CENTRE WELLINGTON – New rules are in effect across the province on the installation of carbon monoxide alarms in houses, apartments, and condo units.
A C-O alarm must now be installed on every storey of the home, including levels that don’t have sleeping areas.
The new requirements also include installing C-O alarms if the home is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within the unit.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is often known as the “Silent Killer” as it is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas that humans cannot detect and can be fatal if inhaled. CO is produced when fuels are not completely and efficiently burned.
In a media release, Centre Wellington Fire Rescue shares this:
Responsibilities:
- Building Owners are responsible for complying with CO alarm requirements under the fire code.
- Landlords are responsible for installing and maintaining CO alarms in their rental units, testing the alarms annually, replacing the battery, and providing the tenant with a copy of the alarm’s maintenance instructions.
- Tenants are responsible for notifying their landlord if they are aware of any issue with a CO alarm in their unit. It is against the law for anyone to remove the batteries to tamper with a CO alarm in any way.
For more information on the changes to the Ontario Fire Code, please visit www.ontario.ca/page/carbon-monoxide-safety
If you have questions about the changes, please contact Centre Wellington Fire Rescue at 519-843-1950 or email the department at fireprevention@centrewellington.ca
