Yukon government proposes new carbon monoxide safety regulations
The Yukon government is proposing regulations meant to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning deaths, many of which deal with safety standards for oil-fired appliances.
Carbon monoxide poisoning has been a focus for the Yukon government since five people died in their Whitehorse rental home in 2012. A subsequent investigation found the furnace chimney in the home was falling apart and parts of the furnace had not been installed properly.
The incident led to carbon monoxide detectors being made mandatory in Yukon homes, a decision that may have saved a Dawson City couple in January when they were alerted to increased levels in their home by a free detector given out by the local fire department.
The proposals include a $1000 fine for those who don't have a carbon monoxide detector, but Dennis Berry, the government's Fire and Life Safety Director, says the focus of most of the changes is education.
"The reality is that as we move forward on all of our regulations, we look to education as the primary source of getting people to change behaviours," says Berry. "And really, that's what it's all about. It's more about safety than it is about fining."
Safety standard changes related to the installation, maintenance, and inspection of oil-fired appliances are also included in the proposals. They also require oil burner mechanics to be trained and qualified, something that Berry says is happening already — 22 people in the territory have been certified, with an additional 16 in apprenticeships.
"For not just this type of an issue, but for all sorts of life safety issues, we find that once we educate people on the dangers, people comply readily and they're actually happy to do so," he says.
The government is now seeking public input on the proposals. Berry says he doesn't have a target date in mind for the regulations to take effect.
