Regulation - Minister
Proposed Changes to the Ontario Fire Code Regarding Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Alarms
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Summary of Decision:
O. Reg. 194/14 filed on October 14/14. In force on October 15/14.
Further Information:
Regulatory Registry Summary
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Fire Code Change Sheets
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Fire Code
Proposal Number:
14-CSCS001
Posting Date:
March 25, 2014
Summary of Proposal:
Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code related to new installation and maintenance requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in existing residential occupancies. These changes are part of the implementation of Bill 77, An Act to Proclaim Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and to amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (Hawkins Gignac Act [Carbon Monoxide Safety], 2013), which received Royal Assent in December 2013.
The Act expands the scope of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) so that in addition to fire safety, the FPPA provides authority to regulate the presence of unsafe levels of CO. The Act also expands inspection and enforcement powers for municipal fire departments, similar to those available for fire safety. The new CO regulations will supersede municipal bylaws.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code are based on expert advice the Ministry received from a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) led by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM). The TAC included representation from impacted provincial ministries and a wide range of stakeholders representing the interests of residents, landlords, tenants, fire services, municipalities, safety agencies and alarm manufacturers.
The proposed regulatory requirements regarding the installation and maintenance of CO alarms in existing residential occupancies are consistent with CO requirements for new construction under the Ontario Building Code.
Smoke Alarms
The Ministry is also proposing changes related to testing, maintenance and replacement provisions for smoke alarms, consistent with the proposed CO alarm requirements. The Ministry previously consulted on several of the smoke alarm related changes in spring 2012.
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code related to new installation and maintenance requirements for carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in existing residential occupancies. These changes are part of the implementation of Bill 77, An Act to Proclaim Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week and to amend the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (Hawkins Gignac Act [Carbon Monoxide Safety], 2013), which received Royal Assent in December 2013.
The Act expands the scope of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (FPPA) so that in addition to fire safety, the FPPA provides authority to regulate the presence of unsafe levels of CO. The Act also expands inspection and enforcement powers for municipal fire departments, similar to those available for fire safety. The new CO regulations will supersede municipal bylaws.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code are based on expert advice the Ministry received from a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) led by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM). The TAC included representation from impacted provincial ministries and a wide range of stakeholders representing the interests of residents, landlords, tenants, fire services, municipalities, safety agencies and alarm manufacturers.
The proposed regulatory requirements regarding the installation and maintenance of CO alarms in existing residential occupancies are consistent with CO requirements for new construction under the Ontario Building Code.
Smoke Alarms
The Ministry is also proposing changes related to testing, maintenance and replacement provisions for smoke alarms, consistent with the proposed CO alarm requirements. The Ministry previously consulted on several of the smoke alarm related changes in spring 2012.
Contact Address:
Michael Ng
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
Place Nouveau Building
7th Floor
5775 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M2M 4J1
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
Place Nouveau Building
7th Floor
5775 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M2M 4J1
Effective Date:
October 15, 2014
Decision:
Approved