Bison Fire News

Training Training And More Training

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 03:47:20 PM

My regular followers will know that we have made a commitment to providing the best trained technicians available to our customers. This isn’t new for us we have always operated this way knowing that investing in our staff not only gives them the education needed to perform their jobs well, but also gives them a source of pride in their accomplishments, as well as the security of knowing that we have the faith in them to invest in their futures. This has been a busy month for training. We sent 7 people to the Ansul A-101, and LVS training school held in Saskatoon last week. We had the highest number of attendee’s for any company at the school with two people getting the highest scores on their tests. This school was held to support the launch of the Ansul LVS Power of One systems that were introduced in December 2011. This brings the total number of technicians we have trained for the Ansul A-101 mining systems to 13 since August of 2011. We also had Ron Beshk spend two weeks at the Siemens XLS Fire Alarms Education Centre in Chicago. This is another opportunity to round out the service that our fire alarm division offers. Siemens will be offering a couple more schools in the upcoming months, and I will be sending at least two more alarm technicians to those schools. Finally we sent two people for continued health & safety training at 1 Life Workplace Safety & Health as this is an area that is always a concern. I want the entire herd going home safely to their families each night. As I said earlier these investments in our people pay us back through improved knowledge, experience, attitudes, and safety. This translates into a group of technicians that are second to none in our industry offering you the best service available. There is protection within the herd!

Happy Valentine's Day

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:30:00 AM

Valentine’s Day for many is a day of romance, and a chance to show that someone special how much they mean to you. For others it’s just another hallmark holiday. This post is for the romantics. Many people go a little further than just a card(s) (like my kids sending a valentine to each class member at school.) They send the flowers, maybe a nice dinner out, or a romantic home cooked meal with candles, rose pedals, and wine. These home made very intimate evenings are the concern. I have provided a list of things to think of, and follow to ensure that after the meal is enjoyed, the wine consumed, and passion takes over, the heat in the house isn’t from a fire. Cooking • Don’t leave children or pets alone in the kitchen when cooking • Never leave cooking unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen, take the pans off the heat and switch off the appliance • Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker • Take extra care when cooking with hot oil • Double check the cooker is off when you’ve finished cooking • Alcohol and cooking don’t mix. Candles • Use proper candle holders and keep them away from materials which may catch fire • Always put candles on a heat-resistant surface and never place them on a plastic surface, i.e. on a bath or on top of the TV • Fully extinguish candles before moving them or leaving the room and don’t let anything fall into the hot wax, such as matchsticks • Keep candles out of reach of children and pets • Don’t place candles under shelves. Make sure they are at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it There is protection within the herd!

Cappuccino Is Clean

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:20:45 AM

On my last trip to Regina I had the privilege of meeting with Richard Swallow of Cappuccino Auto Spa & Mobile Wash. Richard is an industry professional that specializes in commercial cleaning, and his dedication to his job makes him Saskatchewan’s best hood, duct, and exhaust fan cleaner. It didn’t take long to realize the Richard shares the same business philosophy that I do. Service is number one. The work that he has done with Blaine Deeks one of our service technicians also spoke to the quality of his cleaning. There truly is nothing worse than walking into a restaurant that has yellowed from kitchen grease, or has a lingering odour from burnt grease that should have been removed through the exhaust system. When a truly professional cleaning company has been through the workplace is not only cleaner it is also safer for the staff from a slip and fall prospective. It is also much safer from a fire prospective as they have removed unneeded fuel sources. A Clean exhaust system will also lower the chances of an accident fire system discharge. It does this by allowing the exhaust system to work as designed by preventing the buildup of hot air in the hood that could trigger a heat detector, then a system discharge, and we all know they never come at a good time. Having a clean kitchen is one of those intangible services similar to fire protection. A clean workplace makes employees happier, and customers do notice cleaner air, walls and ceilings. Professionally serviced fire protection equipment ensures there’s a business for staff and customers to return to. There is protection within the herd!

New Design Concentrations For Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:45:43 AM

Fire code is ever changing due in many cases to new products being developed and used in the market place. Because of this fires become more difficult to extinguish. Increases in technology, and changes in testing parameters, and standards also have a bearing on fire code changes. Since the introduction of the 2012 edition of NFPA 2001, (The Standard for Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems) higher concentrations are called for in computer rooms etc. The cost difference is not significant on smaller systems but would obviously escalate for larger rooms. These agents would include Novec 1230, FM200, and Argonite. We have used clean gas in a variety of different applications beyond computer rooms such as gensets and these changes would apply to them as well. The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) should be consulted regarding which edition of this standard must be employed for a particular installation. Anyone wanting to learn a little more about clean gas systems can view a video entitled Are You Protected on my web site. There is protection within the herd!

Bison Regina Is Growing

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:40:23 AM

I’m back in Regina to help Landon Johnson, my Regina branch manager open our new office! Our new location at 1771 McAra St. is very central in Regina and will allow our technicians the opportunity to quickly respond to our customer’s needs. I have posted in the past about the growth and excitement in Regina, this city and province are truly enjoying very prosperous times. The hard work that Landon and his staff have been doing is now paying off, allowing them to grow into a larger property, and increase stock levels to ensure the products you need are available right here in Saskatchewan. The larger property will also allow us to increase the number of services we offer. I would also like to welcome Adam McLeod to the Regina herd! Adam’s extensive background in fire protection, and especially in Ansul A-101 mining equipment will really round out the service we provide our customers. There is protection within the herd!

Ansul Presents Bison With Two Awards

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:09:00 PM

Anyone who has been following my blog over the last year has seen really good growth in our company from many different areas. A large part of our ability to grow and continue to offer industry leading products and services is because of the support we get from our suppliers. Ansul is one of our best lines of distribution, based not only on their ongoing efforts to bring new products to market such as the LVS vehicle suppression systems they announced in January of this year, but also in their support and ongoing commitment to training. We will have 6 technicians attending their vehicle school being held in Saskatoon next week. All that being said I was surprised when a package arrived from Ansul. It contained a letter informing us that we had now reached Diamond Distributor status. This is an accomplishment that less than 20% of Ansul distributors ever reach. The package also included the Pacesetter award our 3rd in the last 5 years. Only a handful of Canadian companies received this award this year so we are in a very prestigious group of distributors. I truly appreciate the support we have received from Ansul, our customers, and our staff. Without any one of these groups we wouldn’t be the industry leader that we are today. There is protection within the herd!

Fire Extinguishers In Rickshaws

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:25:08 AM

I have to say it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when I hear about people using fire extinguishers in situations that aren’t fire code required, but that it still makes sense to have them. I read the Rickshaw Owners Keep Fire Extinguishers for Safety article with interest especially since we have very few Rickshaws in Winnipeg. It must be tough to run along pulling those things in snow boots. I do however applaud anyone who recognizes a hazard and takes the time to protect themselves, and their passengers. As I read through the article it became obvious that a Rickshaw in India is a taxi. And nothing burns like a vehicle, it’s very seldom you see one that’s only half burnt. Vehicles usually burn right to the ground. They have class A, B, and C combustibles from one end to the other, without even considering the gas tank, and because of this once they start they usually keep burning. I’ve often asked jokingly what do most people do when they notice their vehicle is burning. The answer is they pull into a gas station for help. Not the wisest decision to make. If your vehicle is burning pull over, get away from the vehicle, and call 911 immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher try to put the fire out, the longer it burns the more difficult it will be to extinguish. If you’re not comfortable with that stay away from the vehicle, and let the fire fighters do their job. There is protection within the herd!

Tire Fire In Brandon

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:08:22 AM

I read a news story about a fire in a tire shop in Brandon. It was reported to be the largest fire Brandon had seen in several years. As I read through the article it became apparent that this unfortunate incident could have been avoided by instituting a couple maintenance and safety policies. The fire was started by an overheated bearing in an air compressor motor. Fortunately no one was hurt as the fire started after the business was closed. Some safe work procedures to consider would be the following. Always turn off any unnecessary equipment at the end of the day. Running equipment after hours is an unnecessary expense, and wears on the equipment. Have a regular maintenance program in place, and if you don’t have qualified personnel, hire a company to perform these services. It’s much cheaper than a total loss fire. Have the correct fire extinguishers in an appropriate location. Had this fire started during the day, an extinguisher could have saved the business. Train your people on the proper use of fire extinguishers. Have an escape plan in place. While this fire was in a tire shop caused by an air compressor the same principle apply in other businesses restaurants as an example have electric motor, and bearings in their grease exhaust fans. These bearings have failed and fires follow the grease (Fuel) down the exhaust ducts and into the building. Our wet chemical suppression systems have saved at least 3 restaurants in Winnipeg from this type of fire in the last 5 years. There are many hazards in every business we see and walk past them every day. It might be worth your while to take a couple of hours and really walk around your business with fire hazards in mind. If you see something that causes concern call an industry expert to discuss the best way to prevent a disaster. There is protection within the herd!

Local Fare

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:55:23 AM

We had a booth set up at the Local Fare Tradeshow yesterday at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. This one day show is a great opportunity to visit with so many of our customers, as well as meet new people. There are always so many questions about wet chemical suppression systems, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms that we are pleased to answer. One of the prevalent questions about wet chemical suppression is “I was told my system needs to be replaced is that the case?” In some cases that is true, but in many the suppression system that you have might just need an upgrade to meet current ULC-1254.6 standards. I always caution people when they are asking this, and explain that they should be dealing with a distributor of the particular system they own. If a company is not the distributor, more often than not they will try to sell you an entirely new system, because that’s what they can get the components for. You end up spending a lot more money than is necessary. In today’s challenging restaurant market every penny counts, and spending needlessly on a new suppression system will cut into the bottom line. As a distributor of Range Guard, Ansul, and Kidde Fire Systems we are able to give an unbiased opinion of what is truly needed. I really appreciate all the hard work that the Manitoba Restaurant & Food Services Association put into this show. It was improved over last year’s show which was hard to do because of the high quality show they put together last year. I hope everyone enjoyed Local Fare as much as we did! There is protection within the herd!

Bowes Knows Bison

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:02:56 AM

Barbara Bowes hosts a radio Show every Saturday morning on CJOB 680. She also is the president of Legacy Bowes Group. Barbara Bowes is a highly regarded authority and author on Human Resource related matters. Her popular "Working World" column appears every Saturday in the Careers section of the Winnipeg Free Press. She recently contacted me to be a guest on her radio show to discuss my business, and shed some light on the fire protection industry as a whole. This type of opportunity doesn’t come along often, so having the chance to discuss the fire protection industry in a public forum will go a long way to shedding some light on exactly what we do, and the challenges we face every day. I invite each and every member of the herd to listen live on your computer, or just turn your dial to 680 AM Saturday January 21st at 9:00. There is protection within the herd!

Siemens Launches The Smoke Detection Knowledge Center

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:15:34 PM

One of the many benefits of working with Siemens has been their dedication not only bringing new products to market, but also their dedication to education and training. I have worked with Bill Lane that area representative for Siemens presenting the Engineering Advantage program to Electrical Engineers in Manitoba with positive feedback from the program, and we will continue to present the educational seminars within the program throughout 2012. Their latest offering for the public as a whole is equally as impressive. Siemens is excited to release this launch of the Smoke Detection Knowledge Center. This is a public site that supports the “Value of Smoke Detection” mission that they have been working towards. There is some very good information within this site. The site contains a great animated video that demonstrates how smoke detection saves lives and how dangerous a fire can get before sprinklers are often triggered. The site also shows the commitment that Siemens has taken to ensure a complete understanding of not just their products but how smoke detection really works. Take the time to visit the new Smoke Detection Knowledge Center you will learn something new! There is protection within the herd!

Fire Extinguishers And Snowmobiles

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:41:38 AM

Over the last few years I have donated lots of fire extinguishers to snowmobile clubs around Manitoba, and even Northwestern Ontario. I do this because I love snowmobiling, and appreciate the time spent by volunteers to sign and groom trails, maintain warm-up shacks, and fundraise to pay ongoing expenses and so on. I appreciate the value in having a warm-up shack to stop by especially for my daughter who doesn’t have heated handle bars to keep her hands toasty, or for my son who is always hungry, and some Kielbasa cooked over a fire always hits the spot. These wood stoves are often donated because they didn’t meet CSA standards and can be over stuffed with wood, and at times left unattended. We lose 2-3 shacks every winter to fire. I have also seen many sleds burned right to the ground because once they start they are hard to put out by kicking snow on them. One of the first fire extinguishers I donated actually saved a sled. The rider was having mechanical trouble and started doing some field repairs outside a warm-up up shack when the sled burst into flames. The rider ran into the shack, grabbed the extinguisher and saved his snowmobile. I take a lot of pride in that. Snoman is the Manitoba association for snowmobilers and they are always looking for new ways to enhance the sport. Ken Lucko the Executive Director of snoman contacted me a while ago asking about extinguisher maintenance & usage. I wrote an article that he has since published in the snoman e-newsletter. It is good information that would apply in many areas of fire extinguisher use. Give the newsletter a good read, and enjoy what winter we have left! There is protection within the herd!

Go Jets Go

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:38:58 AM

I received a call from Roger Loewen last week asking if we would like to attend an upcoming Winnipeg Jets game with him in the Quintex Suite. Well after a nano second of thought I accepted his invitation. This was my first Jets game, and I have to say it was an event. True North has done an excellent job of creating an enjoyable night for everyone that is in the house. Quintex supplies the uniforms that keep all of our technicians looking like the professionals they are on the job. This evening gave us the opportunity to discuss what a great city and province that we work, and live in, and to continue making it even better. Thanks for a great evening! There is protection within the herd!

MOPIA'S January Newsletter

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:44:00 PM

MOPIA (Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Assn.) has released their January newsletter. MOPIA is constantly working to improve not only the ozone protection in Canada but are also aware of any climate change concerns that may come up worldwide. They consist of people from a variety of industries many of whom volunteer their time to keep our environment clean. This issue covers several key issues. - Remembrance of MOPIA’s 2nd Chair, Mr. Trevor Rees - MOPIA Submits Comments to Environment Canada on the Draft Code - Climate Change and Biodiversity - Transparency and Accountability - Hydrocarbons Approved for Use in Appliances in USA Enjoy their newsletter. There is protection within the herd!

Extinguishing Agent Exposures On Consumables

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:01:12 AM

Kitchen cooking related fires have historically always been one of the leading fire source statistics. On a daily basis, the discharge of portable fire extinguishers and fire suppression systems installed within cooking areas routinely occurs in both commercial and residential types of occupancies. Various forms of consumable food and beverage, which are commonly present within the immediate area, will become either directly or indirectly exposed to these discharged extinguishing agents. As a result, questions on how to properly address and respond to such exposures are generated. The most common extinguishing agent exposures are gas, liquid, and dry chemical agents. While most fire extinguishing agents are considered non-toxic and do not represent any unusual health exposure concerns, they are clearly not intended for human ingestion or consumption. The various manufacturing, handling, and storage conditions typically associated with fire extinguishing agents are also not sterile nor free from contaminants and potentially harmful bacteria which could be present and later become ingested. Health department regulations associated with commercial kitchen operations typically dictate and require all open consumables directly exposed to any form of contamination, such as fire extinguishing agents, be removed and discarded. Additional background information can be found on the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) food and safety inspection service website at www.fsis.usda.gov. For these same health and safety reasons, most fire equipment manufacturers recommend any open or unpackaged food and beverage suspected of being directly exposed to any form of fire extinguishing agent be promptly removed and properly discarded. Kitchen food preparation surfaces, containers, and cooking utensils directly exposed to fire extinguishing agent residues should also be thoroughly washed and cleaned prior to reuse. Should specific extinguishing agent information be requested to identify various material properties or address exposure and handling concerns, the manufacturer’s extinguishing agent MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) should be consulted. Extinguishing Agent Exposures on Consumables by J.R.Nerat ©2011 by J.R. Nerat, Fire Protection Specialist, Inc. All rights reserved. I have had the opportunity to meet J.R. Nerat at several of the NAFED (National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors) conventions we attend. He has always been a strong proponent of fire protection industry, and for improving the levels of education, training, and service for all people in our industry. J.R. Nerat is the vice president and technical director for Fire Protection Specialist, Inc., a consulting and training company in Wallace, Michigan. There is protection within the herd!

The Bison Christmas Party

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:18:58 PM

We held our Christmas party this past weekend. It was a good time to reconnect with some of our out of town people as well as the spouses that have to put up with the long hours that some of our people put in. We enjoyed an evening at celebrations dinner theatre, and a follow up “celebration” afterwards. I know everyone had a great time based upon the smiles, but this was truly an opportunity for both Emile, and me to show our appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and long hours everyone puts in to make us all successful. I’m sure I don’t say it often enough but Thank-You all for what was a great year of growth, that had its challenges. I’m proud of the way each of our staff members meets every new situation with the determination to get the job done properly, and professionally. There is protection within the herd!

Here We Grow Again

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:51:25 PM

I’m pleased to welcome Charlene Enns as our new company controller. Charlene is a CMA with an extensive background working with multi branch operations. As we continue to expand the herd this was a component that we needed to ensure an organised approach to all upcoming endeavours. She will be instrumental in stream lining paper flow, reporting, and all of our HR functions. We have always strived to provide the best fire protection service in our industry. With Charlene’s help we will be able to continue this as the herd expands. There is protection within the herd!

Happy New Year

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:41:40 AM

With the New Year come promises of personal resolutions. I know I have made a couple that hopefully last longer than the ones I made last year. Looking back at 2011 the first thing that comes to mind is that I can’t believe it went by so fast. I took a few moments to review some of the post from 2011 and realized just how busy we truly were. Not only in growth as a company, but the increase in staff was incredible. We added some great product lines, and acquired another company. We certainly faced a number of challenges last year and through it all we continued to improve. I can only guess at what is in store for 2012. I do know that having a staff that is as committed as I am to offering the best service available, will keep us well ahead of the industry. I will continue to send them to the various technical schools that are offered to ensure they are current with all things fire related. I will also continue to seek out the best products, and adopt new service policies as they become available. These are just a few of the “resolutions” that I will be keeping for 2012! There is protection within the herd!

Merry Christmas!

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:30:45 AM

The entire Bison Family would like to wish all of our friends our best wishes throughout the holiday season! Enjoy the time you have with your families, take a moment to remember loved ones from Christmas past, and look forward to a great new year!

The Power of One

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:58:25 AM

Ansul has released their new Liquid-Only vehicle fire suppression system, or LVS. The advantage of a wet chemical suppression system is the added cooling benefits that dry chemical just doesn’t offer. In the past Ansul offered a dry chemical system, or a combination of dry, and wet chemicals. This new LVS is the first wet chemical only system on the market. These systems have been designed for off road mining, and forestry applications so they have the capability to operate in hot, or extremely cold environments making them very useful in our cold Canadian climates especially in the North. We will be sending technicians to the scheduled training schools early in 2012 so they are completely up to date on the newest form of fire protection. This system will be a game changer moving forward. There is protection within the herd!

Goin' Mobile

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:55:17 PM

We had an usual request the other day, a customer has a mobile power generating unit that was going into a mine. Because of the underground application the end user required that it have fire protection. Under ground fires can be devastating for many reasons, the first being the limited areas of escape, another is that fire uses up oxygen that is piped underground and left unchecked could create a shortage of breathable air. With fire comes smoke, and virtually nowhere to ventilate it out quickly. I could go on but I think you get the point. The Ansul A-101 dry chemical suppression system was the only choice. They also needed automatic fire detection so on went an Ansul Checkfire SCN, and an engine shut-down, so we included a pressure switch to shut down the engine. By shutting down the engine we stop a possible fuel source, and prevent dry chemical from being drawn directly into the motor. The dual 30lb cylinders protected the engine as well as the generator, and since there was very little shrouding to contain the dry chemical agent in that hazard area we felt a little extra powder wouldn’t hurt. The customer agreed with that proactive approach. With proper housekeeping, and regular maintenance and a little luck the system will never see active service, however if it does, the machine, and the people working around it will be well protected. There is protection within the herd!

MOPIA's December Newsletter

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:09:06 AM

MOPIA has released their December newsletter. As usual it is full of great information relating to our environment. The newsletter has a number of highlights including; - 23rd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol Held - Comments welcomed by Environment Canada on draft Code of Practice - Kyoto Protocol meeting held - Secondary Distributor renewals for 2012 - Atmosphere America 2012 to be held in Washington - Vehicles in Australia using hydrocarbon Enjoy their newsletter! There is protection within the herd!

