Spring/Summer 2005 - Province of Manitoba

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Spring/Summer 2005
PREVENTION • PROTECTION • PUBLIC EDUCATION
Message from the Fire Commissioner
Douglas M. Popowich
W
ell obviously spring has
arrived. For most, tell tale
signs are the snow has gone,
birds of all types are back, and we
have switched to daylight savings
time. For the Emergency Services tell
tale signs of spring is planning for
flooding and smoke on the horizon
from grass fires.
Spring quite often brings with it a
feeling of optimism. We have finally
come through our cold and long
winter. It is the time of new budgets
and the opportunity to possibly start
new projects.
From the Emergency Services
perspective spring should bring with
it the dusting off of emergency plans.
Each year many of you are faced
with potential flood situations in
southern Manitoba, and/or spring
grass fires that can quickly get out of
control. Spring also starts to see
more outside activities and the
possibility for people to get lost.
There is an increased amount of
movement of fertilizers, herbicides
and pesticides. In general, there are a
number of additional things that can
happen, which could require a
response from your department. You
need to ensure that your emergency
plans are current and up to date. Any
partnerships that we have with
respect to emergency response within
your jurisdiction should be revisited,
and made sure that all the relative
information is correct.
to fires being worked on by Manitoba
Conservation.
There are a number of interesting
issues that have been or are going on.
In this edition you will see articles
with respect to the advancement
being made building the Provincial
USAR team. This has been a
challenge but with the cooperation
we have received from a number of
agencies we have been successful. We
will be participating in the first
National USAR exercise sometime
this fall. We can be proud of this
additional emergency response asset
now available to all your
municipalities.
A very extensive review of the
Workers Compensation Act has been
undertaken and the new legislation
was introduced April 12, 2005. There
are a number of positive changes
with respect to the fire service, both
career and rural, that will benefit all
fire fighters within the Province.
The Manitoba Assocation of Fire
Chiefs and Association of Manitoban
Municipalities have been successful
in their lobbying of the Province with
respect to the use of water bombers
for large and extraordinary fire
situations where this type of
response is necessary. The Provincial
water bomber fleet will be available
to assist in major municipal fire
situations that are larger than the
municipal or regional resources can
handle. The Office of the Fire
Commissioner has been given the
authority for the coordination of
water bombers for municipal
responses. All of this of course is
contingent on water bombers being
available for use and not committed
As many of you know our Office has
recently completed a Provincial
hazard analysis and risk assessment.
Over the last year Jean Paul Lebel
from our Office visited every village,
town, and municipality conducting
the review. The review was done by
taking a look at potential hazards
across the Province and discussing
these hazards with the local
continued on page 2
Index
News & Views of Manitoba
Emergency Services . . . . . . 2 – 7
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 9
Critical Incident
Stress Management. . . . . . . . . . 10
Codes & Standards . . . . . 10 - 12
Recalls / Advisories . . . . . 12 - 16
Staff Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
BURNING ISSUES
NEWS AND VIEWS OF MANIT
Message from the
Fire Commissioner
continued from page 1
authorities. From that, a level of risk
was determined. The level of risk is
established based on how probable it
is that an event would occur from any
particular hazard and if something did
happen, how would the local
municipal system be able to cope with
the situation. From there a gap
analysis was developed. The gap
analysis looks at what resources a
municipality has to commit to any
type of emergency versus what is
necessary. This information has
become very valuable in assisting our
Office in planning to assist the
municipal system with regards to
everything from training programs to
emergency response.
Spring always brings with it an
emphasis on more hands on practical
training. After being cooped up all
winter, everyone enjoys the
opportunity to get out and do the
hands on stuff. Everything from live
fire training, vehicle extrication to
water rescue is either now on the go or
being planned for. This training is
great and this is where skills are built,
but this is the type of training that
requires planning and preparation.
The more hands on and realistic the
training is, the more potential there is
for people to get hurt. By all means
train; but be careful. Always
remember the ratio for numbers of
students to instructors. Regardless of
what course or training program you
are taking or providing, the number
one goal should always be to ensure
that no one gets hurt or injured during
the activity.
Finally the new fall training catalogue
as well as the conference brochure
should be in the mail towards the end
of May. Watch for these items as many
of the courses in the catalogue, as well
as those offered at the conference, are
filled on a first come first serve basis.
2
BURNING ISSUES
OBA EMERGENCY SERVICES
Morden Fire &
Rescue Celebrates
100 Years of Fire
Fighting
T
he Morden Fire Department recently celebrated its
100th Anniversary of fire fighting by holding a
Fireman’s Ball on February 19, 2005. The event
drew a sell out crowd of 275 people to the Morden
Recreation Hall with past and present fire fighters in
attendance. Entertainment was provided by Fubuki
Daiko (Japanese Drumming group). Dignitaries brought
greetings to the fire fighters. Among the dignitaries was
Dave Schafer who brought greetings on behalf of the
Office of the Fire Commissioner.
The event was organized by a dedicated group of current
fire department members and their wives. The local highschool welding program created the table center pieces;
they were versions of an antique and modern fire engine.
On display in the Recreation Hall was the department’s
1929 Model A antique Ford fire truck. Many photos were
taken of present and retired fire fighters around the
antique fire truck. ABC Fire & Safety, Carrier Fire &
Safety, Equinox Fire & Rescue, Appelts Jewellery, and
Crystal Memories donated door prizes. The evening
concluded with a dance. A good time was had by all!
