Posted by Vortex Fire
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Ontario’s fire safety framework continues to evolve as regulators work toward consistent requirements for hazardous materials. From January 1, 2026, the Ontario Fire Code introduces updates intended to better align dangerous goods provisions with the National Fire Code of Canada. These requirements matter because they can affect storage, documentation, emergency procedures, and daily operations across affected facilities and operations. Dangerous Goods Harmonization helps create a more consistent approach, but successful compliance still requires a careful review of the specific building, occupancy, materials, and quantities involved.
The new requirements include additions to Ontario Fire Code Subsections 3.2.5 and 3.2.7, concerning indoor storage of dangerous goods and aerosols. The purpose of these revisions is to create more uniformity, clarity, and enforceability in the legislation. Some of the topics that have been addressed include maximum allowable quantity of the substances, compatibility, and administration of storage.
For the building owner, this revision does not only entail architectural considerations. Ontario Fire Code is retroactive, meaning that the requirements will apply to existing buildings as well as future ones. This means that there could be a need to look at how the storage of hazardous substances has been handled in the existing facilities that have been operating for many years now.
Controlled storage of dangerous goods is necessary because the combination of incompatible products can cause increased probability and/or seriousness of fire outbreak, leakage of poison gases, or other emergencies. Storage rooms should be inspected for the quantity of material that can be stored, condition of containers, labeling, ventilation, separation, and compatibility of materials.
Effective compliance review involves assessment of the way products enter the premises, where they are kept, handling and control of product quantities. Employees should be aware of the types of products and their hazards. Safety data sheets, inventories, signs, and emergency procedures should be up-to-date.
Professional review may be required in cases when dangerous products are stored in a group. Requirements of code may overlap the requirements of fire compartmentation, exits, ventilation, sprinkler system, electrical equipment, and emergency access. Isolated treatment of product storage problems can ignore essential life safety considerations.
A compliant building also needs practical procedures that workers can follow. Fire safety plans should reflect the actual materials stored on site, emergency contacts, alarm procedures, evacuation arrangements, fire department access, and responsibilities assigned to staff. Changes in inventory should trigger a review when they could alter the facility’s risk profile.
Documentation is also important. Owners should maintain records showing what dangerous goods are present, where they are located, and how applicable controls are implemented. Clear records can simplify inspections and demonstrate that hazards are controlled.
Effective training should directly connect written procedures with real workplace actions. Staff need to understand alarm response, evacuation routes, reporting procedures, basic hazard recognition, and the importance of following storage controls. Training should be appropriate to the facility and the responsibilities of each employee rather than relying only on generic information.
Fire Safety Training can help organizations turn regulatory requirements into practical workplace behavior. Vortex Fire provides training designed to develop practical knowledge and a sound understanding of fire safety engineering, including the application of recognized codes and standards. Its training coverage includes the International Building Code, NFPA 101, NFPA 92, NFPA 855, Saudi Building Code, and the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice.
For organizations handling dangerous goods, training should focus on relevant hazards and operational responsibilities. Employees may need instruction on recognizing hazardous materials, maintaining safe storage, responding to alarms, supporting evacuation, reporting incidents, and understanding site-specific emergency procedures.
Training should also be reviewed when regulations, processes, equipment, occupancy, or stored materials change. Refresher sessions can help maintain awareness and reduce the risk of procedures becoming outdated. Practical exercises and scenario discussions can improve preparedness.
A structured review can help organizations prepare for the updated requirements. Begin by creating an accurate inventory of dangerous goods and aerosol products. Confirm quantities, classifications, storage locations, container conditions, and compatibility. Next, compare current practices with applicable Ontario Fire Code provisions and identify areas requiring technical or operational attention.
The review should then consider fire protection systems, separation, ventilation, access, emergency response, signage, documentation, and staff responsibilities. Where changes are needed, owners should prioritize actions by risk and regulatory importance.
Independent fire safety expertise can be valuable when requirements are complex or when a facility contains significant quantities of hazardous materials. Experienced professionals can review documentation, identify potential gaps, support code interpretation, and help coordinate practical corrective measures. This approach can reduce uncertainty and support responsible risk management.
Dangerous Goods Harmonization under the Ontario Fire Code reinforces the need for proactive compliance, accurate records, safe storage, and effective emergency planning. The 2026 requirements apply to more than new construction, so existing facilities should not assume that established practices automatically remain acceptable. A coordinated review can help owners identify risks, improve operational controls, and prepare for inspections. Fire Safety Training should remain part of this process, ensuring employees understand the hazards, procedures, and responsibilities relevant to their workplace.
FAQs
The updated provisions took effect on January 1, 2026, to better align Ontario requirements with the National Fire Code of Canada.
They address indoor storage of dangerous goods and aerosol products, including quantities, separation and compatibility, and administrative controls.
Yes. The Ontario Fire Code is retroactive, so applicable requirements can affect existing facilities and ongoing operations.
Accurate records help owners understand what materials are stored, where they are located, and whether quantities or storage arrangements require additional controls.
Staff should receive role-specific instruction covering hazard recognition, alarm response, evacuation, reporting, emergency procedures, and safe storage practices.