Certified Service & Installations

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:21:21 PM

I had written a couple of weeks ago in Tightening By-Laws Could Save Lives about using certified companies to perform your suppression system installations, upgrades, and inspections. I find it interesting that when you focus on an issue there is an increase in the situations that are related to it. I received a call from a customer who needed his industrial dry chemical fire suppression system reconnected after doing some modifications to his paint spray booth. He was upset because of a lack of service from his past service provider, and wanted a quote to get the booth back into operational condition. When I arrived at the condition of the suppression system wasn’t surprising. It had originally been installed by a company that wasn’t certified by the manufacturer. He was very under covered for the size of booth he had before he had made the modifications. There weren’t enough nozzles in the booth area, there wasn’t a time delay to allow the exhaust fan to slow down enough to not draw the agent out of the booth before it had a chance to work as designed, there was no manual pull station, and there were no seals to prevent air flow (this would allow contaminants into the booth possibly settling onto wet paint) into a sealed paint area. He also told me the system had accidently discharged once because the installer used the wrong cable, and a second time due to the wrong heat range of heat detectors. I can’t stress enough the value in using a company that is certified by the manufacturer of the system they are installing. There was a very real possibility that this system wouldn’t have worked in a true fire situation. If the customer lost his business, and this went to court the manufacturer would have walked away as they have no control over companies that have never attending their training schools, carry their required levels of insurance, and receive regular service/repair bulletins. They can’t control who scrounges up parts and installs the systems. The owner then has to hope the installing company is insured at a rate high enough to cover the costs. Take the time to protect yourself by ensuring the company that is installing and servicing your fire protection equipment is qualified. There is protection within the herd!

Preventing Fires At Christmas Part 3

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:50:34 PM

I came across the 12 days of fire prevention and thought what a great idea to share. Feel free to hum the tune as you read these. Day 1 — Water real Christmas trees daily so they don't dry out and become a fire hazard. Also, don't place them near a heating vent. Day 2 — Check holiday lights to make sure they're in good condition before hanging them and turning them on. Day 3 — Make sure there are working smoke alarms on every storey of the home. It's the law, and, get in the habit of testing them, you walk under them every day. Day 4 — Install a working carbon monoxide alarm. Day 5 — Set up an escape plan and make sure everyone in the family knows it. Holiday visitors should also know the plan, and the location of the meeting place where everyone should gather once they're out of the house. So, when asked, 'Is everybody out?' You're going to be able to say, 'Yes.' Day 6 — Use extension cords safely and wisely. Day 7 — Keep space heaters at least a metre away from anything flammable, like curtains, upholstery and holiday decorations. Day 8 — Blow out candles before leaving the room. Day 9 — Keep matches and lighters where kids can't see them or reach them. Day 10 — Pay attention to what's cooking on the stove or in the oven. Day 11 — Encourage smokers to go outside to smoke. Day 12 — Keep an eye on anyone who's drinking while they're cooking or smoking. There is protection within the herd!

The Saskatchewan Herd Is Growing

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 04:32:56 PM

I have posted a couple times over the past few month’s about how well Regina is doing as a vibrant growing city. This has been reflected in the volume of business that has been coming our way thanks in part to the hard work of Landon Johnson our branch manager, the Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Assn. and many others. I am pleased to welcome Blaine Deeks to the herd. He brings 10 years of service experience in suppression system service specializing in the Ansul R-102 suppression systems. His background in installing these industry leading suppression systems is an asset to the branch. He also brings his expertise in fire alarm systems to us which compliments many of the services most restaurants need. I am looking forward to 2012 and the great service, and support that we will be providing in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Northwestern Ontario! There is protection in the Herd!

Preventing Fires At Christmas Part 2

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:31:56 AM

In my first post about Christmas Fires I had talked about Christmas Tree fires. Over the past few years, the use of candles in the home has greatly increased – and so has the number of fires caused by their misuse. Christmas Day holds the record for the highest number of reported home candle fires. Please keep in mind the following tips for the safe use of candles: Keep lit candles in sturdy holders on level surfaces and, if possible, place a glass chimney or shade over it. Keep lit candles out of reach of children and pets. Keep lit candles away from anything that will burn. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room or going to bed. Remember to keep all matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children. Never let candles burn out completely. Extinguish them when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material. Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to one-quarter inch (6.4 mm). When buying or using novelty candles, try to determine if they pose a potential fire hazard (if they contain a combustible component for instance). If they do, or if you suspect that they might, inform your local fire department. There are no legal standards or regulations for candles, including their make, design, safety features, location or use. Candles are not tested by a testing agency for safety before they are put on the market for you to buy. Please take care when using candles in your home.

Preventing Fires At Christmas Part 1

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:39:06 AM

With the Christmas Season upon us I thought it might be a good idea to discuss the different types of hazards that surround us during this season. The first may seem obvious but Christmas Tree fires can be deadly especially when the tree is allowed to dry out on your home. I know that when camping I often refer to pine needles as “natures gasoline” because of the speed and intensity they burn at. Because of this they are excellent fire starters. Should they get close enough to lit candles the result can be deadly as shown in the video. Trees and candles are two things that are a new introduction to your home for a short time so people tend to take a more casual approach to them. The scents that both can give to the holidays are special at this time of year. Double check your fire extinguisher, and keep it close by, and enjoy the many things the Chritmas Season will bring.

Tightening By-Laws Could Save Lives

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:29:00 AM

Timing is everything in life. I had met with the Chief of Commercial-Mechanical Inspections for the City of Winnipeg earlier this week to discuss improvements to the current by-law. Later the same day I received a call from a customer who was dissatisfied with his current service provider for a number of reasons. His dissatisfaction was related to his fire alarm system, and ongoing service issues. After that discussion I asked him about his kitchen fire suppression system wanting to get a feel of his overall service needs. When I looked at his piping I was unimpressed. The past service provider who wasn’t certified by the manufacturer had recently upgraded the fire suppression system. The main issue was they had used pipe sealant at each fitting to prevent any leaks. This is a major issue here is that if pieces of pipe sealant get washed along inside the piping when the system discharges the pieces will block the orifice of the nozzle preventing agent from spraying onto the fire. This could have a disastrous outcome for the business owner. This major deficiency is described in Range Guards installation manual a document you need to have to install fire suppression systems as per fire code. I have attached a copy of the page. This might have been prevented if the bylaw was more specific, and I am assuming a permit was pulled for this work. I can’t stress enough the advantages of using a company that holds current certification for the products they sell. Dedicated to Customers for Life!

The MFEEA Meets With The City Of Winnipeg

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 02:18:20 PM

I put my MFEEA (MB Fire Extinguishing Equipment Assn.) hat on today and met with the chief of mechanical inspections for the City of Winnipeg. Our discussion was about by-law 4555/87 regarding M3 permits. The city had brought this by-law into place 4 years ago and for the most part it has helped raise the level of service in Winnipeg. However there were a couple of tweeks needed to truly reflect what the fire protection industry faces. The first issue was when a permit was required. Specifically when an appliance is being changed, or upgraded. We felt a permit should be pulled to ensure that a certified company is doing the work. This keeps the ULC listing intact as well meets the intent of fire code. The second issue was the wording of who is certified needed to be addressed. The way it is currently written if a company is certified on one manufacturer they can pull a permit for any manufacturers system. This needed to be tightened up to ensure only companies certified by the specific manufacturer of the fire suppression system in question are able to pull permits and preform this work. This is important for many reasons that I could list but suffice it to say if you want your fire suppression system to operate when there is a fire it should be installed and upgraded by a manufacturer certified company. This will also insure maintain warranties, and your ULC listing, as well as your liability insurance. The meeting went very well with our ideas and suggestions being taken quite seriously. While the code hasn’t changed at this time presentations like this go along way when committee’s meet to discuss relevant changes to the mechanical codes.

Alain Rivard Attends Train The Trainer For Sprinkler Inspections

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:09:17 AM

The latest version of NFPA-25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) 2011 Edition is the standard to which the Union of Sprinkler Fitters is now working to. They have done this to ensure their members are doing the best inspections possible across Canada. The Union representing Plumbing and Pipe Fitters has developed a train the trainer course to ensure that all inspections will be done to their standards as required by CASA (Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Assn.) They developed the course in conjunction with NAUSC (National Association of Union Schools & Colleges) to ensure a high quality training course. We were very fortunate to have Alain Rivard our senior sprinkler fitter selected to be one of two fitters accredited to provide training in Manitoba for unionised sprinkler fitters. Alain’s dedication to the sprinkler industry made him a good choice to pass along his many years for experience. This course will truly raise the level of service provided to all Manitoban’s and this is something he should be very proud of!

The Bison Herd Needs To Expand

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:43:44 AM

Career Opportunities - Bison Fire Protection We are a fire protection commercial service provider looking for 2 top notch management individuals & a Service Co-Ordinator to join our fast paced and growing company. Company Controller: responsible for all accounting, office administration and HR management functions; with a minimum 5 years hands-on work experience in full cycle accounting, monthly & year-end financial reporting, budgets, cash flow and inventory control management. Must be an effective leader, motivated self-starter and positive team player with business management experience, strong communication, IT & accounting software and problem solving skills. Credentials must include completion or near completion of a professional CMA or CGA accountant designation. Operations Manager: responsible for daily operations, shop & field productivity, co-ordination of 3 distinct service, inspection & installation technician activities. HR duties will include direct management of 17 + field and shop staff members, various industry certification updates & training. Must have a minimum of 10 years + managerial experience in a demanding & fast paced service environment with the ability to prioritize multiple demands & meet deadlines effectively. Must possess excellent communication, problem solving and computer skills. Preference will be given to a combination of business experience & formal education or training in project management. Industry experience is highly desirable.

Lest We Forget

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:31:00 AM

I thought it would be appropriate to take moment to think of the sacrifices made by so many to give us the freedoms we have today. One of these freedoms is the ability to blog without concern of "Secret police" watching over us. Many people still live in countries where this is ongoing. I know this has been said many times, but if you enjoy your freedom thank a veteran. I copied the information from Flanders Fields Music. IN FLANDERS FIELDS POEMBy Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae a Great Canadian In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,That mark our place: and in the skyThe larks still bravely singing flyScarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead: Short days ago,We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,Loved and were loved: and now we lieIn Flanders fields! Take up our quarrel with the foeTo you, from failing hands, we throwThe torch: be yours to hold it highIf ye break faith with us who die,We shall not sleep, though poppies growIn Flanders fields Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915 during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium On May 2, 1915, John McCrae’s close friend and former student Alexis Helmer was killed by a German shell. That evening, in the absence of a Chaplain, John McCrae recited from memory a few passages from the Church of England’s “Order of the Burial of the Dead”. For security reasons Helmer’s burial in Essex Farm Cemetery was performed in complete darkness. The next day, May 3, 1915, Sergeant-Major Cyril Allinson was delivering mail. McCrae was sitting at the back of an ambulance parked near the dressing station beside the YserCanal, just a few hundred yards north of Ypres, Belgium. As John McCrae was writing his In Flanders Fields poem, Allinson silently watched and later recalled, “His face was very tired but calm as he wrote. He looked around from time to time, his eyes straying to Helmer's grave." Within moments, John McCrae had completed the “In Flanders Fields” poem and when he was done, without a word, McCrae took his mail and handed the poem to Allinson. Allinson was deeply moved: “The (Flanders Fields) poem was an exact description of the scene in front of us both. He used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene."

Your Laptop Could Be A Deathtrap

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 04:55:00 PM

I recently read an article about laptop fires. It seems using them in bed is almost as bad as using them in the tub. While using them in bed and the laptop is not logged off properly it will overheat and catch fire. The fans are not able to get the circulation they need to draw cool air into the body of the computer creating an overheating condition. This leads to combustion, and a panicked exit from your bed, or worse no exit at all as was the case for one American student. Remember all electronics get hot. They need to be allowed to cool, or outright shut down before going to bed, leaving them alone in a room, or leaving the house. The results could be deadly.

The CIM Show Was Great

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:53:00 PM

The CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining) Show was held in Saskatoon this year. I attended with Landon Johnson my Regina Branch Manager to continue the good work he has been doing with the mining industry here in Saskatchewan. The city has grown since my last visit and it sure looks like a nice place to live. I can easily see why it was chosen for the CIM show this year. Since CIM's inception in 1898, The Metallurgy and Materials Society (MetSoc) has been an active part of the Institute. In 1945, the Metallurgy Division was officially formed to reflect the group's technical interests. Constituted as an official society in 1967, the (then named) Metallurgical Society officially adopted a new name in October 2010 - The Metallurgy and Materials Society. With mining being an integral part of the Canadian economy supporting these types of associations are vital to ensuring growth, and job creation. Every province has a mining sector, however some are more evident than in others. Most of Manitoba’s mines are in remote areas, but Saskatchewan has mining in every corner and its contribution to the provincial economy is very evident.

The New Manitoba Fire Code Will Be Released December 1st 2011

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:41:09 PM

The current edition of the Manitoba Fire code will be released December 1, 2011. I have been waiting for the release for a couple of reasons. The first being that as the president of the MFEEA (Manitoba Fire Extinguishing Equipment Assn.) we needed this document to update the Wet Chemical Fire Suppression System Training Course. This course allows us to train technicians to do inspections only of wet chemical suppression systems in commercial kitchens at Red River College. This has been on hold for over a year. The second is also an MFEEA issue regarding qualifications for technicians inspecting fire extinguishers in Manitoba. I had presented the MFEEA’s position on this issue to the MBOFC planning committee in February this year and I want to see what decisions they had made, and passed. The 2011 Manitoba Fire Code, which is the 2010 National Fire Code with Manitoba amendments, includes changes such as: • requiring additional training for people who service special fire-suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers, • including child-care facilities in the definition of a residential-care facility, and • requiring fire safety plans and fire department access at building construction and demolition sites including specific requirements for standpipe systems. This announcement was made by Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner. Minister Howard went on to say “Buildings such as child-care centres, hospitals, personal-care and residential-care facilities will be required to have carbon monoxide detection devices installed in their facilities if there is a risk of carbon monoxide present in any part of the building,”. Further information including a complete list of significant changes and a link to the full list of 2011 Manitoba Fire Code amendments will be posted on the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s website at http://www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/.

Daylight Savings Time This Weekend

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:15:00 AM

The daylight savings time is upon us again and it will be time to “Fall Back” an hour Saturday night at Midnight. I’m not sure if many people will be up to celebrate it on purpose. It isn’t New Year ’s Eve after all. Daylight saving was originated in New Zealand by George Vernon Hudson, who as an entomologist wanted a few more hours each week to catch his bugs back in 1895. Many countries follow the practice, but most of these are of British, or formerly of rule. However even within those counties not all follow the time change in Canada as an example Saskatchewan doesn’t. In 1916 Germany during WWI imposed DST as a way of saving coal for the war effort, Russia brought in DST the following year with the USA adopting it in 1918. Canada followed suit, saying it was essential to co-ordinate with the U.S. and that not doing so would create too many headaches for trade and travel. This is also the time of year to check out your fire extinguishers, smoke and CO detectors, and dryer ducts to insure all are working for the upcoming winter when we use our furnaces, dryers, and fireplaces a lot more often. Use the extra hour we gain to check them out, it could save your life!

Kidde Fire Systems Releases Product Bulletin

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:58:00 AM

One of my strongest arguments regarding using manufacturers’ certified representatives to service your fire suppression systems is due to the fact that when products are found to be defective the manufacturer sends bulletins to their dealers so we can take the necessary steps to warranty the suppression system, or its components. Using a manufacture certified companies also maintains the 6 year warrant that comes with most suppression systems. As soon as a non-certified company inspects or services the system the warranty is gone, and the manufacturer no longer assumes any liability. This means if your restaurant burns down, you best hope that the company doing the work has enough, and the correct liability insurance to help you rebuild. One way of doing this is to ask for a current manufacturers certificate. In a world of faxes, and emails if they can't quickly and easily produce this document chances are they are not certified by the manufacturer. The bulletin 11-55K that Kidde Fire Systems has released involved the System Valve Actuator. “Kidde® Fire Systems has identified a potential issue with the Spring Loaded Plunger on recently manufactured System Valve Actuators (SVA). The SVA is used to actuate all WHDR™ wet chemical and IND™ dry chemical cylinder assemblies. In some units, the plunger may not have been properly inserted into the actuator piston, which could prevent the SVA from locking in the actuated (extended) position.” This bulletin also applies to all Range Guard wet chemical suppression systems, and Industry Guard Dry Chemical Suppression systems. The SVA’s in question were released from June-August 2011, and are marked on the top of the SVA to easily identify them. If you have had one of these suppression systems installed during that time I highly recommend you contact your local Kidde/Range Guard dealer to have the problem repaired.

Sprinkler Flush Investigations Can Save Your Business

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 02:37:00 PM

We recently completed a flushing investigation for one of our customer’s sprinkler systems. They have multiple systems protecting a variety of building, and hazards. The reason we do the flushing investigation is to confirm there is no excessive build-up of rust scale and foreign material in the sprinkler piping that could prevent the sprinkler head from working as designed. While doing these investigations we usually find some minor rust scale, but in doing these buildings we found all kinds of things inside the piping everything from coupons (These are the metal cut outs when adding branches to the piping), we also found gaskets, and in one system we even found about 4 cups of gravel. To say that in a fire these sprinkler systems might not have worked isn’t a stretch. What makes this worse is that the same procedure had been performed for this customer 5 years earlier by another company who missed all of these obstructions. A flushing investigation is required after an obstruction investigation determines that it is required. The obstruction investigation is required every 5 years, is usually initiated by the insurance industry, and is a fire code requirement. The main goal is to ensure a clean flow of water to the sprinkler head so they spray with the patterns, and pressures they were designed for. Without this the fire will take a much longer time to extinguish which leads to increased damage to the building and contents. If you haven’t been obstruction, or flush tested in the last number of years this is a procedure that I highly recommend. Make sure the company you are dealing with is reputable, and has experience and proficiency when doing this type of testing.

Protecting The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:32:45 PM

The James A Richardson Airport has opened its new terminal. The new terminal replaces the original built in 1964 and expanded and renovated in 1984. The new building is a state of the art eco-friendly facility that will serve as the front door to all travelers arriving in Winnipeg and it’s a nice front door! Our participation started a couple years ago when we were contracted by Ellis Don to supply the hose cabinets. These Larsen’s stainless steel cabinets are something you won’t see in many places as they are very high end cabinets that most buildings just wouldn’t want to pay for. The second part of our participation in the new terminal was to supply and install the new kitchen fire suppression systems. These were unique installations because we had to supply two 3”, and one 2 ½” mechanical gas valves along with others. What makes these valves a little different is the size of these valves. With only 20+ years in the industry, and literally thousands of install behind me I have never installed 3” valves, and only one 2 ½” valve. They are passing some serious gas over there. Another interesting point was the exhaust hoods themselves. They come with UV filters in the exhaust ducts. These filters are used to “fry” the exhaust grease into ash. This allows the duct work to remain grease free, and also prevent the release of used cooking grease in to the air outside the building which is a part of the eco-friendly environment they have designed. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Dalton Burke our lead installer and my other suppression technicians for the many many hours of overtime that they put in to get this job done in time. Dalton has the honour of being the first person to sleep on the boarding gate lounge chairs while the other techs worked through the night helping him out. It’s this kind of dedication to our customers that keeps them coming back.

Be Cautious Of Halloween Fires

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:42:48 AM

Halloween is upon us and a few precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of both your family, and your home. Having read a couple articles on fire safety during Halloween night things to consider for the children may seem obvious, yet incidents still occur. Don’t let your kids trick or treat with live candles. There are alternatives these days such as flash lights and glow sticks. Also consider the traffic and the visibility your child may offer. Adding a small flashing red light to the back of their costume could be a life saver. HVTV has some great safety tips. Around the house putting candles in Jack-o-lanterns can also be very dangerous. Simple cheap flashlights just small enough to fit in your pumpkin, or battery operated flickering tea lights offer no wax, no heat and no mess, and you can use them year around. I would also caution the use of extension cords. Make sure they are secure so they don’t offer a tripping hazard that might just tear down your entire display, and hurt some little goblin in the process. Keep in mind the decorations you have near your Jack-O-Lantern might also be very flammable, and would contribute to the damage caused by a fire. Store Bought Costumes are flame resistant, but homemade costumes aren’t, and could lead to severe injuries. I couldn’t find any Canadian related stats but this is what I did dig-up in the USA. This was taken from the U.S. Fire Administration. The full article can be downloaded. Over a 3-day period around Halloween, a 3-year average of 15,500 fires caused $92 million in property loss, 45 deaths, and 175 injuries. Many Halloween fires, especially those in vacant or abandoned buildings, are the result of arson. Alcohol or drugs were a factor in 20% of these fires. Open flame fires increases by 50% over this period, largely due to the increased use of candles. Some communities have adopted fire-related “watch” programs during the Halloween period, with some success. “This year take note that while fiery decorations may spark the devil in you, it’s not about the display. On Halloween it’s the spirit that counts.”

