Winnipeg, MB - In the interest of increasing public safety, the Public Service is proposing new inspections of facilities and properties identified as being hazardous. A report was presented today at the meeting for the Standing Policy Committee for Protection and Community Services by Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Officials.
Currently, hazardous occupancy sites that are not required to be inspected under the Office of the Fire Commissioner mandated inspection schedule, are inspected through a complaint process or if fire crews observe potential issues during response to a property. A property owner may also request an inspection based on their own concerns.
The Public Service is recommending the following inspection schedule for hazardous occupancies:
- High Hazard (F1) Occupancies: Annual inspections
- Medium Hazard (F2) Occupancies: Inspection every three years
- Low Hazard (F3) Occupancies: Inspection every five years
Other recommendations in the report include a new inspection fee of $150 per hour for high hazard occupancies and the hiring of an additional Fire Prevention Officer.
The report also recommends that the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the City’s Planning, Property and Development Department use a collaborative approach to better identify hazardous occupancies using occupancy permits.
To implement the report’s recommendations, Council must approve an amendment to the Fire Prevention By-law No. 150/2004 and request for additional staff resources.