Smoke alarm regulation change on the Island of Montreal

A message from the Montréal Fire Department

The Fire Safety Service By-law (12-003), in force since 2012, has been amended. Landlords on the Island of Montréal are invited to take note of the following modifications:

• All residential buildings built before 1985 that are not equipped with electric smoke alarms must now be equipped with smoke alarms with a 10-year non-removable lithium battery.
• All dwelling units must be equipped with at least one smoke alarm per floor, including the basement. If the floor has bedrooms, the smoke alarm must be installed in the centre of the corridor.
• The section of the by-law concerning the maintenance and good condition of smoke alarms in certain specific occupations (building housing people requiring evacuation assistance) has also been  amended. All rooms must now be equipped with a smoke alarm connected to an electrical circuit and they must all be interconnected to activate simultaneously.     
• For buildings constructed after June 2015, an electric-type alarm must also be installed in each bedroom and in corridors.

Who is responsible for its installation and maintenance?

The By-law concerning the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (RCG 12-003) requires that it be installed, maintained and in good working order. This is essential to your safety and your family’s.

It is the responsibility of every landlord to provide smoke alarms and to install them in the places required by the By-law.

Both landlords and tenants have a shared responsibility to ensure their proper operation by performing the necessary maintenance and checks.

Purchase an alarm with a 10-year non-removable lithium battery.

A smoke alarm with a 10-year non-removable lithium battery is available at most merchandisers and hardware stores.

To determine if the smoke alarm is compliant, the ULC Underwriters' Laboratory of Canada logo must be affixed to the smoke alarm. This logo indicates that the smoke alarm meets Canadian safety standards.

 

Click here for frequently asked questions.

Reminder

By-law 12-003 stems from the Montréal Urban Agglomeration's Fire Safety Cover Plan adopted in 2008. It dictates the responsibilities of the SIM and establishes the powers required for the service to assume its responsibilities in an optimal manner. In particular, it sets out the minimum essential standards for the maintenance of fire protection and emergency equipment and systems, as well as the obligations regarding smoke alarms.

With this regulatory amendment, the SIM responds to the reality of the fire risks present on the territory of the Montreal agglomeration, and this, according to the new standards in effect and the recommendations of various experts.