Bison Joins The Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Association

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:47:46 AM

We have always strived to support industry associations that truly benefit their members. On my last trip to Regina I felt it was time to look into the SHHA (Saskatchewan Hotel & Hospitality Assn.) For 75 years they were known as the Hotels Association of Saskatchewan, a respected member organization representing the accommodation industry to the Government of Saskatchewan, suppliers and the general public. They have recently expanded their membership to include brew pubs, nightclubs and licensed restaurants with VLT endorsements. The Saskatchewan Hotel and Hospitality Association will now carry on the tradition as the trusted and respected voice of the accommodation and hospitality industry, reflecting the industry’s ever-changing environment where like businesses are now represented by one common voice. My meeting with Warren Nerby was very positive. I felt he had a real good handle on what was going on in Saskatchewan province wide, and he has a true desire to have the SHHA continue to be a beneficial leader to it members. As a long-time member of the Manitoba Restaurant and Food Services Association I have seen what a hardworking vibrant association can do for its members. I know over the years we have contributed many things to the improvement of fire protection to the members of the Manitoba association through education, training, and dedicated service. I’m looking forward to having the same positive relationship with the SHHA and its members.

Servicing Fire Alarm Systems

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:51:44 PM

Fire Alarm Systems have changed dramatically since they were first developed in the 1850’s and used telegraph wire and a version of Morse Code to transmit signals. This grew into the conventional fire alarm systems that are still in use today as well as addressable fire alarm systems that are replacing the convention system in the market. The conventional fire alarm system is a very straight forward type of fire alarm. These 24 volt systems use various devices such as smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual pull stations to send a signal to the fire alarm panel. The panel then rings the bells, and if equipped with a dialler will call the fire department. They are a very simple type of alarm system. The advantage to these systems is that as long as a technician is CFAA (Canadian Fire Alarm Assn.) certified the tech has the ability to inspect and service the system. Parts are also available from OEM’s and aftermarket providers, making them fairly easy to service with a lower cost to maintain. The addressable fire alarm systems are a far more complicated system however they are able to prove a much higher level of protection. One of the many differences are the devices are given specific addresses within the building. This gives fire fighters very detailed information when entering a building because the alarm panel will tell them which device is in alarm, and it’s location saving them valuable time responding to exactly where the fire is. The downside of these systems is that the technicians need factory training specific to the manufacturer to provide inspections and service. The manufacturers are very proprietary with access and programming codes, and even with these codes the possibility of creating other problems within the programming is very high. The addressable fire alarm system has developed into an integral part of the buildings operating systems from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), elevator recall, Fire Department notification, Fire Fighter inter communication systems, sprinkler system actuation and notification, smoke release doors, magnetic door closures, stairwell pressurization, nurse call annunciation, voice communication, two stage types of systems, and mass notification. While some of these benefits might be very obvious in their applications such shutting down make-up air to stop providing fresh oxygen to the fire others are equally as necessary. Two stage alarm systems usually used in health care facilities begins with a soft alarm to ringing. Staff members are able to determine if there is just a false alarm, a small extinguishable fire, or a complete evacuation is required. Large multilevel buildings equipped with Fire Fighter communications increase response, and evacuation times. Mass notification is a fairly new technology that will be appearing in arenas stadiums, universities, and other large facilities where people gather such as malls. The mass notification system will send signals through all available technology. Information will be presented on all TV screens, emails can be sent to desk tops and laptops even BlackBerries. If there is a fire, and gas leak, or an out of control criminal. People can be mass notified as to what steps to take to protect themselves. Fire Alarm Devices have changed quite a bit over the years. The Ion style of smoke detector has been slowly replaced by Photoelectric Smoke detectors. The Ion smokes worked well, but because they have traces of radioactivity Environment Canada now closely monitors there use, and insure proper disposal of old detectors. The Photoelectric smokes are much improved they can detect smoke over dust, or other contaminants. There is a new generation of photoelectric smokes that are now programmable to the environment that they are installed in. The Fire Finder smoke detectors will guarantee to pay any cost associate with a false alarm. Other types of detectors include beam detection that would be used in large areas such as Atriums, Aircraft Hangers, or Ware Houses. These are UV& IR detectors that are used in very specialized applications such as mining. Heat detectors have not really changed much since they came on the market. The addressable component has been added, but Rate of Rise, or Fixed Temperature heat detectors have largely remained the same. Last but not least there is VESDA (Very Early Warning Aspirating Smoke Detection) this type of detection circulates air from the hazard area through an air sampling piping network which provides inlets which are spaced as smoke detectors. So instead of waiting for enough smoke to accumulate these systems are proactive by constantly sampling air particulates. Bells are slowly being replaced with horns, and Horn/Strobe combinations. The latter being the preferred type of device. Again the advantages of the addressable fire alarm system shine as we are able to coordinate the pulses from the strobes to ensure that seizures are not induced. With improvements to safety by-laws the inspections of fire alarm systems have changed as well. Fall protection and confined space training have become a requirement for all technicians working on fire alarm systems in some cases lift truck training has also been required. With smoke detection being placed on ceilings, tops of stairwells, and the tops of elevator shafts these can be dangerous places for people to work. Crawl spaces also have heat detection, so confined space training is a must. We want our technician’s home to their families every night. Other issues are ensuring landlords give their tenants 24hr notice that an inspection will be performed. Many apartment blocks have devices inside the individual apartments that need to be tested annually. While fire alarm systems and the testing they require is not new the changes in technology, and to related industries such as Elevators, HVAC, and Safety Industries is constant. Keeping up with current trends is challenging, but to provide the type is service required to save lives it is also a must. The responsibility of ensuring the annual inspections are performed falls on the building owner. Should a fire alarm fail the results could be fatal.

Air Compressors Need Protection Too!

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:52:46 PM

I am always amazed at the diversity of business we have here in Manitoba. We received a call a few weeks ago from a company that manufactures commercial air compressors for mines. They needed fire suppression for a line of air compressors they are now building and because the compressors go underground they must have fire suppression systems. The Ansul A-101 dry chemical suppression system was exactly what the doctor ordered. The application for this type of hazard was a total flood application meaning the entire area is filled with dry chemical. By doing this the area that is burning will have agent applied to it, and the fire is extinguished very quickly. When regularly serviced and maintained these systems are exceptionally effective. Mike Webster one of our senior technicians was very proud of these installations as they are not your everyday type of hazard and this sort of work keeps the job interesting while also allowing him to demonstrate why the customers call us with the unusual requests. Mike and several other technicians had attended recertification training earlier this year in Edmonton and this sort of project shows why we feel the need to invest in training for all of our technicians.

Safety Training For Scissor Lifts

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:34:00 PM

Manitoba Safety Regulations have become a lot more stringent over the last few years, and will continue to do so in the future. The value of these regulations is immeasurable when you consider what’s at stake. I know I want to come home safely to my family every night, and I want the same for the entire herd. Their families deserve no less. I also want them qualified to operate this equipment to prevent any damage to our customer’s buildings. This is just one part of providing industry leading service. We needed to get our technicians trained on the correct use of scissor lifts. We use these in many parts of our business from installing suppression or sprinkler systems to verifications and inspections on fire alarm systems. Because we use them in so many different places it was an obvious choice to bring in professional trainer to get the job done. Fortunately one of our Preferred Partners is New Heights Industries. Wayne Donnelly and his staff provided top quality training. Founded in 1994, New Heights Industries Inc. is a professional safety training and consulting company specializing in fall protection, confined space entry, rescue and scaffolding. We are dedicated to protecting workers and companies from accidental injury and incidents relating to fall, confined space and scaffold hazards. I have said many times the difference between panic and action is training. When my technicians are properly trained they will know what to do when an emergency arises and come home safely.

Server Room Fire Protection

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:58:57 PM

Many companies that enjoy growth over time find the need to add a computer server, or even a complete computer server room to assist in the day to day functioning of the company. The information stored in these servers is priceless to the company and could mean financial hardship or even closure if lost. Have the right type of fire protection for this room is critical. If the building you occupy has an existing sprinkler system install you will have a sprinkler head(s) in the room. These are required at the time of construction to meet occupancy requirement set in both building, and fire codes. Where they become a problem is when you have a fire in the room you are applying water to sensitive electronics this will result in a complete failure of the server, and possibly the loss of all information stored in it. Fortunately there are products available on the market that is specifically designed for these sensitive hazard areas. The original firefighting clean agent was Halon 1301 this pound for pound was (and still is) the best firefighting agent ever created. The problem with Halon 1301 was it is a CFC and causes massive ozone depletion. Halon needed to be removed from service by 2009 as outlined in the Montreal Protocol. FM200 was the next agent developed and is a good product as well, however the amount needed to fight fires was far greater than Halon. The current agent being used in the market is Sinorix 1230. Sinorix 1230 has some very nice benefits that make it an easy choice over FM200 such as; It remains liquid at room temperature. Sinorix discharges as a clear, colorless and low-odour gas, leaving no residue. It has an Ozone-depletion potential (ODP) of zero and a Global-warming potential (GWP) of 1. Suitable for use on Class A, Class B and Class C fires. Safe for occupied areas at design concentration. Atmospheric lifetime of 3-5 days. Blue Sky Warranty; this is a 20 year protection guarantee against regulatory bans, or restrictions on its use. There are other options available on the market as well such as CO2 systems but these are very dangerous systems because they displace oxygen, and will cause death if you are unable to exit the room. Portable fire extinguishers should also be on the check list when protecting the server room. Now that you have invested in the proper suppression system to protect your business putting the wrong fire extinguisher can be just as damaging. Dry chemical is slightly corrosive, and will rapidly destroy sensitive components. CO2 extinguishers while clean are also a poor choice. CO2 coming out of an extinguisher is extremely cold when it comes into contact with hot plastic parts they tend to crack, or shatter. Halotron clean gas portable extinguishers are the best choice as you are using the same type of extinguisher as you are with the full fire protection system. A review of your fire protection needs with an industry professional is always the best place to start when taking creating a complete fire plan for your business. They will have the knowledge of current fire codes, and products that will best insure the longevity of your business.

MOPIA'S October Newsletter

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:52:57 AM

MOPIA (Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Assn.) has released their October newsletter. They are moving at the end of October so they are extremely busy these days, but they still managed to cover a lot of important issues for the industries they work with. - Record Ozone Depletion in the Arctic Region - MEIA Emerging Issues Conference, November 16 - Environment Canada Halocarbons Stewardship Meeting in Ottawa - MOPIA to be at the Green Show in Winnipeg, October 22-23 - RAC Cooling Awards - New Minister of Conservation to be appointed All of these issues, and articles can be very interesting and informative. Enjoy their newsletter!

Bison Fire Protection Acquires Protec Fire

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:51:00 AM

Protec Fire, a leading service provider in the Manitoba sprinkler industry since 1994, has been acquired by Bison Fire Protection. Protec Fire's owners, Mr. Bill Heinz and Mrs. Sharon Heinz have offered exceptional sales and customer service in the areas of sprinkler contract installations, annual inspections and deficiency repairs all over Manitoba. "Protec Fire's devoted focus on customer service makes this acquisition a perfect fit for Bison Fire Protection and matches our commitment to a high level of customer service" says Rob Read, co-owner of Bison Fire Protection. Mr. Heinz will be joining the staff at Bison Fire Protection, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted transition going forward and continued service in the years ahead. This acquisition enables Bison Fire Protection's continued growth of their sprinkler contract sales division and further solidifies a strong service division. Protec Fire's customers will continue to experience the same level of care and service with Bison Fire Protection, along with the additional support, services and capabilities of the Bison team. About Bison Fire Protection Bison Fire Protection is Manitoba's largest locally owned full service fire protection company with offices in Winnipeg, MB, Thompson, MB and Regina, SK. Bison Fire Protection offers sales, testing, safety training, installations, inspections, renovations, warranty and maintenance services for emergency light products, fire extinguishers, fire alarms, automatic sprinkler systems and automatic suppression systems.

Bison In Regina

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:38:00 PM

Landon Johnson my Regina Branch Manager had asked me to come out for a visit to see what was new in Regina. Well I don’t mind saying this is a city on the move! There is no shortage of good news stories as I spoke to customers and residents. There are several new housing developments, and plenty of new business and business expansion going on. The thing that really stood out was the need for high quality fire protection. I think Landon arrived just in time. Speaking with restaurant managers, and building maintenance people today I was surprised to hear repeated stories of shoddy service. I truly felt bad for these people, but at the same time I know that their troubles are over as Landon, and all of our staff are prepared to help out whenever they are asked. Regina is definitely a growing city, and I look forward to the herd growing with it!

The First Bison Fire Webinar!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 03:34:58 PM

I was asked a few weeks ago by Theo Kowalchuk of 1 Life Workplace Safety & Health to work with her on a webinar for fire prevention week. This FREE WEBINAR is on October 12, 2011 and begins at 1:30. The idea was to create fire protection awareness for business owners. 1 Life runs these webinars on a regular basis and they are free to either listen live, or download them to use over and over again. I feel that this being fire prevention week the timing is perfect to discuss the issues that people face every day, and hopefully it will help everyone arrive home safety each night. Fire protection along with safety has become a major way of life for all businesses whether you have a small “Mom & Pop Shop” to the multi-branch large business fire protection is a part of your life. I hope you enjoy the webinar.

Bison Enjoys A Company Bar-B-Que

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:34:24 PM

With the end of Summer looming we wanted to take an afternoon to say Thank-You to our staff who have worked their butts off all summer. With the number of new projects that have started for us, expanding divisions, and growth into areas of fire protection that Bison hasn’t been into in the past the extra work loads got shared, and the herd stampeded right through it all! I have said many times we are nothing without our people, and we are very fortunate to have to people we do!

Bison Fire Is Manitoba's Newest Defibtech AED Distributor

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:32:30 PM

We are pleased to announce our newest product offering Defibtech AED’s! With the changes in safety standards in Manitoba and the addition of legislation regarding AED’s we felt this was a product our customers could use. Manitoba passed legislation Bill 20 “THE DEFIBRILLATOR PUBLIC ACCESS ACT”. Quoting a news release from the provincial government on April 27, 2011 “The new legislation would not only require defibrillators to be installed at designated public places, but also support public access in an emergency by requiring signage to identify the location of the defibrillator and require they be centrally registered. The registry would be shared with 911 dispatchers to allow them to assist those trying to care for a cardiac-arrest victim to find the nearest defibrillator and guide them through the proper use of the machine.” “While defibrillators are now standard equipment on all provincial fleet ambulances, having the devices in high-traffic public places could support faster access to life-saving defibrillation before paramedics arrive, Oswald said.” “Based on findings of the review, installation of the defibrillators would be phased in to allow facility owners to incorporate these costs into their financial planning, Oswald noted. Schools and community recreation centres would also be able to access provincial government funding for defibrillators through existing capital and grant funding programs.” We look forward to working with business owners to not only supply these very valuable tools, but to also work with you through ongoing maintenance, and training. The difference between action and panic is training!

The Bison Fire Newsletter

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 02:43:24 PM

I have wanted to put together a newsletter for some time now. I think they can be very informative to keep our customers up to date on what is going on both in the fire protection industry as well as with Bison Fire itself. Newsletters are a lot of work. Fortunately I was able to partner with Theo of 1 Life Workplace Safety & Health to get our news together with hers. We have created a newsletter that really has some good news in it instead of a bunch of fluff that very quickly ends up in the trash. Please take your time and enjoy!

Tyco Splits Into Three

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:38:00 AM

I had heard through the industry that Tyco was making a move towards splitting into three separate companies. The usual reasons were rolled out “we need to have CEO’s focus on their specific industries” was one. Another that seemed to carry more weight was that Tyco was just too large to sell as a whole company. If another major player wanted to make a move the giant was just too big to sell as it was. The three divisions are: ADT North America residential security business; Tyco Fire and Security; and, Flow Control. Each division is unique in the area it supports so cross completion should be minimal if there is any at all. The big question is how will this affect the fire protection industry? It will take a while to see what exactly will shake down from this. Every CEO likes to put their own personal stamp on the business they oversee. A smart CEO won’t make major changes to divisions that are already chugging along quite nicely. Again, time will tell.

Dryer Fires Revisited

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:06:00 PM

I wrote a few weeks ago about dryer fires. I tried to cover every aspect of what steps to take to protect yourself, and your home. A couple of days ago I received an email from Harry Jacobs of Ideal Security Inc. He expressed his interest in the article and he included some literature for Lint Alert and other home security products designed to help prevent these very nasty fires. Harry also included an article written by Jon Eakes of HGTV. I thought it was great to generate this kind of interest in a blog post, and am glad to share the information that Ideal Security has forwarded to me.

Coronation Street Heats Up

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:26:47 PM

As it turns out Coronation Street is much hotter than most people would think and apparently one of the “Old Ladies” is the hottest after she accidently lit herself on fire. Fortunately the actress wasn’t hurt in the incident, and a quick crew member used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The incident did make me think about the fall and coming winter, and hazards around the house. With the sun setting earlier every day, my wife has taken to adding a few candles around the house for ambiance, and she likes the way they smell as opposed to me. She’s not alone there are candle parties all the time, and these candles do eventually get burned up. While they are burning you should consider the hazards around them children and pets being one, but flammable objects nearby that could be blown into, insufficient insulation under them, or the candle just falling over being some of the things that could happen. Newer homes these days burn even fast than older ones due to construction materials that have glues, and plastics added to them. Do you have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your house that is in operating condition? Take a minute to check your extinguisher if it needs service get it done. It could save your life. Remember we are Dedicated to Customers for Life!

The Herd Gets Larger

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:30:45 AM

Our sprinkler division has gotten a new addition, Laurie Wilson has joined us! Laurie has over 6 years’ experience in the sprinkler industry working on the construct, and installation side of the business. His solid work ethic and industry knowledge will make him an asset as we continue to take on more construction projects. I would also like to thanks all the companies that continue to support us as we grow. Without that support we would have been able experience the growth in any of our divisions.

Remember The Alamo

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:29:00 AM

I recently had written an article that appeared in the 1 Life Workplace Safety’s quarterly newsletter. In it I had discussed the value of using the best agents to fight fires in the specific hazard areas. It seems the fighting is still going on at The Alamo except this time the fight is against fire. The Alamo is a historic complex, and part of it contains the Daughters of the Republic Library. There are many important historical documents, books, and artwork stored there. The curators of the museum made an expensive, but justified choice when choosing to protect the library with clean gas. The result of the fire could have been even more devastating than it was. If they had chosen to use water as the agent in this situation, yes they would have saved the library, but its contents that are equally if not more valuable would have been destroyed. I’m glad the fire protection company they worked with had the for sight to suggest a better way to protect the building, had they “Chickened Out” and sold the cheaper method of fire protection a great piece of history would have been lost.

The Manitoba Restaurant & Food Services Assn. Holds Exhibitor Reception

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:51:13 PM

The MFRA held an exhibitor reception today at the Upperdeck Sports Bar. This was a great opportunity to discuss the Pro’s, and Con’s from last year’s Local Fare show with Scott Jocelyn the Executive Director. Overall I felt the show was a success. The quality of the exhibitors as well as attendee’s surpassed my expectations, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming show January 24th 2012. (Hard to believe we are looking into next year already) These opportunities to work with other members of the food service community are invaluable. The Local Fare show was one of the best we have attended in Winnipeg. As one of the only fire protection companies to attend we are able to discuss current issues with both the restaurateurs and the businesses that support them. Together we are able to work towards real solutions to make a better work place. The MRFA has really moved forward in the last few years, and events like the one held today are just small examples of what this association have to offer.

1 Life's Upcoming Webinars

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 03:35:44 PM

1 Life Workplace Safety has truly become Manitoba’s safety leader. Theo and her staff have won various awards in Manitoba, and Nationally for their leadership and professionalism. It makes me proud to work with them as one of our Preferred Partners. Theo has put together a list of upcoming webinars that are relevant to the time of year (October is fire safety month) as well as to what goes on in the day to day operations of every business. Workplace Violence Update Bill 20: Manitoba's New AED Access Law Top 5 Weaknesses in Commercial Fire Protection & How to Correct Them Balancing Workplace Safety Obligations with Human Rights The Business Case for MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY (MSI) Prevention We have also recently started using 1 Life’s “My Safety Assistant”, and found it to be a fantastic time saver, and resource for our safety co-ordinator, and the safety committee here at Bison. If you any questions or concerns regarding the state of your current workplace safety plans you can feel confident giving Theo, and her staff a call.

