# Jurisdiction Pack - Ontario > Fire Service Safety Management System, version 0.3.3 (2026-10-25). The Human Factor. Document FSSMS-PACK-05. > > Canonical: https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario > > Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 with the Adopting Agency Grant (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) > > General information only, not legal, medical or other professional advice. Verify every requirement against the current official text of the law, standards and manufacturer instructions that apply to you. Obtain your own legal review and consult your joint health and safety committee before adopting anything. You adopt, adapt, implement and rely on this material entirely at your own risk and on your own responsibility. Full terms: Terms of Use, thehumanfactor.ca. > **Warning: Law changes; verify before you rely on this pack** > > This pack summarizes what the law of Ontario requires on each topic as of its research date. It is general information, not legal advice. Check the official text before you adopt or rely on anything here. See [00a Copyright, Licence and Legal Notices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/copyright-licence-and-legal-notices). ## About this pack This is the Ontario pack of Part 10: this preface, followed by the Ontario section of every topic page listed in the [00 Jurisdiction Index](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-index). The sections are generated from the topic pages, so the pack and the topic pages always say the same thing, and both state the law as researched to 2026-10-23. It is general information, not legal advice: check every requirement against the official consolidation before you rely on it. ## The law that governs fire departments here An Ontario fire department works under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, of which only one, O. Reg. 714/94 on firefighters’ protective equipment, is written for the fire service ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on)). The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development enforces the Act; a critical injury or death is reported to its Health and Safety Contact Centre, 1-877-202-0008, which the ministry says takes calls at any hour [(MLITSD, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-mlitsd-2024). The Ontario Fire Service Section 21 Advisory Committee, appointed under the Act, publishes the firefighter guidance notes that inspectors apply through the general duties ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 21](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); MLITSD, n.d.). The Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 sets the municipality’s fire protection duties, the fire chief’s role and the Fire Marshal’s, and carries the mandatory certification and community risk assessment regulations ([Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 2, 6, 9](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-fire-protection-and-prevention-act-1997-on); [Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on); [Community Risk Assessments \[ON\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-community-risk-assessments-on)). The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board administers compensation, the firefighter presumptions and the first aid regulation ([Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 14-15.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); [First Aid Requirements \[ON\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-first-aid-requirements-on)). | Instrument | Citation | What it covers | |:---|:---|:---| | Occupational Health and Safety Act | R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1; e-Laws currency 2026-10-20 (version from 2025-11-27) | Duties, policy and program, committee and representative, limited right to refuse for firefighters, violence and harassment, reporting, penalties | | O. Reg. 714/94, Firefighters - Protective Equipment | Under the OHS Act; last amended by O. Reg. 368/22 | Structural garments, head protection, aerial device inspection and testing, cabs, seats and riding | | Other OHS Act regulations | Reg. 851; Reg. 833; O. Reg. 632/05; O. Reg. 381/15; O. Reg. 297/13; O. Reg. 420/21; O. Reg. 629/94 | Industrial establishments, respirators and breathing air, confined spaces, noise, awareness training, notices and reports, diving | | Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 | S.O. 1997, c. 4; version from 2026-01-01 | Municipal fire protection, fire chief, Fire Marshal, fire reporting, career firefighter hours | | O. Reg. 343/22, Firefighter Certification; O. Reg. 378/18, Community Risk Assessments | Under the FPPA | Mandatory certification by service and deadline; risk assessment every five years | | Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; O. Reg. 253/07; Reg. 1101 | S.O. 1997, c. 16, Sch. A; regulations under it | Volunteer coverage; cancer, heart and PTSD presumptions; injury reporting; re-employment; first aid | | Highway Traffic Act; O. Reg. 340/94, Drivers’ Licences | R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8; regulation under it | Emergency vehicle exemptions, move-over, green lights, licence classes and the firefighter licence exception | | Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act | R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56 | Municipal records; privacy impact assessments and breach reporting from 2027-01-01 | ## What is distinctive for fire departments here - **A limited right to refuse.** A firefighter, as defined in the fire protection statute, which includes fire chiefs and career and volunteer firefighters, may not refuse where the danger is inherent in the work or a normal condition of employment, or where refusing would directly endanger another person [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 43(1)-(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). The full refusal process still applies to dangers that are not inherent, and the certified members’ work stoppage powers do not apply where firefighters are employed (s. 44(2)(a)). - **Mandatory certification is live.** Since 2026-07-01 a municipality may assign a listed service (firefighter, team lead, pump operator, prevention, investigation, education, training officer, communications, incident safety officer, hazardous materials) only to people certified to the listed NFPA professional qualification requirements, by the Fire Marshal or through a recognized IFSAC or Pro Board credential; technical rescue follows on 2028-07-01 [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). The probationer exception covers only exterior and interior attack, for 36 months, under certified supervision. - **One fire-specific OHS regulation.** Structural garments to NFPA 1971 (2007 edition); chassis-mounted aerial devices visually inspected at least once every calendar year and non-destructively tested at least every five years under NFPA 1914 (1991), with service records kept for the device’s life; enclosed cabs and belted seats; and no riding on a truck moving faster than 8 km/h unless seated in the cab [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, ss. 5-8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on). - **The Section 21 guidance notes are the standard of care.** The 93 notes cover apparatus, command, crew integrity, PPE, accountability and entry control, rapid intervention, rehabilitation, air management and training; inspectors apply them through the general duties to inform, instruct and take every reasonable precaution ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(a), (d), (h)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); MLITSD, n.d.). Rapid intervention teams have at least two firefighters, designated before crews enter (GN 6-11); two-in/two-out is not prescribed by law. - **Officers are supervisors.** A captain or acting officer has charge of a workplace or authority over workers and carries personal duties, including taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances, and must complete awareness training within one week of supervising ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 27](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on)). - **The committee works on a 21-day clock.** At 20 or more workers the committee has certified members on each side, meets at least every three months, inspects monthly or covers the whole workplace each year, designates a worker member to investigate deaths and critical injuries, and gets a written answer to recommendations within 21 days [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). One committee may serve several stations with the Minister’s permission (s. 9(3.1)); a representative is required at six to 19 workers (s. 8). - **Reporting is about deaths and critical injuries.** A death or critical injury from any cause at a workplace is reported at once to an inspector, the committee and the union, with a written report to a Director within 48 hours; the scene is left undisturbed; and a disabling injury needs written notice within four days ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 51-52](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 1). There is no notice of a collapse or explosion at a fire scene where nobody is hurt, so near-miss reporting is a department control (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 4). - **Volunteers.** The Act’s “worker” is a person paid for work, so members paid an honorarium or per call are workers in practice; the firefighter equipment regulation applies to every firefighter, volunteers included ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 1(1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on)). - **A licence exception for emergencies only.** Any licence except G1, G2 and the motorcycle classes lets a firefighter drive any class of vehicle, air brakes included, in an emergency in the performance of duties; returning from calls, training and maintenance runs need the proper class (Class D for apparatus over 11,000 kg) and the air brake endorsement [(Drivers’ Licences \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2, 22(a.1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-drivers-licences-on). A volunteer’s flashing green light confers no traffic privileges [(Highway Traffic Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 62(16)-(16.1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-highway-traffic-act-on). - **Presumptions reach volunteers.** Nineteen cancers with service minimums of 10 to 20 years, a heart injury within 24 hours of a fire scene or a training exercise that simulates a fire emergency, and PTSD, for full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters and fire investigators; chronic mental stress is compensable since 2018 ([Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 13(4), 14, 15.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); [Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-5](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on)). - **Community risk assessment.** A community risk assessment with nine profiles is completed at least every five years, reviewed every 12 months and used to inform decisions on the services provided [(Community Risk Assessments \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-community-risk-assessments-on). - **Changes in 2026 and 2027.** Administrative penalties under the fire protection statute began on 2026-01-01 [(Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 30.2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-fire-protection-and-prevention-act-1997-on); the move-over duty extends to work-related vehicles with amber lights on 2027-01-01 [(Highway Traffic Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 159)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-highway-traffic-act-on); and municipal privacy impact assessments and breach reporting start on 2027-01-01 [(Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 28, 30.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-municipal-freedom-of-information-and-protection-of-privacy-act-on). ## Commonly got wrong 1. **Treating every firefighter refusal as barred.** The limit covers only dangers inherent in or normal to the work and refusals that would directly endanger another person [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 43(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). Fix: a refusal procedure that separates inherent fireground risk from defects, such as a failed SCBA or an unsafe apparatus in the station, where the full process applies. See [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). 2. **Assigning uncertified members after 2026-07-01.** Fix: check rosters, apparatus staffing and acting-officer rules against certification, and read the probationer exception narrowly [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). See [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification). 3. **Driving apparatus back from a call on an ordinary licence.** The licence exception applies only in an emergency [(Drivers’ Licences \[ON\], 2026, s. 22(a.1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-drivers-licences-on). Fix: the proper class (Class D for apparatus over 11,000 kg) and the air brake endorsement for every non-emergency driver, with abstract checks. See [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing). 4. **Treating the Section 21 notes as optional reading.** Inspectors apply them through the general duties [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(h))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). Fix: map every note to a department procedure and re-pull the notes at each annual review, since several were revised in 2026. See [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). 5. **Missing the 48-hour written report or the union notice after a critical injury.** Fix: a reporting procedure with the critical injury definition and the 48-hour and four-day clocks ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 51-52](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 1). See [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation). 6. **Annual aerial inspection without the five-year non-destructive test.** Fix: a test calendar with both, out-of-service rules and life-of-device records [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on). See [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices). 7. **Running training entries under the confined space exemption.** The exemption covers emergency work only [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026, s. 3(2)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on). Fix: full program, plan, permit, attendant and rescue for training entries and station pits. See [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space). 8. **Assuming paid divers are exempt on emergency dives.** Only a voluntary, unpaid dive whose sole purpose is to respond to an imminent danger to life, health or safety falls outside the diving regulation [(Diving Operations \[ON\], 2026, s. 2(2)-(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-diving-operations-on). Fix: a dive program to the regulation for any paid dive team. See [J29 Occupational Diving](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j29-occupational-diving). 9. **Treating the green light as a privilege.** It confers none [(Highway Traffic Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 62(16))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-highway-traffic-act-on). Fix: a personal vehicle response procedure that follows every traffic rule. See [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing). 10. **Short-lived service records.** The presumptions run on 10 to 20 years of service, volunteer years included, and on smoking history for lung cancer [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, s. 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on). Fix: keep service, exposure and tobacco-history records permanently. See [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions). ## Compliance checklist Each row is a legal obligation, so it belongs in Stage 1; a row for a specialty service applies only where the department provides that service. The topic page gives the detail. | \# | Obligation | Source | Evidence a department holds | Topic page | |:---|:---|:---|:---|:---| | 1 | Written OHS policy, reviewed at least annually and posted, with a program to implement it, where more than five workers are regularly employed | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(j)-(k), (4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Signed policy; annual review record; program | [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) | | 2 | Violence and harassment policies reviewed at least annually; violence program, with risk assessment results given to the committee or representative; harassment program developed with the committee | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 32.0.1-32.0.8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Policies; risk assessment; investigation files | [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence); [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment) | | 3 | Joint committee at 20 or more workers, at least half non-managerial workers, two co-chairs, one certified member on each side, meetings at least every three months, names posted | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Membership and certification records; minutes | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 4 | Written answer to committee or representative recommendations within 21 days | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 8(12)-(13), 9(20)-(21))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Recommendation register | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 5 | Monthly workplace inspection or, where that is not practical, the whole workplace at least once a year with part each month, on a committee schedule | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9(26)-(28))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Inspection schedule and reports | [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) | | 6 | Worker member designated to investigate deaths and critical injuries; paid time for committee work | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9(31), (34)-(35))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Designation; investigation reports | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 7 | Health and safety representative at six to 19 workers | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Selection record; inspection reports | [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) | | 8 | Competent supervisors; supervisor awareness training within one week; worker awareness training | ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 25(2)(c), 27](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-2](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on)) | Officer competency records; training certificates | [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) | | 9 | Procedures built on the Section 21 notes: command, accountability and entry control, rapid intervention, air management, rehabilitation, roadway safety | ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(a), (d), (h)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); MLITSD, n.d.) | Note-to-procedure map; procedure manual | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) | | 10 | Structural garments to NFPA 1971 (2007) for anyone who may do interior attack; head protection with training and periodic inspection | [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, ss. 4-5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on) | PPE issue records; inspection log | [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment) | | 11 | Aerial devices inspected at least yearly and at set events; non-destructive testing at least every five years; out of service if a hazard is found; service records for the device’s life | [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on) | Inspection and test certificates; device records | [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices) | | 12 | Enclosed cabs and belted seats on trucks in service since the set dates; no riding on a truck moving over 8 km/h unless seated in the cab | [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, ss. 7-8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on) | Apparatus inventory; ride policy | [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) | | 13 | Written respirator measures and procedures; training before first use; NIOSH or CSA approved respirators | [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 9-10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on) | Respiratory program; training records | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) | | 14 | Fit testing to CSA Z94.4-18 for tight-fitting respirators; no facial hair at the seal; breathing air to CSA Z180.1-13, with compressor-supplied air tested at least every six months | [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 10, 12)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on) | Fit test records; air test certificates | [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) | | 15 | Fall arrest where a worker could fall more than 3 m in an industrial establishment | [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026, s. 85)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on) | Fall protection procedure; equipment records | [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) | | 16 | Confined space program, assessment, plan, training reviewed annually, entry permits, rescue and attendant; emergency work by firefighters protected by PPE, training and written procedures | [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026, ss. 3, 5-11, 15)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on) | Program; permits; rescue procedure | [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) | | 17 | Noise controlled to 85 dBA Lex; hearing protection with training where controls are not practical | [(Noise \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-noise-on) | Noise survey; protector training | [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) | | 18 | First aid boxes and qualified first aiders by workers per shift; boxes inspected quarterly; treatment records; boxes in vehicles that carry workers | [(First Aid Requirements \[ON\], 2026, ss. 5-16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-first-aid-requirements-on) | First aid roster; inspection cards | [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) | | 19 | Immediate notice of a death or critical injury; written report within 48 hours; scene preserved; written notice of a disabling injury within four days; notices kept three years | ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 51-52](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-6) | Reporting procedure; report copies | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) | | 20 | Notice to the Board within three days of learning of an injury that needs health care or causes lost earnings | [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 21)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on) | Injury report copies | [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) | | 21 | Refusal procedure for firefighters, with the inherent-danger limit and no reprisal | [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 43, 50)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on) | Procedure; refusal log | [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection) | | 22 | Members assigned to listed services certified to the listed standard by the deadline, or within an exception | [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on) | Certification register matched to assignments | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) | | 23 | Community risk assessment at least every five years, reviewed every 12 months, used to inform service decisions | [(Community Risk Assessments \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-community-risk-assessments-on) | Assessment; review records | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) | | 24 | Fire chief reports fires as an assistant to the Fire Marshal | [(Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 11)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-fire-protection-and-prevention-act-1997-on) | Fire report log | [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) | | 25 | The proper licence class (Class D for apparatus over 11,000 kg) and the air brake endorsement for non-emergency driving of apparatus; licence checks | [(Drivers’ Licences \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2, 22)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-drivers-licences-on) | Driver files; abstract checks | [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) | | 26 | Roadway scene procedure with blocking and apparel to the guidance; only police close a highway | (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-10) | Roadway procedure; apparel issue | [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) | | 27 | Paid dive teams run to the diving regulation even on emergency dives, with competency to CSA Z275.4-12 | [(Diving Operations \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2, 4.1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-diving-operations-on) | Dive program; diver competency records | [J29 Occupational Diving](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j29-occupational-diving) | | 28 | Service, exposure and tobacco-history records for every member, volunteers included, to prove the presumption conditions (this system’s recommendation) | ([Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 15.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); [Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, s. 5](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on)) | Member service and exposure log | [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) | | 29 | Personal information that has been used kept for the shorter of one year after use or the bylaw period; privacy impact assessment and breach reporting from 2027-01-01 | (General (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823) \[ON\], 2026, s. 5; [Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 28, 30.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-municipal-freedom-of-information-and-protection-of-privacy-act-on)) | Records schedule; privacy procedures | [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) | ## How to use this pack with the book The chapters of this book are written once for every Canadian fire department: where a requirement comes from provincial law, a chapter states it generically and links the topic page that holds each jurisdiction’s version. This pack collects Ontario’s section from every one of those topic pages, so an Ontario department can read its whole legal layer in one place and use the checklist above as the legal overlay for its gap assessment and audit. Adopt nothing from this pack without checking the official text of the statute or regulation and taking the advice of your own counsel. ## Requirements by topic Each section below is copied from the topic page it names; the topic page also shows every other jurisdiction for comparison. ### [J01 OHS Legislation, Regulator and Enforcement](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j01-ohs-legislation-regulator-and-enforcement) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 714/94 “Firefighters: Protective Equipment” is the only fire-specific regulation [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on); see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). The regulator is the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, which the Act calls the Ministry of Labour; the Chief Prevention Officer leads prevention [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 22.3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Reporting line.** The Health and Safety Contact Centre, 1-877-202-0008, “operates 24/7”; after a death or critical injury the employer must immediately notify the ministry, the joint committee or representative and the union [(MLITSD, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-mlitsd-2024). - **Posting.** A copy of the Act and the ministry’s explanatory material, in English and the majority language of the workplace [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(i))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); the OHS policy (s. 25(2)(k)); committee members’ names and work locations (s. 9(32)); inspectors’ orders and reports, which are also given to the committee (s. 57(10)); and a notice of compliance with the order for 14 days (s. 59(3)). Posting may be electronic where the Act allows it. - **Orders.** Compliance orders, oral or written, with a compliance plan if required (s. 57(1)-(5)); where there is danger, orders not to use equipment, to stop work, or to clear and isolate an area (s. 57(6)). The employer submits a notice of compliance within 3 days of achieving compliance, with a statement from a worker member of the committee or the representative (s. 59(1)-(2)). - **Appeal.** To the Ontario Labour Relations Board within 30 days of the order (s. 61(1)). - **Offences.** Individual: up to \$500,000 or 12 months, or both; corporation: up to \$2,000,000, with a minimum of \$500,000 for a second or later offence causing death or serious injury within two years; directors and officers who breach s. 32: up to \$1,500,000 or 12 months (s. 66(1)-(2.1)). Courts must weigh listed aggravating factors (s. 66(2.2)). - **Due diligence.** A statutory defence applies only to prosecutions under ss. 23(1), 25(1)(b)-(d) and 27(1) (s. 66(3)); the acts of managers, supervisors and agents are the employer’s acts (s. 66(4)). - **Administrative penalties.** Authorized since 2025-11-27 (s. 69.1); the prescribing regulation so far covers only a single contravention, outside fire department operations [(Administrative Penalties \[ON\], 2025, s. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-administrative-penalties-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Ontario Fire Service Section 21 Advisory Committee’s guidance notes show inspectors what precautions are reasonable; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - Captains, lieutenants and acting officers are supervisors with personal duties and must complete awareness training within one week; see [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors). - The certified-member work stoppage powers do not apply at a workplace where firefighters are employed [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 44(2)(a))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act from 2025-11-27 to the e-Laws currency date); the 24/7 line was read on the ministry page (updated 2024-01-02). O. Reg. 365/25 was not read. Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part III, ss. 25 to 32 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 25-32)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training, O. Reg. 297/13 [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on). **What must be covered.** - **Employer.** Strict duties: prescribed equipment, materials and protective devices provided, maintained and used as prescribed; PPE properly fitted and appropriate; prescribed measures and procedures carried out; structures able to carry their loads [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). General duties: information, instruction and supervision; appoint a competent person when appointing a supervisor; acquaint workers and supervisors with hazards; assist the committee; “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker”; post the Act and the OHS policy; share OHS reports with the committee (s. 25(2)). Additional duties as prescribed (s. 26). - **Supervisor: a separate duty-holder.** A supervisor is “a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker” (s. 1(1)). A supervisor must ensure that workers work in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures the law requires and wear the equipment the employer requires (s. 27(1)); advise workers of any potential or actual danger the supervisor knows of; give written instructions where prescribed; and “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker” (s. 27(2)). Supervisors complete basic awareness training within one week of performing work as a supervisor [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 2(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on). - **Worker.** Comply; use the equipment and clothing the employer requires; report missing or defective equipment, contraventions and hazards to the employer or supervisor; do not remove protective devices, work in a way that may endanger anyone, or engage in pranks or horseplay [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 28)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). - **Others.** Constructors (s. 23); owners of workplaces that are not projects (s. 29); project owners on designated substances (s. 30); suppliers of rented or leased machines and equipment (s. 31(1)); architects and engineers whose negligent advice endangers a worker (s. 31(2)); directors and officers of a corporation, who “shall take all reasonable care” that it complies (s. 32). - **Liability through people.** The act or neglect of a manager, agent, representative, officer, director or supervisor of the accused is the act of the accused (s. 66(4)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Captains, lieutenants and acting officers have authority over workers, so they are s. 27 supervisors with personal duties and need the one-week awareness training and competence under s. 25(2)(c); build this into officer development and acting-rank rules. - The Section 21 guidance notes rest on s. 25(2)(a), (d) and (h), which is how inspectors apply them to fire departments; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - A “worker” is paid “for monetary compensation” (s. 1(1)); volunteers paid an honorarium or per call are likely workers (interpretation); see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). - How s. 32 applies to municipal councillors and senior officials is a question for the municipality’s solicitor. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act from 2025-11-27 to the e-Laws currency date; O. Reg. 297/13 current). Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J03 OHS Policy and Program](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j03-ohs-policy-and-program) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 25(2)(j)-(k), 25(4), 32.0.1, 32.0.2 and 32.0.6 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Policy and program together.** The employer must “prepare and review at least annually a written occupational health and safety policy and develop and maintain a program to implement that policy” (s. 25(2)(j)), and post the policy in a conspicuous place or a readily accessible electronic format (s. 25(2)(k)). This does not apply where five or fewer workers are regularly employed, unless prescribed (s. 25(4)). - **Program elements.** None prescribed in the Act. - **Violence and harassment.** Policies on workplace violence and workplace harassment are required at every workplace and reviewed at least annually; they must be written and posted unless five or fewer workers are regularly employed (s. 32.0.1). Programs implement them (s. 32.0.2), and the harassment program is developed and maintained in consultation with the committee or representative (s. 32.0.6(1)). **Fire-service nuance.** - With no prescribed program contents, Ontario inspectors judge the program against the Act’s general duties and the Section 21 guidance notes; this system’s program structure supplies the content; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - The threshold counts workers, who are paid; whether honorarium or per-call volunteers count is an interpretation; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act from 2025-11-27 to the e-Laws currency date). Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J04 Hazard Assessment and Workplace Inspections](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j04-hazard-assessment-and-workplace-inspections) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 8(6)-(7), 9(18)(a), 9(23)-(30), 25(2)(d), (h) and 32.0.3 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Hazard duty.** No general written hazard assessment duty. The employer must acquaint workers and supervisors with any hazard in the work (s. 25(2)(d)) and “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances” (s. 25(2)(h)). The committee’s function is to “identify situations that may be a source of danger or hazard to workers” (s. 9(18)(a)). - **Workplace violence assessment.** The employer must assess the risks of workplace violence arising from the nature of the workplace, the type of work or the conditions of work, considering circumstances common to similar workplaces and specific to its own, give the results to the committee or representative, and reassess as often as necessary (s. 32.0.3); see [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence). - **Committee inspections.** The worker members designate a worker member, if possible a certified member, to inspect the physical condition of the workplace (s. 9(23)-(24)), at least once a month (s. 9(26)); where that is not practical, at least once a year with at least part inspected each month (s. 9(27)), on a schedule set by the committee (s. 9(28)). The employer and workers give the member the information and assistance needed (s. 9(29)), and the member reports hazards to the committee, which considers them within a reasonable time (s. 9(30)). - **Representative inspections.** Where there is a representative instead, the representative inspects at least monthly, or yearly with part each month (s. 8(6)-(7)). - **Employer inspections.** The Act fixes no employer inspection interval; it is part of the reasonable-precaution duty. **Fire-service nuance.** - Multi-station departments that ask the Minister for one committee covering several workplaces can arrange for a worker who is not a committee member to do the station inspections (s. 9(3.2)); see [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative). - The Section 21 guidance notes act as Ontario’s incident-type hazard assessments for many operations; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act from 2025-11-27 to the e-Laws currency date). Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J05 Joint Committee and Health and Safety Representative](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j05-joint-committee-and-health-and-safety-representative) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 7.6, 8 and 9 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 7.6, 8, 9)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training, s. 5 [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on). **What must be covered.** - **Threshold.** A committee at a workplace where 20 or more workers are regularly employed, or where a s. 33 order is in effect or a designated-substance regulation applies [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). The Minister may permit one committee for more than one workplace, and in that order may let worker members designate a non-member worker to do inspections (s. 9(3.1)-(3.2)). A representative where no committee is required and more than five workers are regularly employed (s. 8(1)). - **Composition.** At least 2 members where fewer than 50 workers are regularly employed and at least 4 where 50 or more (s. 9(6)); at least half are workers who do not exercise managerial functions (s. 9(7)), selected by the workers or their union (s. 9(8)); the employer selects the rest from managers (s. 9(9)); two co-chairs, one selected by each side (s. 9(11)). - **Meetings and minutes.** At least once every three months, or more often if the Minister orders (s. 9(33)). The committee keeps minutes and makes them available to an inspector (s. 9(22)); there is no duty to post them. The employer posts members’ names and work locations, or keeps them in a readily accessible electronic format (s. 9(32)). - **Response clock.** The employer must respond in writing within 21 days to written recommendations from the committee or a co-chair, with a timetable for those it accepts and reasons for those it does not (s. 9(20)-(21)); either co-chair may make written recommendations if the committee cannot agree (s. 9(19.1)). The same applies to a representative’s recommendations (s. 8(12)-(13)). - **Functions.** Identify hazards; recommend improvements and the establishment, maintenance and monitoring of programs, measures and procedures; obtain information on hazards and on tests; be consulted on, and have a worker member present at the start of, testing (s. 9(18)). Inspections by a designated worker member monthly, or yearly with part each month (s. 9(23)-(28)). The worker members designate one or more members to investigate deaths and critical injuries, inspect the place and report to a Director and the committee (s. 9(31)), and may share findings with an inspector (s. 9(31.1)). - **Certification and paid time.** At least one employer member and one worker member must be certified (s. 9(12)); the Chief Prevention Officer sets the certification requirements (s. 7.6), and the employer carries out the certification training programs [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 5(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on). The current standard has Part One and Part Two training and a refresher. Members get at least one hour to prepare for each meeting and the time to attend meetings, inspect and investigate, all paid at the regular or premium rate, and certification time is paid [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9(34)-(36))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - **Multi-station departments.** One department-wide committee normally needs a Minister’s order under s. 9(3.1); the order can also provide for station inspections by designated workers. - **Volunteers.** A worker is paid “for monetary compensation” (s. 1(1)); volunteers paid an honorarium or per call are likely workers who count and can sit as members (interpretation); see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). - Certified members’ work-stoppage powers do not apply where firefighters are employed (s. 44(2)(a)); see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). **Status.** Partly verified: the Act and O. Reg. 297/13 were read on e-Laws on 2026-10-23; the content and durations of the Chief Prevention Officer’s certification standard were not read. ### [J06 Written Procedures and Committee Consultation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j06-written-procedures-and-committee-consultation) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 9(18), 11, 26(1)(k), 27(2)(b), 32.0.2, 32.0.6 and 42 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Confined Spaces, O. Reg. 632/05, ss. 5 and 8 [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026, ss. 5, 8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on). **What must be covered.** - **General.** No general written-procedure duty. Written instructions are required “where so prescribed”, from the employer and the supervisor [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 26(1)(k), 27(2)(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). Written programs are required for workplace violence and harassment (ss. 32.0.2, 32.0.6) and under specific regulations, such as the confined space program [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026, s. 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on). - **Consultation.** The committee may recommend “the establishment, maintenance and monitoring of programs, measures and procedures” [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 9(18)(c))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). The employer must consult the committee or representative on proposed industrial hygiene testing strategies (s. 11); develop the harassment program in consultation with them (s. 32.0.6(1)); develop and implement WHMIS instruction and training in consultation with them and review it with them at least annually (s. 42(2)-(3)); and develop and maintain the confined space program, and its training, in consultation with them [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026, ss. 5(3), 8(3)-(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Section 21 guidance notes are not law, but inspectors use them, through the general duties, as the measure of a reasonable procedure library; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). - The confined space firefighter exemption covers emergency work only; training entries need the program and the consultation; see [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act and regulation to the e-Laws currency date). Section numbers, thresholds and amounts re-checked against the same consolidations on 2026-10-24. ### [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 43, 44 and 50 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 43-44, 50)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Grounds.** A worker may refuse where they have reason to believe that equipment, a machine, device or thing is likely to endanger them or another worker; that the physical condition of the workplace is likely to endanger them; that workplace violence is likely to endanger them; or that a contravention of the Act or regulations is likely to endanger them or another worker (s. 43(3)). - **Steps.** 1. The worker promptly reports to the employer or supervisor, who investigates “forthwith” with the worker and a worker member of the committee, the representative, or a worker chosen by the union or the workers, who must attend without delay (s. 43(4)). 2. The worker stays in a safe place near the work station and available (s. 43(5)). 3. If the worker still has reasonable grounds, an inspector is notified, investigates and gives a written decision (s. 43(6)-(9)). 4. Pending the inspector, the worker stays in a safe place during normal hours unless given reasonable alternative work or other directions (s. 43(10)-(10.1)). - **Giving the work to someone else.** No worker may be assigned to the equipment or area under investigation unless told of the refusal and the reasons, in the presence of a worker member of the committee, the representative or a worker representative (s. 43(11)-(12)). - **Pay.** The worker representatives who take part are deemed at work and paid (s. 43(13)). - **Reprisal.** No dismissal, discipline, suspension, penalty, intimidation or coercion because a worker acted in compliance with the Act or sought its enforcement (s. 50(1)). The worker may go to arbitration under a collective agreement or file a complaint with the Ontario Labour Relations Board; an inspector may refer a matter with the worker’s consent (s. 50(2)-(2.1)). The burden of proof that the employer did not contravene s. 50(1) “lies upon the employer” (s. 50(5)). No filing deadline is set in s. 50. **Fire-service nuance.** - **The firefighter limit, verbatim.** “This section does not apply to a worker described in subsection (2), (a) when a circumstance described in clause (3)(a), (b), (b.1) or (c) is inherent in the worker’s work or is a normal condition of the worker’s employment; or (b) when the worker’s refusal to work would directly endanger the life, health or safety of another person” (s. 43(1)). Subsection (2) includes “a firefighter as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997” (s. 43(2)(b)), which covers career, part-time and volunteer firefighters. - **What stays refusable.** A danger that is not inherent or normal, such as a failed SCBA, an apparatus defect, a missing rescue team or a task beyond the member’s training, keeps the full s. 43 process, provided refusing would not directly endanger someone else. - **No work stoppage.** The certified-member work stoppage powers (ss. 45 to 49) do not apply “to a workplace at which firefighters are employed” (s. 44(2)(a)). - **Unpaid volunteers.** The Act’s “worker” requires monetary compensation, so unpaid volunteers may fall outside s. 50; paid-on-call members are covered (interpretation; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to 2026-10-20). ### [J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 9(31) and 51 to 53 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 9(31), 51-53)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 420/21, Notices and Reports, ss. 1 to 7 (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-7); Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, s. 21 [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 21)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). **What must be covered.** - **Deaths and critical injuries.** Where a person is killed or critically injured “from any cause” at a workplace, the employer notifies an inspector, the committee or representative and the union “immediately … by telephone or other direct means”, and sends a written report to a Director, with copies to the committee, representative and union, within 48 hours (s. 51(1)). The report’s content is prescribed (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 3). Reports go to the Health and Safety Contact Centre, 1-877-202-0008, which operates 24/7 [(MLITSD, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-mlitsd-2024); written reports may be filed through a government website form (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 7). - **Critical injury.** One that places life in jeopardy; produces unconsciousness; results in substantial loss of blood; involves a fracture of a leg or arm (not a finger or toe); involves amputation of a leg, arm, hand or foot (not a finger or toe); consists of burns to a major portion of the body; or causes loss of sight in an eye (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 1). - **Disabling injuries.** Where a worker is disabled from performing their usual work or needs medical attention because of an accident, explosion, fire or workplace violence, written notice within four days to the committee, representative and union; to a Director only if an inspector requires it (s. 52(1)). Occupational illnesses, including a compensation claim for one, are reported within four days to a Director, the committee or representative and the union (s. 52(2)-(3)). - **No-injury events.** Explosions, fires, floods, collapses and equipment failures are notifiable under s. 53 only at construction projects, mines and other prescribed places, not at a fire department (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 4). - **Scene.** No one may interfere with or disturb the scene of a death or critical injury without an inspector’s permission, except to save life or relieve human suffering, maintain an essential public utility or transportation service, or prevent unnecessary damage (s. 51(2)). - **Investigation.** The worker members of the committee must designate one or more of their number “to investigate cases where a worker is killed or critically injured at a workplace from any cause”; the designate may inspect the place and anything involved and reports to a Director and the committee (s. 9(31)), and may share findings with an inspector (s. 9(31.1)). The Act sets no separate employer investigation clock. - **Compensation report.** Within three days of learning of an accident that needs health care or causes lost earnings, with a copy to the worker [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 21)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). This report is not notice under s. 51. **Fire-service nuance.** - **The fire scene is the firefighter’s workplace.** A member killed or critically injured at an incident triggers s. 51, including the 48-hour written report and the scene rule. “From any cause” is read as needing a reasonable connection to worker safety. - **No near-miss notice.** A collapse or explosion at a fire with no injury is not notifiable to the ministry; the department’s own near-miss and learning process has to carry it. - **Highway collisions.** The report-content rules “do not apply” to motor vehicle collisions on a highway unless the worker was at a project or “was not travelling in the motor vehicle” (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 2(2)). A firefighter struck while working on the roadway is in scope; how s. 51 treats occupants of an apparatus in a highway crash should be confirmed with the ministry. - **Paid-on-call members.** They are workers for these duties; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters) for unpaid volunteers. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act and regulation consolidated to 2026-10-20; WSIA consolidation read). The highway collision application is not confirmed. ### [J09 Records Retention](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j09-records-retention) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 26(1)(c)-(d) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 26)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 420/21, s. 6 (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 6); O. Reg. 714/94, s. 6 [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on); O. Reg. 632/05 [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on); O. Reg. 297/13, s. 4 [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on); R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823, s. 5 (General (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823) \[ON\], 2026, s. 5); R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 1101, s. 5 [(First Aid Requirements \[ON\], 2026, s. 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-first-aid-requirements-on). