Stricter rules regarding carbon monoxide monitoring are coming to Ontario in the new year.
Beginning Jan. 1, as part of an updated Ontario Fire Code, carbon monoxide alarms will be required in more locations within houses, apartment buildings, condominiums and rent units.
Officials say the action will help prevent injuries and fatalities from what is known as a “silent killer.”
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue Chief Chris Case said it’s called that for a reason.
“Carbon monoxide is invisible, odourless and can be deadly,” Case said in a media release. “These new rules will save lives by ensuring alarms are installed where they’re needed most. We urge every homeowner, tenant and property manager to act now and protect their families.”
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane or wood do not burn completely in appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fireplaces. According to provincial statistics, more than 65 per cent of carbon monoxide injuries and deaths occur in homes.
In houses, monitors must be installed if the residence has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, attached garage, or is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance outside the residence.
In apartments and condos, monitors are required if the unit has a fuel burning appliance or fireplace or if the building has a service room or garage and the unit is above, below, or beside these areas. Units heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance outside the unit also require alarms.
The monitors must be placed adjacent to each sleeping area and on every storey in the unit. Public corridors heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance must also have alarms.
Residents are advised to check their dwelling for any of the requirements and install monitors as needed prior to Jan. 1. Monitors in place should also be tested.
Anyone in need assistance for this program is advised to contact the C-K Fire and Rescue CHiRP home alarm test team at ckfire.ca.