Carbon Dioxide Can Be Deadly

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 03:03:34 PM

I remember taking my first Carbon Dioxide design and installation course back in the mid 1990’s the one thing that stuck in my mind was the instructor telling us that the air we breathe has 21% oxygen. If it should drop to 14% or lower we are dead. This seemed pretty serious to me and instilled a need to ensure when working on these types of suppression systems that all lock-out are in place to keep the technicians safe. This the main reason that CO2 systems are used in very specialized situations only, usually local application, not in a total flood area such as a computer room. Local application is best described as aiming nozzles at the specific hazard area like a dip tank instead of “Flooding” the room to lower the overall oxygen percentage. The fire protection industry has recognised the dangers associated with CO2 systems; however CO2 is present in many areas of everyday use and occupancy such as restaurants. There was a very unfortunate incident where CO2 was leaking in a McDonalds Restaurant. The CO2 leaked from its cylinders killing one person and injuring others. Another consideration is the pressure CO2 is stored at. To keep it liquid CO2 must be pressurized to 950 PSI. Should this rupture the force would be similar to one stick of dynamite. This is why larger cylinders are secured to the wall to prevent falling over and shearing the head off. You don’t want to be nearby when these cylinders rupture. This is why we test them in a high pressure hydrostatic machine among other testing procedures before they are placed back in service. We have heard many things about CO2 as a greenhouse gas, but we need better education regarding the handling of both the tanks and agent so when people are working with them they are aware of the dangers and act accordingly with safe work practises.

Tragedy Strikes A Small Northern Saskatchewan Community

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:17:05 AM

In the past I have talked about home fire protection everything from fire extinguishers to smoke & heat detectors, and even different situations around the home that can cause fires. My heart goes out to the family that lost their twin two year old girls, and the community as a whole who will all feel this loss. My concern is the lessons we can learn from this and what we steps we should take to prevent them in the future. I have been in many small towns and have experienced the difficulties in accessing products and services due to a smaller population. When service technicians come to town at least in the fire protection industry they deal with the business’s that require our service and generally not the residences. If there is a hardware store in town they most likely do not stock fire extinguishers, and when people go to the larger centres to shop, or get building materials extinguishers are low on the list. The cities have media campaigns to educate the citizens about fire safety, and the schools touch on it a little, but the smaller communities don’t command the big budget marketing so the message gets lost, or is not sent in a top of mind manner if it gets out at all. Rural fire departments are volunteer and any budget money they have goes towards equipment and training. We need to get the message out that while we can’t always stop fires from starting, we can lower the occurrence. We can also take steps to protect ourselves by ensuring we have smoke detectors and that they work, and fire extinguishers, and that they work as well. These two items could have prevented a tragedy.

The Manitoba Chapter Of The Canadian Fire Alarm Assn.

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 02:56:31 PM

The Manitoba Chapter of the CFAA (Canadian Fire Alarm Assn.) met today to discuss issues relevant to Fire Alarm systems in Manitoba, and across Canada. While there are many important issues to discuss some of the higher points of interest are: Industry specific training such as how the new elevator code applies to fire alarm systems. The possibility of another technical training seminar similar to the one held this past spring. Education & training for new technicians coming into the industry. There was also an election of officers at this meeting which resulted in Rob Read being named a director within the Manitoba Chapter. The CFAA also works with AHJ’s (Authority Having Jurisdiction) at all levels of government to help assist in changes to fire, building, and electrical codes, what the expectations are to meet new code regulations, and to provide industry in site where applicable. Manitoba's Chapter is the 3rd largets in Canada.

Bison Works With A+ Restaurant Supply

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:24:00 PM

I got a call from Ralph Finck of A+ Restaurant Supply asking me to attend their monthly meeting to discuss changes in the Restaurant Fire Suppression Industry. I always look forward to these opportunities to work with other industry professionals. The exchange of information allows both of us to serve our customers with the best knowledge and understanding the industry can offer. A number of issues discussed were; M3 mechanical permits required by the City of Winnipeg. When and where, and why K-Class extinguishers are needed. Upgrading dry chemical suppression systems in restaurants throughout the province. Upgrading wet chemical suppression systems when cooking appliances are relocated or replaced. ULC listings on suppression systems. The Pros and Cons of both Range Guard, and Ansul Suppression systems. The meeting was very interactive with in depth discussions on the above topics. A+ Restaurant Supply works hard to offer the best service available to their customers, and my presentation was another great opportunity for them to continue doing this.

Pre-Operational Inspections Before Operating Power Mobile Equipment Could Save A Life

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:18:00 AM

Over the years I have sold quite a few fire extinguishers with vehicle brackets. These brackets are a small wrap around type that work good in light duty service such as the trunk of your car, or mounted behind the seat of you truck so they stay put. These are as described light duty brackets. We have also sold many heavy duty vehicle brackets. These are a much beefier bracket designed to hold an extinguisher on the outside of a vehicle. You will see them on everything from garbage trucks, Hydro/Centra Gas trucks, and welding trucks to name a few as well as heavy equipment such as bulldozers, forestry, and mining equipment. This equipment usually also uses a much larger fire extinguisher typically a 20 lb. Dry Chemical that actually weighs around 35-45 lbs. depending on type, and manufacturer. While all of this information on fire extinguisher brackets must be fascinating to most of you there is a point to all of this. Most safety plans require that equipment, and vehicle operators do a Pre-operational inspection on Power Mobile Equipment before they begin the day’s operations. This becomes crucial when these heavy duty brackets are subject to all types of weather, and damage. A five minute inspection can save a life. This was became an unfortunate reality for one person when a loose fire extinguisher came off of a garbage truck, and caused a fatality in Mississauga last week. Speaking with Theo Kowalchuk of 1Life Workplace Safety she provided the following information. “While Ontario legislation would need to be consulted, in Manitoba it is possible that this incident could pose liability for this employer under both the WSH Act as well as the Regulations. As per the WSH Act Part 4(2) (c) every employer shall conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure so far as reasonable practicable that persons who are not in his service are not exposed to risks to their safety or health arising out of or in connection with activities in his workplace. As per the WSH Regulation Part 22.3 (1) An employer must ensure that powered mobile equipment is inspected by a competent person for defects and unsafe condition.” She also provided the attached Hazard Alert. Once again just a few minutes to ensure your fire equipment is functioning as designed, and is secure with no signs of wear or damage could save a life, possibly even your own.

Exhaust Fan Fires Are More Common Than You Might Think

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:12:45 PM

We service and inspect thousands of kitchen exhaust systems annually in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, North Western Ontario, and Nunavut. One of the issues we constantly run into is hood cleaning. We work closely with Bob Penny of ABC Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning whenever possible, however many restaurants choose not to have their cleaning done regularly, or prefer a low cost alternative. Many of the low cost service providers only clean the hood area, and maybe as far as you can see into the duct work. This leaves a lot of room for error and disaster. Bob has said on many occasions that a well cleaned duct and fan not only lower the possibility of fire, but also improve the air quality, and cleanliness in the kitchen as the grease goes through the filters, up the duct and out as designed instead of hanging in the air for staff to breath or sticking to the walls and ceiling slowly turning the kitchen a dull yellow color. Bob has also said that in cleaning the fans his staff are able to inspect the fan, and belts as well as any other items that could be starting to wear such as wiring. When installing kitchen Fire Suppression systems we are required to include duct and plenum coverage that protects to the exhaust fan because grease is a fuel that fire will follow and if the fire starts in the fan it will work its way down into the kitchen as it did at the Wendy’s in Charlotte, NC. We have had a couple of fires in Winnipeg that have started this way over the last five years. Suppression systems should extinguish this type of fire but if the grease build up is several inches thick the system will put out the initial fire however if the heat is high enough a re-flash can occur. Now there is nothing left to fight the fire, and if the grease is that thick in the ducts it is also covering the walls and ceilings. Remember Money Saved could be Money Burned.

Residential Dryer Fires Happen More Often Than You Might Think

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:16:43 AM

I’ve written several articles about home safety. Usually topics that are the obvious culprits in home fires such as kitchen fires, garage fires, and backyard fire pits. There are many other fire hazards to consider throughout your home. One fire hazard that is often overlooked is dryer fires. In Canada we rely on these helpful appliances to get us through a long winter that usually doesn’t allow for hanging clothes outside never mind the busy lifestyle that prohibits the time required to hang and bring in clothes. A quick bit of research left me with some startling statistics. There are about 12,700 clothes-dryer fires in residential buildings annually in the United States, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. These preventable fires caused 15 deaths, 300 injuries and about $88 million US in property damage. There are no comparable statistics available for Canada. “Dryer Fires Can Be Deadly” shows what to watch for and how you can prevent dryer fires. I have also compiled a list of what to watch for, and preventative maintenance. Keep your clothes dryer free of lint. Clean out your lint filter before and after every load of clothes. Use a vacuum or a lint brush to thoroughly clean underneath and behind your dryer about once a month. Vacuum your dryer's motor area several times a year. Inspect your outside dryer vent twice a year. Clean out any accumulated lint and dust. Turn on your dryer to make sure that the exhaust air is escaping normally. If the air isn't escaping through the vent, disconnect the exhaust duct from your dryer and clean out any blockage. Replace the exhaust duct before you use your dryer again. This not only will reduce the risk of a fire, but your clothes will dry faster and your dryer will use less energy Use the right type of ducting material. Flexible foil or plastic ducting materials easily become kinked or crushed, which leads to lint building up and possibly igniting. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests replacing any foil or plastic ducts with rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting material. In addition, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it. Take special care drying clothes stained with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. Wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of these chemicals on the clothing, and line dry instead of using a dryer. Buy dryers that use moisture sensors rather than ordinary thermostats to end the auto-dry cycle. Thermostats can allow the dryer to run longer than necessary. Occasionally wipe the sensor with a soft cloth or cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to keep it functioning accurately. Sensors are usually located on the inside of the dryer, just below the door opening, and can be hard to find. They are usually two curved metallic strips, shaped somewhat like the letter "C". Keep the areas surrounding your dryer clutter-free. The heat from your dryer might cause a spark and ignite clothing, boxes or other flammable items placed in close proximity to your clothes dryer. One Last thing to consider is that most laundry areas are in the mechanical area of your home that includes the furnace, and hot water tank. It is a very good idea to keep a fire extinguisher in this area to protect all of these appliances.

Product Recalls And Service Bulletins

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:27:23 AM

Product recalls are fairly rare in our industry due to the stringent testing required for life safety equipment before it can be released to the market. There are associations that work together to get the information out to their members such as NAFED that has just published a recall for emergency exit signs manufactured by Best Lighting Products and distributed by Lithonia Lighting. There are several issues for both recalls and service bulletins here. The first being getting these recall notices to the distributors, and the second is having the distributors react to what is posted, and lastly getting the information to non-distributors who are servicing the products. The first issue is easy enough to deal with manufacturers know who their distributors are and can email, fax, direct mail etc. to the lists. The second issue gets a little harder to deal with because distributors now have to look into warranty claims labour etc. to make these repairs, and it may be a loss financially for them to do so. If that’s the case some might wait for an “opportunity” to upsell a new product. Add to the fact that with ISO and other corporate paper trails this can become a large expense and liability may not win over operational expense. The last issue is the hardest to deal with and the greatest opportunity for equipment failure. Non-Manufacturer certified service companies never receive the bulletins, or recalls, and while they are happy to undercut a price to get a job they do not receive the education or support and can unknowingly leave equipment in jeopardy. In the event of a fire this will be a disaster. The best way to protect yourself is to always try to deal with distributors of the specific equipment you now own. They have the factory training, insurance, and warranties as well as they will receive the bulletins, and recalls to ensure you get the best protection available.

Bison At Red River Co-op Speedway

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:12:38 PM

Bison has sponsored the Red River Coop Speedway for many years as well as Steve Glass of Glass Racing. We dropped in to see him perform for us last night and were treated to a great show. Steve unfortunately had some issues when other drivers started using him as a target in the first two races. He lost two tires & rims and a steering box, but came back in the third feature race and held his position throughout the entire contest. Darren Pallen of Darren Pallen Productions is the track announcer and he was kind enough to give us a couple plugs throughout the evening. If you get a chance to head out to take "The Fastest Sport on the Prairies" you will not be disappointed.

Kelly Adams Joins The Herd

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:42:37 PM

We are happy to welcome Kelly Adams to the herd! Kelly has worked in the fire protection industry for 15 years working in a variety of positions from extinguisher recharging to becoming the Fire Extinguisher Division Manager at Edwards. Kelly has also graduated from Red River College with his Occupational Health and Safety Certificate. He brings his many years of experience to us with the goals of meeting our existing customers, as well as meeting the many new customers and businesses that are waiting to join the herd.

Residential Sprinklers Save Lives

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 03:41:00 PM

I have talked about residential sprinklers in the past. These silent saviours of your lives and property are usually installed during construction of a new home but in many cases are either overlooked by the owner, possibly not presented as an option, or the people feel the cost is too high and would rather put the money towards a spa. Many jurisdictions across Canada still do not require these sprinklers to be installed in residential homes. However they are slowly gaining popularity and articles showing them working and having success are few and far between, but really start to demonstrate the value of this type of fire protection.

Recyclable Fire Extinguishers

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:58:00 PM

The Fire Protection Industry has tried in many areas to become more environmentally clean. This started with Halon both 1301, and 1211. These were pound for pound the best firefighting agents on the market, but boy they kicked holes in the ozone. One molecule of Halon could destroy about 100,000 molecules of ozone, and fire systems contains in some cases hundreds of pounds of Halon. It was replaced by FM200 a much cleaner gas and that has been followed by Sinorix 1230 that breaks down in the atmosphere in three days without damaging ozone. CO2 suppression systems have become less desirable because while they don’t damage the ozone they do increase greenhouse gases, and they can be deadly if discharged while people are in the vicinity. Fire code has changed to limit its use and application, but it still has a place in the firefighting market. Fire extinguishers have improved as well. Over the last few years extinguisher testing has become more stringent. Ratings have gone up so the extinguisher can put out more fire with the same volume of powder. The newest innovation though is something I wouldn’t have expected a completely recyclable fire extinguisher. Britannia Fire has built and listed in Europe a completely recyclable fire extinguisher made from Kevlar, and other products. While I think it could be years before something like this is available in Canada we could be surprised and see it sooner if there is a demand.

Class D Fires

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:46:00 AM

Most people have never heard of Class D fires, or even realized that certain metals can burn. In our industry there are many technicians who don’t even approach their customers that have Class D hazards due to a lack of education. Class D fires usually involve Aluminum or Magnesium there are many manufacturing facilities out there that cut, and weld aluminum on a daily basis that have never been told they need a specific extinguisher for that hazard. The second problem can be the cost because these extinguishers aren’t cheap. The fire protection companies hesitate to sell them because of a fear of losing an account if they are high bid, and purchasers look at the additional expense in an already tight safety budget so they have a hard time approaching the boss. Once these fires start nothing will put them out except the Class D extinguisher, water won’t touch it neither will conventional dry chemical. Water doesn’t work because the fire doesn’t need oxygen to burn as it creates its own as a by-product of the fire. Standard dry chemicals such as ABC, BC, or PK (Purple-K) don’t work because the temperatures created by metal fires break down the agents before they can work effectively. The article “Aluminum fueled fire sparked in shop” gives you a good idea just how hard these fires can be to deal with. I would like to think that if the shop had bought a Class D extinguisher they might have caught the fire before they needed the “35 fire trucks and units, and more than 75 firefighters” to put this fire out. After that fire the cost of the Class D would seem very small.

Urban VS Rural

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 04:00:53 PM

I just got back from a week of holidays and while I should have been putting work out of my mind I just can’t help myself. Whenever I walk into a business my eyes immediately start the fire protection scan. Once all the mental notes are taken I get on with the actual reason for being there. What I noticed in the various places I visited was the fact that fire protection equipment was obsolete, past the inspection dates, or non-existent. There are a number of reasons for this such as; Budget cuts to provincial fire inspectors means fewer inspections being done with less enforcement of the fire codes. Dealing with relatives or neighbours from the local fire departments, or insurance brokers might relate into hard feelings after work if they try to push the issue of getting the equipment serviced. Switching companies to save a couple bucks might seem like a good idea, but when “Budget Fire Service” gets home and realizes what it really cost to drive around rural Manitoba he usually doesn’t come back, and your left waiting. There definitely differences in dealing in a rural setting as opposed to urban, however in the rural settings fires are just as devastating. The other issue is the response time for volunteer fire departments. While these men and women train hard to provide the best service they can for their communities you can’t beat the clock. The only thing that can help is having your fire equipment current, serviced, and ready because when you really need protection it had better work. Both of the pictured systems are still in use today. They should have been replaced years ago. Dry Chemical has been proven ineffective in todays cooking enviroments. In the event of a fire they most likely would allow a reflash with damage to the business escalating every second.

JRS Stephenson Manufacturing Is Moving!

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:29:00 PM

JRS Stephenson is a good customer of ours who has been Engineering and Building electrical power distribution and control products in Winnipeg for 65 years. They are relocating to a new office/manufacturing facility. They called us in to do a complete layout of their fire extinguisher needs. In the manufacturing plant they have a variety of hazards that would be classed as high. To properly protect these areas we covered them with 20lb. Dry Chemical extinguishers. The paint areas were covered with CO2 extinguishers to keep powder from sticking to wet products in the event of a fire this lowers the costs of clean up, and production losses. They also have an area for welding aluminum. Since Aluminum can, and will burn they required a Class-D extinguisher specifically designed for metallic fires. Their phone and server room has very sensitive electronics so the best choice was a Halotron clean gas extinguisher. While JRS Stephenson has never had a fire they took a proactive approach in their fire protection that will help insure minimal losses if a fire should ever occur. JRS Stephenson is one of those companies that quietly go about their business while employing many Manitoban’s with a variety of skill sets from assembly people to Designers, and Engineers. These types of businesses are a big part of the diversity that keeps our province economically stable. Good Morning All As a lot of you are aware, JRS Mfg. is moving. Our new location is at 1245 Border Street, Winnipeg MB. R3H 0X9. Phone, fax and email will remain the same. While this is a very exciting time for us it is also a time of interruptions and confusion. Thanks to everyone for your understanding and cooperation. We will still occupy 1425 Whyte Avenue until the end of July, but ask that no orders (unless specifically requested) be delivered there after July 27. All orders from then on are to be delivered to 1245 Border Street. I look forward to continue to build on the strong relationships we have with you. Best regards, Brian Larson CPIM Materials Manager JRS Mfg. Ltd 1245 Border Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0X9

Extinguishing Fires in High-Challenge Warehouses: The Fire Service Perspective

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:14:00 PM

Many things have evolved in today’s modern warehouses. Everything from construction materials, to sprinkler, and fire alarm, and fire extinguisher coverage’s, forklifts and loading docks and employee safety practices. All of these changes become determining factors when first designing fire protection for these buildings for occupancy, as well as what they might be housing. Insurance companies have become very savvy regarding what is required, and if codes aren’t met they take a very strong stance against having a large payout. With CentrePort becoming an industrial reality we will be seeing a lot of new distribution centres coming into Manitoba this NFPA live presentation is a must see for anyone connected to fire protection, or life safety.

Tyco Keeps Growing

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 04:20:00 PM

Tyco Fire Protection Products which is the parent company of Ansul has announced a new acquisition. Ansul is one of our main suppliers of fire protection equipment. They are constantly working to improve their products, and even the companies they own in an effort to stay at the top of their game. Tyco has announced the purchase of Chemguard Inc, and their subsidiary Williams Fire and Hazard Control Inc. This acquisition will give us greater access to the product lines that Chemguard has such as their Firefighting foams, and Engineered Foam Systems. We are eager to see the benefits of this purchase for our industry in the days ahead.

Bison Was Burning Up The Track

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:08:00 PM

The Bison 52 Modified race car was out racing this past Thursday against some of Nascar’s greats. Kenny Schrader was in the pack, but left the race early with a mechanical failure. Michael Waltrip was also at the track, but raced in the late model division a different class of cars. Red River Coop Speedway was buzzing with these two international racing stars. For many of the regular drivers this was a dream come true to compete with guys you would never otherwise race against or even be able to meet in the pits. Good job on beating Schrader Steve!

MOPIA's July Newsletter Has Arrived

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:00:00 AM

MOPIA (Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Assn.) has just sent their July newsletter. As a member of this association I find the information to be relevant to what is happening in the fire protection industry. It gives me some insight as to where the government, and other interested parties are heading regarding the clean gas systems, such as the CO2, Novec 1230, and FM200 systems we install and service. They also give a good idea of what is going on in other industries as well. This issue contains some really good topics that include; - Sun Awareness Key this Summer, Meet our new Team specialist, Lauren Griffith-Parker - Proposed Amendments to the Montreal Protocol - HCFCs being Phased-Out - Refrigerant Leak Repairs - MOPIA coming to Winkler and Steinbach Enjoy their newsletter!

