All fire safety equipment should be listed at the time of installation by a recognized listing agency such as ULC or CSA. From time to time, fire safety equipment may be delisted or obsolete for different reasons. The question arises when delisted fire safety equipment should be upgraded.
Firstly, the Local Assistant needs to find out the reason why the equipment is delisted and determine if the equipment poses a fire hazard if it remains in use.
If the equipment is delisted due to faulty performance and there is a manufacturer’s recall on the product, then the Local Assistant must order the owner to upgrade the equipment so that it will perform properly. Where the Fire Commissioner is made aware of such information, the Fire Commissioner will ensure the Local Assistants are notified on such recall and subsequent actions, such as the Omega sprinkler heads.
Some equipment may be delisted or the listing becomes void due to:
In these cases, the Local Assistant may employ due diligence to determine if upgrading is required. Where the system is adequate, being properly maintained, and provides a reasonable level of life and fire safety, there may not be a need to upgrade such equipment at present, especially when resources can be used in dealing with more serious situations.
In addition, the Local Assistant may consider other factors such as increasing the maintenance schedule or establishing a long range replacement plan with the owner to reach a workable situation. Depending if the Local Assistant is referencing the BC Fire Code or the Fire Services Act, the Local Assistant may accept a reasonable proposal as an “alternate solution” or a “remedy to the fire hazard”.
It is important for the Local Assistant to always review the general building’s fire safety features rather than focusing on one part. For example, if a fire alarm annunciator panel is no longer listed and the Local Assistant is considering upgrading the panel, the Local Assistant should review if the fire alarm system or fire detection system as a whole needs upgrading. The effort to upgrade just the panel is wasted if the rest of the system is inadequate.
If the Local Assistant decides such equipment should be upgraded in order to maintain uniform application in their jurisdiction, the Local Assistant is given such authority in the fire legislation.
The OFC will provide technical support and recommendations to the Local Assistants in their decision on whether an upgrade is needed for the equipment. Please contact the OFC if assistance is required.
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