Recent CO incidents in Canada bring a warning to both building Owners and Employers.
It’s more common than you think. Carbon monoxide (CO) incidents are an often-overlooked but deadly risk for workplaces and residences alike. Recent tragedies, including a death linked to high CO levels in a residential home in Calgary, the $70,000 fine being issued in London, Ontario due to a critical injury of a worker, and multiple residential building incidents involving evacuations, brought me to writing this article, in hopes of sharing this information.
What is it?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, tasteless and odourless gas produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood have insufficient air to burn completely. This can happen in any appliance or device that burns these fuels.
A look at the Ontario Fire Code
The corporation that owns the building and the professional Manager of that building has significant responsibilities under the Ontario Fire Code. The code sets forth requirements for Carbon Monoxide in all residential buildings and homes. Navigating this code is not easy, and thankfully building Owner’s role and responsibilities are clearly laid out in building fire safety plans, as long as it’s up to date, and those with responsibilities are trained and aware of those responsibilities.
Meeting the demands of the Occupiers Liability Act
The Occupiers' Liability Act in Ontario, Canada, establishes the legal responsibilities of "occupiers" of a property to ensure the safety of individuals who enter their premises. This legislation is designed to protect occupants from harm caused by unsafe conditions on a property.
Under the Act, an occupier is defined broadly and includes: A person who has physical possession of the property, and, A person who has responsibility for and control over the condition of the property, the activities carried out on it, or control over persons allowed to enter. This means that an occupier can include owners, tenants, property managers, or anyone responsible for overseeing the property’s safety. Multiple people or entities can share this role simultaneously so its important that all parties are aware.
Occupational Health & Safety Act
Building Owners, employers, facility Managers and residential building / condominium corporations that have direct supervision of employees in a workplace should be aware of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
OHSA makes responsibilities clear with respect to health and safety in the workplace, such as the requirement to identify potential hazards in the workplace, such as Carbon Monoxide, and take necessary steps to prevent, prepare for and respond to such hazards and risks. As a property or facility Manager, there is significant emphasis on their roles as a competent Supervisor, responsible for the safety of the building Operator, Superintendent, and onsite Security Staff.
Whether its compliance to the fire codes, or the requirement to protect workers under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, CO Safety is a key priority year round.
See a snapshot of recent incidents below;
Fatal CO Incident in Calgary home.
Calgary Condo Community evacuated over High levels of Carbon Monoxide.
Winnipeg residents in a high-rise apartment complex were told to evacuate, some to “shelter in place” as Fire Services responds to CO alarms.
Ottawa firefighters evacuated an apartment building in Sandy Hill after detecting high levels of carbon monoxide.
Flooring company fined $70K after London, Ontario worker critically injured by carbon monoxide
How National Life Safety Group Can Help
At National Life Safety Group, we specialize in helping building owners, property managers & employers create, implement, and test Fire Code and Facility based risk management programs.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your building's life safety programs. www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca