Recalls or Special Notices
36,000 Carbon Monoxide Alarms recalled in Canada
 
Maple Chase Company, the manufacturer of Firex branded safety products, has announced a voluntary recall in conjunction with the Electrical Safety Authority of its 10000 series carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and 12000 series combination smoke/CO alarms.

Approximately 36,000 units were sold across Canada including 16,000 in Ontario. The alarms were produced between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008.
This corrective action is being taken because Maple Chase has determined that the alarms may go into a “double chirp” fault mode in the presence of CO prior to the unit going into full alarm mode. This early fault presents a safety hazard if, consistent with the instruction of the Owner’s Manual, a consumer takes the alarm out of service once it is determined that pressing the reset button does not correct the fault. This creates the potential for the consumer to take the alarm out of service during a CO emergency
 
Firex Carbon Monoxide alarm
 
There have been no incidents or injuries reported relating to the hazard in Canada or the United States where about 277,000 units have been recalled.

The recall involves Firex branded 10000 and 12000 series alarms with item numbers:  12000C and 12400C sold in Canada. The recall applies to units manufactured between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008. Units with a manufacture date code prior to June 1, 2007 are not affected by this recall. Affected units can be identified by the date code, which appears on the back of the unit. The format of the date code is a four-digit year, three-digit month, followed by the day (e.g., 2007 JUN01 for units manufactured on June 1, 2007).
 
Firex Combination Carbon Monoxide and Smoke alarm

Consumers should contact Maple Chase at 1-888-879-3906 to arrange receipt of a free comparable replacement alarm or visit the company's recall website
 
Propane Cylinder Safety

For those of you who like to grill it up during the summer, here's a safety announcement you should be aware of. Click here for the safety announcement

Basement Suites   

The proliferation of secondary suites (also known as "basement suites") in Alberta as an affordable housing option renewed concerns over the safety and affordability of these suites. This Information Bulletin was prepared to provide information on the new requirements under the Alberta Fire and Building Codes that came about as a result of public consultations on MLA Committee recommendations in May 2006. The new requirements recognize secondary suites as a distinct type of accommodation from apartments or duplexes. Click here for the complete document.


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