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Ontario Fire Service Messenger

February/March 2007                Volume 16 Issue 2

Smoke Alarms

Teaching Plan


Introduction:

Education is a critical component of any smoke alarm program. In order to provide accurate information and guidance to the public, fire service personnel must be educated about the requirements and procedures for the installation, testing, and maintenance of smoke alarms. Fire service personnel need to be aware of the different technologies used in smoke alarms, and how they work, in order to provide an effective response to public inquiries about smoke alarms.

Often, smoke alarms do not operate in a fire because the batteries have been removed or the power has been disconnected as a result of nuisance alarms. A nuisance alarm is when smoke from a toaster, an open oven door or even steam from a shower cause a smoke alarm to activate. Fire service personnel must be able to provide the public with acceptable options to deal with nuisance alarms without disabling the smoke alarm.

SMOKE ALARM FACTS:

Research from 1995 to 2004 regarding preventable/fatal/residential fires indicated:

This research pertains to 609 fatal fires that occurred from 1995 to 2004. Based on the research, there was no smoke alarm warning in 46 per cent of fatal home fires.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this session, the firefighter will be able to:

a) Describe the difference between a smoke detector and a smoke alarm;

b) Describe the various technologies and features currently available on smoke alarms;

c) Identify Ontario Fire Code requirements for the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms in dwelling units;

d) Identify proper locations for installation of smoke alarms in various types of dwelling units;

e) Describe proper installation and maintenance procedures for smoke alarms;

f) Describe the offences and penalties for violation of Ontario Fire Code requirements for smoke alarms in dwelling units;

g) Describe acceptable options for dealing with nuisance alarms without disconnecting power or removing batteries from smoke alarms;

h) Describe the roles and responsibilities of homeowners, landlords, and tenants regarding smoke alarms in dwelling units; and,

i) Identify available sources of information designed to provide guidance and assistance to the public on smoke alarms.

Expectations of the Participant:

Smoke Alarms vs. Smoke Detectors:

Although the terms ‘smoke alarms’ and ‘smoke detectors’ are generally used synonymously, there is a subtle difference. It can be argued that the general public will not likely make any distinction, but it should be recognized by the fire service that these are defined terms in the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code.

As per subsection 1.2.1. of the Ontario Fire Code:

Smoke alarm means a combined smoke detector and audible alarm device that is designed to sound an alarm within the room or suite in which it is located when there is smoke within the room or suite.

Smoke detector means a fire detector designed to operate when the concentration of airborne combustion products exceeds a predetermined level.

Fire detector means a device which detects a fire condition and automatically initiates an electrical signal to actuate an alert signal or alarm signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors.

A smoke alarm is a stand-alone unit that detects smoke and sounds an alarm, in comparison to a smoke detector, which is a type of fire detector that detects smoke and sends a signal to an alarm panel, which will initiate an audible alarm.

Smoke Alarm Technologies and Features:

Technology

There are two types of technologies used in smoke alarms to detect the presence of smoke or the products of combustion. Smoke alarms will employ one or both of these types of detection technologies. Smoke alarms are designed to be battery-powered or powered by a permanent connection to the household alternating current (AC) supply. It is important when replacing alarms that the correct type is installed. Smoke alarms that are installed with permanent electrical connections cannot be replaced with battery-powered units.

Ionization Smoke Alarms

This type of smoke alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air between two electrically charged plates, causing a measurable current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it changes the flow of current, which is detected and activates the alarm. Ionization alarms may be more prone to nuisance alarms caused by such things as burning toast, opening the oven door while cooking, or steam from cooking or showering. The steam or heat generates ions which can trigger the alarm to activate.

Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

This type of alarm uses a light source that is aimed away from a sensor in a sensing chamber. When smoke enters the chamber it reflects the light onto the sensor, which is detected, and activates the alarm. Photoelectric alarms may be less prone to nuisance alarms caused by cooking activities and more sensitive to smouldering fires that generate more smoke.

Combination Ionization/Photoelectric Alarms

This type of alarm uses a combination of the two technologies to detect the presence of smoke or products of combustion. An alarm can be initiated by either of the sensors (ionization and photoelectric) within the unit.

Smoke alarms that combine carbon monoxide detection capabilities are also available in a single unit. These units incorporate different sounding alarms for detected presence of smoke and/or carbon monoxide.

Other features:

Ontario Fire Code Requirements:

IT’S THE LAW in Ontario for every home to have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.

Homeowners

Homeowners are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke alarms on every storey of their homes and outside all sleeping areas.

Landlords

Landlords are responsible for ensuring their rental properties comply with the law. They must also provide tenants with a copy of the smoke alarm manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Tenants

Tenants of rental properties should contact their landlord immediately if their occupancy does not have the required number of smoke alarms, or if there are any problems or concerns with the alarms.

Smoke Alarm Installation:

Failure to comply with Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements could result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.

Dealing with Nuisance Alarms:

Simple steps that can be taken to help reduce or eliminate some nuisance alarms caused by cooking activities include:

Other options include: