Regulation - Other
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services: Public Consultation on proposed amendments to the Fire Code for combustible furniture and firefighters' elevators.
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 combustible furniture and firefighters' elevators.
The proposed changes to the Ontario Fire Code are intended to:
- Provide clarity to the provisions in the Fire Code so that the requirements can be consistently applied across Ontario;
- Enhance safety to both the public and firefighters.
Proposed amendments affecting combustible furniture:
- The Fire Code regulates the placement of combustible furniture in a means of egress, such as a corridor or lobby, by prohibiting the accumulation of combustible materials.
- The proposed amendments to the Fire Code will establish specified criteria for combustible furniture and will provide owners with options for the placement of combustible furniture in corridors and lobbies that form part of a means of egress.
- These changes will promote a consistent application of Fire Code provisions and will allow for fire safety considerations while providing owners with options to address the needs of building occupants
Proposed amendments affecting firefighters' elevators:
- Firefighters are responsible for addressing emergencies in a timely and efficient manner. When a firefighters' elevator is out of service, the lack of elevator access can be a significant barrier to the ability of firefighters to respond, introducing additional health and safety risks due to delay in an emergency situation.
- The proposed amendments to the Fire Code will require owners to notify the fire department, building occupants, and supervisory staff when a firefighters' elevator is not operating for more than 24 hours.
- These changes will help firefighters to be prepared with a response strategy when there is a lack of elevator access and will also allow firefighters to work with owners to restore the operability of the firefighters' elevator in a timely manner.
Please see the attached Proposed Fire 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 fire services associations; 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:
- Provide clarity to the provisions in the Fire Code so that the requirements can be consistently applied across Ontario;
- Enhance safety to both the public and firefighters.
Proposed amendments affecting combustible furniture:
- The Fire Code regulates the placement of combustible furniture in a means of egress, such as a corridor or lobby, by prohibiting the accumulation of combustible materials.
- The proposed amendments to the Fire Code will establish specified criteria for combustible furniture and will provide owners with options for the placement of combustible furniture in corridors and lobbies that form part of a means of egress.
- These changes will promote a consistent application of Fire Code provisions and will allow for fire safety considerations while providing owners with options to address the needs of building occupants
Proposed amendments affecting firefighters' elevators:
- Firefighters are responsible for addressing emergencies in a timely and efficient manner. When a firefighters' elevator is out of service, the lack of elevator access can be a significant barrier to the ability of firefighters to respond, introducing additional health and safety risks due to delay in an emergency situation.
- The proposed amendments to the Fire Code will require owners to notify the fire department, building occupants, and supervisory staff when a firefighters' elevator is not operating for more than 24 hours.
- These changes will help firefighters to be prepared with a response strategy when there is a lack of elevator access and will also allow firefighters to work with owners to restore the operability of the firefighters' elevator in a timely manner.
Please see the attached Proposed Fire 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 fire services associations; 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
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Proposed Change to 2015 Ontario Fire Code - 2.4.1.1. and 2.4.1.2
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Proposed Change to 2015 Ontario Fire Code - 7.1.1.1
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Proposed Change to 2015 Ontario Fire Code - 7.2.2.2
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Proposal Number:
18-CSCS001
Posting Date:
January 18, 2018
Comments Due Date:
February 20, 2018
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