review process set up to ensure that the Site Plan and Contact List are current. This should be done at least quarterly.