Contributed by Jeff Forster, Captain, Morden Fire & Rescue
100th Anniversary Committee
Left to Right: Harvey Peters, Gord Enns, Andrew Braun, Andy
Thiessen, Justin Hildebrand, Korina Peters, Jeff Forster, Jeanette
Bergmann, Cathy Enns
3
BURNING ISSUES
NEWS AND VIEWS OF MANIT
Niverville Emergency Services Honours
Deputy Chief
Contributed by Ferd Klassen, Fire Chief,
Niverville Emergency Services
O
n Jan 16, 2005, at the annual
Christmas party for the
Niverville Emergency
Services, Earl Rempel, training
officer and the Deputy Chief for the
Niverville Fire Sevices, was honoured
for 30 years of service to the Town of
Niverville and area. He served the
majority of the years as a training
officer. Although 30 years is a long
time, he says that he isn’t ready to
give it up yet. We hope to have him
around for many years to come.
Presentation made by ferd Klassen, Fire
Chief (left) and Russell Hicks, Captain (far
right) on behalf of the Niverville Fire
Fighters Association.
On behalf of the Town of Niverville
Councillor John Funk (left) presents
plaque to Earl Rempel (right).
Winkler Fire and Rescue Conference 2005
Contributed by Roger Gillis, ESO, OFC and Allan Gray, ESO, OFC
O
nce again Chief Klassen and
the Winkler Fire Fighters have
pulled off a great conference
with over 100 candidates and
participants, over 20 fire departments
in attendance. Wow! Speakers from
down South, our US counter parts,
Fire Chief Bobby Halton from Coppell
Texas and Chief Bill Godfrey from
Orange County Florida delivered state
of the art information on Fire Ground
Management and Incident Command.
Chief Halton is obviously a strong
follower of Al Brunacini from Phoneix
Fire Department and subscribes to his
Fire Ground Command material. As a
matter of fact, Chief Halton is one of
the co-authors of the Fire Ground
Command second edition.
We all agree that communications and
the transfer of functional command
information are imperative to the life
safety and well being of our fire
fighters. Therefore, these seminars are
invaluable. Chief Halton spent a
considerable amount of time studying
incidents that have cost our fellow fire
fighters their lives. His reflection of
these studies has formed the basis of
which his Fire Ground Expertise
Development seminar was put
together. Chief Godfrey hauled up
several computers, radios and state of
the art software for use in the incident
command, fire ground operation
management simulation. Talk about
putting into practice and developing a
behaviour that will be second nature
on the fire ground, these guys know
how to WALK THE WALK AND
TALK THE TALK… Chief Halton and
Chief Godfrey, on behalf of the
Manitoba Fire Service, thank you for
sharing your valuable experiences and
training methodology.
Command Sector Officers using
Computer assisted simulation.
Left to right: Chief Bill Godfrey, Chief
Garry Klassen, Chigt Bobby Halton
Left to right: Chief Bill Godfrey, Chief
Garry Klassen, Chigt Bobby Halton
4
BURNING ISSUES
OBA EMERGENCY SERVICES
Man Rescued from
Burntwood River
Transportation
Emergency Response
Committee (TERC)
2005 Provincial
Extrication Challenge
By Jessica Gies
F
ire fighters Jeff Landels and
Travis Mirus pulled a man
to safety Monday night
(February 7, 2005) after he was
found trapped in the Burntwood
River.
As many as 30 fire fighters
responded to a call received at
6:17 and were met by police and
ambulance who were also on
scene. Fire Chief Ken Thevenot
said the man had been carried
along the river from an entry
point on the east side of Miles
Hart Bridge to the west side
where he landed against the ice,
unable to save himself. “Pulling
yourself out of the water would
be next to impossible,” Thevenot
said.
Hosted by
Pembina Valley Mutual Aid District
In LaRiviere, Manitoba
June 10, 11, 12, 2005
Friday June 10 (evening) Captains meeting 8:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday June 11 & 12 Challenges start at 9:00 am
Teams are 6 (six) members: 1 Captain, 1 Medic, 4 Extractors
Jeff Lanels (left) and Travis
Mirus Stand in front of the
rescue platform used to save a
an from drowning in the
Burntwood River Monday
night.
Landels and Mirus walked across the ice towards the man
carrying a rescue platform to where he was positioned
approximately 400 feet from the bridge. The man was in a
semi-conscious state and reportedly suffering from severe
hypothermia.
Registration Fee $300.00 which includes 6 tickets for a steak
dinner. Extra tickets available at $14 each
Registration Deadline: first 12 teams will be accepted.
For more information and registration contact:
Ken Maloney
Box 135 La Riviere R0G 1A0
Ph (204)242-2425 Fax: (204)242-2712
Email: [email protected]
Rooms or camping available
Thevenot estimates that the man was in the water for as long
as 40 minutes before the rescue fire fighters pulled him on
the platform to the ambulance. He was taken to hospital and
is believed to be in stable condition.
Thevenot said the rescue was the first done in winter, and
was particularly dangerous for firefighters who had to walk
across the ice. “You don’t know how stable that ice is,”
Thevenot said, adding that air pockets underneath the ice
increased the danger of falling through. Thevenot said
Landels and Mirus deserve credit for their daring rescue.
“We like to think of them as heroes,” he said.
Fire Related Show & Shine
Saturday & Sunday
Bring your vintage fire truck, antique fire equipment or your
departments pride & joy
This is a great opportunity to learn new techniques and
skills. Spectators welcome.
Courtesy of the Thompson Citizen Reprinted from the February 8, 2005 Edition
The Fire Fighters Burn Fund Announces
Funding Initiative
The Fire Fighters Burn Fund is
pleased to announce the creation of a
resource pool of $50,000 to assist
Manitoba Fire Departments (not
including Winnipeg) in the
development or procurement of fire
and burn prevention materials,
activities, etc., that they identify as
being important to their respective
communities.
