Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms

 Carbon monoxide

The office of the Fire Marshall and Emergency Management has made amendments to the Ontario Fire Code regarding the installation, maintenance and replacement requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in existing occupancies.

What is carbon monoxide?

• carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer because it is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly
• carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, heating oils or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbeques, blocked vents or chimney, generators or vehicles
• exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and death

Alarm installation requirements:

• all buildings that contain a fuel-burning appliance or have an attached garage require a carbon monoxide alarm to be located adjacent to all sleeping areas
• carbon monoxide mixes with air, therefore alarms may be installed at any height
• landlords are required to test alarms in rental units annually, when the battery is replaced, when changes are made to the electric circuit and when a change of tenancy occurs
• it is against the law for tenants or owners to remove the batteries or tamper with the alarm in any way
• test alarms monthly by pressing the test button
• replace batteries and alarms according to manufacturer's instructions.

 Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are required to be installed on every storey and adjacent to all sleeping areas in a dwelling unit. Since hot air rises, all smoke alarms need to be located on or near the ceiling. Test the alarm regularly and replace the batteries at a minimum of once per year.