Business Continuity Plan for Fire or Disaster
A corporate directive establishing the mandatory framework for fire prevention, emergency evacuation, business recovery, and critical data preservation in the event of a structural fire, wildfire interface, or large-scale operational disaster. Fully aligned with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Parts 2 & 32 and CSA Z1600-14.
This policy covers the statutory requirements under WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Part 2 (Rights and Responsibilities) and Part 32 (Fire) regarding emergency planning, fire extinguisher inspection, evacuation drills, and combustible material storage. It establishes the minimum corporate standard for Business Continuity Planning (BCP) aligned with CSA Z1600-14 and NFPA 1600.
All facilities with more than 10 employees, handling flammable materials, or located in high-risk wildfire zones must maintain a documented, exercised plan. Non-compliance exposes the organization to direct regulatory liability, increased insurance premiums, and potential suspension of operations under OHS Act Section 3.13.
This policy applies to all permanent workplaces, satellite offices, field operations, and temporary high-risk worksites under the direct control of Ryxen Inc. or its operational affiliates. It covers all full-time, part-time, and temporary personnel, as well as contractors and visitors present during an emergency activation.
This directive does not supersede existing collective agreements but acts as a minimum regulatory floor. Where local municipal fire codes or client site-specific requirements exceed this standard, the higher standard shall prevail.
- Fire Prevention & Protection (OHS Reg 32): Fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly (tagged) and maintained annually by a certified contractor. Combustible material storage must maintain a minimum 10m setback from property lines or non-combustible walls. Fire suppression systems (sprinklers, alarms) must be tested per NFPA 25 standards.
- Emergency Evacuation (OHS Reg 2.15 & 2.16): Evacuation plans must be posted on every floor. Full building evacuations must be drilled at least annually for office occupancies and semi-annually for industrial or high-hazard facilities. Attendance must be logged and deficiencies tracked.
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA): Critical business functions must achieve a Recovery Time Objective (RTO) of 4 to 8 hours. IT disaster recovery, including offsite backup verification, must be tested quarterly to ensure data integrity and system availability.
- Wildfire Interface (CSA Z1600 & BC Local Gov): Facilities located in high-risk wildfire zones must maintain a FireSmart compliant yard: 10m non-combustible zone, Class A rated roofing, and screened vents. A seasonal FireSmart assessment is due annually before April 30th.
- Chief Safety Officer (CSO) / BCP Coordinator: Holds ultimate authority for plan approval, resource allocation, and post-incident declaration of "business resumption." Must chair the annual BCP review meeting.
- Facilities Manager: Ensures fire suppression systems (sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting) are inspected and tested per code. Responsible for maintaining FireSmart compliance and managing combustible material storage.
- Wardens & Supervisors: Accountable for personnel accountability during evacuations. Must designate Fire Prevention Assistants (FPAs) and ensure all new hires receive site-specific fire safety orientation before starting work.
- Chair, Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC): Receives drill results, near-miss reports, and participates in the annual BCP review cycle. Ensures employee concerns regarding egress or fire hazards are documented and resolved.
- All Employees: Have a statutory duty under OHS Act Sec. 3.13 to report fire hazards, unprotected fuel sources, or blocked egress paths immediately. Failure to participate in required drills without medical exemption may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension.