Fire Code Shake-Up: Is Your Lab Ready?

Big changes are coming to Ontario’s Fire Code—and medical labs need to act fast.

Join us on on Wednesday November 26th 2025 at 1pm (EDT) for an engaging and insightful session.

Two dynamic speakers, one from the Code Engineering team and the other from our Fire and Life Safety Services team, will present together, some big changes are coming to Ontario’s Fire Code, specifically medical labs. Starting January 1, 2026, new regulations will 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.

The new rules demand blast-resistant storage rooms and explosion venting systems that discharge outdoors. For many facilities, especially those in basements or landlocked areas, retrofitting to meet these standards could be costly or even impossible.

But there’s good news: labs can explore Alternative Solutions that meet the intent of the code without full compliance. One promising option? Explosion prevention systems that proactively protect against deflagration hazards—if approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

This session will break down what’s changing, what it means for your lab, and how to navigate compliance without disrupting operations. Whether you’re planning upgrades or exploring performance-based design, early action is key.

Join us to learn how your lab can stay safe, compliant, and operational—without breaking the bank. LRI Engineering’s experts will share practical strategies and real-world insights to help you prepare for 2026 with confidence.

Join us Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 1pm EST

Meet your Speakers

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.

Judith Myddelton, BCIN

Team Lead – Fire & Life Safety Services

Judi has over 24 honourable years in municipal fire service that has garnered her the respect of colleagues and members of the fire and life safety community through her steadfast focus on fire prevention and public education. Judi is also a mentor to young women through her volunteerism at Camp Molly. Judi has an Honours Fire Protection Engineering Technologist certificate from Seneca Polytechnic and has NFPA certifications in Fire Prevention Inspections, Public Education, Hazmat, Fire Investigations, and Fire Service Instruction. She was an instructor in the Pre-Service Fire Program for 10 years with Georgian College. Judith is a member of CFSA, OMFPOA, and SFPE.

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