The amount of funding available for
each proposal will depend upon how
many are put forward, and their total
cost. While some smaller proposals
may be funded entirely, some larger
ones may receive some seed moneys
to get them started.
5
For more information, contact Martin
Johnson @ 222-1574, or Gord Cannell
@ 986-6308.
Proposals may be sent to:
The Fire Fighters Burn Fund Inc
303 - 83 Garry Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4J9
BURNING ISSUES
NEWS AND VIEWS OF MANIT
EMERGENCY RESPONSE GUIDEBOOK
by Michel Cloutier
he
Emergency
Response
Guidebook 2004 (ERG2004) has
been published and distributed to
all Fire Departments, Police Departments
and Ambulance Services across Canada
through the valuable assistance from
members (or a designated person) of the
Federal-Provincial/Territorial TDG Task
Force.
T
This Guidebook was developed jointly
by Transport Canada (TC), the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT),
the Secretariat of Transport and
Communications of Mexico (SCT) and
with the collaboration of CIQUIME
(Centro de Información Química para
Emergencias) of Argentina, for use by
fire fighters, police, and other Emergency
Services personnel who may be the first
to arrive at the scene of a transportation
incident involving dangerous goods.
➪Approximately 100 shipping names
moved to a different Guidepage –
related mostly to firefighting foam
application
➪Approximately 15 shipping names
added to the TIHWR listing
➪Addition of radiological-related
information on the Criminal-terrorist
recognition section
Please visit the CANUTEC Web site
regularly as work is currently being done
on the production of the new ERGO2004
database that will be available in French,
English and Spanish.
For any additional questions, please
contact CANUTEC at 613 992-4624 or
visit the Web site at: www.canutec.gc.ca.
* ERRATA
PLEASE NOTE: ENGLISH COPIES ARE ACCURATE.
On page 18 of the French and Spanish Guidebooks (only Spanish copies printed in
the United States), the drawings depicting pressure and non-pressure tank cars were
mistakenly interchanged.
The illustrations should appear as below in the French and Spanish 2004 Emergency
Response Guidebooks:
A complete list of contacts for the
distribution, at no cost, to public
Emergency Services as well as a list of
private companies and government
departments who sell the ERG2004 can
be found at the following Web site:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/canutec/en/guide
/guide-2.htm
The
Major
Modifications
And
Improvements To The ERG2004 Are As
Follows:
➪Deletion of old organic peroxide
names
➪Deletion of pre 1995 US NA
numbers
➪Deletion of all Canadian NA
numbers
➪Addition of all new United Nations
12th and 13th editions shipping
names
* ERRATA
On page 19 of all three versions (English, French and Spanish), the following codes:
(MC306, TC306) that appear in parentheses under the top right drawing should
read (TC341, CGA341) as per the illustration below:
➪Approximately 700 shipping names
deleted
➪Approximately 250 shipping names
added
6
BURNING ISSUES
OBA EMERGENCY SERVICES
Number of Calls
Technical
Regulatory
Information
Other
Total
Emergency Calls
CANUTEC
March 1, 2004 to September 30, 2004
Emergency Calls by Class of
Dangerous Goods*
Class 1 - Explosives
10
Class 2 - Compressed Gas
127
Class 3 - Flammable Liquids 121
Class 4 - Flammable Solids
17
Class 5 - Oxidizers and Organic
Peroxides
47
Class 6 - Poisonous and Infectious
Substances
49
Class 7 - Radioactives
4
Class 8 - Corrosives
188
Class 9 - Miscellaneous
7
NR - Non-regulated
60
Mixed Load 3
Unknown 32
Emergency Calls by Location
British Columbia
66
Alberta
53
Saskatchewan
17
Manitoba
23
Ontario
192
Quebec
127
New Brunswick
13
Nova Scotia
11
Prince Edward Island
1
Newfoundland and Labrador 2
Northwest Territories
1
Yukon
0
Nunavut
0
United States
12
International
2
Emergency Calls by Transport Mode
Road
132
Rail
117
Air
10
Marine
4
Pipeline
0
Non transport
256
Multimodal
1
n March 15, 16, 17 & 18 of
2005 the Office of the Fire
Commissioner, represented
by ESO Murray Jackson of the
Thompson Office, attended the
Career Days at Cranberry Portage
Collegiate, Mel Johnson School in
Wabowden and The Helen Betty
Osborne Ininiw Education Resource
Centre in Norway House. Over 1100
students from the communities of
Granville Lake, Leaf Rapids, South
Indian Lake, Pikwitonei, Thicket
Portage, Wabowden, Norway House,
Cross Lake, Grand Rapids, Cranberry
Portage, Sherridon/Cold Lake,
Moose Lake, Cormorant, Pelican
Rapids, Gods Lake Narrows, St.
Theresa Point, Island Lake, Brochet,
Snow Lake, Easterville, and
Thompson had the opportunity to
listen to a presentation on the Public
Fire Paramedic Program offered at
the Manitoba Emergency Services
College in Brandon and discuss a
potential career in the Emergency
Services.
Ashley Sanderson, Moose Lake
Faith Hiebert of Norway House
6 583
2 717
6 202
3 218
18 720
520
Source of Emergency Calls
Fire Department
155
Police Department
35
Hazmat Contractor
13
Carrier
146
End User
50
Manufacturing Facility
8
Government
31
Private Citizen
19
Emergency Centre
11
Poison Control
8
Medical Facility
18
Others
0
Career Days
O
7
Staff also attended the Winnipeg and
Brandon Career Symposiums in
March, 2005.