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** The program’s contents are not prescribed, so there is no general records duty; the employer must keep records of the handling, storage, use and disposal of biological, chemical or physical agents, and of workers’ exposure to them, “as prescribed”, and make exposure records available to the worker (s. 26(1)(c)-(d)). - **Retention periods.** - Notices and reports of deaths, injuries and illnesses: at least three years (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 6). - Aerial device service records: for the life of the device [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 6(7))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on). - Confined space records: the longer of one year or the two most recent (O. Reg. 632/05). - Awareness training records: proof of training on request, up to six months after the worker leaves [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on). - First aid treatment records must be kept [(First Aid Requirements \[ON\], 2026, s. 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-first-aid-requirements-on), with no period stated. - Personal information that has been used: the shorter of one year after use or the period in a municipal bylaw or resolution (General (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823) \[ON\], 2026, s. 5). - **Exposure and health records.** No general rule for firefighter exposure or medical records was found. **Fire-service nuance.** - **Permanent service records.** The presumptions run on total years of service, volunteer years included, and on smoking history for lung cancer; keep service, exposure and tobacco-history attestations permanently (this system’s recommendation). - **Bylaw periods.** Check that the municipal records bylaw does not set a short period for personal information that includes exposure or attendance records. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act and regulations consolidated to 2026-10-20). The confined space record section is not confirmed. ### [J10 Privacy and Health Information](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j10-privacy-and-health-information) **Law.** Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, ss. 28, 30, 30.1 and 52(3) [(Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 28, 30-30.1, 52)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-municipal-freedom-of-information-and-protection-of-privacy-act-on); R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823, s. 5 (General (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823) \[ON\], 2026, s. 5); Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, s. 3 [(Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 \[ON\], 2004, s. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-personal-health-information-protection-act-2004-on). **What must be covered.** - **Access and privacy.** MFIPPA governs municipal institutions. Personal information that has been used is kept for “the shorter of one year after use or the period set out in a by-law or resolution” (General (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823) \[ON\], 2026, s. 5). - **New duties from 2027-01-01.** A written privacy impact assessment before collecting personal information (s. 28(3)-(4)); a duty to protect personal information against theft, loss and unauthorized use (s. 30(5)); and mandatory reporting of a breach to the Information and Privacy Commissioner, with notice to the people affected, where there is “a real risk of significant harm”, plus a breach register (s. 30.1). - **Employment records.** The Act does not apply to records about labour relations or employment-related matters in which the institution has an interest (s. 52(3)). - **Health information.** A fire department is not listed as a health information custodian; an ambulance service is (PHIPA s. 3(1), para. 4). A “health care practitioner” is a custodian (para. 1), so physicians and nurses who do firefighter medicals are custodians of the information they hold. **Fire-service nuance.** - **Member health files may sit outside MFIPPA.** Because of the employment exclusion, much of the member medical file the department holds as employer may fall outside MFIPPA (interpretation; confirm with the municipal clerk). Protect it by policy and contract; do not treat the exclusion as permission to share it. - **Plan the 2027 assessments.** New exposure-tracking or wellness systems introduced after 2026-12-31 will need a written privacy impact assessment first. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (MFIPPA consolidated from 2026-07-01; PHIPA from 2026-01-01). How the employment exclusion applies to member health files is interpretation. ### [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(1), 9 and 50 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 1, 9, 50)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 714/94, s. 2 [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on); Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, ss. 2(1), 14, 15.1, 40, 41, 70 and 78(3) [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 2, 14, 15.1, 40-41, 70, 78)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); O. Reg. 253/07, ss. 2, 3 and 5 [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-3, 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on). **What must be covered.** - **OHS status.** A “worker” performs work or supplies services “for monetary compensation” (s. 1(1)); unpaid persons are workers only if prescribed, and none is prescribed for firefighters. Volunteers paid an honorarium or per-call rate are in practice workers (interpretation). The firefighter equipment regulation applies “to every firefighter and to every employer of a firefighter” using the fire statute’s definition, which includes volunteers [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on). - **Committee.** Paid volunteers who are non-managerial workers at the workplace may sit (s. 9(7)) and should be counted toward the 20-worker threshold (interpretation; no ministry statement found). - **Refusal and reprisal.** The firefighter limit in s. 43 applies to volunteers. Reprisal protection (s. 50) protects “workers”, so paid-on-call members are covered and unpaid volunteers may not be (interpretation; see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection)). - **Compensation.** “Worker” includes “a member of a municipal volunteer fire brigade whose membership has been approved by the chief of the fire department” [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 2(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); the municipality is the deemed employer (s. 70) and sets each member’s deemed earnings in its annual statement (s. 78(3)). - **Presumptions.** The cancer presumptions cover full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters and fire investigators [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, s. 2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on) who “served as a volunteer firefighter” or were employed for a total of at least 10, 15 or 20 years depending on the cancer (s. 5). All periods count, “whether consecutive or non-consecutive”, and a period served in two capacities at once “shall be counted only once” (s. 5(6)). A heart injury while, or within 24 hours of, attending a fire scene or “actively participating in a training exercise … that involves a simulated fire emergency” is presumed (s. 3; [Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 15.1(1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on)). Post-traumatic stress is presumed for volunteer firefighters [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 14)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). There is no participation percentage. - **Return to work.** For volunteers the deemed employer need not re-employ; the day-job employer must, and the municipality pays the costs [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 40(4)-(4.1), 41(16)-(17))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - **Approval by the chief.** Compensation coverage depends on the chief’s approval of membership; record it. - **Training counts for the heart presumption.** Log live-fire training attendance per member, because a heart injury within 24 hours of a simulated fire emergency is covered. - **Unpaid members.** A department that pays nothing should extend refusal and reprisal protection by policy. **Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (Acts and regulations consolidated to 2026-10-20). Worker status of paid volunteers and their committee eligibility are interpretations. ### [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 25(2)(a), (d) and (h) general duties, s. 27 supervisors, and s. 21 advisory committees [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 21, 25, 27)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 714/94 Firefighters: Protective Equipment, the only fire-specific OHS regulation [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on); Reg. 833 for respirators [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on). Guidance, not law: the 93 Section 21 Firefighter Guidance Notes (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **O. Reg. 714/94** applies to every firefighter as defined in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 (career and volunteer) and every employer of one (ss. 1-2). It covers head protection (s. 4), structural garments to NFPA 1971 (2007) for anyone who may do interior structural suppression (s. 5), aerial devices (s. 6), enclosed cabs, seats and seat belts (ss. 7, 7.1), and a ban on riding a fire truck moving faster than 8 km/h unless seated in the cab (s. 8). A variation is allowed only with 60 days’ written notice to a Director, the committee and the union, or an engineer’s certification (s. 3). - **It says nothing about** SCBA, PASS, radios, team size, rapid intervention, incident command or accountability. Those duties come from the general duties: information, instruction and supervision (s. 25(2)(a)), acquainting workers with hazards (s. 25(2)(d)) and “every precaution reasonable in the circumstances” (s. 25(2)(h)). The guidance notes cite these clauses as their legal hook, and the ministry says inspectors “apply the law based on the facts in the workplace” (MLITSD, n.d.). - **Guidance notes on the fireground** (93 notes in seven sections; index updated 2025-08-20, individual notes revised to 2026): - incident command (GN 2-1), crew integrity (GN 2-2), radio communications (GN 2-3) and the incident safety officer (GN 2-4); - accountability and entry control: track “location, movement, status, crew integrity and time on air”, with a written protocol for accountability officers (GN 5-1); - rapid intervention: “rapid intervention teams of at least two firefighters”, with the initial team designated before a crew enters a controlled area (GN 6-11, revised 2026-03-31); - PASS: “every firefighter performing structural fire fighting has a PASS attached” to the SCBA, to the latest NFPA 1970 (GN 4-4, revised 2026-08-10); - rehabilitation to the NFPA rehabilitation standard, with fluids of 250 to 400 mL during rehabilitation and 500 mL at the end, and active cooling above 25 °C (GN 6-12); - SCBA air management and work cycles (GN 6-43); respiratory protection program (GN 4-9, revised 2026-08-12). - **Two-in/two-out** is not prescribed by law and is not named in the notes; the rapid intervention note is the closest provision. **Fire-service nuance.** - Firefighters (career and volunteer) may not refuse where the danger is inherent in or a normal condition of the work, or where refusing would directly endanger someone else, and certified committee members cannot stop work at a firefighter workplace [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 43(1)-(2), 44(2)(a))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). - Captains and acting officers are s. 27 supervisors with personal duties; see [J02 Duties of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Contractors](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j02-duties-of-employers-supervisors-workers-and-contractors). - Ontario is the only jurisdiction found with a provincial fire-service OHS advisory committee (the Section 21 committee). Its notes map almost one-to-one to a hazard-specific procedure library; re-check them at every review, because four were revised in 2026. - Since 2026-07-01, firefighters performing the incident safety officer role must be certified to NFPA 1521 (2020) chapter 5 under O. Reg. 343/22; see [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification). - Unpaid volunteers’ status as “workers” under the Act is an interpretation, though O. Reg. 714/94 reaches them through the fire statute’s definition; see [J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (e-Laws current to 2026-10-20; guidance notes index and notes 4-4, 4-9, 5-1, 6-11, 6-12 and 6-43 read). The content of GN 2-1 to 2-4 was checked by title only. ### [J13 Firefighter PPE and Protective Equipment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j13-firefighter-ppe-and-protective-equipment) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 25 to 28 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 714/94, ss. 3 to 5 [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on); Reg. 851, ss. 79 to 84 where it applies [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on). Guidance: Section 21 notes 4-1, 4-2, 4-8 and 4-10 (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** The employer provides prescribed equipment and protective devices, maintains them in good condition, ensures PPE fits and is appropriate, and ensures it is used [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(1)(a), (b), (b.1), (d))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); supervisors ensure use (s. 27(1)(b)); workers use or wear it and report absent or defective equipment (s. 28(1)(b)-(c)). - **General standards.** Where Reg. 851 applies, workers are trained in care and use before use, and head, eye and foot protection must be “appropriate in the circumstances” [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026, ss. 79-82)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on); no CSA standard is named. - **Firefighter head protection.** Appropriate in the circumstances, with training and periodic inspection [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on). - **Structural garments.** Anyone who may do interior structural suppression gets garments meeting NFPA 1971 (2007) if made on or after 2007-03-01, or CAN/CGSB-155.1-M88 if made earlier (s. 5). - **SCBA and PASS** are not in O. Reg. 714/94; respirators fall under Reg. 833 (see [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air)), and GN 4-4 expects a PASS on every structural firefighter’s SCBA. - **Care (guidance).** Care, maintenance, inspection and replacement to NFPA 1851, with “no longer than a 10-year life cycle”, and decontamination of contaminated PPE (MLITSD, n.d., GN 4-8). **Fire-service nuance.** - A variation from O. Reg. 714/94 needs 60 days’ written notice to a Director, the committee and the union, or an engineer’s certification (s. 3). - Whether a fire station is an “industrial establishment” under Reg. 851 is not settled by the text; the department should apply its PPE sections to station and shop work as a precaution. - GN 6-10 notes that bunker gear does not meet the reflectivity requirements of CSA Z96-15; see [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (e-Laws current to 2026-10-20; guidance notes read). ### [J14 Respiratory Protection, Fit Testing and Breathing Air](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j14-respiratory-protection-fit-testing-and-breathing-air) **Law.** Reg. 833, Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, ss. 1, 9 to 13 [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1, 9-13)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on). Guidance: Section 21 guidance note 4-9, revised 2026-08-12 (MLITSD, n.d., GN 4-9). **What must be covered.** - **Program.** Written measures and procedures for selecting, caring for and using respirators, including inspection and maintenance, proper fitting, and cleaning and disinfecting, with training before first use (s. 9). - **Approval.** Respirators approved by NIOSH or CSA (or an equivalent agency on a qualified person’s opinion) and meeting the assigned protection factors in Schedule 2 (s. 10(1)). - **Fit test.** Every tight-fitting respirator is fit tested by a qualitative method in Annex B or a quantitative method in Annex C of CAN/CSA-Z94.4-18 (ss. 1, 12(1)); positive and negative pressure user seal checks before every use of a tight-fitting elastomeric respirator (s. 12(2)). Reg. 833 sets no interval. - **Facial hair.** A tight-fitting respirator may not be provided to or used by a worker with facial hair between the seal and the face (s. 12(3)). - **Breathing air.** Table 1 of CAN/CSA-Z180.1-13 (R2018); where a compressor operating above 103.4 kPa supplies the air, the air is tested at least once every six months; intakes are located to the standard; an oil-lubricated compressor needs a continuous carbon monoxide monitor alarming at 5 ppm (s. 10(5)). - **Medical.** No medical evaluation is prescribed; a worker may not be assigned to work requiring a respirator unless physically able to do it while wearing one (s. 11(2)). - **Guidance.** GN 4-9 recommends fit testing “for all respirators every 2 years” per CSA Z94.4, quantitative fit testing for SCBA, and cites NFPA 1970 and CSA Z180.1 (MLITSD, n.d., GN 4-9). **Fire-service nuance.** - Annual SCBA fit testing is NFPA practice, not Ontario law; present it in the program as a department standard above the two-year floor [(NFPA 1550, 2024)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-nfpa-1550). - GN 1-9 expects cylinders to be visually inspected before they are filled and after every use, and emptied and refilled when unused for 12 months; it names CSA Z180.1 for air purity and CSA B340 for cylinder handling and filling (MLITSD, n.d., GN 1-9). - Reg. 833 was amended in 2026 (O. Reg. 113/26); recheck the consolidation at each review. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-24 (e-Laws current to 2026-10-20; GN 4-9 and GN 1-9 read). ### [J15 Equipment Inspection, Ladders and Aerial Devices](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j15-equipment-inspection-ladders-and-aerial-devices) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 25(1)(b) [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 714/94, s. 6 [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on); Reg. 851, ss. 51 and 73 where it applies [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on). Guidance: Section 21 notes 1-2, 1-6, 4-11 and 7-7 (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **General duty.** Equipment, materials and protective devices are maintained in good condition [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(1)(b))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); no general periodic inspection interval exists in Reg. 851. - **Chassis-mounted aerial devices [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on).** Visually inspected by a competent person at the times the manufacturer recommends and “at least once every calendar year”, and also before first use, after every major repair, after unusual stress or load, and when maximum loads may have been exceeded; tested non-destructively when a visual inspection shows a potential hazard and at least every five years; both to NFPA 1914 (1991), excluding s. 1-7. A device with a hazard is taken out of service, repaired by a competent person, and any welds approved by a CSA W178.2 Level III welding inspector. Service records of inspections, tests, problems, repairs and the competent persons’ names and signatures are kept for as long as the device is in service (s. 6(2)-(7)). - **Lifting devices.** Examined by a competent person before first use and at least yearly, with a signed record kept at least one year or until two records exist [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026, s. 51)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on). - **Portable ladders.** Sound, with non-slip feet and firm footing; held by a worker if longer than 6 m and not secured; base set back one quarter to one third of the length (s. 73). - **Guidance.** A preventive maintenance program for apparatus against NFPA 1910, with records of date, odometer, inspection and repairs (GN 1-2); inspection of chains, webbing, wire rope and extrication tools (GN 1-6); ladder belts as work positioning on aerial ladders, with anchors of at least 2 kN for travel restraint and 8 kN for fall arrest (GN 4-11); ground ladder training (GN 7-7) (MLITSD, n.d.). **Fire-service nuance.** - Ontario sets no legal ground ladder standard for fire departments; whether Reg. 851 reaches a fire station is an interpretation, so adopt NFPA ground ladder testing by policy. - Elevating work platform rules for construction projects [(Construction Projects \[ON\], 2026, ss. 143-149)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-construction-projects-on) are revoked on 2027-01-01, and a separate elevating work platform regulation was filed in 2026 (O. Reg. 117/26); its scope was not read. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (e-Laws current to 2026-10-20; O. Reg. 714/94 s. 6 read in full). ### [J16 Fall Protection and Rope Access](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j16-fall-protection-and-rope-access) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 25(2)(h) general duty [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Reg. 851, Industrial Establishments, s. 85 [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026, s. 85)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on); O. Reg. 213/91, Construction Projects, s. 26 and following, on construction projects only [(Construction Projects \[ON\], 2026, s. 26)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-construction-projects-on); O. Reg. 297/13, working at heights training, construction only [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, ss. 6-8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on); O. Reg. 343/22, Firefighter Certification [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, s. 2, Table 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). Guidance: Section 21 guidance notes 1-5, 4-11, 6-4, 6-14, 6-29, 6-40 and 7-7 (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **Trigger.** Where a worker may fall to a surface “more than three metres below”, a serviceable safety belt or harness and lifeline secured to a fixed support, with free fall limited to 1.5 m, capacity for twice the load and energy, and a shock absorber limiting the arrest force to 8.0 kN [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026, s. 85)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on). - **Construction projects.** On a project (for example a station renovation by department staff), O. Reg. 213/91 applies its own triggers, guardrails and written instructions (s. 26 and following), and workers need an approved working at heights training program, valid for three years from completion [(Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training \[ON\], 2026, ss. 7-8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-awareness-and-training-on). - **Aerial ladders.** Guidance: a ladder belt used as a work-positioning device on aerial ladders; travel restraint anchors of at least 2 kN and fall-arrest and fall-restricting anchors of at least 8 kN (MLITSD, n.d., GN 4-11). - **Life safety rope.** Guidance: a complete use history for each rope, reuse criteria (no damage, no heat, flame, abrasion, impact load or chemical exposure, inspection before and after each use), and retirement on doubt (MLITSD, n.d., GN 1-5). - **Rope rescue certification.** A department that provides rope rescue must have its members certified to [NFPA 1006 (2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-nfpa-1006) chapter 5 at the Operations (5.2) or Technician (5.3) level for that service from 2028-07-01 [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, Table 1, items 30-31)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - No emergency relief. Section 85 applies in stations and on training towers; at emergency scenes inspectors apply the general duty to take “every precaution reasonable in the circumstances”, with the Section 21 notes as the benchmark, although the notes say they do not replace the law (MLITSD, n.d.). - Guidance note 6-4 names skill fade as the main rope rescue hazard and calls for regular, ongoing practice. - No rope access regulation reaches fire department rescue work. **Status.** Verified against the official text (e-Laws, current to 2026-10-20): Reg. 851 s. 85 and O. Reg. 343/22 Table 1 read on 2026-10-23; O. Reg. 213/91 ss. 26 to 26.3 and O. Reg. 297/13 ss. 7 to 8 read on 2026-10-24; guidance notes read. ### [J17 Confined Space](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j17-confined-space) **Law.** O. Reg. 632/05, Confined Spaces [(Confined Spaces \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-21)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-confined-spaces-on); O. Reg. 343/22, Firefighter Certification [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, Table 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). Guidance: Section 21 guidance note 6-5, confined space rescue (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-5). **What must be covered.** - **Program and plan.** A written program (s. 5), an assessment by a qualified person (s. 6) and a written plan (s. 7). - **Atmosphere.** An “acceptable atmosphere” has oxygen of 19.5 to 23 percent and flammable gas below 25 percent of the LEL for inspection only, below 10 percent for cold work and below 5 percent for hot work, which also needs oxygen of no more than 23 percent, continuous monitoring and alarm and exit provisions (ss. 1, 19(4)); contaminants within the Reg. 833 and designated substance limits. - **Permit.** An entry permit for each entry (s. 10). - **Rescue.** Written on-site rescue procedures ready for immediate use, and enough persons trained in the procedures, first aid, CPR and the rescue equipment available before anyone enters (s. 11). - **Attendant.** An attendant outside who never enters (s. 15). - **Testing.** By a qualified person with calibrated instruments, results recorded (s. 18). - **Training.** Adequate training by a qualified trainer, developed with the committee, “reviewed … whenever there is a change in circumstances … and in any case at least once annually”, with written records (s. 8). - **Certification.** A department that provides confined space rescue must have members certified to [NFPA 1006 (2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-nfpa-1006) chapter 7 at the Operations (7.2) or Technician (7.3) level for that service from 2028-07-01 [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, Table 1, items 34-35)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - **The exemption, verbatim.** “Sections 4 to 7 and 9 to 21 of this Regulation do not apply to emergency work performed by, (a) a firefighter as defined in subsection 1 (1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997” (s. 3(2)). Such workers “shall be adequately protected by, (a) personal protective equipment, clothing and devices provided by the worker’s employer; (b) training under section 8 provided by that employer; and (c) written procedures and other measures developed by that employer” (s. 3(3)). “Emergency work” means work “in connection with an unforeseen event that involves an imminent danger to the life, health or safety of any person” (s. 1). - Section 8 (training, with the annual review) is not exempted, so firefighters need it too. - Guidance note 6-5 says that where a department provides contracted standby rescue to industry, all of the regulation applies and crews must be able to carry out the client’s on-site rescue plan immediately (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-5). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (O. Reg. 632/05 ss. 1, 3 and 8 and O. Reg. 343/22 Table 1 read in e-Laws, current to 2026-10-20). The hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide values in Reg. 833 were not extracted. ### [J18 Excavation and Trench](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j18-excavation-and-trench) **Law.** O. Reg. 213/91, Construction Projects, Part III (excavations) and s. 7 (notices) [(Construction Projects \[ON\], 2026, ss. 7, 225-241)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-construction-projects-on); O. Reg. 343/22, Firefighter Certification [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, Table 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). Guidance: Section 21 guidance notes 6-28 (rescue from a collapsed trench) and 6-46 (structural collapse) (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **Trigger.** A support system is required unless the excavation is less than 1.2 m deep, no worker enters, it is in sound rock, or the walls are sloped as s. 234(2) allows (s. 234); an engineer’s written opinion can replace a support system only for excavations that are not trenches and not in Type 4 soil. - **Support systems.** Timbering to the s. 238 table, or prefabricated, hydraulic or engineered systems designed by an engineer (ss. 235-236); a trench deeper than 6 m or wider than 3.6 m needs a system engineered for the specific location (s. 235(2)). - **Edges.** A level area at least 1 m wide from each wall kept clear of equipment, soil and material (s. 233(1)); a barrier at least 1.1 m high where a person could fall more than 2.4 m (s. 233(4)); supports extend 0.3 m above grade (s. 241). - **Access and attendance.** Ladders inside the protected area, with no spacing prescribed (s. 240); no trench work unless another worker is above ground nearby (s. 225). - **Notice.** Notice to the ministry for a trench deeper than 1.2 m that a worker may enter (s. 7). - **Certification.** A department that provides trench rescue must have members certified to [NFPA 1006 (2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-nfpa-1006) chapter 12 at the Operations (12.2) or Technician (12.3) level from 2028-07-01 [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, Table 1, items 36-37)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - The excavation rules apply to construction projects. A collapse on a project site is on a project, but how the ministry applies Part III to a rescuing fire department is not settled in the text. Treat the Part III systems as the minimum for any rescue entry. - Guidance note 6-28 says untrained firefighters should never enter a collapsed trench, and that a department without the capability needs an arrangement with an agency that has it (MLITSD, n.d., GN 6-28). **Status.** Verified against the official text (e-Laws, current to 2026-10-20): O. Reg. 213/91 ss. 7, 225 and 233 to 241 read on 2026-10-24; O. Reg. 343/22 Table 1 read on 2026-10-23. The application to fire department rescue is an interpretation. ### [J19 Lockout, Machine Guarding and Electrical Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j19-lockout-machine-guarding-and-electrical-safety) **Law.** Reg. 851, Industrial Establishments, ss. 24 to 26 (guarding), s. 42 (electrical lockout), s. 60 (power lines) and ss. 75 to 76 (machine lockout) [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026, ss. 24-26, 42-42.2, 60, 75-76)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on); O. Reg. 213/91, Construction Projects, s. 188 [(Construction Projects \[ON\], 2026, s. 188)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-construction-projects-on); O. Reg. 164/99, Electrical Safety Code [(Electrical Safety Code \[ON\], 2026, s. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-electrical-safety-code-on). Guidance: Section 21 guidance notes 6-16, 6-19, 6-20, 6-34 and 6-53 (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **Electrical lockout.** The power supply is “disconnected, locked out of service and tagged” before work on or near live exposed parts (s. 42(1)); s. 42.1 applies where disconnection is not practical; utility transmission and outdoor distribution work over 750 V follows the Electrical Utility Safety Rules (s. 42.2). - **Machine lockout.** Motion blocked before maintenance, and controls locked out where starting could endanger a worker (ss. 75-76). - **Guarding.** Ss. 24 to 26. - **Power lines.** Where a vehicle, crane or similar equipment operates near a live line over 750 V, every part keeps at least these distances, with a signaller where contact is possible and allowance for boom and load swing (s. 60): | Voltage | Minimum distance | |:---------------------|:-----------------| | 750 to 150,000 V | 3 m | | 150,001 to 250,000 V | 4.5 m | | 250,001 V and over | 6 m | The same table applies on construction projects [(Construction Projects \[ON\], 2026, s. 188)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-construction-projects-on). - **Electrical code.** The Canadian Electrical Code Part 1, C22.1:24, with the Electrical Safety Authority’s Ontario amendments, is adopted as the Electrical Safety Code, and every act in connection with the use of electricity must comply [(Electrical Safety Code \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-2)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-electrical-safety-code-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - No emergency relief from the s. 60 distances. The table is written for vehicles and equipment, which includes aerial devices. - Guidance notes cover machinery and electrical lockout during emergency response (6-16), electric and hybrid vehicles (6-19), electrical hazards at rescues and fires (6-20), solar photovoltaic systems (6-34) and energy storage systems (6-53) (MLITSD, n.d.). - Gas installation and licensing under the Technical Standards and Safety Act were not read for this page. **Status.** Verified against the official text (e-Laws, current to 2026-10-20): Reg. 851 ss. 24 to 26, 42 to 42.2, 60 and 75 to 76, O. Reg. 213/91 s. 188 and O. Reg. 164/99 read on 2026-10-24. ### [J20 Stations, Premises and Building Codes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j20-stations-premises-and-building-codes) **Law.** Reg. 851 Industrial Establishments, ss. 3, 11 to 21, 120 to 136 [(Industrial Establishments \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-industrial-establishments-on); Fire Code, O. Reg. 213/07, named in s. 123(3). **What must be covered.** - **Scope.** Reg. 851 applies to “industrial establishments” (s. 3), defined in the Act as an office building, factory, arena, shop or office and appurtenant buildings; applying it to a fire station is an interpretation. - **Floors and access.** Floors free of obstructions, refuse, snow and ice, with no slippery finish (s. 11); walkways and service stairs at least 55 cm wide (s. 17); vehicle and pedestrian traffic safeguards (s. 20). - **Guardrails and openings.** Guardrails at uncovered openings and open sides, with vehicle maintenance pits excepted but other measures still required (s. 13); top rail 91 to 107 cm, mid rail and toe board of at least 125 mm, built to building code guard loads (s. 14); covers secured and built to building code loads (s. 15). - **Lighting and air.** Artificial lighting where natural light is inadequate (s. 21); ventilation, replacement air and at least 18 °C (ss. 127-129). - **Building and fire codes.** The Building Code governs exits, structure, washrooms and service rooms (s. 120), and the Fire Code governs extinguishers and keeping exits clear (s. 123). - **Sanitation.** Eyewash and showers (s. 124); no food where poisons are present (s. 131); shower water at 30 to 60 °C (s. 133); shower rooms and separate lockers where poisons contaminate the skin (s. 134); a rest room for 10 or more workers (s. 135) and an eating place for 35 or more (s. 136). - **Pressure equipment.