A Word About Smoke Detectors
This information was obtained from the Spring 2000 issue of Construction
Innovation.
A CTV "W5" segment that aired in January 2000 questioned the
adequacy of ionization type smoke alarms. Smoke alarms are regulated by
Health Canada, and are tested in accordance with a standard published by
Underwriter's Laboratories Canada (ULC).
In response to the concerns raised by "W5", Health Canada tested
smoke alarms similar to those mentioned on the program. All passed the ULC
standard test. As well, a task group has been set up to review the test
requirements in the standard. In other words, the purpose of
the review is to confirm if the smoke produced in the tests is
representative of the kinds of smoke produced in real house fires.
The National Fire Protection Association asserts that homes with working
smoke alarms have a 40-50 percent lower fire death rate. This is also
confirmed by anecdotal evidence collected by the Ontario Fire Marshal.
The National Building code of Canada, published by the National Research
Council requires that smoke alarm be installed in new houses and other new
residential buildings. The 1995 edition of the code increased the
requirements of smoke alarms from at least one serving each sleeping area to at
least one for every floor level. In new buildings, these alarms must be
interconnected so that all will sound if any one detects the presence of smoke,
further increasing the occupants' opportunities to take appropriate action in
case of fire. These requirements are included in the building codes of most provinces and territories.
There are 2 types of household smoke alarms in use: ionization and
photoelectric, both of which detect the kinds of fires that commonly occur in
the home. However, photoelectric alarms are usually more sensitive to
smoldering fires, while ionization alarms normally respond faster to flaming
fires. Both types of alarms are tested to the same requirements of the
standard, It is important to locate the alarms where they can be heard,
both at night and during the day, to test and maintain them and, if battery
operated, to replace the batteries on a regular basis.
For more information about smoke alarms and fire safety, visit The
Office of the Fire Marshals' Fire Safety Information Page