Contributed by Murray Jackson, ESO, OFC
(L-R) Graham Dysart, South Indian Lake,
Debbie Gray, Moose Lake, Lawrence
Martin, Moose Lake
BURNING ISSUES
EDUCATION
Education
C
ouncil of Canadian Fire
Marshals and Fire
Commissioners Genesis 2004
Forum of Fire and Life Safety
Educators
The Council of Canadian Fire
Marshals and Fire Commissioners
(CCFM/FC) was pleased to host its
genesis Forum of Fire and Life Safety
Public Educators of Canada from
November 21 – 25th, 2004 in Toronto.
Public Educators identified by the
Fire Marshals and Fire
Commissioners from each province
and territory, the Department of
National Defense and Human
Resources Skills Development
Canada as well as lead
representatives of the Canadian
Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC)
actively participated in the forum.
Unfortunately, Nunavut, Prince
Edward Island and Yukon were
unable to take part in the Forum.
Chair of the CCFM/FC Fire
Prevention Committee and New
Brunswick Fire Marshal, John C.
McLaughlin lead the group in a fourday exercise, sharing best practices
and identifying potential gaps in fire
and life safety education design and
delivery. The primary objectives of
the Forum were as follows:
What are the potential gaps in fire
and life safet y education design and
delivery nationally?
What are all/other potential avenues
to be considered to shore up fire and
life safety nationally?
What potential role could the Council
of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire
Commissioners fill or champion to
enhance fire and life safety education
nationally?
What framework for activity and
objectives should be inclusive in the
next National Fire and Life Safety
Forum?
These objectives were developed to
provide the Council with ideas and
directions regarding the future of
public education nationally. The
consolidated report along with its
recommendations are expected to be
released shortly.
The Genesis Forum was made
possible through the support
received from many partners across
Canada. Sponsors include Human
Resources Skills Development
Canada, the Canadian Association of
Fire Chiefs, CSA International,
Underwriter Laboratories of Canada,
the National Fire Protection
Association, the New Brunswick
Association of Fire Chiefs, the
Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs,
Front row: Luc Page and K.Bev Gilbert
Second row: Fred Hollett, Reid Douglas, John
McLaughlin, Brian Shand, Lucie Boulanger
Third row: David Gallant, Ann Kall, Kellie
Mitchell, Cheryl Deibert, Randy deLaunay,
Kathy Danino, Barb Kidd, Frank Savage,
Mahendra Wijayasinghe
the Northwest Territories Fire Chiefs
Association, the Nunavut Fire Chiefs
Association, The Newfoundland and
Labrador Fire Chiefs and Fire
Fighters Association and the Fire
Chiefs Association of British
Columbia.
Sponsors in kind included the
Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal,
the Saskatchewan Office of the Fire
Commissioner, the New Brunswick
Office of the Fire Marshal, Universal
Signs of New Brunswick, Wheelers of
New Brunswick and Last Logos of
British Columbia.
For more information please contact
Kathy Danino at 1- 888-253-1488
4th Annual Fire and Life Safety Educators
Conference
Mark the date on your calendar!!
The 4th Annual Fire and Life Safety Educator’s Conference is on Saturday
September 17th, 2005 from 9:00 – 4:00pm at the Manitoba Emergency
Services College in Brandon.
Details and registration forms will be mailed out shortly.
8
BURNING ISSUES
EDUCATION
School of the
Year
Reminder
T
he closing date for School of
the Year Award entry is Friday
April 29th, 2005. If you have
been working with your local school
to teach the Learn Not to Burn
Curriculum to students in
Kindergarten to Grade 3 then your
Parent Council may be eligible to
win $1000.00! The criteria and entry
form is available by calling Kathy
Danino at 1-888-253-1488.
Provincial
GSAR
Exercise
T
his years Provincial Ground
Search and Rescue Exercise
location is yet to be confirmed
however it will be held on August 27
- 28. The exercise is open to the first
teams (5 - 7 members) that apply.
All interested teams can submit their
applications marked "GSAR Exercise
2005" no later than July 25 to Marla
Bryan, 1601 Van Horne Ave E,
Brandon MB R7A 7K2. You may
contact Scott Kerbis at (204)726-6146
or 1-888-253-1488 for further details.
Upcoming Course Dates
April 29 – May 1
Ground Search & Rescue – Basic
Richer
April 30 & May 1
Fire Fighting Level I & II - Practical Exam
Selkirk
May 2 – 6
Confined Space Rescue Technician
Brandon
May 14 & 15
Critical Incident Stress Management – Basic Gimli
May 11 - 13
Fire Investigation Accreditation - Practical Exam Brandon
May 9 – 13
Hazardous Materials Operations
Brandon
May 14 & 15
Fire Fighting Level I & II - Practical Exam
Winkler
May 16 – 20
Fire Investigator Level I
Thompson
May 28 & 29
Critical Incident Stress Management – Advanced Brandon
May 27 – 29
Fire Ground Management
St. Andrews
May 27 – 29
Ground Search & Rescue – Basic
Swan River
May 29 – June 1
Fire Fighting Level I & II - Practical Exam
Thompson
June 4 & 5
Critical Incident Stress Management – Advanced Winnipeg
June 5 – 10
Fire Fighting Level I & II - Practical Exam
Thompson
June 13 – 17
Fire Investigation Level III
Brandon
June 13 – 17
Emergency Services Instructor Level II
Thompson
June 18
Emergency Services Instructor
Continuing Education
Thompson
June 20 – 24
Water Rescue Technician
Brandon
June 25 & 26
Critical Incident Stress Management – Basic Portage la Prairie
June 25 & 26
Fire Fighting Level I & II - Practical Exam
Brandon
August 27 & 28
Ground Search & Rescue Provincial Exercise
TBA
Find detailed information on MESC Programs & Courses on our website
www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca
9
BURNING ISSUES
CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS
MANAGEMENT (CISM)
CISM News
A
s has been discussed in
previous Burning Issues the
controversy of the effectiveness
of CISM continues to rage on.
