As per the Alberta Fire Code, all portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly by the owner of the property or the owner’s designate or employee. This check includes ensuring that the fire extinguisher is available and is in operating condition. It should give reasonable assurance that the fire extinguisher is fully charged. This is done by verifying that it is in its designated place, hasn’t been actuated or tampered with etc. (http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/documents/ss/STANDATA/fire/fcb/FCB-11-01.pdf)

According to the “Calgary Fire Department Building Owner’s Responsibilities for Fire Safety Equipment”, the Owner must inspect the portable fire extinguishers monthly and sign the tag. An Owner in this case can be a Lessee, or a person who exercises the powers and authority of ownership.  It is up to the Owner of each space to ensure that responsibilities have been clearly communicated in writing to the Lessee. The Board takes no responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Code in any areas that are not Common Property.

On October 16 – 18, 2017, the Fire alarm systems in the building will be tested by Tyco. This is a required annual inspection according to Code. All Fire Extinguishers will be inspected by Tyco at this time as well. Any fire extinguishers that require maintenance or replacement will be addressed, and the individual Lessee will be charged back the cost. The Condo Corp will continue to inspect the fire extinguishers on the Common Property on a monthly basis, and will engage Tyco to inspect all fire extinguishers on the property on an annual basis.

All fire extinguishers in individual leased/owned spaces are the responsibility of the Lessee of that space, or the Owner, if the owner is occupying the space.

Owners failing to comply with maintenance requirements as identified in the Alberta Fire Code may be subject to fines as per the Alberta Safety Codes Act Section 68(1). If you have any questions, please contact the Fire Department.

Please note that the Fire Department also makes random annual inspections, and it is up to the individual Owner/Lessee to ensure compliance for that inspection.

For those interested, the Board has engaged a Professional Service to provide and update the fire safety plan, in concurrence with the Residential Board, and will provide the final plan to Owners as it is made available.

A Checklist of Monthly Inspection Requirements issued by Tyco is as follows:

  • Extinguishers are in their designated places
  • There are no obstructions to access or visibility
  • Safety seals are not broken or missing
  • There is no evidence of physical damage, corrosion, leakage of clogged nozzle
  • Pressure gauge readings are in the proper range or position
  • Operating instructions are legible and facing outward
  • Fullness-confirmed by weight of lifting

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