Extinguishing Your RV

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 03:35:00 PM

If you own an RV, a camper or even a boat that came with an extinguisher, have you checked it? Many of these types of recreational equipment come with a very small non-rechargeable extinguisher. If you read the instructions you will find out how to ensure the extinguisher has the pressure needed to spray the powder onto the flames. THESE EXTINGUISHERS ARE JUNK! While there are many ways to help ensure you protect your toys from fire many people are their own worst enemies such as the couple that fixed a leaking gas line with a rag and some tape. There is no mention of an extinguisher in the story, and I doubt they had one. Sometimes you just can’t fix stupid. Buying a proper fire extinguisher and mounting it in a safe location as well as checking to make sure it works is one small task that could keep you from becoming a panhandler, or worse a permanent resident at Boot Hill. Enjoy a safe summer!

Sprinklers Are Required In Walk-in Coolers

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 03:56:00 PM

Many Restaurants have walk-in coolers it is a requirement for stock control Most of these coolers do not have sprinklers inside them because the building they are in does not have a sprinkler system so the existing fire extinguishers are sufficient to provide fire protection. Walk-in coolers have electricity inside them as well as combustible materials so there are opportunities for a fire. Restaurants that have sprinkler systems do require sprinklers inside their coolers as they are considered rooms in the building. However one reason for not having them might be the size of the room. This is an NFPA-13 (National Fire Protection Assn.) standard and not an international standard as reported. The attached article from New Mexico was both interesting a humorous to someone North of the 49th. I would guess that people in New Mexico have seldom been to a winter hotdog roast so they might not think fire would burn in the cold. These Southern Restaurateurs are all welcome to come join me around my bonfire this winter to roast a few weeny’s and enjoy some hot chocolate, while reading the fire code to stay warm!

Ansul Protects Pizza Trucks

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 03:28:00 PM

Steve Moynes of Pizza Trucks of Canada called the other day. He was building a new type of concession truck. His expertise has been in the Pizza Truck design and building business, and he does a great job of them, but this new truck has a full operating kitchen and he needed an automatic suppression system. Fortunately we have all kinds of them in stock and were able to get him up and running. He brought the truck to our facility first thing in the morning and was pleased to pick it up at the end of the day! On this particular project we chose an Ansul R-102 wet chemical suppression system with its compact design and stainless steel automan it was the right choice to work with in the tight spacing allowed in a chip truck. The Ansul system is ULC-1254.6, and UL-300 listed so it can travel anywhere in Canada, or the USA. The system is capable of automatic detection and actuation and remote manual actuation. Additional equipment is available for mechanical gas line shut-off applications. The detection portion of the fire suppression system allows for automatic detection by means of fusible links, which, when the temperature exceeds the rating of the link, the link separates, allowing the system to actuate. A system owner’s guide is available containing basic information pertaining to system operation and maintenance. Accessories can be added such as alarms, warning lights, etc., to installations where required. Tanks can be used in multiple arrangements to allow for larger hazard coverage. In this installation the suppression system was very basic, but we have installed them in very large applications such as the MTS Centre.

PPMA Summer Newsletter Is Now Available

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:22:00 PM

The Professional Property Managers Association has issued their summer newsletter. As usual it is chocked full of great information that includes; Message from the President Meetings & Special Event Schedule PPMA 2011 Golf Tournament What does the Federal Election Result Mean for Landlords? CFAA Employee Compensation Survey Leaves for Late Appeal at the RTC Robert L. Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund Winner Bed Bug Prevention Materials Program Order Form This group of professional people work very hard to provide top quality housing for all Manitobans. PPMA Summer News Letter 2011

1Life Provides Continuous Training

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:53:00 AM

1Life Workplace Safety is offering continuing education through their My Safety Assistant programs. Some of the upcoming seminars include Mosquitoes Bite, Effective Management of Workplace Violence and Harassment, FREE Webinar Schedule, FREE training for mySafetyAssistant.ca subscribers, and WHAT'S NEW! These ongoing training opportunities are just some of the many reasons we work with 1Life. We need our customers to be safe so we can continue dealing with them year after year. Have a look at the programs and give Theo a call to book the seminar that best suits your needs.

Kidde Canada Provides Range Guard Training

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:25:00 AM

Kidde Canada has sent Iain Boyd to Winnipeg to provide Range Guard training for our technicians. We were pleased to host the training seminar in our board room. While for most of us the recession is over, many companies and corporations are still feeling the effects. Therefore this type of training is very hard to come by, and very costly. There are only two certified Range Guard distributors in Manitoba so to have a manufacturer’s representative come to our office and train technicians on the latest equipment, discuss fire code changes, and service bulletins is invaluable to both Bison, and the restaurants we serve and protect. We have always taken pride in ensuring the best trained technicians in the industry this is just another part of our ongoing commitment to our customers.

Earls Joins The Herd

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:53:00 PM

The Earls Restaurants in Winnipeg have joined the herd! Earls is a restaurant chain that offers great food and great service yet they were not receiving the same service from their past fire protection suppliers. Being a service based company we understood their requirements and were able to react to their needs in a timely manner. Many companies from every industry talk about the service they offer. We feel that we are only as good as the last job we did, and strive to ensure we have the best trained and educated technicians in the industry. As well as very prompt responses when service situations arise. Earls is a great restaurant to go enjoy a great meal. Their businesses is food, and hospitality. They do both very well and trust that when they hire a company to perform services that they are getting what they pay for.

Protecting The Winnipeg Folk Festival

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:10:00 AM

We were asked to provide the fire protection for the Winnipeg Folk Festival for 2011. We have done this for the festival for a number of years. This is a 5 day event with around 75 artists and bands performing a large variety of music. Protecting a large group of people who are enjoying music both on and off stage is a big responsibility so we feel privileged to continue to be the fire protection company of choice. The inaugural Winnipeg Folk Festival was held in 1974 as a one-time celebration to mark Winnipeg’s 100th anniversary. The festival was free and attracted an estimated audience of 22,000 over the three-day weekend. While the festival has grown considerably since then, the gathering in 1974 laid down important roots in Birds Hill Provincial Park and with the community that remain strong today. Festival attendance now exceeds 70,000, attracting approximately 5,000 visitors from outside Manitoba each year and drawing performers from across North America, and the world. The organization has more than 2,600 dedicated volunteers who contribute well over 55,000 hours of labour each year to create the magic that is the Winnipeg Folk Festival. This very diverse festival has something for everyone. Have a safe weekend!

Siemens Releases MXL To XLS Migration Solution

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:45:00 AM

Siemens Canada has released migration hardware. This will allow you to exchange your existing MXL fire alarm panel with the current XLS system without requiring a wholesale replacement of the devices in the system. It is estimated that over 70,000 MXL systems have been sold since MXL was introduced in 1992. This new migration provides a cost effective migration solution to modernize your fire alarm system in phases while staying within your budget and has less downtime for the fire alarm system during migration. We now have the ability to use existing back boxes which eliminates an additional cut-out in the wall, reduces programming time, and reduces labour costs offering an advanced system with improved response time that is easier to maintain. This is just another part of the Siemens commitment to both their new equipment, and the solid products they have offered in the past. They truly believe in upgrading, and maintaining existing products while bringing new technology to the market.

Residential Sprinklers In Winnipeg?

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:11:00 PM

Residential fire sprinkler systems have been a hot topic through every jurisdiction in North America. Some areas some to whole heartedly embrace them while others vehemently oppose them. I had heard on a Winnipeg talk show today a discussion on the merits of having them. Obviously we support them as we see the devastation caused by fire every day. Having a system in your home that monitors for fire 24/7 can be programmed to work with an alarm system to wake you if your home, or call the fire department if you’re away is beneficial. The City of Vancouver has required them for some time now, and has recently released a study showing 0 fatalities in homes protected by sprinkler systems. They have also created an informational web page to answer many questions about residential sprinkler systems. The City of Fort Saskatchewan is considering creating a similar bylaw. Opponents of this type of protection usually use the cost of them as their main argument, but when installed during the construction of a home the cost is minimal meaning less than the cost of a hot tub, or granite counter tops. They try to get some traction when a building needs upgrading as costs are higher in existing buildings, but I feel the benefits far outweigh the expense.

NFPA July Newsletter

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:37:00 PM

The NFPA has issued their July newsletter. As usual it is chocked full of great information from codes issues, to training seminars, and safety information. They are already working towards fire prevention week, and have some great information for smoke alarms for deaf people or people with hearing difficulties. With Canada Day coming on Friday the discussion on fireworks and to leaving them for the professionals is very timely. I took my level one fireworks course a few years ago and it was an eye opener. Once lit a firework will burn until the fuel is completely burned out even when submerged in water. You don’t want one of these to hit you. Enjoy the newsletter!

Winnipeg Loses An Icon

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 04:05:00 PM

This past weekend The Paladin Restaurant was destroyed by fire. This unfortunate incident is coupled with other issues the family is dealing with makes a move forward seem almost impossible. The Paladin was a nice little restaurant that I had frequented more than once and always came away pleased. I’m wondering where I’ll get my corned beef hash browns from now on? The really concerning part of this story isn’t that a deep fryer caught fire they do that, what I find really concerning is that the suppression system reportedly didn’t work. I have blogged in the past asking “Can you trust your fire protection company?” While many things can go wrong with a fire suppression system between inspections there are also opportunities for technician’s error. We recently upgraded a suppression system that had been inspected only a month earlier by a company that was not certified by the manufacturer, the technician had failed to change the fusible links since 2008. NFPA-17A, and all system manufacturers require fusible links be changed every 6 months. This was another fire waiting to happen. Without knowing all of the details regarding why the fire suppression system didn’t activate when needed the reasons become speculation at this time. Ensuring the company you are hiring to protect your business, and possibly your life is certified by the manufacturer of the fire suppression system in your kitchen is time well spent.

PPMA's Annual Golf Tournament Was A Huge Success!

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:46:00 PM

The PPMA’s (Professional Property Managers Assn.) annual golf tournament was held at Pine Ridge Golf Course this year. The rain held off and gave us a nice cool day to enjoy a round of golf. With every hole being sponsored there was no shortage of on link entertainment that included a charity putting competition that raised money to support Feed My Lambs Street Mission. The money collected at the hole along with a donation from the PPMA was over $5700.00! The dinner afterwards was fantastic as were the prizes won by the golf teams. Ace Burpee was the dinner emcee and kept the laughs coming. We felt honoured to be involved with such a great group of business people.

Engineers Take Advantage Of The Engineering Advantage

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 08:46:00 AM

Siemens developed an education program for engineers call the Engineering Advantage program. It is designed to teach, or update them on current trends, products, and codes in the fire alarm industry. The topics are broken down into modules that include fire detection technologies, Networking, Intelligibility, Mass Notification, Clean Gas Systems, and Smoke Control to name a few. Bill Lane of Siemens comes to Winnipeg regularly to put on these training courses. We are currently working with seven of Winnipeg's Engineering firms with more contacting us wanting to be involved. On this visit we spent time with SMS Engineering, KGS Group, and Jorey Electric. All of the Electrical Engineers involved found this to be very informative, and asked to be included in the next module presentation. In the world of Engineering additional education is definitely an advantage!

Students Excel At Bison

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:46:00 AM

We were approached a couple of years ago by Red River College to see if we would be interested in having a student come work with us for a few weeks. The students are new to Canada and are learning English, and would like an introduction to the workplace, as well as to continue their English skills in a working environment. This year we had Serwan Al- Kiki join us. He’s a smart man who was a construction electrician in his former home country. He was a pleasure to have working with us and not afraid to get his hands right into a job. Any of our staff members that worked with him had positive responses about his work ethics. Giving people like Serwan an opportunity to grow in our country is what immigration should be all about. If we want a strong future as a country we need to create a future for the new people coming to live, and raise families here.

Bison Company Picnic Weekend

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:55:00 AM

We had our company picnic this past weekend. It’s one of the times throughout the year we like to say thank-you to the people that work so hard and show such dedication, and conviction to the company. As always we made sure there is fun for the whole family, with bouncers for the kids, bocce ball, whatever they call that game with the golf balls on strings, and other things. (No water fight this year) The campers enjoyed a nice rain free evening, bonfire, and a chance to compare camping notes. I might have to upgrade after the new toys were on display. We tried something new this year by hiring Danny’s Whole Hog to cater the event. Danny’s staff “Brought the Flavour!” we were very happy with his people, the quality, and amount of food. People were still talking about supper Monday morning. Bison Fire wouldn’t be the company it is today without our fantastic staff. THANK-YOU!

Pranking With Fire Extinguishers

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:18:00 AM

A friend recently sent me a YouTube video showing some one pranking with a fire extinguisher. It was funny to watch, but there are some real dangers involved when doing this sort of thing. Think of the poor kid that got the dry chemical in his eyes. It stung a lot, but didn’t do any serious damage. If they had used a CO2 extinguisher that kid would have been permanently blinded. After a very fast search I found a few more of these all funny to watch but after jumping out of the fridge and spraying the fire extinguisher inside the house think of the mess to clean in the kitchen and the rest of the house as it floats around. Dry chemical is very fine powder that will pass right through a vacuum bag and back into the room. It takes days to settle so clean up goes on forever. The last video makes a good point as well after the guy cools off he mentions they need a new extinguisher. I can’t remember how many times I’ve had people mention they used their extinguisher a little, there was lots of powder left so they put it back. The extinguisher will lose its expellant and not work the next time you really need it. Pranking can be a lot of fun I know I’ve pulled some great ones myself. However you should think about your props when setting them up. Some of the videos have language warnings. I guess being the prankee isn’t as much fun as being the prankster.

Are You Safe In Your Mobile Office?

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 10:00:00 AM

I’ve talked in the past about the devastation brought to people when their business has a fire. How long will they be closed, can they ever reopen, will they be able to retain the employees, and will their insurance cover the losses are just a few of the many questions racing through their minds. Many businesses aren’t your typical 9-5 bricks and mortar location. Many are mobile such as the case with the highway tractor that recently completely burned to the ground. These mobile offices cost anywhere from $75,000 and up depending on what you need, and how comfortable your “office” needs to be. Should this office be out of service for any length of time again the effects are just as crippling to the owner. Highway tractors require a 5 lb dry chemical extinguisher to meet code, but is that enough? Depending on the load it may be enough but when you consider the size of the fuel tanks I doubt it. They are several propane tanker trucks we service that have complete suppression systems, as do de-icing trucks at the airport, and the trucks used to make explosives. I can go on and on about the heavy mobile equipment used for mining that all have suppression systems, but sometimes we simply forget about the equipment that is working right beside us in traffic.

Quintex Celebrates 100 years in Business With The Goldeyes

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:42:00 PM

As part of their 100 years in business celebrations Quintex Services held a customer appreciation night at Canwest Global Park. The night was very enjoyable, but even the rain couldn’t help The Goldeyes win. Quintex has become another of our Preferred Partners. Their dedication to First Aid supply and service has made them the company we like to send our customers to. Quintex has also helped us improve our professional image by supplying our technicians with top quality uniforms! Thanks again for a Great Evening!

Green Fire Sprinkler Pipe Protects Your Home

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:06:00 PM

There has been a lot of focus on residential sprinkler systems in the last year or so. The value of these types of systems generally runs around the same as a nice hot tub, in the backyard. To me this is a small price to pay for something that could save your life, and monitors your house 24/7 without an annual contract. Greenspirations has developed, and just released the Aquatherm Greenpipe. This new to the market pipe eliminates toxins from CPVC, and heavy metals from copper piping, for potable water making it environmentally safe for household use. This is another great innovation the fire protection industry has developed to ensure your safety and peace of mind.

Is The Building You Are In Safe?

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:57:00 PM

I’ve written a number of blogs lately about fire protection companies that cut corners and have had to face the music. They aren’t the only offenders out there. Building and business owners can also be negligent in ensuring their building meets all fire code regulations. In a day and age where every dollar counts sometimes fire protection falls lower on the priority list. As was the case with the owner of the banquet hall that had to cancel all of his bookings including a wedding two weeks ahead of the big day. There is also the Winnipeg family that lost everything to fire because the fire extinguisher in their rented apartment didn't work. There are several issues at hand. The owner thinks they are saving money by not getting the fire protection equipment serviced, but what is really happening is this; As equipment gets older more services are required so the costs increase. Fire codes change so updates aren’t being performed so to become code compliant again is a large expense. If the owner is cutting in one place there are likely cutting in others. What is being sacrificed? Regular safety budgeting is replaced by capital expenditures. And worst of all: The building is closed until the necessary repairs are made. So no revenue is being generated digging an even deeper financial hole. What can you do as an individual to protect yourself when entering a building? There are a few things you look for to see if the building is currently being serviced. Are the fire extinguishers up to date? They have tags that tell when the last inspection was done. They must be inspected annually so if they are overdue this is a “red flag” that other services might be out of date. Has the Fire Alarm system been serviced in the past year? In Winnipeg the fire alarm panel requires a sticker on the door stating when the next inspection is due. If you see the panel have a look. If the fire alarm panel isn’t near the front door there should be a smaller annunciator panel. While no sticker is required on this panel are there any trouble or alarm lights on? Emergency light units require the sticker as well, but if you can’t see any are all the exit lights burned out? Again another sign the maintenance levels are low. Sprinklers systems require the stickers also, but since the sprinkler mains are usually in mechanical rooms they might be very difficult to see. Should you notice any of the above listed service issues. The first thing you should do is ask the manager. They could have everything in control with technicians booked to do the work. If you get an unfavourable response a call to the local fire prevention office can work wonders. They have the power to get things done. Remember your safety is your responsibility.

There Is Always A Solution

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 12:10:00 PM

As the only certified Ansul dealer in Nunavut, and the North West Territories we get unusual requests from time to time. Since we travel in those regions regularly we have a good feel of what is needed to get the job done. A mining contractor in North-western Ontario was commissioning a raising project for De Beers Canada, They required an Ansul Suppression System installed on a new Air Compressor they are sending to the North West Territories from Sudbury Ontario before June 15. We were contacted and asked if they could assist with the installation despite the difficult time line. Possible solutions were to install the suppression in Sudbury but the truck and Compressor were already being loaded. A second solution was to fly North to install on site but services were limited. After a couple of phone calls and a few emails a mutual agreement to have the truck stop in Winnipeg unload the 8500lb compressor at Bison Fire Protection’s head office and install the Ansul Suppression System at Bison’s yard site. Reload the compressor the next day and continue its journey to NWT. The installation went off without a hitch making the contractor look great for his customer.

Another Fire Protection Company Faces Charges

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:58:00 PM

I had posted a blog back in May titled “Can You Trust Your Fire Protection Company?” where the owner of a California fire protection company had been sentenced to jail time for his failure to perform his job as required. I see another company in Norfolk Virginia has been charged with similar crimes related to kitchen suppression system inspections. I can’t say enough about the morality and integrity required to do the job right. Technicians work in the field independent from supervisors. This is where the time spent by a company owner to send tech’s to the different schools available, as well as time spent with them in house teaching what is required by fire code, and the company is good for the customer. These are big investments that have great payoffs in the quality of the technician, and their work. However many companies don’t see this time as an investment in their people, but more so as an un-necessary expense and fail to provide it. Unfortunately poor workmanship usually doesn't show-up until the fire is burning. In this electronic age it only takes a minute to fax, or scan and email copies of certifications, insurance, and workers compensation accreditations. If a company can’t, or won’t provide this information quickly it might be time to look around for a company that invests in both of our futures.

Are All Of Your Fire Protection Needs Being Met?

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:32:00 PM

I was given a tour through a prospective customer’s facility last week. He had called to see if we would quote an upgrade to their dry chemical suppression system in their paint booth. After looking at the booth I asked the customer about some of the other types of protection he had in his building. I think we’re OK was the response. I asked a couple more questions then we walked over to look at his sprinkler system. It had been serviced in January 2011 and was good for the rest of the year. We passed an extinguisher during the walk, and noticed it had been serviced in October 2010 by a different company. The customer was now wondering what was going on so we continued on to his fire alarm system that also monitors his sprinklers, and paint booth to find it hadn’t been serviced since 2009. He almost fainted when we found his emergency lights had never been serviced. In our world of safety, and liability he was running a major risk. In the event of an actual incident he might have also had problems with insurance company as he was in breach of fire code. Not to mention what Workplace Health and Safety would have to do. Using one service provider as much as possible has many benefits. They know the building and its systems. They keep records of all services provided, and build a history. There is less disruption to the business because all services are performed at the same time. A service company that does the work in-house isn’t subject to the issues of the subcontractor, such as quality control, scheduling changes, price fluctuations etc. One invoice helps with budgeting and is less work for the office staff. We discussed these solutions to his problems and he is now a very happy customer. Welcome to the Herd!