Recently, a paper was presented at the
International Critical Incident Stress
Foundation’s conference in February
adds a significant amount of support
to our cause. This paper, titled A
Prospective Cohort Study of the
Effectiveness of Employer-Sponsored
Crisis Interventions after a Major
Disaster by Boscarino, Adams & Figley
(2005) discusses psychological
debriefings which occurred in New
York to help employees of various
companies cope with the impact of 9
11
(http://mailer.fsu.edu/~cfigley/docu
ments/CrisisInterventionPaperv6.pdf).
This study interviewed almost 1,700
adults one and two years after 9 11
and looked at alcohol abuse patterns,
PTSD symptoms and depression rates.
They also assessed lifetime rates of
depression, and other stressors other
than 9 11. The survey was of those
people who received some type of
crisis intervention/postvention at their
worksite by mental health
professionals following September 11.
The results of the study were quite
significant with those people who
participated in just two to three
psychological debriefings at work
being less likely to engage in binge
drinking, abuse alcohol, have PTSD,
major depression, and anxiety
symptoms, as well as have less overall
mental health impairment than those
who did not receive debriefing. In
other words, debriefings did, in fact,
improve appropriate coping and
reduce mental health problems.
I’m sure that this study will not end
the debate as there will be people who
will find fault with this study since it
doesn’t follow the “blind randomly
assigned treatment/control group gold
standard” of research. However, the
study shows strong effects with a large
sample size. The study examines
more factors (e.g., social support, etc.)
than I will discuss here, so I encourage
people interested in the debate to read
the study.
Other CISM News
The Canadian Traumatic Stress
Network is hosting its Fourth National
Forum on Traumatic Stress in Ottawa
from May 9 to 11th, 2005 with pre
conference workshops from May 5 to
8th The conference’s theme is “Best
Practices in Early Intervention for
Traumatic Stress: Lessons from the
Field”. The keynote speakers are Dr.
R. Orner (editor and writer of an
excellent book on early intervention in
trauma) and Dr. S. Hobfoll (author of
the Conservation of Resources
Theory). Check out their website
www.ctsn-rcst.ca or myself for further
information.
The OFC CISM/Trauma conference is
being planned for October 28, 29 & 30,
2005. Further information will be
forthcoming.
What You Need To Know About RV Safety
Standards In Manitoba
Are there safety standards or requirements for an RV in Manitoba?
Yes, there are Construction Code requirements known as Z240-RV-99. The purpose of these standards is to ensure the
structural sufficiency of the unit, the life safety of the people who use it, and the health and safety of the public. Some
examples of where these standards apply in an RV include:
Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
Propane Gas Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety Chains on the connection between the unit and the towing vehicle
(excluding a fifth wheel)
Integrity of the chassis
Propane piping, cylinders, tanks
Electrical systems
Plumbing systems
Heating and Ventilation systems
Means to escape in an emergency
Structural soundness
continued on page 11
10
BURNING ISSUES
CODES & STANDARDS
continued from page 10
What You Need To Know About RV Safety
Standards In Manitoba
When did these standards come into effect?
The first standards came into effect in 1974. They have been revised several times since then.
How do I know if my unit complies with the Standards?
It will have a standards label placed close to the main entrance. The only acceptable labels are from one of the following:
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or
The Quality Auditing Institute, Ltd., (QAI), or
The Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration.
What happens if my unit does not have a label and does not comply with the standards?
If you are going to sell your unit, it must comply with the standards and must have one of the labels described above.
Compliance with all standards is the seller’s responsibility. If you want to sell an unlabeled unit, an Officer from The
Office of The Fire Commissioner can perform a standards inspection. If your unit passes the inspection, it will receive a
Department of Labour and Immigration label. If it does not pass, you will be told of the deficiencies that need to be
corrected before a label can be issued. The fee for the inspection service depends on the size of the unit.
IF YOU SELL YOUR UNIT TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL OR TO A DEALER AND
THE UNIT IS NOT PROPERLY LABELED, YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW.
THE PENALTY IS A FINE OF UP TO $5,000.
Can I bring an RV in from the U.S.?
Yes, but you still must comply with Provincial Code requirements. Additionally, you must also comply with Federal
requirements prior to bringing the unit across the border.
If I buy a Motor Home in another province and bring it back to Manitoba, do I have to
comply with Manitoba’s requirements?
Yes, you must comply with the standards in order to register your motor home.
What do I need to do so that Manitoba Hydro will hook up the electrical service for my
unit?
You must display the appropriate standards label(s).
I want to put my RV on a permanent foundation. Do I have to comply with the RV
Standards?
You would not have to comply with the RV Standards, but as your unit would now be considered a building you would
have to comply with all of the appropriate requirements in the Manitoba Building Code. You should check with your
local municipality or The Office of The Fire Commissioner for more information.
How do I get a Standards Inspection Performed?
Just call the Office of the Fire Commissioner at (204)945-3322 or toll free at 1-800-282-8069.
