Key takeaways

• CO alarms (Division B, 2.16): Required where a building with residential occupancy has a fuel‑burning appliance, fireplace, or a storage garage. Location depends on where the fuel‑burning equipment/garage is situated. Landlords are responsible for rental suites.
• Smoke alarms (Division B, 2.13): Required in dwelling units: near sleeping areas and on every storey without a sleeping area; also required in sleeping rooms that are not within a dwelling unit. Landlords are responsible for rental suites.
• Records (Division B, 1.1.2): Keep dated test/inspection records on‑site and retain at least the most recent and immediately preceding records (longer for initial verification reports).
• Fire alarm systems: Where alarms/detectors are tied into a fire alarm system, testing follows CAN/ULC‑S536 (Inspection & Testing of Fire Alarm Systems) and records are required by OFC 6.3.4.8.

CO alarms — where they’re required (current)

OFC Division B, Section 2.16 requires CO alarms in buildings with residential occupancies when any of the following apply:

Code references: OFC Div. B 2.16.1–2.16.2; CO devices must comply with CSA 6.19 or UL 2034.

Smoke alarms — where they’re required (current)

OFC Division B, Section 2.13 requires:

• In dwelling units: a smoke alarm in the hallway serving sleeping areas (or between the sleeping area and the rest of the unit if no hallway), and on every storey without a sleeping area.
• In sleeping rooms not within a dwelling unit: a smoke alarm in the sleeping room.
• Power: hardwired or battery‑operated; device must meet CAN/ULC‑S531.
• Landlord responsibility applies to rental suites (OFC 2.13.1.2).

Code references: OFC Div. B 2.13.1–2.13.2; ULC S531 for smoke alarms.

Testing & recordkeeping

All devices — records you must keep

• When the Code requires tests/inspections, you must make dated records and keep them on the premises for examination by the Chief Fire Official (OFC Div. B 1.1.2).
• Keep at least the most recent and the immediately preceding record for each test/inspection. Initial verification reports for new fire protection systems must be kept for the life of the system.

Smoke alarms (stand‑alone)

• Maintain and test in conformance with CAN/ULC‑S552 (Standard for the Maintenance and Testing of Smoke Alarms). Many owners conduct a monthly push‑button test and replace batteries as prescribed.

CO alarms (stand‑alone)

• Maintain per the manufacturer’s instructions. The Fire Code does not prescribe a specific monthly interval for CO alarms, but Section 1.1.1.2 requires keeping fire safety devices operational and replacing defective units.
• Label devices with installation and expiry dates (most CO alarms: 7–10 years; follow the listing).

When devices are tied to a fire alarm system

• Test and inspect in accordance with CAN/ULC‑S536 and your ULC‑S536 report format.
• Keep fire alarm system records per OFC 6.3.4.8 (Records) and the general records rules in 1.1.2.

Documentation to keep on‑site

• Device inventory (location, model, install date, expiry date).
• Test & inspection records (smoke/CO and, if applicable, fire alarm system).
• Deficiency list & proof of correction (work orders, photos, re‑tests).
• Monitoring certificate (if connected) and call list.
• ULC‑S536 report if smoke/CO devices are tied to the fire alarm system.
• Fire Safety Plan (OFC 2.8) with procedures and staff training records where required.

Compliance & enforcement

How FC Fire Prevention helps

• Code surveys & design: We map exactly where smoke/CO devices are required under the current Fire Code and provide clean drawings/scopes.
• Installation & retrofits: Listed devices (hardwired, plug‑in, sealed battery, or system‑connected).
• Testing & logging programs: Templates that align with OFC 1.1.2, ULC‑S552 and ULC‑S536.
• Fire Safety Plan updates & training: Procedures, postings and drills where required by OFC 2.8.

Official resources (fixed links)

Extra reference: Many municipalities publish guidance that reflects OFC sections. Example: Collingwood’s short‑term accommodation code checklist cites OFC 6.3.4.8 Records for fire alarm systems.