New Fire Code to increase Safety

November 3, 2011

MANITOBA FIRE CODE CHANGES AIMED AT IMPROVING SAFETY: HOWARD

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Amendments Take Effect Dec. 1

A number of key changes to the 2011 Manitoba Fire Code will make buildings safer, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner, announced today.
“These important changes will help improve the safety of buildings and keep us up to date with national standards,” said Howard.  “Through the Office of the Fire Commissioner, we work closely with industry and individuals to be sure these important safety improvements make their way into practice.”
The 2011 Manitoba Fire Code, which is the 2010 National Fire Code with Manitoba amendments, includes changes such as:

• requiring additional training for people who service special fire-suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers,
• including child-care facilities in the definition of a residential-care facility, and
• requiring fire safety plans and fire department access at building construction and demolition sites including specific requirements for standpipe systems.

“Buildings such as child-care centres, hospitals, personal-care and residential-care facilities will be required to have carbon monoxide detection devices installed in their facilities if there is a risk of carbon monoxide present in any part of the building,” added Howard.
Further information including a complete list of significant changes and a link to the full list of 2011 Manitoba Fire Code amendments will be posted on the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s website at http://www.firecomm.gov.mb.ca/.

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