** Boilers and pressure vessels are regulated under the technical standards statute and its boiler regulation, administered by the provincial safety authority; small vessels (about 42.5 L or less) are reported to be exempt. - **Codes.** The national codes board lists the Ontario Building Code as based on the National Building Code 2020 with variations, and says portions of the National Fire Code 2020 are to be adopted into the Ontario Fire Code with enforcement expected in 2026 (CBHCC, n.d.). The current Ontario Building Code is O. Reg. 163/24, in force 2025-01-01. **Fire-service nuance.** - The Section 21 note on controlling diesel exhaust (GN 3-1) is the Ontario benchmark for apparatus bays; there is no regulation on it (MLITSD, n.d.). - Whatever the answer on Reg. 851, the Act’s general duty and the Fire Code apply to every station. **Status.** Partly verified: Reg. 851 read on 2026-10-23; the pressure equipment regime and the building code instrument were not read. ### [J21 WHMIS, Hazardous Materials and Asbestos](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j21-whmis-hazardous-materials-and-asbestos) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 30 and 37-42; Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Reg. 860; Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, Reg. 833, which does not apply to asbestos in workplaces covered by the asbestos regulation, O. Reg. 278/05 ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 30, 37-42](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) \[ON\], 2026](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-whmis-on); [Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2(2)(b), 3](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on)). O. Reg. 278/05 and the spills Part of the Environmental Protection Act were not read for this page. **What must be covered.** - **WHMIS training.** Instruction and training developed with the committee or representative (s. 42(2)) and reviewed with them, with workers’ familiarity, “at least annually”, and more often on a change in circumstances (s. 42(3)-(4)). - **Storage and handling.** All measures reasonably necessary to protect workers from exposure arising from storage, handling, processing or use: substitution, engineering and administrative controls, hygiene, then personal protective equipment [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, s. 3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on). - **Release reporting.** Report to the Spills Action Centre, 416-325-3000 or 1-800-268-6060 [(Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2023)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-environment-and-climate-change-canada-2023). - **Designated substances before a project.** Before a project begins, the owner determines whether designated substances, asbestos among them, are present and prepares a list, which goes into the tender documents and to every prospective constructor and contractor before they sign [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 30(1)-(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). - **Asbestos in buildings.** O. Reg. 278/05 requires building owners to keep a record of asbestos-containing material, run an asbestos management program and classify work as Type 1, 2 or 3 operations. **Fire-service nuance.** - The Section 21 guidance notes cover asbestos (GN 3-2), hazardous materials and CBRNE response (GN 6-9), pesticide storage fires (GN 6-30), reporting exposures to biological, chemical and physical agents (GN 2-7) and live fire training in acquired structures (GN 7-5) (MLITSD, n.d.). - A municipality that renovates a station is the project owner under s. 30 and must prepare the designated substances list before tendering. **Status.** Partly verified: OHSA ss. 30 and 42 and Reg. 833 read on 2026-10-23. Reg. 860, O. Reg. 278/05 and the Environmental Protection Act were not read. ### [J22 Exposure Limits, Heat and Cold Stress](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j22-exposure-limits-heat-and-cold-stress) **Law.** Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, Reg. 833 [(Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1, 3, 4, Sch. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on). Designated substances are regulated separately under O. Reg. 490/09 (not read). There is no heat or cold stress regulation; the employer’s general duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances applies [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(h))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Basis of limits.** If an agent is in the Ontario Table, exposure must not exceed its TWA, STEL or ceiling; if it is not but is in the ACGIH Table, the ACGIH value applies; where only a TWA exists, excursions are limited to three times the TWA for 30 minutes and five times at any time (s. 4). - **Edition.** The “ACGIH Table” is the “Adopted Values” table in the 2017 TLV and BEI publication (s. 1). - **Controls.** Substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, hygiene, then personal protective equipment (s. 3). - **Long shifts.** Time-weighted averages for extended shifts may be calculated by the method in the IRSST guide for unusual work schedules (March 2015) (Sch. 1, s. 6). - **Heat and cold.** Guidance only: the Section 21 notes on heat and cold stress (GN 3-3) and rehabilitation (GN 6-12), which calls for 250 to 400 mL of fluid during rehabilitation and 500 mL at the end, and active cooling above 25 °C (MLITSD, n.d.). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Section 21 notes also cover diesel exhaust (GN 3-1), limiting exposure to fire gases (GN 6-36) and air monitoring (GN 6-51); inspectors apply the law to the facts but use the notes as the expected practice. - Ontario’s ACGIH edition is fixed at 2017, so a newer, lower ACGIH value is not the legal limit until the regulation is amended; adopt the lower value by policy. **Status.** Partly verified: Reg. 833 read on 2026-10-23 (last amendment O. Reg. 113/26); O. Reg. 490/09 and provincial heat guidance not read. ### [J23 Noise and Hearing Conservation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j23-noise-and-hearing-conservation) **Law.** Noise, O. Reg. 381/15 [(Noise \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-4)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-noise-on). **What must be covered.** - **Limit and exchange rate.** No worker exposed above an equivalent sound exposure level of 85 dBA, Lex,8 (s. 2(4)), defined on an equal-energy basis, which is a 3 dB exchange rate (s. 1(2)-(3)). - **Hierarchy.** All measures reasonably necessary, with engineering controls and work practices first (s. 2(1)-(2), (5)); measurements are taken without regard to hearing protectors (s. 2(3)). - **Hearing protection.** Workers wear hearing protectors where engineering controls do not exist or are not obtainable, are not reasonable or practical, have broken down, or “are ineffective to prevent, control or limit exposure because of an emergency” (s. 2(6)). - **Signs and training.** Signs at every approach to an area that regularly exceeds 85 dBA (s. 2(7)); training in care, use, fit, limits and maintenance of hearing protectors (s. 3); protectors selected for the sound level and attenuation (s. 4). - **Audiometry.** None required. **Fire-service nuance.** - The emergency clause in s. 2(6)(d) supports hearing protection on the fireground and at extrications; it does not excuse engineering controls in the station or on apparatus. - Section 21 guidance note 4-10 covers hearing protection (MLITSD, n.d.); adopt baseline and periodic audiometry through the medical program by policy. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (no amendments). ### [J24 First Aid](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j24-first-aid) **Law.** First Aid Requirements, Reg. 1101 (made under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act) [(First Aid Requirements \[ON\], 2026, ss. 5-16)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-first-aid-requirements-on). **What must be covered.** - **Standard.** The regulation has never been amended and uses St. John Ambulance standards “or equivalent”, not CSA Z1210 or Z1220. - **By workers per shift.** 1-5: a first aid box with prescribed contents, in the charge of a holder of an emergency first aid certificate (s. 8); 6-15: a larger box and a standard first aid holder (s. 9); 16-199: one stretcher, two blankets, a box and a standard first aid holder (s. 10); 200 or more: a first aid room with a registered nurse or qualified worker (s. 11). - **Inspection and records.** Boxes inspected at least quarterly with the inspection card signed (s. 6); a record of every accident and first aid treatment (s. 5); the poster displayed (ss. 1, 3). - **Vehicles.** A vehicle used to transport workers is a place of employment (s. 13(c)), and every employer using a vehicle to transport workers equips it with a first aid box with prescribed contents (s. 16(2)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Apparatus that carries crews needs the s. 16(2) box in addition to the medical response kit. - Ontario has no certificate validity period in the regulation; adopt a three-year cycle to match CSA practice. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (no amendments). ### [J25 Infection Control and Medical First Response](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j25-infection-control-and-medical-first-response) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, s. 25(2)(h); Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, Reg. 833 ([Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(h)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); [Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents \[ON\], 2026, s. 3](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-control-of-exposure-to-biological-or-chemical-agents-on)). Source testing: Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006, and O. Reg. 449/07 [(Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 \[ON\], 2006)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-mandatory-blood-testing-act-2006-on). **What must be covered.** - **Biological agents.** Reg. 833 covers biological as well as chemical agents: substitution, engineering and administrative controls, hygiene and then protective equipment (s. 3). - **Guidance.** Section 21 notes on infection prevention and exposure control practices (GN 4-14), reporting exposures to biological, chemical and physical agents (GN 2-7) and medication and drug exposure (GN 6-15) (MLITSD, n.d.). - **Source testing.** Firefighters as defined in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 are among those who may apply; the application goes to the medical officer of health for the respondent’s area no more than seven days after the incident. - **Sharps.** The needle safety regulation applies to health care settings, not fire departments; use safety-engineered sharps by policy. - **Medical first response.** Paramedic services operate under the Ambulance Act; fire medical response is set by local tiered response agreements and the medical oversight the agreement provides. **Fire-service nuance.** - The seven-day application window is short; the post-exposure protocol must start the application process at the hospital visit. **Status.** Partly verified: OHSA s. 25 and Reg. 833 read on 2026-10-23. The testing statute and regulation were seen on e-Laws in search; their text and the tiered response framework were not read. ### [J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part III.0.1, ss. 32.0.1 to 32.0.5, with ss. 1(1), 43, 52 and 55.2 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Written policy** on workplace violence, reviewed as often as necessary and at least annually (s. 32.0.1(1)(a), (c)), posted at a conspicuous place or in a readily accessible electronic format, unless five or fewer workers are regularly employed and no inspector orders otherwise (s. 32.0.1(2)-(3)). - **Program** to implement the policy, with measures and procedures to control the assessed risks, to summon immediate assistance when violence occurs or is likely, and for workers to report incidents to the employer or supervisor, and setting out how incidents and complaints will be investigated and dealt with (s. 32.0.2). - **Risk assessment** of risks arising from the nature of the workplace, the type of work or the conditions of work, taking into account circumstances common to similar workplaces and those specific to this one. Results go to the joint committee or representative, and the risks are reassessed as often as necessary (s. 32.0.3). An inspector may order the assessment in writing (s. 55.2). - **Domestic violence.** Every precaution reasonable where the employer knows or ought to know domestic violence likely to cause physical injury may occur in the workplace (s. 32.0.4). - **Information** and instruction on the policy and program, and information, including personal information, about a person with a history of violent behaviour whom workers can be expected to encounter, disclosing no more than is reasonably necessary (s. 32.0.5(2)-(4)). - **Notice to the regulator.** An incident of workplace violence that disables a worker from usual work or requires medical attention needs written notice within four days (s. 52(1)); deaths and critical injuries follow s. 51 ([J08 Incident Reporting and Investigation](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j08-incident-reporting-and-investigation)). - **Definition.** “Workplace violence” is physical force by a person against a worker, an attempt, or a statement or behaviour reasonably interpreted as a threat of physical force (s. 1(1)). It covers force by anyone, including coworkers. **Fire-service nuance.** - Applies to fire departments with no exemption. - Violence is a ground for refusal (s. 43(3)(b.1)), but for firefighters the right does not apply where the danger is inherent in the work or a normal condition of employment, or where refusing would directly endanger another person (s. 43(1)-(2)). The program, not the refusal, is the main protection; see [J07 Right to Refuse and Reprisal Protection](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j07-right-to-refuse-and-reprisal-protection). - Whether volunteer firefighters are “workers” under the Act is an interpretation; this system treats them as covered ([J11 Volunteer Firefighters](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j11-volunteer-firefighters)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated to the e-Laws currency date of 2026-10-20). ### [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 1(1), 1(4), 32.0.1, 32.0.6 to 32.0.8 and 55.3 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Human Rights Code, s. 5(2) [(Human Rights Code \[ON\], 1990, s. 5(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-human-rights-code-on). **What must be covered.** - **Written policy** on workplace harassment, reviewed as often as necessary and at least annually, and posted unless five or fewer workers are regularly employed (s. 32.0.1). - **Written program**, developed in consultation with the committee or representative, that includes (s. 32.0.6(2)): - measures and procedures to report incidents to the employer or supervisor; - a route to someone other than the employer or supervisor where either is the alleged harasser; - how incidents and complaints will be investigated and dealt with; - how information, including identifying information, is kept confidential unless disclosure is needed to investigate, correct or is required by law; - how the worker who experienced harassment and the alleged harasser, if a worker, will be told the results and any corrective action. - **Duties** (s. 32.0.7(1)): an investigation appropriate in the circumstances; the results and corrective action given **in writing** to both parties; the program reviewed as often as necessary and **at least annually**. - **Information and instruction** on the policy and program (s. 32.0.8). - **Third-party investigation.** An inspector may order an investigation by an impartial person, at the employer’s expense (s. 55.3). - **Definition.** A course of vexatious comment or conduct, “including virtually through the use of information and communications technology”, known or reasonably known to be unwelcome, and workplace sexual harassment (s. 1(1)); reasonable management action is not harassment (s. 1(4)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Investigation results are not a “report respecting occupational health and safety” that must go to the committee (s. 32.0.7(2)), which protects confidentiality. - The virtual-conduct wording (added in 2024) reaches station group chats and social media. - Harassment in employment on a protected ground is also a human rights violation [(Human Rights Code \[ON\], 1990, s. 5(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-human-rights-code-on). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act and Code consolidated to the e-Laws currency date of 2026-10-20). ### [J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, ss. 13(4) and 14 [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). **What must be covered.** - **In the statute.** No. The OHS Act does not define health to include mental health. Psychological hazards are reached through the violence and harassment Parts and the general duty to take every reasonable precaution ([J26 Workplace Violence](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j26-workplace-violence), [J27 Workplace Harassment](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j27-workplace-harassment)). - **Compensation.** “Chronic or traumatic mental stress” has been compensable since 2018-01-01, excluding stress from employment decisions [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 13(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on), and PTSD is presumed for firefighters, including volunteers ([J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions)). - **Crisis resources.