DID YOU KNOW?
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is known as the “SILENT KILLER”, because it is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless, deadly toxic gas; only a WORKING CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARM can detect it.
If you live in a house, CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS must be installed if the home:
- has a fuel-burning appliance
- has a fireplace
- has an attached garage
- is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within your home (will come in effect on January 1, 2026)
If you live in an apartment or condo unit, CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) ALARMS must be installed if any of the following applies:
- your unit has a fuel-burning appliance or a fireplace
- the building has a service room, and your unit is located directly above, below or beside the service room
- the building has a garage, and your unit is located directly above, below or beside the garage
- your unit is heated by air from a fuel-burning appliance that is not contained within your unit, for example, heated air coming from a furnace in a building service room (will come in effect on January 1, 2026)
As a LANDLORD in Ontario, you are legally responsible for ensuring working CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS are installed and maintained in all rental units. In addition, failure to comply can lead to fines, liability, and worst of all, death.
Landlords must:
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in accordance with the Ontario fire code.
- Maintain carbon monoxide alarms in operating condition.
- Maintain primary and secondary power supplies that serve carbon monoxide alarms.
- Provide the tenant a copy of the manufactured maintenance instructions.
- The same is true for SMOKE ALARMS.
Tenants must:
- Not disable the carbon monoxide alarm.
- Notify the landlord as soon as you are aware the carbon monoxide in the unit is disconnected, not operating or the operation is impaired.
- The same is true for SMOKE ALARMS.
DEATH BY CO IS PREVENTABLE!
New changes are coming to Ontario’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Requirements effective January 1, 2026. To learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the silent killer … visit: Ontario.ca/CarbonMonoxide
DO YOU KNOW THE SOUND OF YOUR CO ALARMS?
It doesn’t matter whether you are a home owner, building owner, landlord or tenant … you need to know what the sound of a CO ALARM sounds like.
TEST & MAINTAIN CO & SMOKE ALARMS
- TEST both alarms monthly and make sure you know the difference between the two alarm sounds.
- FOLLOW your CO alarm’s manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end of life” warning, fault mode/unit error warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.
- LOOK on the back of the CO alarm itself; typically you will find information such as the CO alarm model, date of manufacture, information pertaining to the different types of beeps/chirps, and certification markings etc.
- Remember to always SAVE your CO alarm’s manufacturer’s instructions; if you do not have them, go online to search your model for the detailed manufacturer’s instructions.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF BEEPS & CHIRPS FROM CO ALARMS
- Four (4) Quick Beeps and then a Pause, this is an Emergency!
- One (1) Beep/Chirp every minute, this is typically a Low Battery; change the battery(s).
- Multiple Beeps/Chirps every 30 seconds, this is typically End-of-Life for the alarm.
HEAR FOUR-BEEPS? ACT FAST!
- Take action quickly if you hear a pattern of four beeps from a CO alarm!
- Go outside to fresh air immediately!
- Call 9-1-1 from a safe location!
TYPES OF CO ALARMS
- CO alarms can be electrically hardwired, electrical plug-in, battery-powered or a combination.
- If you’re installing a plug-in type or electrical hardwired alarm, a battery backup is recommended in case of power failures.
- There are CO alarms that have a digital display, which shows the parts per million (PPM) of CO that is in your home. Alarms aren’t activated unless levels reach 70 PPM; however, a digital readout gives you an opportunity to have fuel-fired equipment inspected and repaired prior to an emergency occurring.
- In addition, there are CO alarms that offer sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years from activation.
- There are also combo Smoke/CO alarms available that offer sealed lithium batteries that last 10 years from activation.
LOOK FOR THE MARK!
- When purchasing a CO alarm, look for a recognized Canadian certification mark such as CSA, cCSAus, ULC, cUL, cULus, cETL, or cETLus, which should appear directly on the product—not just the packaging.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