Is School A Safe Place For Our Children

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:59:00 AM

With the number of accidents occurring in schools lately I am beginning to wonder if gangs and drug peddlers aren’t the only threats to our children while they are at school. It seems the high schools are worse as they introduce kids to science experiments, and shop classes. Tragically a student in Ottawa was recently killed while working on a shop project and in Windsor a teacher and three students were hospitalized when a science experiment exploded. I’m not disputing the value that these type of higher hazard classrooms offer. However are there enough precautions being taken, and enough emphasis placed on fire extinguisher, and safety training? As parents it is our responsibility to talk to our Teachers, Principles, and most importantly our School Trustee’s to ensure they are taking the steps to keep our children safe in all aspects of the school day.

NFPA Has Issued Their June Newsletter

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:13:00 AM

There’s a lot going on a NFPA this month. They have their annual Conference and Expo in Boston Mass June 12-15th. There is no better opportunity to speak with experts, evaluate products, find solutions to your technical challenges and stay current with technological advances in your field. They also have Residential Safety with Sparky the Fire Dog, and their online Training, and Webinars that we have found to be very informative. Enjoy the newsletter!

What are the boat safety regulations?

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 03:11:26 PM

So it appears that, just maybe, summer is upon us! A few of us “office” folk were sitting outside enjoying the sun today talking about weekend plans. Someone brought up boating, which got me thinking. How many people actually take the time to check over & replace safety equipment before going out on the lake for the first time? Everyone knows you need a lifejacket but what else is mandatory? How about sound signals, navigation lights. What about Fire Extinguishers? Did you know that it is required by law to carry Fire Fighting equipment on a watercraft? To keep you and your family safe this summer please visit The Department of Justice website for more information on Small Vessel Regulations.

Do You Know How To Use A Fire Extinguisher?

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:31:00 PM

I was recently talking with the General Manager of one of Winnipeg’s larger service companies. I had to laugh when he asked “Now that were dealing with you can I discharge a fire extinguisher?” I told him we would make that happen for him. One more thing off his bucket list! The larger issue here though was the fact that he, as someone who had risen up through his business to become the General Manager had never taken the time to learn to save it. Fire Extinguisher Training is an essential part of any business, and should be a priority for all managers as a minimum within your staff. The great thing about learning this easy skill, is that you can take the knowledge home with you, bring it to the cottage, in your boat, camper, or anywhere you might happen to be. “Businesses Learn To Use A Fire Extinguisher Before A Fire” is a great article that really sums up the need to educate yourself.

The Right Tool For The Job

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:57:00 PM

A large part of servicing fire extinguishers is the actual maintenance we perform on them. Different fire extinguishers need different types of maintenance depending upon the type of extinguisher. Dry chemical extinguishers require a 6 year maintenance and a 12 year Hydro Static test while most others such as K-Class and CO2 extinguishers require a 5 year Hydro Static test, and Outside Cartridge Operated extinguishers only require a 12 year Hydro Static test. As well each type of extinguisher has its own testing criteria. While most extinguishers need a low pressure Hydro Static test. CO2 extinguishers need a high pressure test because they hang on your wall with a stored pressure that can exceed 800psi to keep the CO2 in a liquid state. These heavier cylinders need to be pressure tested to 4500psi to ensure shell integrity. However before we even go as far as this test we use the Optical Plus thread inspection microscope with the highest magnification (4X), clarity. This allows our technicians to see if there are any cracks in the neck of the extinguisher. We recently had four 10 lb CO2 extinguishers come in for their first 5 year Hydro Static test. Since they were only 5 year old extinguishers we thought they should pass all testing without any problems. The Optical Plus revealed major cracks inside the neck that could actually be felt with a finger. They were all immediately condemned. These extinguishers were a major safety concern as they could have exploded with the same force as a stick of dynamite. They may have passed the high pressure test and been put back into service allowing age, or something striking them to cause them to rupture injuring whoever was nearby. Using the right tools for the job saved someone a very serious injury.

Bison Supports Cancer Care Manitoba

Tue, 31 May 2011 09:55:00 AM

We are pleased to support the 4th Annual Cancer Care Manitoba Challenge for Life 2011. Cancer has touched everyone at one point our lives. This walk goes a long way to helping the people who really need the support. Nadeen Bennett has been involved with this important cause from the beginning. Her dedication to her family and friends is truly amazing. You can support Nadeen’s walk by going to her profile page and clicking the donate button.

Smoke's Poutinerie Comes To Winnipeg!

Mon, 30 May 2011 04:06:28 PM

I would like to congratulate Smoke’s Poutinerie on opening their first Winnipeg location! Sam Tamoto and his staff are pleased to offer items like Curry Chicken Poutine and Nacho Grande Poutine, there’s surely something for everyone. But don’t let that deter you from sticking to the classics because even with all the choice in Smoke’s arsenal, the traditional poutine still satisfies. They are located at 131 Albert St.

Which Fire Extinguisher Is Best For You?

Fri, 27 May 2011 10:19:00 AM

There is no second opinion that most of the individuals are aware of fire extinguishers and their usefulness. The negative aspect is that many of these individuals will not think much when purchasing a fire extinguisher. The reason is they are simply not familiar with the fact that extinguishers are available in so many varieties and that each one of them performs best under particular conditions. You should take into consideration the fire class and several other things before buying if you seek to undertake the most excellent purchase. As mentioned earlier, there is a host of fire extinguisher varieties available in the market to make your home safe. They can be arranged into several fire classes, namely A, B, C, or D. Class A fire calls for extinguishers that can douse ordinary fires from papers, cardboards, clothes, plastics, wood and so forth. Class B needs extinguishers that are specifically devised for combustible and flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene and oil. Class C defines fires that are caused by electrical equipment like circuits, circuit breakers, outlets and appliances. Class D extinguishers are intended for fires occurred in a chemical laboratory, manufactering, and automotive service centres. They put out fires involving combustibles such as magnesium, aluminum, sodium, potassium, etc. One more vital thing to know is that such fire protection systems make use of a variety of materials as well. It would be good to recognize precisely what fire class you require safety for so as to buy the most suitable one. The extinguishing materials that these products employ include water, foam, powder, CO2, and sand. Water-based extinguishers are widely used to put out Class A fires. Dry chemical extinguishers, filled with foam or powder, are particularly formulated to put out Class B and C fires, though they can be applied in Class A fires as well. A CO2 fire extinguisher is normally used for Class C fires involving electrical equipment. An additional thing that you should be aware of in order to purchase the best extinguisher is there are certain hazards that will demand exceptional extinguishers. Under this class, you can put chemical substances that are usually more problematic to extinguish and far more hazardous. Obtaining the most apposite fire extinguishers is more and more imperative as they can make a big contribution in ensuring your safe and sound life! They play a pivotal role in locations where there is a great possibility of fire and you must certainly ascertain that you have the appropriate fire protection systems since catastrophes don't give people another opportunity.

Can You Trust Your Fire Protection Company?

Thu, 26 May 2011 02:02:00 PM

Most business owners try their best to do a good job in their community because they serve their friends and neighbours. They take pride in preforming a service that many people need, and feel the satisfaction of a job well done. Unfortunately there is a small segment that is in business for the quick buck, and lack the type of integrity needed to be trusted by their customers. I’m sure we can all think of a few jokes about lawyers, insurance people, and used car sales people. I would like to think that the fire protection industry would hold itself to a higher standard considering that we protect people’s lives, and property. Unfortunately as the article in the Crime Voice shows there are people in my industry that are lacking in morals and scruples. I have stated many times that people should do some homework to ensure they are dealing with a credible company. Some quick checks would be; Are they certified by the manufacturer of the products they are servicing? Do they have liability insurance, and is it enough? Are they registered with Workers Compensation? What schools or training seminars have they attended? A small time investment up front could provide massive savings down the road.

Congratulations To Theo Kowalchuk On Being Named Overall Excellence Winner At The 2011 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur Of The Year!

Wed, 25 May 2011 11:15:00 AM

Recognition from your peers for doing an outstanding job is one of the very few perks a business owner ever see’s. Being Named Overall Excellence Winner at the 2011 Manitoba Woman Entrepreneur of the Year demonstrates the high quality of professionalism, and dedication that Theo, and her staff at 1 Life Workplace Safety & Health subscribe to everyday. The award was given by the Women Business Owners of Manitoba (WBOM) They are a non-profit, independent organization that addresses the unique needs of the woman entrepreneur. They exist to provide support and inspire excellence, learning and growth in business. And to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth for their members. As one of our preferred partners 1 Life has again demonstrated why we feel they are the people to assist our customers. I have also included 1 Life Spring Newsletter for your reading pleasure.

Bison Presents Wet Chemical Suppression To The Prairie Loss Prevention League

Tue, 24 May 2011 11:13:00 AM

The Prairie Loss Prevention League (PLPL) had their Annual General Meeting, and Spring Conference in Winnipeg last week. Bison Fire Protection was among the group of professionals asked to give presentations. Rob Read gave an in depth presentation on Wet Chemical Suppression Systems for Commercial Kitchens. It was well received by the PLPL with many questions regarding this type of suppression system. The insurance industry is a vital part of keeping you current, and protected at work. This is why we have an insurance information page on this web site that allows them to offer the best service possible. The Prairie Loss Prevention League had its initial beginnings in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s with a group of insurers and the Fire Commissioner’s office meeting to discuss the increasing losses resulting from the use of solid-fuel-fired appliances. Those beginnings have evolved with the League being incorporated into a non-profit organization in 1992, and expanding both its membership and focus to include all aspects of loss prevention. This growth of the League has seen a move from a small group of concerned people to a large and diverse group of dedicated, knowledgeable persons in both the Insurance and non-insurance fields who are concerned with safety. Our value statement of reducing or eliminating potential hazards is the primary focus of our professional and personal lives. The Prairie Loss Prevention League (PLPL) has grown from its early roots to now encompass the three Prairie Provinces with a host of loss prevention/control and safety personnel. These individuals, through their company involvement and support of the league, have amassed a wealth of experience and knowledge in life and property safety.

Happy Victoria Day!

Mon, 23 May 2011 08:50:55 AM

I am taking this opportunity welcome all the new followers to the herd! Feel free to interact with us on any of the our posts. If you are setting off any fireworks today remember a couple of safety tips. Watch the wind direction you don'y want burning debrise falling on your crowd. Make sure all fireworks are secured to the ground. You do not want them falling over and sending their projectiles into you , or your group. Minimize the number of people setting off the fireworks. It gets confusing wondering who has lit what. Do not deploy fireworks under the influence of alcohol. The Phosphorous in fireworks will burn until they are expended. They will continue to burn underwater, and without oxygen. I have attched a couple videos' to show what can go wrong. Enjoy a safe day away from work!

Keeping Buildings Up To Fire Code Is An Issue

Fri, 20 May 2011 09:51:00 AM

While many property owners, and managers take fire code, and compliance very seriously there are those that do not. With government cut backs at all levels enforcement is not the priority it once was. Unfortunately the people living in a poorly managed aren’t aware of deficiencies until there is a fire. This is an occurrence that is happening across Canada, and in the USA as you can see in the article. With politicians promising lower taxes, or no tax increases, but the cost of doing business is always increasing so many areas of public service are being slowly reduced. As a tenant you have the right to know if your building is safe. If you have concerns talk to the building manager. If that doesn’t satisfy your concerns contact the PPMA, or your city fire prevention

Extinguisher Training For Children Is Vital

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:26:00 AM

Extinguisher training as well as safety training is vital for children these days. There a many possibilities where children can be involved in an emergency situations. As an example the boy from Twin Falls that was recently honoured for his bravery. The difference between action and panic is training. I was pleased to see that there is training at Camp 911 for children in grades 4-6 being offered in the USA. I think that we should be considering similar types of training across Canada. We do training at many businesses and we take pride in evaluations like the one Fred Allard, one of our certified trainers recently received. His score of 3.95 out of 5 with 11 questions ranging from course content, knowledge, and materials provided shows that he is getting the message across. We no longer recommend live burns preferring to use our Bullex training system. The reasons for this includes the fact that we can train indoors so weather is no longer an issue, there is no environmental impact with disposing the burnt sludge, and no risk of injury dealing with live fires among some of the reasons. We certainly don’t want our training to become a hazard as it did for these trainers.

Siemens Introduces Sinorix 1230 In Canada

Wed, 18 May 2011 02:16:00 PM

Siemens has officially launched the Sinorix 1230 clean gas suppression system in the Canadian market! Sinorix 1230 balances safe effective protection of business continuity with the growing concern for greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment. The Advantages of the Sinorix 1230 are listed below; Fits “Green Corporate Culture” with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1, the lowest GWP for any clean agent. 3M is a well-known, trusted US Company. Unblemished safety and suppression history. Highest Margin of Safety of all Chemical Clean Agents. Blue Sky Warranty; this is a 20 year protection guarantee against regulatory bans, or restrictions on its use. It’s difficult to list all of the applications for this new clean agent, however to name a few the list would include: Computer Server/ Telecommunication Rooms Museums and Art Galleries Sensitive Electronics & Switch Gear Gensets

NFPA 72 Makes Major Changes To The 2010 Fire Alarm Code

Tue, 17 May 2011 10:19:00 AM

Landmark changes in the 2010 NFPA 72® lead the way to a new era in signaling systems. In the most extensive Code revision since 1993, the 2010 NFPA 72's scope and organization have expanded beyond the core focus on fire alarm systems to also include requirements for mass notification systems used for weather emergencies; terrorist events; biological, chemical, and nuclear emergencies; and other threats. This wider coverage is reflected in a new Code title: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. A new chapter on Emergency Communications Systems responds to today's concerns. In addition to updated rules for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications systems, this new chapter includes first-time provisions for: •Risk analysis requirements for the design of mass notification systems (MNS) •In-building MNS •Wide-area MNS for locations such as college campuses and military bases •Distributed recipient MNS to communicate with targeted individuals or groups •In-building radio enhancement systems •Area of refuge for two-way emergency communications systems Other major revisions and additions that increase protection affect: •Circuits and pathways -- A new chapter combines existing and new requirements and consolidates basic wiring rules and circuit performance into one location. •Voice intelligibility -- Revised installation and testing provisions plus an extensive new Annex with detailed guidance for testing •Signaling for the deaf and hard of hearing -- Improved safety in sleeping areas includes new rules that mandate low-frequency signaling for those with mild to severe hearing loss, and tactile as well as visible signaling for those with profound hearing loss. •Smoke detector placement -- Updated spacing and placement requirements for level beamed ceilings and new spacing requirements for sloped beamed ceilings The complete NFPA 72 Fire Alarm Code can be ordered on line directly from NFPA.

Kitchen Fire Closes Restaurant

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:23:00 AM

Having read the article about the fire in this diner I noticed a couple of things seemed amiss. The first item that jumped right out at me was that they still had a dry chemical suppression system. I can tell this by the type of nozzles in the picture. Dry chemical has not been allowed to be installed in restaurants since 1994. Most insurance brokers will no longer insure a restaurant that still has this type of suppression system. The problem is that with new cooking appliances, and using vegetable oils instead of animal fats we now have much hotter fires. Spontaneous combustion is around 750 degrees F. Dry Chemical suppression systems do not provide any type of cooling that is required to stop the fire. What happens is the initial fire is knocked down, but because the heat is so intense the agent breaks down, and the fire re-flashes, with the suppression system now empty there is nothing to put the fire out until the fire department arrives. Another issue with dry chemical is that even without a fire should the dry chemical suppression system accidently discharge you will have the very fine powder settling for days, which becomes a cleaning nightmare. The second issue I noticed was they fire began in the kitchen exhaust fan and traveled down into the building. Regular hood cleaning might have prevented the fire from spreading into the kitchen as it wouldn’t have a grease path to follow. I wish them the best with remodelling, but I will guarantee they will be closed for more than a few weeks.

MOPIA'S Monthly Newsletter

Fri, 13 May 2011 01:11:00 PM

MOPIA has issued their May E_Bulletin for your reading pleasure. There is significant recent news on the international front. There are two proposals to phase-out and/or phase-down HFC’s and include the new HFO refrigerants. As these just happened, they did not include them in their May E-Bulletin being released today. See these actual details at the following links: http://ozone.unep.org/highlights.shtml and http://www.unep.ch/ozone/highlights.shtmlThe Ozone Secretariat received a proposal from the Federated States of Micronesia on 7 May 2011 and a joint proposal by Canada, Mexico and the United States of America on 9 May 2011. You may also want to visit the following link: www.beyondhfcs.org for supplemental information. In the May E-Bulletin you will find the following: - Plan to attend a free MOPIA Program 1 hour Outreach Session - MOPIA’s Chair to speak at the MGEA AGM (May 30) - Next Certification Training Class is May 25 - New refrigerant HFO 1234yf is coming - Recent UV Levels - Leak Reports must be submitted on leaks over 22 lbs

Residential Sprinklers Work When Needed

Thu, 12 May 2011 11:38:00 AM

There has been a lot of discussion in both Canada and the United states regarding residential sprinkler systems. Some jurisdictions have now made them mandatory in new home construction some have opposed this move. While there is additional expense at the construction stage the savings both financially, and personally in the event of a fire are difficult estimate. I have several friends with residential sprinklers in their home who like the peace of mind that immediate protection provides, and bought the hot tub the next year. The story from The Vancouver Sun demonstrates their effectiveness.

CANAID Works With Bison

Wed, 11 May 2011 04:03:00 PM

CANAID First Aid and Safety Supply is working with Bison. Al Stiles the owner of CANAID approached us recently to work together to ensure the highest levels of products and services to our customers. First Aid is an area that we get many requests for, but isn’t a service we provide. Al will be happy to take care of your First Aid, or Safety requirements in a professional manner.

Bison Supports Bird Construction In The Fight Against Cancer

Tue, 10 May 2011 03:34:00 PM

We were recently contacted by Marc Ouimet of Bird Construction asking if we would support him in the Cancer Care Challenge for life. Of course we were pleased to help him, and Bird Construction achieve their goal of raising a minimum of$1,000 per team member. We have all been touched by Cancer in one way or another. We wish Marc, and all the members of the Bird team the best of luck in this endeavour. Dear Emile, Thank you so much for your contribution. I'm new to this kind of thing, and continue to be overwhelmed by our industry's generosity. The walk's getting a little shorter every day. Thank you so much for supporting my Challenge for Life! Your gift to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation will help ensure that Cancer Care Manitoba's comprehensive team of researchers and health professionals can continue providing outstanding care for all Manitobans and their families living with cancer. Click here to visit my Web page to check my progress and to leave a message of encouragement. Thank you again for your support.Sincerely, Marc Ouimet www.challengeforlife.ca 2011 Challenge for Life 20K Walk - June 11th, 2011

Bison Saves The Day!

Mon, 09 May 2011 02:26:00 PM

Saturday around 9:30 AM we received a call from the Dairy Queen in Portage la Prairie Manitoba. As it turns out the cook had emptied the deep fryer, while it was turned on, and the exhaust fan was off. The heat built up, and the kitchen suppression system discharged turning off the gas to the appliance. Our technician Mike Webster was on site very quickly. He flushed the lines, recharged the system, and had them back in business in a few hours. This being the Mother’s Day weekend it was important to react quickly to get them back in business as this is one of the busiest times of the year for restaurants as reported by the National Restaurant Association in the USA. “I am just emailing you Mike to thank you for the excellent service you provided us on Saturday. When our fire suppression system went off accidently on Saturday it occurred at the worst possible time, Mother's Day weekend. However you arrived very quickly and had us operational in no time at all. Your professional and friendly demeanor was very much appreciated, making a difficult situation much easier to deal with. Thank you again. Ron -DQ owner/operator” I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Chez Cora’s to the herd. A week ago Saturday they had their kitchen fire system discharge when they were cleaning the area. The reason it discharged was that the manual pull station had been installed incorrectly. It was just a matter of time before the discharge occurred. Fortunately for us Chez Cora’s previous fire protection company didn’t respond to repeated 24 hour service calls even though they apparently offer this service. Upon closer inspection Fred Allard found other deficiencies in the fire suppression system that have now been repaired providing a safer workplace for their employee’s.

Martha Stewart Knows Her Extinguishers

Fri, 06 May 2011 11:36:00 AM

We all know who Martha Stewart is, but I was surprised to see her publish an article about the history of extinguishers, and include a series of video presentations. While I know it’s difficult to pretty up a red canister, but I’m sure Martha has something in the works to make her extinguishers a little bit nicer and that’s “A Good Thing”. Remember keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen isn’t a sign of personal incompetence. It’s more an indication of how well you know your spouse!

Protecting Exhaust Ducts

Thu, 05 May 2011 01:47:00 PM

I get a lot of calls regarding exhaust duct protection. Should they use sprinklers, or suppression systems for the fire protection? In commercial kitchens the only listed system is the wet chemical suppression system as required by ULC, and NPFA standards. For industrial suppression both dry chemical suppression and sprinkler systems are acceptable for both the hazard area, and the exhaust duct. Sprinklers are required in other types of ducts that convey materials such as fumes, mists, and vapours, unless they are non-flammable and non-combustible under all conditions and concentrations. The NFPA has written a good article titled Protecting Ducts that helps describe the hazards, and required protection.

