Equipment Shutdown Permit
Link to Form
Why interrupt the fire protection system?
Producing dust, smoke, or doing construction work around or affecting fire protection equipment can cause the fire alarm system to be triggered inadvertently. A Fire Protection Equipment Shutdown Permit is required in order to minimize the quantity and duration of interruptions, to reduce fines incurred for unfounded fire alarms ($3000) and to arrange alernative protection measures for periods where the system is interrupted.
Obtaining a Fire Protection Equipment Shutdown Permit (FS-002)
In order to access the permit request form, you must follow the two part Hot Work training program (even if your interruption is not related to hot work).Â
Step 1: fireprevention [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Request%20for%20Safety%20Permit%20Training) (Email the Fire Prevention Office) to receive a link for the web training (Part 1)Â
Step 2: Once you have completed the online training, send a copy of your results
Step 3: Register for the Hot Work & Equipment Shutdown Information Session
Step 4: using our online form. (Lack of data or providing less than two business days' notice will result in an error message when you attempt to process your request.)
Fire Alarm Zones & Fire Watch
Fire Alarm Zone
Circuit of fire alarm devices covering one floor or sector in a building and identified as such on the fire alarm panel (1st floor, 2nd floor, etc.). In these systems individual devices can not be deactivated at the panel, only zones can (conventional alarm system). An addressable alarm system will allow the deactivation of individual devices/detectors in the work area.
Fire Watch
Surveillance performed by a designated, qualified individual with the objective of detecting a fire in its early stages and/or of sounding the alarm. This person will complete rounds as specified by the FPO on the equipment shutdown permit. A Fire Watch is provided with the means of readily communicating with the authorities (a 2-way radio). There are three types of Fire Watch:
Type 1: Loss of Communication
The alarm system will function normally inside the building but no signal will be sent to the alarm monitoring station. The agent is required to remain at the fire panel to monitor for any incoming signals and call dispatch for further required action to be taken. If there is a fire alarm signal, 911 must be called immediately, followed by Security (514) 398-3000. If a supervisory or trouble signal is received at the panel, the agent must advise the controller who will follow normal procedures.
Depending on the affected building, this type of fire watch may be assigned by FPO as a visit to the building to verify the fire alarm panel at regular intervals. More than one building may be covered by this type of fire watch.
Type 2: Floor Monitoring
When specific rooms or entire floor fire protection equipment is out of order or down for maintenance, the agent must perform rounds in all rooms in the affected area of the building, every 30 minutes and signal any trace of fire to the controller (smoke, fire) and to the occupants of the building by pulling a manual station in an area where the alarm system remains functional. If bells are not operational in the area being watched the agent will have to assist with the evacuation of this floor.
Between rounds, the agent must remain close to the area under watch but in an area where a fire alarm in the rest of the building can be heard (in case bells don’t ring in the area under watch). The agent must not remain at the fire panel because signals from the area under watch won’t be received at the Fire Alarm Panel (FAP). Signals to the monitoring company will be sent through the normal process and the Fire Department will be sent to the location.
Type 3: Entire Building Monitoring
See Type 2 (above) and what follows:
- Every room on each floor must be visited within a 30 minute time frame. The size of the building will determine how many agents will be required to meet this criterion. Each agent remains in the area he is watching until an emergency requires an evacuation.
- Megaphone and/or air whistles must be provided to the agents and used to evacuate the building in case of emergency. Fire alarm bells will not ring.
- In case of fire, calls to 911 and Security must be placed by the agent as soon as possible
- Signage must be placed in elevators and at the main entrances to the building advising of the situation and that megaphones and whistles will be used to evacuate the building. Every attempt must be made to advise all occupants of the situation.
