Fire drills taking place next week in Ryerson-managed buildings

Next week, fire drills will be happening across the campus in Ryerson-managed buildings to test the fire response system and address any gaps in our processes. These drills are an important safety procedure for all buildings and a legislative requirement.

Dates: Tuesday, October 15 to Friday, October 18, 2019
Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

What you need to do

Make sure emergency plans are in place for employees who require assistance to evacuate

Are there employees who require assistance evacuating a building in your department or faculty  (e.g. someone who uses a mobility device or who has an injury)? Leaders are responsible for providing emergency information and procedures to all employees, and support those who require evacuation assistance by implementing individualized accommodation plans for emergencies.

We also encourage you to find your area or department’s designated  (google sheet) fire warden (external link)  if you have any questions.

Spread the word

Please help spread the word by ensuring this notice is received by all members of your department or faculty, including non-desk employees.

Follow fire alarm procedures

Ryerson is equipped with two different alarm systems: single and two-stage, each with specific procedures in case of a fire alarm. 

Buildings with single-stage alarm systems

When the alarm sounds, please leave the building immediately via the nearest emergency exit in a calm and orderly fashion. 

Learn which Ryerson-managed buildings have single-stage alarm systems.

Buildings with two-stage alarm systems 

When the alarm sounds, listen carefully to distinguish the signal, as there will be two different tones. For the first stage, the signal is a slow, intermittent tone, and it signifies that all occupants should stand by and be alert for a potential evacuation of the building. There may also be announcements. For the second stage, a fast, continuous tone signifies an alarm signal, and you must evacuate the building immediately. Do not wait for further announcements. 

Learn which Ryerson-managed buildings have two-stage alarm systems. 

Learn more about building evacuations and drills procedures, including what to do if you encounter fire or smoke. 

After you have exited, move away from building entrances and exits

Once you have exited the building, please move away from building exits to allow for the safe evacuation of others behind you and to ensure clear access for emergency services. 

For community members and fire wardens exiting from JOR, LIB and POD buildings 

While construction activities limit the space available for evacuation, we ask that you move away from the building as quickly as possible to allow a complete and safe evacuation. 

The emergency gates to the construction site will remain closed during the fire drill to prevent injury from being on a construction site without personal protective equipment. Ryerson Security will be positioned at the construction site entrance to monitor safety. We ask that fire wardens in JOR, LIB and POD remind community members to move away from the construction as quickly as possible.

During an actual emergency evacuation, occupants could evacuate into the construction site if necessary. 

If you are a fire warden

Fire wardens are expected to complete an  (google form) Evacuation Observations Form (external link)  following a fire drill in your designated area. This is an important opportunity to identify any areas for improvement for fire alarm procedures. 

Questions?

For questions regarding building evacuations or drills, please contact the  (google sheet) fire warden (external link)  in your area or Eric Ambroise at eric.ambroise@ryerson.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 553483.