Disaster Averted

Wed, 04 May 2011 03:44:00 PM

We received a call from our 24 hour answering service very early this morning. The customer was upset because their fire suppression system had discharged during the night “For No Reason”. When our technician arrived, and began to investigate why this had happened he discovered the evening shift had left the deep fryers turned on and the exhaust fan turned off. The build-up of heat was high enough (360 degrees F) to actuate the fire suppression system which automatically turned off the deep fryers as required by fire code. Had the system not worked as designed this could have been a very different outcome. The heat would have continued to build until the fryers spontaneously combusted. We have found this deficiency on suppression systems, and always direct the customer to make the repairs. When our customer realized what had actually transpired they were very thankful for the thorough inspections we provide, as well as the fast response at 2:00 AM.

Be Careful With Antique Fire Extinguishers

Tue, 03 May 2011 01:15:00 PM

Someone recently asked me about an old fire extinguisher they had in their garage. When I had a look my eyes bugged out when I realized it was an old Carbon tetrachloride extinguisher. These fire extinguishers are now obsolete. They saw a reduction in production in the 1940’s with a complete ban in 1970. The reason for their removal from use is that “Carbon Tet” becomes very toxic when heated. The fact that high temperatures cause it to react to produce phosgene (This colorless gas gained infamy as a chemical weapon during World War I) made it especially hazardous when used against fires. This reaction also causes a rapid depletion of oxygen. Carbon tetrachloride is one of the most potent hepatotoxins (toxic to the liver). I have also seen these extinguishers in older buildings in the city and removed them on site. Nick Markowitz wrote a very good article about Carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers. They are now few and far between but if you see one bring it in for proper disposal.

Are Your Fire Extinguishers Ready To Enjoy The Summer?

Mon, 02 May 2011 02:58:00 PM

Spring is in the air, and with it comes the things we work so hard for such as our cottages, campers, and boats. The weekend you open up the cottage, and go through all of the water, and electrical systems is also a good time to check your fire extinguishers. The same applies to your camper these checks only take a minute, and if there is any question about their integrity have them inspected by a professional fire protection company. You boat is another issue. We now need to have the Pleasure Craft Operators Card and along with that all of the required safety equipment including a working fire extinguisher. I have included a link to the Transport Canada website that details what you need to ensure compliance. Enjoy the season, and try not to have your boat end up in flames like these people did.

Congratulations On Your Retirement

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:10:00 PM

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate two individuals who were exceptionally helpful in building Bison Fire Protection. They both were professional in their jobs, and were considered to be at the top of their industries. My working relationship goes back almost 20 years with both, and it has been a pleasure as well as a learning experience. The first person is Rick Brown of Metal Tech Industries. He is a true professional in his industry. I always enjoyed working with him as his projects were always well managed making my job so much easier to do. Cliff Skrabek the owner of Metal Tech Industries summed up Rick’s career much better than I ever could. “It is with mixed emotions that I am announcing the retirement of our Food Service Sales Manager, Rick Brown as of April 30th, 2011. Rick has been with Metal-Tech for eleven years. His career with us started in 1999 when he joined our organization as a contract sales representative in our food service division. During this time, Rick was responsible for kitchen design and project management and has contributed to the growth of this division within our Company. Rick was promoted to manager of the food service division in 2009 where he provided leadership and direction for the division. His career started in the food service industry some 43 years ago working for Quest Metal Products as an estimator and draftsman. He later worked at Russell foods where he headed the contract division for 30 years. We were fortunate to have Rick finish his career here at Metal-Tech where he has left an impression on our Company and the industry. Cliff Skrabek The second person is Pete Popowich of Kidde Fire Systems. Pete has been Bison Fire’s representative since we open our doors. He was one of the first manufacturers to support us, and aided in expanding our business into new areas such as industrial, forestry, and mining fire protection. Without Pete’s help and guidance we might not be the company we have become today. Gentlemen enjoy the next chapter in your lives!

Sprinkler Systems Work Fine

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:10:00 PM

There are two things I really like about this story. The first being that the sprinkler system worked as designed, preventing the spread of the fire, and aided in extinguishing the fire. This saves the owner a larger insurance claim, but more importantly they are back in business much sooner, most likely the same, or at worst the next day. The second thing I liked about this story is the description of how a sprinkler system works. Very few people get to see a sprinkler system in action, and if you do you are usually ducking your head and running for the door. So what we typically see is what’s portrayed in the movies, and movies are seldom accurate as it just doesn’t look as good.

Think Before Pulling Your Burning Car Into The Gas Station

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:02:00 PM

This story really goes into the category of “What were you thinking?” Unfortunately driving a burning car into a gas station to get some help is far more common than you would think. People still think that gas stations have mechanics on staff, when really today most are gas bars, and the best you could expect to fight the fire is bottled water, or perhaps a favoured coffee. Yes, they do have fire extinguishers on site, but so does every business. The bigger issue is still the fact that you just drove a fire ball towards thousands of litres of gasoline. Your best action might be to pull over, and call 911. Once a fire gets established in a vehicle it is difficult to put out due to the hood and body covering the fire. There is also the possibility of an explosion from both the gas tank, and the battery. Vehicles burn well because they have both Class A, and Class B combustibles, being the seats, and upholstery, as well as the gas and oils. Proper use of the extinguisher might have saved the vehicle as well and would be covered in a fire extinguisher training course.

NFPA Offers Fire Code Training

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:04:00 PM

NFPA is offering a number of webinars this year. This type of on line training is invaluable as it saves both time, and travel expense while allowing us to get training we might have otherwise passed on. They also have a series of self-guided courses. Stay code-current and earn valuable CEUs while you interact with our nationally recognized experts who help you Learn, Interpret, Implement and Enforce the codes and standards they help develop. Topics include the National Electrical Code, NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code, Sprinkler Systems, and more. From a business point of view it is always a balance between cost, and value. We will be participating several of these webinars over the summer.

Is Your Fire Pit Ready For The Summer?

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:01:00 PM

I was at a wedding social this past weekend. One of the common topics was getting out to the backyard to enjoy the fire pit. I use mine all the time so when I was catching up with old friends there were questions ranging from where to get wood, to do the neighbours have any issues, and of course fire safety. I always have a fire extinguisher nearby it’s an occupational hazard. Ready to lite up the fire pit? is a good article that discusses all of these things in an urban setting. Enjoy your fire pit this summer, I know I’ll enjoy mine!

Training Is Vital To Keep Cooks Safe

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:59:00 AM

One of my greatest concerns is the training given to restaurant cooking staff. These people generally trend towards being younger students that are working towards degree’s to begin their careers. The issue for restaurant owners and managers becomes the cost of fire extinguisher, and suppression system training for a transient group. However if you consider the cost of an injury, or death due to fire you might reconsider the value of extinguisher training. I’m sure the cooks injured in the Scottsdale Kitchen Fire appreciated the fire suppression system working properly. However some additional training might have lessened the injuries. We have a video with the wet chemical extinguisher description that demonstrates what can happen if an extinguisher is incorrectly used. Parents are always proud of their children as they start their first jobs a major next step in becoming an adult, but they also expect them to come home safely. It is the responsibility of the restaurant owner/manager to ensure that it happens.

Brandon Makes Changes To Fire Prevention By-Law

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:40:00 AM

Brandon’s Fire Prevention Officer Brad MacKay has issued a letter regarding the qualifications of fire alarm technicians providing service in the City of Brandon. I think that this type of proactive approach towards fire prevention is fantastic, and will go a long way in saving lives due to a malfunctioning fire alarm system. Far too often in business we see companies trying to save a dollar by send technicians that aren’t fully qualified to perform the intended duties. I recently read an article about an apartment block that had a fire, in which both the Fire Alarm System and Sprinkler System did not work. I have attached a copy of the letter from Brandon Emergency Services.

Ranger Insurance Invests In Their People

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 02:31:00 PM

Ranger Insurance’s Scott Feasey the Vice President of Commercial Sales invited Rob Read to give a presentation to all of his commercial brokers today. The presentation was based upon wet chemical suppression systems for commercial cooking and how they should comply with the current ULC-1254.6, or UL300 Standards. Ranger Insurance has taken a professional approach in providing additional education for their staff as it translates into their ability to ensure the best coverage for your business. This proactive approach is what demonstrates exactly what Ranger Insurance is all about. Since 1983, Ranger Insurance has been proving peace-of-mind to commercial and residential clients throughout Manitoba and Canada. As one of the province’s largest insurance brokers, they’re committed to providing the best service possible to over 40,000 customers. From commercial and surety to residential and auto, they have the products and services you need to protect what matters most to you.

New Restaurant Fire Report Released By FEMA

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 01:26:00 PM

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has released a new report regarding restaurant fires. While this is an American based publication the information is relevant in that it focuses on the same types of situations we would have in Canada. Some of their points are as follow; •An estimated 5,900 restaurant building fires occur annually in the United States, resulting in an estimated average of 75 injuries and $172 million in property loss. •The leading cause of all restaurant building fires is cooking at 59 percent and nearly all of these cooking fires (91 percent) are small, confined fires with limited damage. •While cooking is the leading cause of all restaurant building fires as well as the smaller, confined restaurant building fires, electrical malfunction is the leading cause of the larger, non-confined restaurant building fires. •Non-confined restaurant building fires most often start in cooking areas and kitchens (41 percent). •Deep fryers (9 percent), ranges (7 percent), and miscellaneous kitchen and cooking equipment (5 percent) are the leading types of equipment involved in ignition in non-confined restaurant building fires. •Smoke alarms were reported as present in 44 percent of non-confined restaurant building fires. In addition, full or partial automatic extinguishment systems, mainly sprinklers, were present in 47 percent of non-confined restaurant building fires. There is some very good information there, and it is very well detailed in their downloadable pdf. The best way to avoid joining these types of statics is to follow some basic steps. 1: Train your staff on the use of fire extinguishers, and how the suppression system works. 2: Have regular maintenance on your fire suppression system, and ensure it meets current standards. 3. If you don’t have smoke alarms get them, and if you have a fire alarm system ensure it is tied into the suppression system. 4. Housekeeping, a clean work area helps slow the spread of fire.

Use Caution When Allowing Technicians Into Your Business

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:39:00 AM

I recently read an article about fake fire inspectors. I have seen this happen twice in Winnipeg in the last 5 years. It seems the methods are similar to those described in the story. A guy walks into a business claiming to be there to perform the fire inspection. He does a little bit of work, then asks for CASH. You can protect yourself from this type of crime with a few simple steps and observations. Have you dealt with this company before? Do they have identification, and if you’re still concerned an office phone number with a person at the other end? Are they professionally dressed, or driving a vehicle that has been professionally decaled? Are their tags, invoices, and reports professionally made, or photo copied on coloured paper? I still have some of these from the last crook. I kept them in case the police needed them for their investigation. If you are a victim of this type of crime, I would recommend calling in a professional company to redo the work. As you will be in violation of fire codes, and in the event of an incident you will have issues with you insurance provider.

Siemens Introduces Specwriter Tutorial

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:34:00 AM

Siemens has introduced a tutorial to compliment the SpecWriter tool. The SpecWriter tool provides an easy way to create functional specifications to meet the needs of your specific project or performance based solution. This windows based tool allows anyone to easily create custom specs quickly. The Specwriter has been designed as an integral part of the Engineering Advantage Program. This allows us to work with Engineers to offer the following benefits. Support consultants with accessible, responsive and industry experienced professionals Assist the fire protection engineering community with access to the latest trends, products and tools Team with consulting engineers to address the most challenging needs of their clients There is more information on this unique program on our web site in the Professional Services section of our web site.

Auto Body Shops Require Industrial Fire Protection

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 03:06:00 PM

We have installed industrial dry chemical systems in many of Manitoba’s auto body shops. To be precise in their paint spray booths, mix rooms, and even prep stations. The reasons for protecting all of these areas are that they are very high hazard areas. You have every type of combustible on site. Within the Booth or Prep Station, there are Class A combustibles in the vehicles, Class B in the vehicles, paints, and thinners, and also Class C in every electrical device from the lighting to the exhaust fan. I have seen fire start in the exhaust ducts due to chemical reaction from a build-up of excess of the paints they remove. Fortunately every fire we have had was extinguished by the Kidde Automatic Fire Suppression System we installed. Containing and extinguishing these fires before they become involved is vital in preventing even larger catastrophes. The attached article demonstrates the damage that can occur when an auto body shop gets out of control.

Congratulations To Bobby Coombs On Successfully Completeing Siemens Fire Alarm Training

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:05:00 PM

Bobby Coombs has arrived back in Winnipeg triumphant after spending two weeks at the Siemens Training facility in Buffalo Grove Illinois! Bobby was there to learn about the Siemens XLS Fire Finder Alarm Panels. The first week at this state of the art facility covered XLS training for installation, operation, and Maintenance. This is a 3 day course that involved both technical, and hands on training. He made us all proud with a final exam score of 93%. The following 3 days were spent taking the XLS Programming Tool. He aced this complicated course with a final exam score of 96%! Bobby’s training rounds out the previous Siemens Fire Alarm training done by Ron Beshk who in 2010 attended both the MXL and FS250 Fire Alarm training sessions that Siemens offered in Buffalo Grove IL. These schools are a part of what we do to stay at the forefront of our industry.

Arborg Fire Department Receives Grant Money

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 02:51:00 PM

Manitoba is fortunate to have volunteer fire departments throughout our province. I was pleased to see that the Arborg Fire Department received a $15,000.00 Community Places Grant for the development of their training site. What I felt was even more important was the Arborg Fire Departments goal of becoming a regional training facility. The benefits of having local training not only improves the skills of the existing fire fighter, but also helps encourage new members to join who might have otherwise hesitated due to time constraints, and having to travel farther from home. It’s this type of proactive thinking that will in the long term save the RM’s they serve money, reduce the loss of property, and most importantly could save your life.

Bison Fire Protection's Sprinkler Division Expands

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 04:34:00 PM

We would like to welcome Jeff Todd to Bison Fire Protection. He is the newest addition to our Sprinkler Division. Jeff brings with him 9 years experience in the sprinkler industry as a Journeyman Sprinkler Fitter, and 15 years in total in the construction industry. He was an electrian's apprentice for 2 years and then moved on to the sprinkler industry. He will be a great addition to this division and we welcome him into the Bison Family!

Fire Protection Improves With Time

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:13:00 PM

Both Fire Protection and Safety Standards have improved substantially over the last 100 years. These days anything that moves in a mine has fire protection on it such as the skid steer pictured below, and even a few things that don’t move are protected. These various types of equipment are shown in our Mobile Equipment page. Mines now have underground sprinkler systems in some areas, and fire alarm systems. A few years ago we supplied and installed a dry chemical suppression system to protect an entire underground Lube Room. The attached article is interesting because it shows what people had to endure to get to where we are today.

Western Canadian Sprinkler Apprentice Skill Competition

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 04:22:00 PM

The AU Western Canadian Regional Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Skills Competition is April 6th & 7th. The competition is designed to demonstrate the skills of Manitoba’s Sprinkler Apprentices with the winner going on to compete at the National Competition later this year. The Competition is based on the following 3 parts. To assess the knowledge attained during apprenticeship, mentoring and experience in the trade of Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer. To assess the contestants’ ability to work with the tools of the trade, the equipment of the Sprinkler Industry and apply his/her skills. To apply problem solving skills relating to the installation, operation, maintenance, service and repair of sprinkler systems. We are fortunate enough to have our own Alain Rivard sitting on the committee as the Sprinkler Fitting Trade Chair. Alain’s years of experience have been grounded in both working in the field as well as his time spent supporting his trade in these types of committees. Good Luck to all participants!

Siemens Launches Sinorex 1230 Clean Agent Suppression In The USA Today

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:09:00 PM

The official launch of Siemens Sinorex 1230 Clean Agent Suppression systems in the US takes place today! You may see some spill over advertising and the US websites should be updated. We anticipate a Canadian launch in about 6 weeks after we get the parts loaded in SAP and our training sessions in order. Manufacturers’ training at our facility is mandatory for those interested in distributing this fantastic new product. I've seen the launch package and the demo unit and marketing collateral material and it’s impressive. Sinorex 1230 is a really exciting product that evaporates 50 times faster than water! Sinorex 1230 is extremely environmentally (ozone and carbon) friendly lasting in the atmosphere only 3-5 days. Supply has been short for the US as the global demand for this material has exceeded supply we'll keep you posted as we approach our formal Canadian introduction. Sinorex 1230 is also listed as Novec 1230. The advantage of the Siemens Sinorex 1230 product is that it is the only clean gas product that is ULC listed with the Fire Alarm System that controls it. The Siemens Building Technologies Division (Zug, Switzerland) is the world's leading provider of safe, secure and energy efficient solutions for buildings („Green Buildings") and building infrastructure. As a service provider, system integrator and product supplier Building Technologies offers building automation, HVAC, fire safety, security, electrical installation technology and low voltage power distribution. With around 43,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Building Technologies achieved a turnover of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009.

NFPA's April Newsletter

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 03:41:00 PM

NFPA News is a free newsletter providing detailed information on NFPA codes and standards activities. NFPA News typically includes special announcements, notification of proposal and comment-closing dates, requests for comments on NFPA documents, publication of formal interpretations, tentative interim amendments, and errata, and notice of the availability of Standards Council agendas and minutes. There is always something of interest in this letter. NFPA is one of the many associations we belong to that help us stay at the forefront of the fire protection industry.

Mobile Equipment Needs Protection Too

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:26:00 PM

Mobile, or Off-Road equipment is a truly unique type of hazard that requires fire protection. There are many different types of vehicles that require this type of fire protection most commonly found in mining and forestry equipment for obvious reasons. However we also protect vehicles such as forklifts in wood fabrication shops, trucks used to manufacture and haul explosives, trucks used for de-icing aircraft, and heavy equipment in steel mills such as at Mandak Metals in Selkirk. Mandak is a division of MRM Steel and owned by Gerdau in Brazil, Mandak metals processes scrap metals to MRM Steel who manufacture a number of specialty steel items. Mandak railway supply dismantles railway rolling stock for all major AAR railways in North and South America and inspects component parts for recycling back to the industry. They employ around 75 people and have been supporting Selkirk since 1979.

Details Are Imporant When Providing Great Service

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:53:00 PM

Fire Suppression systems that you would find in Restaurants, Body Shops, Computer Rooms, Mobile Equipment, and many other interesting places require semi-annual inspection to ensure they will operate when truly needed. Part of the inspection that we do includes firing a test cartridge to ensure the integrity of the copper lines, and correct operation of the system valve actuator(s). We also test fire the system from the manual pull station, change the fusible links, or test the heat detectors. We ensure the Gas Valve, or electrical contactors are working, and that there is annunciation to the fire alarm panel. Last of all we perform a puff test to ensure there are no blockages inside the piping. Altogether there are almost 30 different items we inspect, and test while on site. Recently Ryan Fraser one of our senior technicians was performing this type of inspection at The Academy Restaurant. When he fired the test cartridge the copper tubing failed. If Ryan had left this important step out of his inspection the wet chemical fire suppression system WOULD have failed. In the event of a fire this could have catastrophic for The Academy Restaurant. This is the reason why we ensure all of our technicians are trained by the manufacturers we support. The Academy Restaurant is located at 437 Stradbrook Avenue, and is a great place to hang out, have a tasty bite to eat, and take in some live local entertainment! Brian and his staff have been showing Manitoban’s a good time since 2007!

Active And Passive Fire Protection

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:28:00 PM

I’ve blogged many times about active fire protection products, and will continue to do so, but this article about passive fire protection was very interesting. While we sell some products that work well in fire rated walls such as our Larsen’s Cabinets with the Flame Shield option that offer 2 hour fire ratings. They also discuss other passive products that can be installed during construction. There are a few products such as paints and coating that could be applied at a later time. There are so many great ways to keep you safe!

Safety Training Is A Must In Todays Workplace

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:14:00 PM

Safety training has come a long way in the last few years. We now need to have our technicians certified for fall protection, confined space entry, first aid & CPR, and forklift operating. These are a few of the many courses we invest in to keep our staff happy, and healthy. We have a safety management system manual that needs to be updated to meet current Manitoba Safety Standards, and we do on site hazard analysis to lower the possiblility of injury. I recently came across a training video that I felt needed to be shared. It takes a couple minutes to get going, but once into the video it is very informative. Enjoy Forklift Driver Klaus, but be warned it can get a little graphic.

Are You Ready When A Natural Disaster Strikes?

