Regulation - Other
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services: Public Consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Code for inspection and testing of fire department pumper connections for standpipe and hose systems
Regulation Number(s):
213/07
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Other
Bill or Act:
Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services is seeking public input on proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code related to the checking, inspection, and testing of standpipe systems.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code are intended to:
- Enhance safety to both the public and firefighters by ensuring that fire department pumper connections for standpipe systems in buildings of all occupancy types are proactively tested to avoid failure during fire incidents.
- More closely align Ontario Fire Code requirements with the National Fire Code which references standard NFPA 25.
- Provide clarity to the provisions for standpipe systems so that the Ontario Fire Code can be consistently applied across Ontario.
The proposed amendments will consist of additional fire department pumper connection requirements for buildings of all occupancy types including:
- Enhancements to the current routine annual inspection; and
- Additional hydrostatic testing of fire department pumper connections on standpipe systems every five years, where the fire department connection is older than 30 years.
Please see the attached Code Change documents for further information.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code reflect 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 the fire services industry; municipalities; associations representing stakeholder groups including vulnerable occupants, hospitality services, and residential housing; as well as provincial ministries.
Public consultation is part of the process for amending the Fire Code. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services welcomes your comments and feedback on this proposal.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code are intended to:
- Enhance safety to both the public and firefighters by ensuring that fire department pumper connections for standpipe systems in buildings of all occupancy types are proactively tested to avoid failure during fire incidents.
- More closely align Ontario Fire Code requirements with the National Fire Code which references standard NFPA 25.
- Provide clarity to the provisions for standpipe systems so that the Ontario Fire Code can be consistently applied across Ontario.
The proposed amendments will consist of additional fire department pumper connection requirements for buildings of all occupancy types including:
- Enhancements to the current routine annual inspection; and
- Additional hydrostatic testing of fire department pumper connections on standpipe systems every five years, where the fire department connection is older than 30 years.
Please see the attached Code Change documents for further information.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code reflect 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 the fire services industry; municipalities; associations representing stakeholder groups including vulnerable occupants, hospitality services, and residential housing; as well as provincial ministries.
Public consultation is part of the process for amending the Fire Code. The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services welcomes your comments and feedback on this proposal.
Further Information:
Proposed Change to 2015 Ontario Fire Code – Table 1.2.1.A
(Download Adobe Reader)
Proposed Change to 2015 Ontario Fire Code – Subsection 6.4.3.
(Download Adobe Reader)
Proposal Number:
17-CSCS001
Posting Date:
October 31, 2017
Comments Due Date:
November 30, 2017
Contact Address:
Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management
Technical Services Section
25 Morton Shulman Avenue
Toronto, ON M3M 0B1
Technical Services Section
25 Morton Shulman Avenue
Toronto, ON M3M 0B1