11
BURNING ISSUES
CODES & STANDARDS
Recreational Vehicle Show
The Office of The Fire Commissioner
set up an information booth at the
RV Show on March 17th to the 20th
at the Convention Centre in
Winnipeg. The Show was a great
success with a large number of
people stopping by the booth to learn
about mandatory safety standards for
RV’s.
Adam Campbell, who has primary
responsibility for RV and Mobile
Home inspections in the Province,
provided many examples of the do’s
and don’ts for RV
safety. The following
FAQ answers some
basic questions about
why owners and
dealers need to ensure
that their units are safe
for the people who use
them, and for the
public at large.
Contributed by Nancy
Anderson, Manager Codes
& Standards and Adam
Adam Campbell, Codes and Standards Officer with the OFC,
Campbell
and Sparky promote RV safety.
Recalls/Advisories
CPSC, JVC Announce Recall
to Repair Rear-Projection
Televisions
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in
voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Rear-projection
televisions
Units: 26,500
Manufacturer: JVC Americas Corp., of
Wayne, N.J.
Hazard: An internal electrical
connection can cause electrical arcing,
charring or smoking inside the
television, which pose a fire risk to
consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: JVC has received
two reports of incidents, including one
case of melted television parts and one
case of a minor television fire. No
injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled 52-inch and
61-inch JVC rear projection televisions
were manufactured between May 2004
and November 2004. The televisions
have the following model and serial
numbers:
HD-52Z575:
10980014 through 16980772
HD-52Z575:
16986471 through 16989999
HD-52Z585:
10980031 through 16981502
HD-61Z575:
10980031 through 16982712
HD-61Z585:
10980031 through 16980942
The model and serial numbers can be
found on the back of the television in
the lower center portion of the unit.
The JVC logo appears on the front of
the television.
Sold at: Consumer electronic stores
nationwide from July 2004 through
January 2005 for between $3,000 and
$5,500.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should
immediately contact JVC for further
instructions and to schedule a free in12
home service. JVC is contacting
registered consumers directly via
regular mail and e-mail to arrange a
free at-home service.
Consumer Contact: Call JVC at (800)
252-5722 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
ET any day or log on to the company’s
Web site at
www.jvc.com/support/notification
CPSC, Applica Consumer
Products Inc. Announce
Recall of Black & Decker®
Brand ProBlend® Blenders
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in
voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Black & Decker®
brand ProBlend® blenders
BURNING ISSUES
RECALLS/ADVISORIES
Units: About 500,000
Manufacturer: Elec-Tech International
Co. Ltd., of China. Applica Consumer
Products Inc., of Miramar, Fla., made
and sold these blenders under the
Black & Decker® brand.
Hazard: The blades can weaken or
break during use while making frozen
beverages. A broken blade presents a
risk of injury if taken into the mouth
or swallowed.
Incidents/Injuries: Applica Consumer
Products Inc. has received reports of
18 incidents of broken blades
associated with this problem. No
injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall includes Black
& Decker® brand ProBlend® models
BL5000, BL5900 and BL6000. The
recalled ProBlend® products are 5speed, 550-watt blenders with
48-ounce marked glass jars. Each
model has a die-cast, brushed stainless
steel base bearing the name “Black &
Decker.” The model number is located
on the bottom of the product.
Sold at: Retailers nationwide from
December 2003 to January 2005 for
between $40 and $60.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop
using the product immediately and
contact Applica Consumer Products
Inc. to receive a free replacement blade
assembly.
Consumer Contact: Call Applica
Consumer Products Inc. toll-free at
(800) 385-6686 between 7 a.m. and 6
p.m. CT Monday through Friday or
visit the firm’s Web site at
www.regcen.com/blenderrecall
CPSC, Whirlpool Corporation
Announce Recall of
Dishwashers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in
voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Brand
Whirlpool®
Kenmore®
Product
Model Number Begins With
Serial Number Range
Under-the-counter plastic
tall tub dishwashers
DU1
DUL
GU1
GU2
GU6
FR2200000 to FR2499999
665.143
665.160
665.163
665.170
665.173
FR2200000 to FR4599999
Under-the-counter plastic
tall tub dishwashers
Name of product: Whirlpool® and
Kenmore® brand dishwashers
Units: About 162,000
Manufacturer: Whirlpool Corporation,
of Benton Harbor, Mich.
Hazard: An electrical defect within the
dishwashers’ wash motor wiring poses
a risk of the motor overheating and
possibly catching fire.
Incidents/Injuries: Whirlpool
Corporation has received three reports
of overheated wash motors. There are
no reports of personal injury or
property damage.
Description: The recalled products are
Whirlpool® brand and Kenmore®
brand (made by Whirlpool
Corporation) under-the-counter,
plastic tall tub dishwashers. The
dishwashers come with black, white,
biscuit, or stainless front panels. They
have the following model and serial
numbers located inside the tub on a
tag near the left side of the door
opening:
Sold at: Department and appliance
stores and through homebuilders
nationwide from June 2004 through
January 2005 for between $350 and
$600.
Manufactured in: The dishwashers
were manufactured in Findlay, Ohio,
and the motors were manufactured in
China.
Remedy: Consumers with one of these
dishwashers should immediately stop
using it, disconnect the electric supply
by shutting off the fuse or circuit
breaker controlling it, and inform all
13
users of the dishwasher not to use it
due to the risk of fire.
Consumer Contact: Call Whirlpool
Corporation toll free at (866) 769-7260
anytime, or go to the firm’s Web site at
repair.whirlpool.com
CPSC, Arett Sales Corp.
