Starting January 1, 2024, fire lane provisions contained in the Ontario Fire Code will create new requirements. All homes with gas-burning appliances are required to have carbon monoxide alarms on each level. This major, common-sense shift greatly improves safety. It provides increased protection from carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas which can cause permanent health damage or death.
Matt Hepditch, London’s deputy chief of fire prevention and public education, previously called these alarms “life savers.” National standards today only require that carbon monoxide detectors be installed outside each sleeping space. The proposed regulations would significantly expand these requirements. These new requirements will have a significant impact on hundreds of thousands of homeowner and landlord Ontarians. They’ll have to start putting carbon monoxide alarms on their New Year’s resolution lists.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide Risks
Carbon monoxide is an especially deadly hazard because unconsciousness can occur in a matter of seconds, and death may follow within a few minutes. You can identify smoke by look and scent almost anywhere. Unlike other pollutants, carbon monoxide is not detectable by the public; without specific technologies, it is completely invisible and odorless.
Hepditch underscored the risks posed by fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. He continued, “Those can lead to partial combustion and that’s when we really begin to get into issues with carbon monoxide.
He recommended that all homeowners have fuel-burning appliances inspected at least once a year by the qualified technician to reduce your risk. “Always make sure that the vents outside your house are clear of ice and snow,” Hepditch warned, as blockages can exacerbate the danger by preventing proper ventilation.
New Alarm Requirements
A working carbon monoxide alarm must be installed on every level of a residence that has gas-burning appliances. This bill is intended to prevent a tragedy like this from occurring again by getting residents quickly alerted to any unsafe levels of carbon monoxide.
The alarms emit a distinctive sound pattern. Four short beeps followed by a long pause indicates the presence of carbon monoxide. “If you hear four loud beeps, that means get out NOW,” Hepditch said.
He too emphasized that residents should always call 9-1-1 when a carbon monoxide alarm goes off. Our fire crews will utilize gas meters to test your home appliances for carbon monoxide,” he added. He emphasized the seriousness of jumping to action if an alarm sounds at 2 a.m.
Options for Homeowners
There are a number of products available today that can help homeowners comply with these upcoming laws and protect their families from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Plug-in models with battery backup Models that plug in, but have battery backup, are especially popular for their price point. Most models run about $40. By comparison, ceiling-mounted models are usually pricier, averaging about $75.
Ivan Picott, general manager of Harris Home Hardware, commented on the trends in alarm purchases: “The plug-in alarms with battery backup are really popular.” Homeowners should make sure that any smoke or CO detectors they buy are certified for use in Canada.
With the implementation deadline fast approaching, all Ontarians need to get involved. Let’s go beyond putting that new fire code into effect! Installing carbon monoxide alarms in every level of your home, including outside of sleeping areas, is required by law. It goes a long way toward keeping you and your loved ones safe.
