Residential Buildings: Fire Safety Training is more than a code requirement.
In Ontario, the safety of residents, staff, and first responders hinges on more than just having a fire safety plan in place—it requires action.
While almost every residential building owner in Ontario is mandated to maintain an approved fire safety plan, ensuring that the fire safety plan is fully “implemented” is equally critical.
The term “Implementation” requires the building Owner to provide the “Supervisory Staff” of the building, typically the Manager, Superintendent and onsite Security Staff with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and execute their roles in that unique fire safety plan - approved for their building.
Training is a key component for the employer / building Owner under several areas of legislation such as the Ontario Fire Code and the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
The Fire Safety Plan
Almost every residential building Owner in Ontario is required to have a fire safety plan, approved and implemented at their building. This plan provides vital clarity to all persons having roles and responsibilities at the building, and describes exactly what those responsibilities are, providing detailed guidance to the Owner, Staff and occupants on achieving code compliance and a fire safe building.
The plan, if well designed, will also provide unique benefits to fire prevention and suppression teams and support the AHJ’s objectives in community hazard and risk reduction and emergency response.
The problem: “Implementing” the Fire Safety Plan
Once a fire safety plan is approved by the local fire services, the building Owner is then required to “implement” the fire safety plan. Part of this implementation, required by the Ontario Fire Code, is that all staff of that building, having assigned roles and responsibilities found within the Fire Safety Plan, be trained on “how” to implement and use the fire safety plan, and understand their own roles and responsibilities under that plan.
Currently there is no standard or recognized training in Ontario, and this remains a critical gap in the industry. This gap is further expanded based on the Ontario Fire Code’s requirement that “training” is to be done before being given any responsibilities at the building. This is a code requirement in Ontario designed to strengthen both occupant and firefighter safety in Ontario.
Long History of training gap
Trained building staff is essential for both occupant and firefighter safety. In fact, this was recently referenced in the Raising the Alarm report by the City of Toronto’s Auditor General which highlighted the need for industry recognized training aimed at building owners and staff of commercial / Office buildings to assist and support them in understanding their roles and responsibilities under the fire code. This report highlighted that only 1 in 12 of the “sample” City of Toronto buildings, were compliant. The report also cited a lack of formal and recognized training which is needed to “better” inform building Owners and staff of their roles and responsibilities in Ontario.
In addition to the above, when a fire safety plan is not properly implemented at a building, firefighter safety is a major concern. Responding firefighters expect they are arriving at a building that has been maintained, systems functioning and that staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities.
Failure of these responsibilities can negatively impact firefighter safety during emergency response. For example, in 1995 an Ontario Coroner's inquest into the Forrest Laneway fire that resulted in multiple deaths, the Coroner recommended that the building owners across Ontario - have a “real” training program to better understand their accountabilities.
Innovation & Collaboration; A focus on recognized, accredited training
Since early 2020, National Life Safety Group have been honoured to lead a passionate team of life safety public educators in developing a unique fire safety training program, specifically for residential building Owners and building staff.
The program has been developed and designed with vital contributions by active condo Managers, fire suppression teams, emergency preparedness experts, code consultants and fire prevention officers throughout Ontario, to ensure it truly meets the needs of both building owners, Managers and their front line staff and AHJ’s
Launched by National Life Safety Group (NLSG) in early 2024, the program is now actively providing the mandatory knowledge to ensure both public and private organizations in Ontario, can meet these training requirements, and positively impact occupant and firefighter safety, ultimately benefitting the people who live and work in Ontario.
Highlights of National Life Safety Group’s accredited and endorsed training program;
- Developed specifically for Licensed Condominium Managers, Property Managers, Building Admins, Superintendents, Concierge & Security teams, cleaning staff in residential buildings.
- Accredited & endorsed by the Institution of Fire Engineers Canada Branch to meet the requirements of Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code, an internationally recognized accrediting body, with membership around the globe.
- Standing endorsement and recognized professional development by the Condominium Management Regulatory Authority of Ontario (CRMAO).
- Meets the training requirements under the Occupational Health & Safety Act for employers with respect to fire safety in the workplace.
- Meets the training recommendations made within the Raising the Alarm report by the City of Toronto’s Auditor General and the 1995 Ontario Coroner's inquest recommendations into the Forrest Laneway Fire.
- This 4.0 Hour Certification program was developed and is delivered by a team of recognized NFPA Fire & Life Safety Public Educators, with extensive experience technical program delivery & adult education.
- The program involves in person training, directly at the building, and specific to your approved fire safety plan, with a unique focus on best practices in High-rise, mid / low-rise and Town Homes.
- The program addresses unique building risks such as stay or go (High-Rise), defend in place, shelter in place, Lithium Ion Battery Safety and the vital roles and responsibilities of residents themselves.
- Participants must achieve 75 percent on the courses exam in order to obtain the certification.
Investing in fire safety training for building staff goes beyond compliance—it delivers measurable returns in operational efficiency, risk reduction, and long-term cost savings. Trained staff can identify and address potential hazards before they escalate, reducing maintenance issues and liability risks. Their confidence in emergency procedures not only ensures a safer environment for residents and first responders but also minimizes downtime during incidents and fosters trust within the community.
By empowering staff with the knowledge and skills to act effectively, building owners can protect their assets, enhance their reputation, and contribute to a culture of safety and preparedness.
If you would like to learn more of this unique certification program, reach out and connect with us at www.nationallifesafetygroup.ca