Best management practices can reduce the risk of barn fires
Barn fires can cause a devastating loss of livestock and assets for owners in addition to emotional and economic hardships for families, businesses and communities. There are best practices to follow to reduce the risk of barn fires: have qualified professional complete assessments of all farm buildings; have all electrical equipment inspected yearly by a licenced electrical contractor, including wiring, mechanical and heating systems; when heat lamps are required, protect the immediate area with non-combustible sheathing and keep the area around the heat lamp clear of clutter or bedding materials that could catch fire and only use heat lamps with the CSA or ULC label; establish good housekeeping practices—eliminate clutter inside and outside the buildings to reduce the risk of fire spreading; be sure to check exposed electrical equipment for corroded parts and repair all damaged fixtures or equipment as soon as possible; avoid storing dangerous fuels and chemicals such as gasoline, cleaning fluids or solvents inside barns; ensure that all applicable regulations are followed when constructing or renovating farm buildings; make sure all equipment and motors are in good working condition, and free from dust and debris; always keep a fire extinguisher on hand; and make sure a reliable source of water is available and easily accessible by fire departments. Ontario encourages owners of farm buildings to follow these best management practices when working with livestock in farm buildings. Planning ahead to reduce risks and prevent accidents will help protect employees, family members and animals.
Apply now for a 2016 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence!
The Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence program supports and recognizes the dedication, hard work and innovation of local agri-food businesses and individuals who are adding value to existing products, helping create jobs and contributing to economic growth. Submit your application by 5 pm on April 15, 2016 to be eligible for a chance to win one of the following awards: Premier’s Award, one $75,000 award available; Minister’s Award, one $50,000 award available; Leaders in Innovation Award, three $25,000 awards available; Provincial award, 45 $5,000 awards available. Contact me at brian.bell2@otnario.ca or 705-282-1638 for an application.
