June 14, 2007
2007-16
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) is pleased to announce the release of
the 2007 edition of the Fire Code with the filing of Ontario Regulation 213/07
on May 25, 2007.
The 2007 Fire Code is written in an objective-based format that promotes greater
flexibility and more uniform enforcement by linking each (technical) code
provision to one or more explicitly stated objectives and functional statements.
The new objective-based code continues to contain traditional prescriptive
requirements now known as “acceptable solutions” that serve as benchmarks for
compliance. The objective-based format provides greater flexibility by allowing
equivalents known as “alternative solutions” which must be prepared and
evaluated using a prescribed process.
The new Fire Code also contains over 200 technical changes that underwent public
consultation in 2003.
The 2007 Fire Code will come into force on November 21, 2007, replacing the 1997
edition (Ontario Regulation 388/97, as amended). The transition period will
allow code users time to become familiar with the objective-based format and the
new technical provisions.
The 2007 Fire Code (Ontario Regulation 213/07) is available on the Government of
Ontario e-Laws Web site at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. It has also been published in
Volume 140, Issue 23 of the Ontario Gazette, released on June 9, 2007.
Arrangements are being made through Publications Ontario for a user-friendly
printed edition. Additional details will be communicated as soon as they become
available.
The OFM is preparing training materials to assist code users with the transition
to the new objective-based Fire Code. Transition training will focus on the
structure and compliance options of the new Code. A component of the training
will include highlights of the technical changes. Additional information on
training will be made available at a later date.
Further information about the new 2007 Fire Code will be posted on the OFM Web
site, www.ofm.gov.on.ca, over the next few months. Fire departments are
encouraged to visit the Web site periodically for updates.
Enquiries about the 2007 Fire Code should be directed to the Fire Safety
Standards Section of the OFM, which can be reached at (416) 325‑3100.
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