Announce Recall of MultiPurpose Barbecue Lighters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In
cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
Arett Sales Corporation (ASC), of
Cherry Hill, N.J., is recalling about 2
million multi-purpose barbecue
lighters. Sold under the brand name
“Kitchen Works,” the lighters lack
child-resistant mechanisms that meet
federal safety standards. Young
children could operate these lighters
which poses a fire hazard. Federal
standards require multi-purpose
lighters to have the same level of
BURNING ISSUES
RECALLS/ADVISORIES
child- resistance as required in the
safety standard for cigarette lighters.
The child-resistant mechanism must
operate safely, function for the
expected life of the lighter, and not be
easy to deactivate. The child- resistant
mechanism also must automatically
reset after each use.
ASC has not received any reports of
incidents or injuries involving these
barbecue lighters.
The recalled gas-fueled lighters have
an orange or red plastic body, and a
silver-colored metal nozzle. Each
lighter measures 10 ?- inches long. The
lighters were made in China.
Dollar stores nationwide sold the
barbecue lighters from January 2001
through July 2004 for about $1.
Consumers should stop using the
lighters immediately and return them
to the place of purchase for a full
refund or dispose of the lighters in a
manner that is in compliance with all
state and local requirements. Lighters
should not be incinerated or
punctured.
For more information, consumers
should contact ASC toll-free at (800)
431-1212 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
ET Monday through Friday.
CPSC, Research Products
Corp. Announce Recall of
Electronic Air Cleaners
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety
Commission, in cooperation with the
manufacturer named below, today
announced voluntary recalls of the
following consumer product.
Consumers should immediately turn
off or unplug the air cleaner.
Product: Aprilaire Electronic Air
Cleaners
Units: About 67,000
Manufacturer: Research Products
Corp., of Madison, Wis.
Hazard: The air cleaner’s plastic inner
housing and filter are not flameresistant. If electrical arcing occurs in
the cleaner, a fire can develop. This
poses a risk of burn injuries and
property damage.
Incidents/Injuries: Research Products
has received six reports of fires
involving these air cleaners. No
injuries were reported.
Description: The recall involves all
Aprilaire Model 5000 Electronic Air
Cleaners. The air cleaners are almond
colored, and located near the heating
and cooling equipment. An
identification label on the access door
reads “Aprilaire Model 5000.”
Sold by: Independent HVAC dealers
nationwide from June 2000 through
December 2004 for an installed price of
about $800.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should
immediately turn off the unit or
unplug it. Consumers also should
contact Research Products Corp. to
receive a free repair kit containing the
flame-retardant inner housing and
filter.
Consumer Contact: For more
information, call Research Products
Corp. toll-free at (888) 742-2401
between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday
through Friday, and between 8 a.m.
and 12 p.m. CT on Saturday.
Consumers also can visit the firm’s
Web site at www.aprilaire.com
CPSC, Lakewood Announce
Recall of Oil-Filled Electric
Heaters
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in
voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using
14
recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Model 5101 oilfilled electric radiator heaters
Units: 70,000
Manufacturer: Lakewood Engineering
& Mfg. Co., of Chicago, Ill.
Hazard: Welds can rupture, expelling
hot oil that can burn nearby
consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Lakewood is aware
of 28 reports of incidents, including
one burn injury from spewing oil. An
additional 14 heaters with ruptured
welds have been returned to
Lakewood.
Description: The recalled heaters are
portable electric radiator-style heaters
with six fins, one of which has the
control panel attached to it. The units
are grayish-white in color and have
the name “Lakewood” printed below
the handle indentation on the control
panel. The model number “5101” is
printed on the UL label on the lower
right side of the control panel.
Sold at: Retailers nationwide,
including Wal-Mart and Ace
Hardware, from August 2004 through
November 13, 2004 for between $34
and $40.
Manufactured in: United States.
Remedy: Consumers should
immediately stop using these heaters,
unplug them and contact Lakewood to
determine if their heater is part of the
recall. Lakewood will provide a free
replacement heater to each consumer
who has a recalled heater.
Consumer Contact: Call Lakewood
toll-free at (888) 858-3506 between 8:30
a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through
Friday or visit the company’s Web site
at www.lakewoodeng.com
BURNING ISSUES
RECALLS/ADVISORIES
CPSC, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Announce Recall of Slow
Cookers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in
voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Name of product: GE Oval and
Double Dish Slow Cookers
Units: 600,000
Importer: Hamilton Beach/ProctorSilex Inc., of Glen Allen, Va.
Distributor: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of
Bentonville, Ark.
Hazard: The handles on the base of the
slow cookers can break, posing a risk
of burns from hot food spilling onto
consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Hamilton Beach
and Wal-Mart have received 531
reports of handles breaking, including
four reports of consumers who were
burned by hot food.
Description: The recalled slow cookers
include the 4.5-Quart Oval and 6Quart Double Dish models sold under
the General Electric (GE) brand name.
The model name is printed on the
front of the units. The 4.5-quart unit
has model number 106661 and the 6quart unit has model number 106851.
Both models have series codes A
through D, which are printed on the
bottom along with the model number.
The base of the slow cookers is white
with an olive or honeysuckle graphic.
Sold exclusively at: Wal-Mart stores
nationwide from August 2000 through
December 2002 for about $25 (4.5-
quart model) and $35 (6-quart model).
Remedy: Consumers should stop
using the product immediately and
contact Wal-Mart to receive a
replacement slow cooker base.
Consumer Contact: Call the Wal-Mart
Slow Cooker Recall Hotline toll-free at
(888) 293-3343 anytime or go to
www.walmart.com
CPSC, Thomson Inc.
Announce Recall of Portable
DVD Player Batteries
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in
voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless
otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Portable DVD
player batteries
Units: About 47,000 units
Manufacturer/Importer: Thomson
Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind.