** 9-8-8 [(Public Health Agency of Canada, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-public-health-agency-of-canada-2026). A provincial line was not confirmed on the research date. **Fire-service nuance.** - With no psychological definition in the OHS Act, the compensation system is the main legal driver. A department that records traumatic exposures and offers early treatment is protecting members and its claims experience at once. - CSA Z1003-13 is voluntary here. **Status.** Partly verified: the Acts (consolidated to 2026-10-20) were read; the provincial crisis line was not confirmed. ### [J29 Occupational Diving](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j29-occupational-diving) **Law.** O. Reg. 629/94, Diving Operations [(Diving Operations \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-5, 32, 37, 39, 63-64)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-diving-operations-on); diving incidents are reportable to the ministry under O. Reg. 420/21 (Notices and Reports under Sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act: Fatalities, Critical Injuries, Occupational Illnesses and Other Incidents \[ON\], 2026, s. 4(3)). **What must be covered.** - **Scope.** The regulation applies to any diving operation and any function in support of one (s. 2(1)). - **Competency.** Every person who takes part meets the competency requirement for the type of diving in CSA Z275.4-12 (s. 4.1). - **Notice.** Written notice at least 24 hours before the operation, or oral notice 24 hours before and written within five days (s. 5(2)); for emergency recovery, inspection or repair, oral notice before any diving equipment is moved to the site and written notice within five days (s. 5(3.1)). - **Medical.** No one dives unless, if under 40, examined within the preceding 24 months, or if 40 or older, within the preceding 12 months, or more often if the physician recommends, and holding a written statement of fitness to dive (s. 32(1)); the examination is by a physician knowledgeable about diving and hyperbaric medicine, following the ministry’s code for medical examination of divers (s. 32(2)). - **Team.** Whenever scuba is used: at least one tender, one standby diver and one diver at the site, with no one acting as tender and standby at once; the supervisor may also act as standby or tender (s. 37). Surface-supplied diving adds a separate tender for each diver except in an emergency (s. 39). - **Records.** Divers’ logbooks kept five years after the last entry (s. 63(8)); daily records kept five years (s. 64(6)). **Fire-service nuance.** - **The exclusion, verbatim.** The regulation does not apply to “a dive the sole purpose of which is to respond to an unforeseen emergency situation involving imminent danger to the life, health or safety of any person, if the dive is undertaken voluntarily” (s. 2(2)(c)), and “a dive is not undertaken voluntarily if it is related to a diving operation in relation to which the diver is paid” (s. 2(3)). Paid fire department divers are covered even on emergency dives. - Whether a per-call payment or honorarium makes a volunteer’s dive “paid” is not settled in the text. Recovery and evidence dives are not “imminent danger” dives and are always covered. - O. Reg. 343/22 certifies surface water, swiftwater and ice rescue from 2028-07-01 but has no dive rescue item; dive competency rests on O. Reg. 629/94 (see [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification)). - No Section 21 guidance note covers diving; guidance note 6-3 covers water and ice operations (MLITSD, n.d.). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (ss. 2-5, 32, 37, 39 and 63-64 read in e-Laws, current to 2026-10-20). O. Reg. 420/21 names diving incidents, but the subsection number was not confirmed. ### [J30 Emergency Vehicles, Drivers and Licensing](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j30-emergency-vehicles-drivers-and-licensing) **Law.** Highway Traffic Act, ss. 1, 62(14.1)-(16.1), 75(6), 78(3), 78.1(4)(a), 128(13)(a), 134(4), 144(1) and (20), 150(3)(b), 157(2)(a), 159; Drivers’ Licences, O. Reg. 340/94, ss. 2 and 22(a.1); Firefighters: Protective Equipment, O. Reg. 714/94, ss. 7-8 ([Highway Traffic Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 1, 62, 75, 128, 144, 159](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-highway-traffic-act-on); [Drivers’ Licences \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2, 22](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-drivers-licences-on); [Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, ss. 7-8](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on)). No replacement statute; s. 159 is replaced on 2027-01-01. **What must be covered.** - **Speed.** Limits do not apply to a fire department vehicle “while proceeding to a fire or responding to, but not returning from, a fire alarm or other emergency call” (s. 128(13)(a)). - **Signals.** For traffic signals, an emergency vehicle is one responding with a siren “continuously sounding” and intermittent red light visible in all directions (s. 144(1)); after stopping at a red light it “may proceed without a green indication being shown if it is safe to do so” (s. 144(20)). - **Other exemptions.** Passing on the shoulder (s. 150(3)(b)), backing on divided highways (s. 157(2)(a)), display-screen and hand-held device bans (ss. 78(3), 78.1(4)(a)), and closed-highway signs (s. 134(4)). - **Lights and siren.** Red, and red and blue, lamps on fire department vehicles (s. 62(14.1)-(15.1)); siren (s. 75(6)). “Fire department vehicle” includes vehicles the Fire Marshal designates in writing (s. 1). - **Other drivers.** Stop at the right curb for an emergency vehicle with siren or lights (s. 159(1)); no following a fire department vehicle responding to an alarm within 150 m (s. 159(4)); move-over and its 2027 change are on [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes). - **Riding.** Enclosed cabs, seats and seat belts on trucks in service since 1995 or acquired since 1997, and no riding outside the cab above 8 km/h [(Firefighters: Protective Equipment \[ON\], 2026, ss. 7-8)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighters-protective-equipment-on). - **Licence.** Class D for vehicles over 11,000 kg, and an air brake endorsement for air brakes [(Drivers’ Licences \[ON\], 2026, s. 2(1), (6))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-drivers-licences-on). Any licence except G1, G2 and motorcycle classes authorizes a firefighter to drive a vehicle of any class, including one with air brakes, “in an emergency and in the performance of the firefighter’s duties” (s. 22(a.1)). Non-emergency driving needs the proper class and endorsement. **Fire-service nuance.** - A firefighter may carry and operate a flashing green lamp on a personal vehicle while proceeding to a fire or other emergency, and no one else may (s. 62(16)-(16.1)); the Act gives it no traffic privilege. - The licensing exception covers only emergency driving; returning from a call, training and maintenance runs need the proper class and endorsement. Firefighter certification ties the pump operator qualification to apparatus that requires a Class D licence [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, item 18)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). **Status.** Verified against e-Laws (HTA from 2026-07-01; O. Reg. 340/94 to O. Reg. 186/26). ### [J31 Roadway Incident Scenes](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j31-roadway-incident-scenes) **Law.** No OHS regulation governs traffic control at emergency scenes; the employer’s general duty applies [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 25(2)(h))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on). Section 21 guidance note 6-10, updated 2025-11-24 (MLITSD, n.d.). Highway Traffic Act, s. 159 [(Highway Traffic Act \[ON\], 1990, s. 159)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-highway-traffic-act-on). **What must be covered.** - **Scene layout.** Guidance note 6-10 says to “reference Ministry of Transportation Book 7 requirements for unplanned events” (Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7, Appendix 1) and notes that “only police are permitted to close a highway”. Book 7 itself was not read. - **High visibility.** The guidance cites CSA Z96-15 and states that “Bunker gear does not meet the reflectivity performance requirements of the standard”. The construction regulation’s garment specification does not apply to fire scenes. - **Move-over, current law.** Drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights slow down and proceed with caution, and change lanes on multi-lane roads if safe (s. 159(2)-(3)). Fines are \$400 to \$2,000 for a first offence and \$1,000 to \$4,000 and/or up to six months for a subsequent one, with possible licence suspension up to two years. - **Move-over from 2027-01-01.** Section 159 is replaced on that date by an amendment enacted in 2024 (chapter 41 of the 2024 statutes, Schedule 2). The slow-down and move-over duty then extends to “a work-related vehicle with its lamp producing intermittent flashes of amber light” (s. 159(2) as it will read), the term “work-related vehicle” is left to be defined by regulation (s. 159(12) as it will read), and the duty does not apply to a work-related vehicle stopped in a designated construction zone where a reduced speed is already posted (s. 159(4) as it will read). **Fire-service nuance.** - The 2027 change protects road authority, utility and similar vehicles showing amber lights. A fire department vehicle is protected as an “emergency vehicle” only while its lamp flashes red or red and blue, before and after the change; apparatus should display red lights when stopped at a scene. - Ontario is one of the few provinces without a regulation; the guidance note is what an inspector will compare the department’s procedure against. **Status.** Partly verified: s. 159, in its current form and as it will read from 2027-01-01, read in the e-Laws consolidation (current to 2026-10-20) on 2026-10-24; guidance note 6-10 read on 2026-10-23; Book 7 not read. ### [J32 Workers' Compensation and Firefighter Presumptions](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j32-workers-compensation-and-firefighter-presumptions) **Law.** Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, ss. 2(1), 13(4), 14, 15.1, 70, 78(3) and 141 [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); O. Reg. 253/07, Firefighters, ss. 2 to 5 [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on). Board: Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. **What must be covered.** - **Board administration.** When a department retains a contractor for work other than construction, the board may deem the department the employer of the contractor’s workers and make it liable for unpaid premiums, with a right to recover them from the contractor [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 141)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). Check each contractor’s clearance before work and before payment. - **Cancers.** 19 cancer types for full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters and fire investigators; volunteer service counts toward the years and overlapping periods count once ([Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2, 5](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on); [Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 15.1](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on)): | Minimum | Cancers | |:---|:---| | 10 years | Brain, breast, testicular, ovarian, cervical, thyroid, pancreatic [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, s. 5(2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on); skin, since 2024-12-02 [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 15.1(4.3)-(4.4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); kidney and colorectal, since 2025-07-01 (s. 15.1(4.5)-(4.8)) | | 15 years | Bladder, ureter, multiple myeloma, prostate, penile, and primary acute myeloid, chronic lymphocytic and acute lymphocytic leukemia [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, s. 5(3))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on); lung, with no tobacco smoking in the 10 years before diagnosis (s. 5(3.1)); esophageal, since 2024-05-01 [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 15.1(4.1)-(4.2))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on) | | 20 years | Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma [(Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, s. 5(4))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on) | - **Heart.** An injury to the heart sustained “while, or within 24 hours of” attending a fire scene or “actively participating in a training exercise” that involves a simulated fire emergency is presumed work-related, for full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters and fire investigators ([Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 15.1(1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); [Part I of the Act: Firefighters and Fire Investigators \[ON\], 2026, ss. 2-3](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-part-i-of-the-act-firefighters-and-fire-investigators-on)). - **PTSD.** Presumed for firefighters (full-time, part-time and volunteer), fire investigators, dispatch workers and other first responders, on a diagnosis by a psychiatrist or psychologist under the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, unless the contrary is shown; it excludes PTSD caused by the employer’s employment decisions and allows claims up to 24 months after leaving the role [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 14)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). - **Other mental stress.** “Chronic or traumatic mental stress” has been compensable since 2018-01-01, excluding employment decisions (s. 13(4)-(5)). - **Volunteers.** “Worker” includes “a member of a municipal volunteer fire brigade whose membership has been approved by the chief of the fire department” (s. 2(1)). The municipality is the deemed employer (s. 70) and sets each member’s deemed earnings in its annual statement (s. 78(3)). **Fire-service nuance.** - Ontario is the only jurisdiction whose heart presumption covers live-fire training. Log every live-fire evolution with the members on it. - Kidney and colorectal moved from the regulation into the Act (10 years, no age cap) on 2025-07-01, but the regulation’s consolidation to 2026-10-20 still shows the revoking amendment (O. Reg. 129/25) as pending. Rely on the Act and confirm with the board before advising a member. - Ministry wildland firefighters are within the presumptions by definition. **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act and Regulation consolidated to the e-Laws currency date of 2026-10-20), with the consolidation note above. ### [J33 Return to Work, Accommodation and Hours of Work](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j33-return-to-work-accommodation-and-hours-of-work) **Law.** Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, ss. 40, 41 and 86 [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on); Human Rights Code, ss. 5, 11, 17 and 24 [(Human Rights Code \[ON\], 1990)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-human-rights-code-on); Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, ss. 41 and 43 [(Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 41, 43)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-fire-protection-and-prevention-act-1997-on); O. Reg. 285/01 under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, ss. 4, 8 and 9 (When Work Deemed to be Performed, Exemptions and Special Rules \[ON\], 2026). **What must be covered.** - **Duty to co-operate** [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 40)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on): contact the worker as soon as possible and keep in touch, attempt to provide suitable available employment consistent with the worker’s functional abilities that, where possible, restores pre-injury earnings, and give the board information; the worker has matching duties; disputes go to board mediation and decision within 60 days. The penalty for an employer’s failure is a percentage of the board’s cost of benefits (s. 86). - **Re-employment** (s. 41): for a worker with at least one year’s continuous employment, where the employer regularly employs 20 or more workers. Offer the pre-injury position or comparable work when the worker can do the essential duties, or the first suitable work when they can do suitable work; accommodate to the point of undue hardship (s. 41(6)). The obligation lasts until the earliest of the second anniversary of the injury, one year after the worker is fit for the essential duties, or age 65 (s. 41(7)). A termination within six months is presumed a breach (s. 41(10)). The penalty is up to the worker’s net average earnings for the year before the injury, and the board may pay the worker for up to a year (s. 41(13)). - **Accommodation.** Equal treatment in employment without discrimination because of disability and other grounds, and freedom from harassment by the employer or co-workers on those grounds [(Human Rights Code \[ON\], 1990, s. 5)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-human-rights-code-on). A person is not discriminated against for being incapable of the essential duties, but no tribunal will find a person incapable unless their needs cannot be accommodated without undue hardship, “considering the cost, outside sources of funding, if any, and health and safety requirements, if any” (s. 17). The same undue hardship test applies to a requirement that excludes a group (s. 11) and to a qualification based on age, sex, record of offences or marital status (s. 24(1)(b), (2)). - **Hours of work.