Retrofit Inspections

Essex Fire and Rescue books retrofit inspections for the following seven types of occupancies:

• health care facilities
• assembly occupancies
• boarding and lodging facilities
• high rise apartments
• low rise apartments and mixed commercial-residential
• duplexes
• hotels and motels

Why is retrofitting important?

After a series of disastrous fires, the Province of Ontario introduced retrofit legislation requiring all retrofit work to be completed by 1996. If your property has not been retrofitted, you are in violation of the Ontario Fire Code. If a fire should occur on your property and a subsequent investigation should reveal that the property was not retrofitted, you may be prosecuted and could be found criminally and civilly responsible for any injuries or fatalities.

If you are considering purchasing a property that may fall under the retrofit requirements, we strongly suggest an inspection by Essex Fire and Rescue as a condition of the offer. This may avoid expensive upgrades in the future.

What does a retrofit inspection cover?

Retrofit inspections look at four main areas:

• Containment: Separations between floors, dwelling units and corridors, and ensuring proper doors for openings.
• Means of Egress: Ensuring the required number of exits is available and that they are protected when required.
• Fire Alarm and Detection: Fire alarm systems, emergency power, monitoring and smoke alarms.
• Suppression: Sprinkler and standpipe systems.

Whether you have recently converted a property to a multi-unit dwelling or purchased an existing multi-unit dwelling, a fire inspection is required to ensure the property complies with the applicable retrofit legislation.

Building retrofit assessment surveys

Essex Fire and Rescue can provide a series of assessment surveys to help identify your retrofit needs. To learn more about building retrofits or to book an inspection, contact Essex Fire and Rescue at 519-776-7132, ext. 24.

Other inspections

During a retrofit project, you may need to obtain a building permit. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure all work is completed properly and that any required permits have been obtained.

To book an electrical inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority, call 1-877-372-7233 or 1-877-ESA-SAFE. There is a fee for this inspection.