FIRE SAFETY PLANS - Minimum Requirements

Updated November 2004

As part of the required filing necessary to support an application for a Licence to Operate a Racetrack, an Association must maintain a current copy of their Backstretch Fire Safety Plan on file with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

To assist in the development of a plan, below please find a guideline of minimum items that should be addressed by each racetrack’s fire safety plan:

General Fire Safety Policies

  1. Smoking policy (i.e. no smoking in barns)
  2. General prohibition on living quarters within the barns
  3. Policies regarding the use of propane tanks and BBQs (neither of which should be used within a certain distance of the barns)
  4. Safe storage of combustible and flammable materials
  5. Use of electrical equipment and appliances (for example equipment must be CSA approved, power bars prohibited)
  6. Policies regarding the use of halters for horses when left unattended.
  7. Inspections:
    • Require ongoing patrols and fire safety inspections in the barn areas by security personnel,
    • yearly inspection by local fire department.
  8. Policies for violations to include a fine and suspension system.
  9. Appointment of a dedicated position for ‘fire safety officer’ to oversee implementation and enforcement of these policies including disciplinary measures for violations.
  10. Evacuation procedures

Infrastructure – Buildings

Review of current infrastructure and possible capital improvements:

  1. Sprinkler System in the barns.
  2. Heat detectors and smoke detectors
  3. Installation of alarm systems which may be monitored by an outside alarm monitoring company linked to the local fire department
  4. All barns equipped with fire fighting equipment (i.e. extinguishers)
  5. Review and update electrical lighting systems where necessary.
  6. Refit/equip barns with fire separation walls and vertical block walls for fire containment.

Infrastructure – Water Supply

Review of current infrastructure and possible capital improvements:

  1. Review current capacity and update water supply as required.
  2. Install/review water hydrants, monitor flow rate and inspect on an ongoing basis.

Education and Training

  1. Through the Fire Safety Officer, develop training programs for backstretch employees on fire prevention, and the use of fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment.
  2. Ensure that the fire safety plan is provided or is accessible to backstretch employees.