** The fire statute’s labour Part applies to firefighters “regularly employed on a salaried basis”, not to volunteer firefighters (FPPA s. 41(1)). In every municipality of 10,000 people or more, those firefighters, when assigned to firefighting, work a two-platoon system (24 hours on and 24 off, or 10-hour days and 14-hour nights), a three-platoon system (8 on, 16 off), or another system averaging no more than 48 hours a week (FPPA s. 43(1)). No firefighter may be required to be on duty more than 48 hours a week on average (s. 43(3)); each has one full 24-hour day off in every calendar week, not counting the platoon change (s. 43(4)); off-duty hours are free from fire department duties (s. 43(6)); and the chief may call in off-duty firefighters in a major emergency (s. 43(7)). The Employment Standards Act’s limits on hours of work and its rest rules (ss. 17-19), overtime Part and public holiday Part do not apply to firefighters (When Work Deemed to be Performed, Exemptions and Special Rules \[ON\], 2026, ss. 4(1)(a), 8(a), 9(1)(a)). **Fire-service nuance.** - **Volunteers.** The municipality, as deemed employer, need not comply with the co-operation and re-employment duties for a volunteer firefighter; the member’s actual employer must, and the municipality pays that employer’s costs of complying [(Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, ss. 40(4)-(4.1), 41(16)-(17))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-workplace-safety-and-insurance-act-1997-on). - The FPPA platoon rule is a statutory floor that interest arbitration and collective agreements build on. In municipalities under 10,000, the platoon systems are not required, but the 48-hour average, weekly day off and duty-free off-hours in s. 43(3)-(6) are not limited by population and appear to apply to salaried firefighters there too. - Volunteer firefighters are outside both the FPPA hours rule and the employment standards hours rules; manage their call-out fatigue by policy under the general duty ([J28 Psychological Health and Safety](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j28-psychological-health-and-safety)). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (all Ontario texts consolidated to the e-Laws currency date of 2026-10-20). The reading of s. 43 for small municipalities is an interpretation. ### [J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification) **Law.** Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, ss. 1, 2, 5 to 11, 13 to 15, 28, 30.2 and Part IX [(Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-fire-protection-and-prevention-act-1997-on); O. Reg. 343/22 Firefighter Certification [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on); O. Reg. 378/18 Community Risk Assessments [(Community Risk Assessments \[ON\], 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-community-risk-assessments-on). **What must be covered.** - **Municipal duty.** Every municipality must establish a program that includes public education on fire safety and certain components of fire prevention, and provide “such other fire protection services as it determines may be necessary” [(Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 \[ON\], 1997, s. 2(1))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-fire-protection-and-prevention-act-1997-on), through a community fire safety officer or team or a fire department (s. 2(2)). The Fire Marshal may review a municipality and recommend measures, and Cabinet may set standards by regulation (s. 2(7)-(9)). - **Fire department and chief.** Council may establish a fire department, which must provide fire suppression (s. 5); council appoints a fire chief, who is “ultimately responsible to the council … for the delivery of fire protection services” (s. 6). Firefighters may enter adjacent lands (s. 13); chiefs may enter where a fire has occurred (s. 14) or where there is an immediate threat to life (s. 15). - **Fire Marshal.** Monitors, reviews and advises; issues guidelines; investigates fires; develops training programs and runs a central fire college (ss. 8-10). Every fire chief is an assistant to the Fire Marshal and reports fires (s. 11). - **Mutual and automatic aid.** Fire co-ordinators establish mutual aid plans (s. 7); automatic aid and service agreements are permitted (ss. 1(4)-(5), 2(5)-(6)). - **Mandatory certification (O. Reg. 343/22).** Every municipality, and every fire department in territory without municipal organization, must ensure firefighters perform a listed service only if certified “at a minimum” to the listed standard from the listed date, by the Fire Marshal or by an IFSAC or Pro Board credential the Fire Marshal recognizes (s. 2). The table covers: - items 1 to 8: firefighter (exterior and interior attack, with or without auto extrication and hazardous materials operations), NFPA 1001 (2019) and NFPA 1072 (2017); - items 9 to 16: fire officer team lead, NFPA 1021 (2020); - items 17 and 18: pump operations, NFPA 1002 (2017), item 18 for apparatus needing a class D licence; - items 19 to 29: fire inspector, investigator, public educator, training officer, communicator, incident safety officer (NFPA 1521 (2020) chapter 5) and hazardous materials; - items 30 to 43: technical rescue operations and technician levels (rope, structural collapse, confined space, trench, surface water, swiftwater, ice), [NFPA 1006 (2021)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-nfpa-1006). - **Deadlines.** 2026-07-01 for items 1 to 29 (now in force) and 2028-07-01 for items 30 to 43 [(Firefighter Certification \[ON\], 2026, Table 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-firefighter-certification-on). - **Exceptions.** Firefighters of 36 months or less, under certified supervision, for items 1 and 2 only (s. 3(1)); a temporary assignment under certified supervision (s. 3(2)); pump operators already doing the work when the regulation came into force (s. 3(3)); existing certifications and letters of compliance remain valid (s. 3(4)-(5)); letters of compliance for experienced members, on records supplied before 2023-09-30 (s. 4). - **Community risk assessment (O. Reg. 378/18).** Every municipality completes a community risk assessment and uses it to inform fire protection decisions; a new assessment at least every five years and a review at least every 12 months; nine mandatory profiles (geographic, building stock, critical infrastructure, demographic, hazard, public safety response, community services, economic, and past loss and event history) [(Community Risk Assessments \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1-4, Sch. 1)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-community-risk-assessments-on). **Fire-service nuance.** - Rosters, apparatus staffing and acting-officer rules must now check certification before assignment; the probationer exemption covers exterior and interior attack only, not officer, pump or specialty roles. - Administrative penalties under the Act took effect 2026-01-01 (s. 30.2); the provisions and maximum amounts are prescribed by regulation. - Part IX applies to full-time firefighters: no strikes (s. 42), an average of no more than 48 hours a week with a 24-hour day off each week (s. 43), and collective agreements may require retirement at 60 or over for suppression staff (s. 53.1); see [J33 Return to Work, Accommodation and Hours of Work](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j33-return-to-work-accommodation-and-hours-of-work). - Incident command structure is not legislated; the Section 21 guidance covers it; see [J12 Fire Service OHS Rules and Fireground Operations](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j12-fire-service-ohs-rules-and-fireground-operations). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (e-Laws current to 2026-10-20; O. Reg. 343/22 read in full). The 2024 first deadline for community risk assessments came from transitional provisions that have been revoked. ### [J35 Wildland and Interface Fire](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j35-wildland-and-interface-fire) **Law.** Wildland Fire Management Act, ss. 10 to 12, 19, 21, 23 and 27 [(Wildland Fire Management Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 10-12, 19, 21, 23, 27)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-wildland-fire-management-act-on); O. Reg. 43/26, Wildland Fire Management, in force 2026-04-01, which replaced O. Reg. 207/96 [(Wildland Fire Management \[ON\], 2026, ss. 1, 5-10)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-wildland-fire-management-on). Guidance: Section 21 guidance notes 4-7, 6-8 and 6-41 (MLITSD, n.d.). **What must be covered.** - **Season.** “The period from the 1st day of April to the 31st day of October in each year shall be a fire season” (s. 10(1)); the Minister may declare additional fire seasons between January and March or November and December (s. 10(2)). - **Restricted fire zones and emergency areas.** The Minister may declare restricted fire zones (s. 11.1) and wildland fire emergency areas (s. 23). - **Burning outside a restricted fire zone.** Without a permit, piled wood, brush, leaves or wood by-products may be burned in a single pile under 2 m in diameter and 2 m high, started no earlier than two hours before sunset and out no later than two hours after sunrise, at least 2 m from flammable material, tended, with tools or water [(Wildland Fire Management \[ON\], 2026, s. 6)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-wildland-fire-management-on); incinerators and grass or leaf burning of up to one hectare follow similar rules (ss. 7-8). Otherwise a fire permit from a wildland fire compliance officer is needed (s. 9). - **Municipal permits.** A person with a municipal open-air burning permit is exempt from the provincial permit if the burning follows the municipal permit and is outside a restricted fire zone or implementation order area [(Wildland Fire Management \[ON\], 2026, s. 9(6))](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-wildland-fire-management-on). - **Municipal duty.** Subject to agreements, “every municipality in a fire region shall at its expense extinguish wildland fires within its limits”; if a wildland fire compliance officer finds the municipal action inadequate, the officer may act and recover the cost from the municipality (s. 21(1)); fires proved to start on Crown land are at the ministry’s cost (s. 21(2)). The Minister may make wildland fire management agreements (s. 19). - **Debris.** No flammable debris may accumulate within 800 m of a municipality (s. 27). **Fire-service nuance.** - The Act was renamed and modernized by S.O. 2025, c. 17, Schedule 1 (formerly the Forest Fires Prevention Act). - O. Reg. 343/22 has no wildland certification item; wildland qualification for municipal crews rests on agreements and the ministry’s training. - Guidance notes cover wildland PPE (4-7), lightning (6-8) and helicopter safety (6-41) (MLITSD, n.d.). **Status.** Verified against the official text on 2026-10-23 (Act consolidated from 2026-04-01 and O. Reg. 43/26 as filed, read in e-Laws). Ministry training standards for municipal crews were not read. ### [J36 External Verification and Funding](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j36-external-verification-and-funding) **Law.** Occupational Health and Safety Act, ss. 7.6.1 and 21 [(Occupational Health and Safety Act \[ON\], 1990, ss. 7.6.1, 21)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-occupational-health-and-safety-act-on); O. Reg. 364/25, ss. 2 and 3 [(Health and Safety Management Systems and Procurement \[ON\], 2025, ss. 2-3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-health-and-safety-management-systems-and-procurement-on). **What must be covered.** - **Accredited management systems.** The Chief Prevention Officer accredits health and safety management system standards; as of October 2025 these were ISO 45001:2018, CSA Z45001:19, IHSA COR 2020, RC14001:2023 and RCMS:2023, and recognition under the program may lead to compensation board incentives [(Government of Ontario, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-government-of-ontario-2026). - **Equivalence in procurement.** Accredited systems are equivalent “subject to the regulations” (s. 7.6.1). From 2026-01-01, where a public-sector buyer, municipalities included, makes an accredited system a condition of a construction bid or contract, every accredited system must be treated as equivalent [(Health and Safety Management Systems and Procurement \[ON\], 2025, ss. 2-3)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-health-and-safety-management-systems-and-procurement-on). - **COR.** COR 2020 is delivered by the construction health and safety association; no municipal certifying partner was found. - **Incentive.** The WSIB’s Health and Safety Excellence program offers rebates by topic. A municipality that is self-insured pays no premiums and should check eligibility. - **Grant.** The Fire Protection Grant, announced in the 2024 provincial budget, supports firefighter cancer prevention. For 2026-27 the envelope was raised by \$10 million to \$20 million. Eligible projects are cancer prevention equipment and supplies, cancer prevention PPE, cancer prevention minor infrastructure, broadband and internet connectivity, and lithium-ion incident response equipment. It is open to municipalities with a fire department established under the provincial fire statute, but not to Northern Fire Protection Program or First Nations fire departments. Funds are allocated by number of active fire stations, about \$16,000 per station across roughly 1,210 stations. Staffing, direct medical costs, direct training costs, consultants and funds not committed by 2027-03-31 are ineligible. Applications closed 2026-09-01, and recipients must report back [(Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal, 2026)](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/jurisdiction-pack-ontario#ref-ontario-office-of-the-fire-marshal-2026). **Fire-service nuance.** - **A fire-service advisory committee.** The Section 21 committee for firefighters (s. 21) publishes guidance notes that serve as a sector benchmark an external auditor can test against ([J34 Fire Services Legislation and Firefighter Certification](https://thehumanfactor.ca/library/fire-service-safety/j34-fire-services-legislation-and-firefighter-certification)). - **Use the grant for the cancer program.** The grant pays for gear washers and dryers, second sets of PPE, SCBA facepieces and decontamination kits that the cancer prevention program needs; plan the request around the station count. **Status.** Partly verified on 2026-10-23 (Act and regulation consolidated to 2026-10-20; accreditation program page and the 2026-27 grant guidelines read). COR delivery, the WSIB program and self-insured eligibility are not confirmed. ## References Administrative Penalties, O. Reg. 365/25 (Ontario; consolidated to 2025-12-16). Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes \[CBHCC\]. (n.d.). *Provincial and territorial adoption*. Community Risk Assessments, O. Reg. 378/18 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Confined Spaces, O. Reg. 632/05 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 833 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). CSA Group. (2013). *CAN/CSA-Z1003-13/BNQ 9700-803/2013 (R2022), Psychological health and safety in the workplace: Prevention, promotion, and guidance to staged implementation* (free to read from CSA Group and the Mental Health Commission of Canada). CSA Group. (2019). *CSA Z45001:19 (R2023), Occupational health and safety management systems: Requirements with guidance for use* (adopts ISO 45001:2018 with Canadian deviations). CSA Group. (2022). *CSA Z96:22, High-visibility safety apparel* (4th ed.). CSA Group. (2024). *CSA Z1210:24, First aid training for the workplace: Curriculum and quality management for training agencies* (2nd ed.). Diving Operations, O. Reg. 629/94 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Drivers’ Licences, O. Reg. 340/94 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Electrical Safety Code, O. Reg. 164/99 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Environment and Climate Change Canada. (2023). *Report an environmental emergency* (modified 2023-09-13). Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 4 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Firefighter Certification, O. Reg. 343/22 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Firefighters: Protective Equipment, O. Reg. 714/94 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). First Aid Requirements, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 1101 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). General, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 823 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Government of Ontario. (2026). *Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers program* (updated 2026-05-12). Health and Safety Management Systems and Procurement, O. Reg. 364/25 (Ontario; as filed 2025-12-16, in force 2026-01-01). Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.19 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). Industrial Establishments, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). International Organization for Standardization. (2018). *ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems: Requirements with guidance for use*. Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 26 (Ontario; consolidation date not recorded). Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56 (Ontario; consolidated to 2026-10-20). National Fire Protection Association. (2021). *NFPA 1006, Standard for technical rescue personnel professional qualifications*. National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1010, Standard on professional qualifications for firefighters* (consolidates NFPA 1001, 1002, 1003 and 1005). National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1550, Standard for emergency responder health and safety* (consolidates NFPA 1500, 1521 and 1561). National Fire Protection Association. (2024). *NFPA 1910, Standard for the inspection, maintenance, refurbishment, testing, and retirement of in-service emergency vehicles and marine firefighting vessels* (consolidates NFPA 1071, 1911, 1912 and 1925). National Fire Protection Association. 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