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 03:32:00 PM

I find it interesting that we often take notice of the good things we see our global neighbours do, even go so far as to admire them. Then when given the opportunity we don’t put these safe practises into play. With both Federal and Provincial elections this year the opportunity is upon us to speak with our prospective representatives about long term safety planning. The attached article talks about Japans disaster preparations. In view of the recent disasters they have suffered I would guess the death tolls, and property damages would have been much higher if not for these preparations. Companies that want to get, and stay C.O.R.E. Certified must now provide annual extinguisher training for their staff. I can only imagine the long term benefits of this type of extinguisher training if it began at school.

Fire Extinguisher Saves Burning Man

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 06:23:00 PM

I'm glad that the people in the attached story were thinking clearly and used a fire extinguisher to save a persons life. What I often fear is that in the movies I see actors using CO2 extinguishers to put out people, or use them as a weapon. A CO2 Extinguisher is pressurized at 850 PSI to keep the gas in a liquid state. When discharging the extinguisher the liquid passes through a diffuser to help bleed off pressure, and allow it to be controlled. It is essentially liquid dry ice that quickly turns to a gas. The danger is if someone should get this stream in the face the possiblility of blinding the person is very real. Another issue with CO2 extinguishers are the hoses. They are rubber coated braided metal. The reason for this is that while discharging the extinguisher the liquid turning to gas creates static electricity. If the continuity of the hose is broken the person operating the extinguisher can receive a severe shock, and it has been recorded that this shock could damage, or stop a persons pacemaker. This is why we do a continuity test during the annual inspections of these extinguishers. One last thought while talking about CO2 extinguishers is the danger of having them in commercial kitchens. Should the CO2 extinguisher be discharged into a burning deep fat fryer. The extreme cold introduced to the extreme heat (Deep Fat Fryers spontaneously ignite at 750 degrees F) The combination will cause an explosion most likely killing the person holding the extinguisher. If you have concerns about the types of extinguishers you have, and what sort of hazard they should be protecting feel free to contact us so that we can work together to ensure a safe workplace.

Ansul Announces New 10lb. Extinguisher

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:47:00 PM

Ansul has announced the phase out of the Sentry 10H and the introduction of the new Sentry AA10S that is listed, and tested to the new 2011 UL/ULC Harmonized Standard. All Manufacturers have been working hard to meet this new standard as testing was more stringent in Canada than the USA, however the USA did have a panel test that was not required by ULC Canada. The benefits of these new standards are twofold as the end user gets a greatly improved extinguisher with higher ratings, while production costs should drop as they are able to build one extinguisher for North America. The Canadian extinguisher will still require the ULC label to be accepted for use in Canada, and have Canadian bi-lingual labeling. The data sheet is available in the Fire Extinguishers section of our site.

Is Your Service Provider To Your Standards?

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 01:30:00 PM

I recently attended a Fire Protection Seminar where the key note speaker focused on the quality of the company providing the fire protection service. Like all trades people, professional people, or civil servants not all companies are the same, and a little research into what their background is, and what exactly they are doing can be very enlightening. Is the company itself certified to perform this type of service, and by what certifying body? Do they have the appropriate amount of liability insurance, and are they registered with the workers compensation board? Do they have a safety plan that meets today’s provincially legislated standards? Are their technicians licensed as well as certified, and by whom? Is the certification from a manufacturer, or is it a generic certificate that doesn’t provide follow-up bulletins, and warranty? Do they offer 24hour emergency service, and if so is it a really answering service, or an answering machine they check periodically? These are all questions that help determine the quality of the company you are asking to protect your business, and possibly your life. The speaker went on to describe the quality, and condition of the vehicles they operate, and the personal grooming of their technicians as an indication of what might be going on behind the scenes. He used the example if you’re in a restaurant and the serving staff are poorly dressed, or dirty, what do you think the kitchen looks like? While there are companies who have high integrity, and take pride in what they do. There are others who do not. A few minutes research may provide you with additional peace of mind.

Mine Fires Can Be Devastating

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:02:00 AM

Mine Fires are always a major concern for all involved. Our neighbours in Minnesota have a serious situation that they are dealing with. The loss of production, equipment (In this case the possibility of $60 million.), and most importantly lives can be devastating. While mines have safe rooms for miners to wait for rescue both time and location are an issue. We have protected just about anything you can imagine underground, but we just can’t protect everything. I hope all goes well for everyone involved.

A Clean Hood Is A Safe Hood

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:12:00 PM

I was reading the attached article regarding commercial kitchen cleaning, and the great information in it, and thought immediately of our Manitoba Professionals, ABC Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning. They are one of Bison’s Preferred Partners and are the best in their business. Our technicians will take notice and inform you of grease accumulation in hoods and ducts, but as we don’t offer this type of service we rely on the expertise of ABC kitchen Exhaust Cleaning. From Cleaning hoods, ducts, and fans all the way to the trash racks they will impress with their quality service and professionalism. We only recommend Bob Penny and his staff as we only work with companies that meet our standards of excellence.

Replacing Damaged Cylinders

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 02:54:00 PM

Fire Protection in Industrial applications can be dangerous work, using large equipment to get the job done creates opportunities for accidents. Over the years we have seen many damaged cylinders come through our shop. From fire extinguishers to system cylinders one thing holds true. If a pressurized cylinder has been dented it shall be condemned. NFPA-10 2007 Edition States: 8.4.2 Examination of Cylinder Condition. Where a fire extinguisher cylinder or shell has one or more of the following conditions, it shall not be hydrostatically tested but shall be condemned or destroyed by the owner or at the owner's direction: (1) Where repairs by soldering, welding, brazing, or use of patching compounds exist (2) Where the cylinder threads are worn, corroded, broken, cracked, or nicked (3) Where corrosion has caused pitting, including pitting under a removable nameplate or name band assembly (4) Where the fire extinguisher has been exposed to excessive heat, flame, or fire (5) Where a calcium chloride–type extinguishing agent was used in a stainless steel fire extinguisher (6) Where the shell is of copper or brass construction joined by soft solder or rivets (7) Where the depth of a dent exceeds of the greatest dimension of the dent if not in a weld or exceeds ¼ in. (6 mm) if the dent includes a weld (8) Where any local or general corrosion, cuts, gouges, or dings have removed more than 10 percent of the minimum cylinder wall thickness (9) Where a fire extinguisher has been used for any purpose other than that of a fire extinguisher The Danger lies in that the metal becomes fatigued when it is bent, or dented. Being a pressurised cylinder the chance of the weakened metal rupturing is greatly increased, and so are the chances of a person being hurt if they are in close proximity if the cylinder should burst. Keep in mind most fire protection cylinders have pressures beginning at 195 lbs., and escalating from there. If you have a damaged cylinder, call your service provider so that we can remove the cylinder, and discharge it in a safe controlled environment.

NFPA Safety Source

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:02:00 PM

The NFPA Safety Source is a monthly education publication that highlights safety tips, and new products. This month features smoke alarms the information is timely as we should have checked them last weekend, and now we'll know what to do if they didn't work. It also gives suggestions as to how many you should have , and where to place them. There are other articles, and some fun things for the kids. Enjoy their newsletter!

The PPMA Annual Conference & Trade Show Shines!

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 06:13:00 PM

The PPMA Annual Conference & Trade Show was a great success. Both Rob Read and Larry Stadnyk (pictured) had a very enjoyable day getting reacquainted with old friends while meeting some new ones. The quality of the exhibitors was fantastic, the break out sessions were relevant to the needs of property owners and managers, and lunch hosted by Jon Ljungberg was a great opportunity to show appreciation to the individual members who really stood out in the past year while having a laugh. The PPMA was first organized in 1984 and currently represents 58,139 rental units, over 1/3 of the total rental universe in Manitoba and 60% within Winnipeg - both private and public sector housing - 58 property owners and managers and over 96 Associate members from the supply industry. PPMA is the sole voice for the residential rental industry in Manitoba. We are fortunate to work with such a professional association, and look forward to a enjoying a long relationship with all of the PPMA members.

Are You Protecting Yourself With The Right Equipment?

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:40:00 PM

There are a few questions that come to mind when I read the attached story about the Crystal Palace Restaurant. I’m glad they put the fire out, but could it have been extinguished sooner causing less damage? The first question is why didn’t they use the automatic suppression system? It is designed to be used as the first line of defense so that in the event of a re-flash you still have a fire extinguisher as a back-up. The second question is why did they use a dry chemical extinguisher? Wet chemical suppression systems do not mix well with dry chemical extinguishers as such there is a reduction in the firefighting ability of the chemicals. Current NFPA-10 standards require a K-Class extinguisher as correct agent for this type of hazard. As I stated earlier I’m glad the fire was put out. However with the correct extinguishers and a functioning suppression system the Fire Department might never have been deployed. Damage to the business from the fire, lost sales and products, and paying wages could be the difference between being back in business in a few hours, and being out of business. We have a great video titled Kitchen Defender with the wet chemical extinguishers that shows the effectiveness of the K-Class extinguisher.

Daylight Savings Time Is Home Safety Time

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:01:00 AM

Changing your clocks from standard time to daylight savings time and back again each year can help you stay on schedule and reduce your use of electricity. Using just one of those annual time changes as a reminder to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and fire extinguishers could save your life. A quick and simple check is the best way to ensure the extinguisher will work when needed. Ensure the gauge in the green area. Ensure the pull pin is in place, and the seal isn’t broken. Remove the hose, and visually inspect the orifice for powder. If there is any residue the extinguisher will need to be recharged. Many people use their fire extinguisher, and find there is still powder left inside so they assume it will still function the next time they need it. What happens is the powder has now coated the seal on the valve stem allowing the nitrogen expellant to leak past. I have heard many stories about extinguishers that had one puff then stopped, but it was still full. Now you know why. Tips to Help Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning The CPSC advises all consumers to remain vigilant against fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, and recommends three simple tips to help you protect your life, your loved ones, and your home: Make sure your home is protected with both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. Combination smoke/CO alarms are also available. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms monthly to make sure they are working. Once a year, change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks to or from standard or daylight savings time. Making the day you change your clocks a timely reminder to check your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and extinguishers is a good way to ensure you will continue to have enough time to enjoy the good things in life.

MOPIA Continues To Protect Our Environment

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:49:00 PM

Bison has been a longstanding member of MOPIA. (Manitoba Ozone Protection Industry Assn.) They have been instrumental in the safe removal, and destruction of Halon in Manitoba, as required by Environment Canada. They also provide training for technicians in the fire protection industry, as well as technicians working with air conditioning which is everything from HVAC to automotive. The goal of the Manitoba ozone protection initiative is to work towards protection of the stratospheric ozone layer through the control, reduction and eventual elimination of emissions of ozone depleting and climate changing substances to the atmosphere. This includes an innovative partnership between industry, the public and government. MOPIA is committed to working within our objectives to successfully accomplish this challenging goal. Please enjoy our newsletter. If you have questions about Halon 1310, or Halon 1211 we have the answers.

Prefered Partners Bring Bison Value

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:58:00 AM

Denise Zaporzan & Associates is another one of our preferred partners. Denise has added value to our company by allowing us to refer clients to her that need her specialized type of consultation, and training. One of the most satisfying parts of doing business is working with other professionals, and building the friendships that come with it. Enjoy her newsletter.

Cintas Introduces Fire Hazard Checklist for Restaurant Operators

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:29:00 PM

Cintas has provided a very good check list here. However this type of list should only be a start to your fire protection planning. We like to work with our customers to ensure they know exactly what they need to protect themselves, their staff, and their business. This is why we offer a comprehensive extinguisher training program. Our technicians will gladly spend time with you ensuring that you know how your fire system works, how it is integrated with the other protection systems in your building, such as fire alarm, or sprinkler, and what to do in an emergency.

Routine Maintenance Can Reduce Sprinkler Freeze-Ups

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 03:50:00 PM

Our winters are long and cold, and seem to be getting longer and colder. We recently had a customer from Northern Manitoba call with a frozen, and burst pipe on their sprinkler system. While the kids didn't seem to mind a couple days off school, I know the parents did. They were able to give us all the required information to get the parts needed to fix the system. We are working with them to help prevent this type of issue in the future. The linked article about Routine Maintenance is helpful information for anyone in the cold zone.

The NAFED conference for 2011 is a Success!

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:38:00 PM

We just finished the NAFED Conference for 2011. It was great re-establishing old friendships, and meeting new people from our industry. The trade show was excellent with new exibitors, and new products being brought to the market. Being involved with this type of association allows us to stay current with an ever changing industry, and continue to provide the best service available. It's this type of on going training and education that makes us the industry leader. The different sessions are always very educational. Click the NAFED link to see the different seminars we attended, and give us a call for detailed information on any of the topics that are of interest to you.

Mardi Gras Parade requires Fire Extinguishers

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 04:15:00 PM

I think this is great! The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade has required fire extinguishers for some time now. When you consider the large number of people gathered in a concentrated area they create a confined space. In this type of situation a fire could become a disaster. The link to the Mardi Gras Parade demonstrates proactive thinking that can ensure the safety of both the particpants, and the public.

Grill fire closes Broadway Brewhouse for Night

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:00:00 PM

One of the many things people forget to consider when getting their fire systems serviced is the cost of down time in the event of a fire. Some of the things to consider beyond lost sales are wasted products (Food, and Cooking Oils to name two), wages, a possible increase in insurance premiums, and possible legal action if there is an injury or worse. A well maintained fire system will limit these types of expenses, and allow you to do what you do best. Grill fire closes Brewhouse

Mistakes Employers Make AFTER a Serious Accident & How to Avoid Them

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:31:00 AM

1 Life Workplace Safety is one of Bison Fire's Preferred Partners. We have found that working with industry professionals such as 1 Life allows us to focus on what we do best, while still being able to serve our customers when they need additional support that is related to what we do. 1 Life has shown us a level of professionalism that is equal to what we feel our customers need. Follow the link to their lastest newsletter it contains some great information.

How to quell a kitchen fire

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:44:00 PM

With proper training anyone can react properly when in a dangerous situation. The difference between taking action, and panicing is training. As the attached story shows taking action can be easier than you think. www.timescolonist.com/news/quell+kitchen+fire/4330670/story.html

The MFEEA meets the MBOFC

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 07:05:00 PM

The MFEEA (Manitoba Fire Extinguisher Equipment Assn.) met today with the Manitoba OFC (Office of the Fire Commissioner). The OFC has assembled a committee to review the MB Fire codes, and requirements. Rob Read (President), and Derrick Bertrand (Secretary) of the MFEEA were invited to attend to provide perspective from our industry. We discussed certification of technicians who perform inspections on kitchen suppression systems, certification for technicians who perform inspections on extinguishers, and labeling to identify when an inspection is required , and if there are any deficiencies on that system. Our presentation was well received, and a good exchange of ideas went around the room. We are looking forward to working with this committee again in the future as we feel it is important to provide imput from our industry to raise the overall level of training, education, and service in Manitoba.

Bison Fire joins the PPMA!

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:36:00 PM

Rob - On behalf of the PPMA Board of Directors we would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your firm in joining our Association. Attached please find your welcome letter, membership benefit package, membership directory, PPMA brochure, PPMA By-Laws and the event and meeting schedule. Shirley Tillett, Executive Director Professional Property Managers Association We feel privileged to become a member of this association. To join we had to go through the application process that included supplying references from withing the PPMA membership, and are proud that they felt us suitable to offer our support to the associations membership. The PPMA was first organized in 1984 and currently represents 58,139 rental units, over 1/3 of the total rental universe in Manitoba and 60% within Winnipeg - both private and public sector housing - 58 property owners and managers and over 96 Associate members from the supply industry. PPMA is the sole voice for the residential rental industry in Manitoba. You can visit them on line at www.ppmamanitoba.com

The Badger Advantage 4 lb. ABC Fire Extinguisher is now here!

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 10:57:00 AM

The Badger 4 lb. Dry Chemical extinguisher will be a fanatastic addition for the Construction Industry. The 2A:10 B-C rating in a smaller extinguisher will meet occupancy ratings when budgeting a new project. This new size allows us to provide smaller cabinets for additional protection and more savings. Contact us for more information, or to see a presentation of this exciting new fire extinguisher!

Great Job Landon Our Regina Branch is Shining!

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 04:25:00 PM

First off I want to say Thank you. You are very professional in the way you present yourself & the planning work schedule along with the actual work.You have made me already say I would recommend you & the company to any one who is in question. Looking forward in future business.... Please forward to your boss as they need to see my comments. Faron Comaniuk Tube City IMS

We Had A Great Santa Clause Parade

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 AM

We had a great time in the Santa Claus Parade this year. Emile and I want to say a big Thank-You to the staff and their families whose personal time, effort, and contributions made this possible. I also want to thank Travis Kesslar of Reliant Safety for his donations, and Tony Romeo of Ken’s Carpets for his donation. With 101 entries in the parade this year, and being the centennial year of the parade we certainly didn’t expect to win anything. We were all pleasantly surprised when we received a call asking us to attend the awards banquet to receive the 3 “I’s” award. The 3 "I's" Award is presented to the most innovative, interesting and inspirational entry. Special consideration is given to those that incorporate the Parade theme - Share the Warmth. The parade was also a great way for Bison Fire to say Thank-You to the people of Winnipeg, and Manitoba who support us throughout the year.

Rob Read Teaches at Red River College

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 12:00:00 AM

Rob Read recently had the privilege of teaching the "Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Pre-Engineered Restaurant Fire Suppression Systems" Course at Red River College. The City of Winnipeg requires that technicians operating within Winnipeg have either this type of Post Secondary Education, or be Certified by the Manufacturer of the specific suppression system they are inspecting. We take pride in raising the quality of inspections being performed industry wide, while lowering the opportunity for losses due to poor service.

We were approached by the Winnipeg Fire Department to support Fire Prevention Week

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:00:00 AM

This is a cause that strikes home for us here at Bison Fire because early training, and recognition will save lives. If children are not panicking they will better respond to what they are being told by their parents in an emergency situation. This is achieved by fire drills, preparation at home, and exposure to our Fire Fighters and the training and public services they provide. This was a great open house the kids had a fantastic time!

Bison Fire Protection takes pride in supporting Tristyn Sitarz an up an coming Canadian Athlete!

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 12:00:00 AM

Tristyn is currently a member of the Manitoba Gymnastics Team, and is well on her way to joining the Canadian Gymnastics Team with her eye on going to the Olympics. Tristyn's dedication to her sport, as well as her personal pride, integrity, and guts will make all Manitoban's proud when she brings home the gold! I've included an article recently written about her success. West St. Paul Tristyn Sitarz has quickly made herself widely known in the gymnastics circle here in Manitoba. Now, the rest of the country is starting to take notice. Sitarz was brilliant at the 2009 Canadian Gymnastics Championships earlier this month in Hamilton, Ont., earning a national title with a flawless performance on the uneven bars. The West St. Paul native, who trains with the Panthers Gymnastics Club, was well deserving of her goal medal, finished second on the vault and was ninth in all-around competition across Canada. SITARZ’ latest stellar performance is nothing new for the budding gymnast. She finished third all-around at the International Wild Rose 2009, fifth all-around at the Western Gymnastics Championship and sixth all-around at 2009 International Gymnix. The talented 12-year-old has been a member of the Manitoba provincial team the past two years and has been involved in the sport since 2004.

Ansul's Mike Sawyer presents Rob Read with Ansul's prestigious Pacesetter Award

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:00:00 AM

This award is given to distributors who have shown outstanding sales and service to their clients. This was the only award presented in Manitoba Saskatchewan, and Nunavut. Only six Canadian Distributors received this award this year. Ansul further rewarded Bison by making us the only authorized Ansul Distributor in Nunavut!

Bison joins the Ride for Rehab!

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:00:00 AM

From January 30th to February 2, 2008 Bison roamed from Gimli to Falcon Lake, then to Vermillion Bay back to Kenora, from there to Pinefalls, and finally back to Gimli covering over 1000 Kilometres of snowmobile trails. We took part in the "Ride for Rehab" organized by The Rehabilitation Centre for Children Foundation. Over 60 snowmobilers, and support staff braved the -30 and much colder temps to raise over $125,000.00 for a very worthy cause. Please feel free to contact us to send a tax deductible donation for the 2009 ride!

A Letter From Our Client, Hy's Steakhouse

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:48:00 AM

To whom it may concern: Re: Bison fire suppression system. In December 07 we had a gas fire in our kitchen. the flame shot up into the vents. Within a few seconds our fire system shut off the gas and put out the fire. This all happened at around 2:15 pm. We called Bison and within half an hour arrived to check our system, flush the system and put in loaner tanks. After some great work by Bison and my staff we were able to open at 6 pm that night. We are very happy with Bison's service and their equipment and would not hesitate to recommend them. Chef Enzo Costantini Hy's Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar This is a new Kidde Wet Chemical fire suppression system installed at Hy's Steak Loft. This system uses electronic detection to activate the water wash, and the fire alarm system, and is the first system in Winnipeg to use a water mist to reduce the grease vapours being exhausted outside.