Carbon Monoxide Alarms (CO Alarms) Required as of April 15, 2015!

October 15, 2014 marked the date that new Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm requirements came into force. As we’ve seen in previous issues of the ProFire periodical, the Government of Ontario is taking health and life safety matters very seriously as it pertains to CO poisoning. In order to be thoroughly informed and completely understand the implications of code changes, we strongly advise you to read through a resource posted by the Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services: Carbon Monoxide Alarms – Questions and Answers.

Below is a partial summary (taken from the previous link) of the amendments made to the fire code and how they affect YOU!

• CO alarms must be installed adjacent to all sleeping areas of a home in order to be audible to those residing in the rooms.
  CO alarms do sound different than smoke alarms. It is important that everyone within the occupancy understands the difference between the smoke and CO alarm signals, as well as low battery or dysfunctional alarm signals.
• All existing residential occupancies containing at least one (1) fuel burning appliance, fire place or attached garage must have a CO alarm installed adjacent all sleeping areas.
• Dwellings of no more than six (6) suites of residential occupancy are required to install CO alarms by April 15, 2015.
• Dwellings of more than six (6) suites of residential occupancy are required to install CO alarms by October 15, 2015.
• Landlords are responsible for the installation, testing and maintenance of CO alarms.
• Combination CO and smoke alarms are permissible.
• CO alarms are to be tested annually and records are to be kept on site.
• Failure to comply with the installation of CO alarms by the required dates will result in charges.

“Although CO alarms do not specifically fall within the scope of Subsection 2.8.2., it would be a good practice to include in the fire safety plan their maintenance requirements and any special procedures to follow should the CO alarm sound.”

How Can ProFire Help? We will:
✓ assess your building’s need for CO alarms and install as mandated.
✓ include CO alarms in your building’s Annual Inspection.
✓ review and revise your Fire Safety Plan as required.