How New Fire Code Requirements Impact Medical Lab Compliance
Big changes to Ontario’s Fire Code have a dramatic impact for medical laboratory compliance!
Join us on Wednesday May 27th, 2026, at 1pm (EDT) for an engaging and insightful session.
Three speakers from our Code Engineering team will present how some significant changes to Ontario’s Fire Code are affecting medical labs. Starting January 1, 2026, new regulations impact how specimens preserved in flammable liquids are stored. These updates apply to all labs, including those in hospitals, and yes, existing buildings must comply.
New code requirements mandate blast‑resistant storage rooms and outdoor explosion venting—upgrades that can be costly or impractical for many labs, especially those in basements or constrained sites.
The good news? Code‑compliant Alternative Solutions may be available. This session explores how explosion prevention systems can effectively mitigate deflagration risks, when approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction, without full prescriptive compliance.
We’ll unpack what’s changed, common issues we have seen in the field, and practical paths to compliance that minimize disruption and cost. Join LRI Engineering’s experts for real‑world strategies to keep your lab safe, compliant, and operational.
Join us Wednesday, May 27th at 1pm EDT
Meet your SpeakersÂ
Paul Wagner, P.Eng
Senior Associate – Code Engineering
Paul boasts over 35 years of invaluable experience in fire protection. Prior to his tenure at LRI, he served as a project engineer at Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), where he honed his expertise in the field. Paul holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a distinguished member of Professional Engineers Ontario, as well as the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba and Alberta. Additionally, he actively contributes to the industry through his involvement as a member of the CBHCC Standing Committee on Hazardous Materials and Activities (SC-HMA) and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada – Task Groups 22 and 41, which focus on various fire testing standards.
Hannah Ramsammy, P.Eng
Associate – Code Engineering
Hannah has been with LRI since 2019 and possesses over 6 years of experience in Building Code and Fire Code application. She holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario and is a member of the Professional Engineers Ontario. Hannah has experience in a variety of complex projects, ranging from office buildings to regional shopping centers, residential buildings, universities, hospitals, and industrial facilities, filtering their designs through the lens of fire and life safety.
Jessica Marano
Project Consultant – Code Engineering
Jessica joined the Code Engineering team in 2024. Jessica possesses an Advanced Diploma in Fire Protection Engineering Technology from Seneca Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science and Emergency Management from the University of Cincinnati. Jessica has years of industry experience working with fire alarm and smoke control systems and holds NFPA 1035, 1072, and 1031 certifications and a Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) Trainee registration. She is highly motivated and passionate about public safety, evidenced by her vast research in fire safety and volunteerism at Camp Molly. Jessica is a member of the Education Committee for both the Canadian Fire Alarm Association (CFAA) and Canadian Fire Safety Association (CFSA).
