Small Appliances in CREM-Operated City Office Spaces

Purpose and Application

This policy outlines the requirements for the procurement, use, and restrictions of small appliances, including those owned by employees, in CREM-operated city office spaces. It applies to all City of Toronto employees working in office spaces owned and/or operated by Corporate Real Estate Management (CREM), such as Civic Centres, City Hall, Metro Hall, and hybrid workspaces. The goal is to minimize the risk of injuries, property damage, or hazards in office spaces, and to prevent issues that could affect comfort or hygiene.

Exceptions

This policy applies exclusively to office spaces and excludes workspaces in industrial environments or in vehicles as examples. It is not intended to disrupt any City programs aimed at supporting residents, businesses, and guests, including temporary warming centers established by Toronto Shelter & Support Services (TSSS)* when necessary. If any disruption does occur, the requirements of City programs will take priority, while still ensuring compliance with the “Standards for the Use of Small Appliances.”

*TSSS must seek approval from CREM if it intends to convert a CREM-managed space into a temporary warming center.

Definitions

Designated Kitchen Area:

Means a room identified on a site floorplan or Fire Safety Plan or defined by the Ontario Building Code as a “Kitchen Area” or lunchroom where employees are intended to prepare, store, and consume food or beverages.

Small Appliance:

Means portable or semi-portable machines generally used on tabletops, countertops, or other platforms to accomplish a household task and typically require an electrical connection. Examples include:

  • Small kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, microwaves, toasters, and kettles;
  • Personal electrical equipment such as portable space heaters, cooling fans, and humidifiers.

Standards for the Use of Small Appliances

  • Only use small appliances with “CSA” (Canadian Standards Association) or “ULC” (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada) clearly labelled on the exterior.
    • Label Examples:
Canadian Standards Association Underwriters Laboratories of Canada
  • Small appliances should be in good working condition, free from any visible risk of catastrophic failure, such as damage or modifications.
  • Small appliances must have modern safety features, such as auto-shut-off timers, thermal protection, and/or tip-over shutdown systems.
  • Small appliances must be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Connections to extension cords or power bars present a higher fire risk and therefore cannot be used; equipment must be connected directly to an outlet.
  • Heat-producing devices must not be used at workstations to lessen the chance of materials igniting.
  • Small appliances must be shut down and unplugged when not in use.
  • The HVAC and electrical systems of a building are designed and operated to meet the occupancy requirements outlined in the Ontario Building Code. Personal cooling fans or other small appliances should not negatively impact these systems. Even if the above standards are met, if any small appliance, or a combination of them, is found to adversely affect these systems, CREM may need to remove them. Therefore, it is highly advisable to consult with the local CREM Facilities Management team before allowing small appliances in the office space.

Responsibilities

City divisions (Management):

  • Must consult the local CREM Facilities Management team before allowing any small appliance use in CREM-operated city office spaces.
  • May allow the following small appliances in designated kitchen areas, but they must be sourced from City Stores (City Stores: PMMD (toronto.ca)):
    • Coffee Machine: City Stores Material Code #800042865
    • Microwaves: City Stores Material Code #800024255
    • Kettle: City Stores Material Code #800041150
  • Must source all portable heaters from City Stores: City Stores Material Code #800042738

City staff:

  • Are only permitted to bring personal cooling fans in CREM-operated city office spaces; these must be labelled with the owner’s name, where applicable.
  • Individuals seeking portable heaters for use in CREM-operated city office spaces must first obtain approval from divisional management.
  • Are not permitted to have the following small appliances in CREM-operated city office spaces:
    • Toasters / Toaster Ovens
    • Hot plates
    • Griddles
    • Tea warmers
    • Mini fridge

CREM Facilities Management:

  • Are responsible for the operations of CREM-managed properties, ensuring the safety and comfort of building occupants, including protection from the risks of fire or pests.
  • Reserves the right to remove any small appliance that could pose a direct or indirect risk to the safety and comfort of building occupants or negatively affect the HVAC and electrical systems of the building.
  • Are not responsible for the cost of any lost, damaged, or removed small appliances.

Additional Policy Exceptions:

  • If divisional management wishes to discuss any additional exceptions to this policy or have any other questions or concerns relating to small appliances, they may do so by submitting a CREM Facilities Management work order.

Approvals

Occupational Health and Safety Coordinating Committee (OHSCC), April 17, 2025

Effective Date

April 17, 2025