Hazard: The battery can overheat and
explode while recharging, posing a
burn and fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Thomson Inc. has
received 11 reports of batteries
overheating and five reports of
batteries exploding. There are two
reports of consumers suffering burned
fingers from picking up a battery after
it overheated.
Description: Only batteries used with
the RCA portable DVD players with
model number DRC600N are being
recalled. The DRC600N model DVD
player with the battery attached is
about 7?-inches wide, 5?-inches deep,
and 2-inches high. The cabinet housing
is plastic, except for a metal “skin” on
15
the top of the player. The metal “skin”
is silver colored, and the rest of the
DVD player is tan or dark gray. The
logo “RCA LiFE,” along with the
words “DVD VIDEO” are printed on
the top of the DVD Player. The battery
attaches to the bottom of the DVD
player.
Manufactured in: China
Sold at: Electronic and department
stores nationwide from September
2002 through July 2003 for between
$340 and $490.
Remedy: Consumers should stop
using and stop recharging the battery
immediately and contact Thomson Inc.
for a free replacement battery. The
portable DVD player is not being
recalled, and consumers can continue
to use it without the battery until they
receive a replacement battery. The
player can be used with the AC Power
Adapter by simply unplugging the
battery from the unit and plugging the
AC Power Adapter into the 9-volt jack
on the unit.
Consumer Contact: Contact Thomson
Inc. at (800) 821-5875 anytime or visit
the company’s Web site at
www.rca.com/recall
Consumers also can contact the
company by mail at Thomson Inc.,
Portable DVD Battery Recall, P.O. Box
1490, Durant, Okla. 74702-1490. Please
do not send products or batteries to
this address.
CPSC, Nature’s Finest
Announce Recall of Gel
Candles
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety
Commission, in cooperation with the
firm named below, today announced a
BURNING ISSUES
STAFF UPDATE
voluntary recall of the following
consumer product. Consumers should
stop using recalled products
immediately unless otherwise
instructed.
Name of Product: Nature’s Finest Gel
Candles
Units: About 727,000
Manufacturer: Nature’s Finest, of
Marble Falls, Texas.
Hazard: The gel used in these candles
can catch fire, creating a high flame.
This can result in nearby combustibles
catching fire and burns to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Nature’s Finest has
received four reports of the surface
layer of gel burning, creating high
flames. There are two reported burn
injuries to consumers’ hands, which
required medical treatment.
Description: The gel candles come in a
glass container in either 5.5-oz or 11oz. sizes. They were sold in multiple
colors and scents. There is a label on
the front of the candle reading
“Nature’s Finest Candles.” The UPC
codes of the recalled candles, located
on a sticker on the bottom of the
candles, are 3863300100 through
3863300114 and 3863300200 through
3863300214. This recall includes only
Nature’s Finest gel candles. Other
Nature’s Finest candles are not
involved in this recall.
Sold by: Drug and grocery stores
nationwide from June 2001 though
February 2005 for between $8 and $11.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should stop
using these candles immediately and
contact Nature’s Finest to receive a full
refund.
Consumer Contact: Call Nature’s
Finest at (800) 964-6804 between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. CT Monday through
Friday, or go to thefirm’s Web site at
www.naturesfinestcandles.com
Winnipeg Office to Brandon to
provide Administrative Support
Team coordination and direction at
the Manitoba Emergency Services
College. Good luck Kelly!
successful in the Emergency Services
Officer/Fire Investigator competition
that was recently held. Dave is
presently a senior instructor at the
MESC and brings with him many
years of experience. Dave will be
joining the Winnipeg Office in the
near future.
Staff Update
Welcome to Blaine Graham. Blaine
has accepted the Codes and
Standards Northern Officer position.
In addition to experience in
construction and building
maintenance, Blaine has been a
Building Inspector with the City of
Thompson for the past couple of
years. Blaine is based in Thompson.
Richard (Rick) Hoglander has joined
our Office in the Codes and
Standards section. Rick will be
working with us for at least 6
months. He has a background as a
Journeyman Plumber and has had
extensive experience working in the
plumbing/construction industry.
Welcome Rick!
FIRE CO
ER
E
ISSION
MM
OF TH
ICE
Kelly LaBerge has moved from our
Farewell to Pat MacIsaac,
Coordinator, Medical Programs. Pat
has accepted the position of Deputy
Fire Chief with Thompson Fire &
Emergency Services. Congratulations
and all the best Pat!
Welcome to our newest staff member,
Dina Evans. Dina is our new
administrative support staff in the
Winnipeg Office. Welcome Dina!
The Office of the Fire Commissioner
is pleased to announce that David
Singleton, presently of the Manitoba
Emergency Services College, was
Congratulations to Brian Monkman
on his retirement. A social evening is
planned for Thursday, the 23rd of
June, 2005 at the Manitoba Peace
Officers Club, 177 Eugene Street,
Winnipeg from 5 pm to 9 pm. Tickets
are $10.00 per person and are
available by contacting the
Office of the Fire commissioner at
(204) 945-3328
The Office of the Fire Commissioner produces the Burning Issues newsletter.
Burning Issues is a collection of updates from the Office of the Fire Commissioner,
news and views from the Manitoba Fire Service and information on public safety.
EDITOR: Lisa Morhun
Deadline for submissions for the Fall 2005 Edition
of Burning Issues is August 22, 2005.
Contributions, news items and suggestions are appreciated.
Please contact Lisa Morhun at (204) 945-5930,
fax (204) 948-2089 or e-mail [email protected]
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