Are You Compliant With the New Carbon Monoxide Detector Laws?
The silent killer, carbon monoxide gas kills about 50 Canadians, including 11 Ontarians, every year.
Don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in your home? You need to get one or you could be faced with a fine of $235.
In an effort to improve safety in the home, an update to the fire code in Ontario now requires homes in the province to have carbon monoxide detectors, in addition to fire alarms.
The new law came into effect on October 15th and it impacts all residences with the exception of those that are all electric and do not have an attached garage – which accounts for approximately 2% of dwellings in the province.
All other residences are subject to the new laws.
“We know that carbon monoxide gas is a silent killer,” said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Yasir Naqvi. “It’s a serious issue and that’s why we’re taking the additional step of requiring carbon monoxide detectors to be in place in all residential homes.”
The introduction of the new laws is in alignment with the presences first Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week which starts the week of November 1st.
While homeowners and landlords are subject to a fine, there will be some lenience, unless there is blatant noncompliance of the new law.
“The tickets are something we’re reluctant to do,” says Sean Tracey, deputy chief of Ottawa Fire Services. “Our emphasis for the first phase-in period is going to be on the public awareness and education pieces.”
It’s expected this approach will be adopted in most jurisdictions across the province.
About Bill 77
Here is what you need to know about the new law as it is outlined in Bill 77:
- The Ontario Fire Code now mandate the use of carbon monoxide warning devices in all homes, including houses, condos, apartments, hotels and university residences.
- Dwellings that are impacted have a fuel-burning device onsite such as a fireplace, gas stove, water heater or furnace, or an attached garage.
- Previously, only homes built after 2001 were required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
- Now all homes are included in the new law, regardless of the year it was constructed.
- Penalties for non-compliance are $235 – the same as smoke alarms.
- Depending on the situation, inspectors could lay charges. These charges could result in fines up to $50, 000 for individuals and up to $100, 000 for companies.
Signs there could be a Carbon Monoxide Leak in your Home
Everyone is at Risk - 88% of all homes have something that poses a carbon monoxide threat
– OAFC
Here are some of the signs of carbon monoxide:
- You may experience any or all of the following aliments - Headache, nausea, burning eyes, fainting, confusion, and drowsiness.
- It’s often mistaken for common ailments like the flu
- Symptoms improve when you are outside of the home
- Symptoms are experienced my multiple members of your home
Continued exposure to carbon monoxide could lead to unconscious, brain damage and death.
Learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide here: Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs on Carbon Monoxide
What do you think about the new laws? Current Yukon is the only other region in Canada that has makes carbon monoxide detectors mandatory. Do you think these devices should be mandatory in homes across the country? Why or why not?