Critical Infrastructure & Chemical Safety: What Building Managers and Building Owners Need to Know
In modern high-rise and multi-use buildings across Ontario, the presence of hazardous, flammable, or combustible materials is more common than many realize. Whether it’s chemicals used for chilled water systems, pool maintenance, cleaning operations, or refrigerants, the handling and oversight of these materials is not just a matter of efficiency—it’s a legal and life safety responsibility.
Building owners, condominium corporations, and facility managers must ensure that critical infrastructure and chemical handling procedures are compliant, accessible, and integrated into the building’s fire safety planning.
Understanding the Risks: Hazardous Materials in Buildings
From degreasers and cleaning agents to chlorine in pools and anti-corrosives in building systems, these substances are often stored and used daily by building staff or contracted service providers. While these chemicals may seem routine, improper storage or handling can create severe health, fire, or environmental hazards.
Common chemical hazards in building operations include:
Chlorine (for pool systems)
Antimicrobial and anti-corrosive chemicals (for chilled water systems)
Refrigerants (used in HVAC systems)
Solvents, degreasers, and industrial cleaners
Gasoline / Diesel
The Role of Building Operators & Supervisory Staff
Under provincial legislation and fire code regulations, supervisory staff—including Managers, Operations and Security personnel—have critical emergency response roles when incidents involve hazardous materials or building systems.
Their responsibilities include:
Knowing the location and hazards of all chemicals in the building
Being able to present Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) to responding fire, police, or EMS personnel
Understanding chemical spill protocols and supporting emergency services upon arrival
Being trained on how to safely respond until fire or hazmat teams take control
Best Practices: MSDS Binder and Emergency Access
As a best practice—and one that many municipal fire services expect during inspections—the master binder of all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be:
Stored in a dedicated binder and readily accessible by all workers
A second copy located within the building’s Fire Safety Plan Box or another clearly marked emergency location
This binder must be regularly updated as chemicals are introduced, even temporarily, for contractor or maintenance work.
Responsibilities of Facility Managers and Building Owners
As the legal representative of the property, facility managers are responsible for:
Keeping the MSDS Binder Current
Every chemical product—whether permanent or temporary—must be logged with an updated MSDS.
Contractors bringing hazardous materials onsite must report them to management in advance.
Ensuring Staff Are Properly Trained
All staff who handle, store, or work near hazardous materials must be trained in:
Chemical hazards and WHMIS compliance
Storage and handling procedures
Initial spill response and isolation
Evacuation and emergency procedures
This includes security personnel, who are often the first to respond during off-hours. These team members must be aware of chemical storage areas, spill isolation and containment procedures, and their communication responsibilities during emergencies.
Integration with Your Fire Safety Plan
Many building fire safety plans in Ontario already include chemical spill and response protocols. However, these sections must be reviewed annually and updated to reflect:
Changes in building use or occupancy
New chemical storage practices
Updated contact information for hazardous material emergencies
Supporting Emergency Services: Your Team's Role in a Crisis
In an emergency, first responders will immediately rely on your building’s supervisory staff or security personnel to provide vital information. If staff are not available, they will rely on your up to date Fire Safety Plan about:
Hazardous materials on site
Locations of mechanical and chemical storage rooms
Ventilation controls and shut-off valves / Blast mitigation measures if any
MSDS documentation and any existing containment measures
Having a prepared, knowledgeable team not only improves emergency outcomes—it also demonstrates regulatory due diligence and responsible building management. If you are a building Owner or Manager and need assistance and support, reach out, we are here to help.