Webinar: Fire Safety for Condo Managers
Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join us on Thursday, February 22, 2024 to hear from an expert panel about fire safety in Ontario’s condominiums. Topics covered will highlight the role and responsibilities of condominium managers when adhering to regulations, and will review best practices, relevant case studies, and the importance of fire safety plans.
Panelists will include:
- Jason Reid, National Life Safety Group
- Jason has been an avid student and practitioner of Fire Safety & Emergency Management programs for over 25 years. For the last 10 years, he led the Fire & Emergency Management consulting program with National Life Safety Group, and consults daily on risk management and response. Jason actively volunteers his time in the promotion of Fire, Safety & Emergency Management.
- David Tiller, Office of the Fire Marshal
- Dave started his career in the fire protection industry after graduating from the Fire Protection Engineering Technology program at Seneca College. He worked for a large fire protection company where he did inspections, service, and installation on all types of fire protection equipment before starting a fire protection business. He later became a volunteer fire fighter and the Fire Prevention Officer/CEMC with the Huntsville Lake of Bays Fire Department.
Attendees may submit any questions they would like to have answered during the question and answer (Q&A) period during the webinar.
This webinar is approved as an eligible Continuing Professional Education (CPE) activity for the 2023–24 licensing year. Condominium managers who attend the full webinar will have an opportunity to earn credits towards their CPE requirements for this year.
The webinar presentation is available to download. [PDF – 1,780 KB]
The recorded webinar is available for viewing in the CMRAO’s video gallery.
Frequently Asked Questions
In terms of emergency generators – what is the code for the fuel tank or TSSA requirements for the fuel tank?
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regulates fuel tanks for generators. As per CSA 282, when your annual inspection and test is completed by your service provider, they will inspect your tank for leaks, ensure it has fuel for a minimum of two hours and will test the fuel for sediment / contamination.
Why don’t firefighters reset the fire panel instead of waiting for the condominium managers to be on site to reset it?
Firefighters are there for the emergency operations of life safety. The condominium corporation, which owns the fire panel is responsible for training supervisory staff on how to reset and operate the panel and support fire services.
What responsibility does a condominium manager have for ensuring that townhouse units have an operational smoke alarm on every level?
The owner is responsible for maintaining smoke alarms that have been installed as required by OBC or OFC. Specific to rental suites, the Fire Code requires that smoke alarms be tested annually and after every change in tenancy. These tests must be recorded by the landlord. The owner/resident also has responsibilities to let their landlord know if a smoke alarm is not operating.
What is the difference in approach when you do not have 24/7 security or concierge?
Every building has a unique Fire Safety Plan based on the resources available in the building. Supervisory staff is required at each building, but if there is no 24/7 security, the plan should accommodate this.
What is the deadline to fix all the deficiencies listed in the “annual deficiency report”?
Immediately – if a deficiency has been listed, it is required to be repaired and/or replaced as soon as possible.
Where can managers find updates and new regulations?
In the Fire Safety Plan, which is required to be reviewed and updated annually, and revised as necessary so that it takes into account changes in the use or other characteristics of the building or premises, as well as any changes to the Fire Code.