Exits
General
(1)Exit facilities complying with this Section shall be provided from every floor area that is intended for occupancy.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be separate from every other exit leading from that floor area.
(2)If more than 2 exits are provided from a floor area, exits are permitted to converge in conformance with Sentence 3.4.3.1.(2), provided the cumulative capacity of the converging exits does not contribute more than 50% of the total required exit width for the floor area.
(1)Subject to the requirements of this Section, an exit from any floor area shall be one of the following, used singly or in combination:
- (a) an exterior doorway,
- (b) an exterior passageway,
- (c) an exterior ramp,
- (d) an exterior stairway,
- (e) a fire escape (conforming to Subsection 3.4.7.),
- (f) a horizontal exit,
- (g) an interior passageway,
- (h) an interior ramp, or
- (i) an interior stairway.
(1)Access to an exterior exit passageway from a floor area shall be through exit doors at the floor level.
(2)Every exterior exit passageway that has a drop of more than 500 mm on any side shall have guards on the open sides not less than 1 070 mm high.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), horizontal exits shall not comprise more than one-half of the required number of exits from any floor area.
(2)In a hospital or long-term care home, horizontal exits serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms shall comprise not more than two-thirds of the required number of exits from any floor area.
(3)Where an elementary or secondary school is subdivided by a firewall, a horizontal exit shall not serve as an exit but is permitted to serve as an access to exit.
(1)A slide escape shall not be erected on any building as a required exit, but is permitted to be provided as an additional egress facility if unusual hazards are foreseen.
(1)Glass and transparent panels in an exit shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Article 3.3.1.20. for glass and transparent panels in an access to exit.
(1)No mirror shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in a manner that would confuse the direction of exit.
(1)Combustible glazing is not permitted in wall or ceiling assemblies or in closures used to construct an exit enclosure.
(1)No open exterior stairway shall serve as a means of egress for residents above the second floor of a long-term care home.
Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least 2 exits.
(2)A floor area in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit provided the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than 60, and
- (a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, the floor area and the travel distance are not more than the values in Table 3.4.2.1.-A, or
- (b) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout, (i) the travel distance is not more than 25 m, and (ii) the floor area is not more than the value in Table 3.4.2.1.-B.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if Sentence (2) permits a single exit from a floor area classified as Group B or Group C occupancy, the exit shall be an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.
(4)The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived for dwelling units having access to exit conforming to Sentences 3.3.4.4.(1) to (4) and (8).
(5)Exits are not required directly from rooftop enclosures that are provided with access to exits in conformance with Sentences 3.3.1.3.(5) and (6).
| Occupancy of Floor Area | Maximum Floor Area, m2 | Maximum Travel Distance, m |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | ||
| Group C | ||
| Group D | ||
| Group E | ||
| Group F, Division 2 | ||
| Group F, Division 3 |
| Occupancy of Floor Area | Maximum Floor Area, m2 |
|---|---|
| Group A | |
| Group B | |
| Group C | |
| Group D | |
| Group E | |
| Group F, Division 2 | |
| Group F, Division 3 |
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), the space above a mezzanine shall be served by means of egress leading to exits accessible at the mezzanine level on the same basis as floor areas.
(2)The means of egress from a mezzanine need not conform to Sentence (1), provided
- (a) the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation, as permitted in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1),
- (b) the occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than 60,
- (c) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits stated in Table 3.4.2.2., and
- (d) the distance limits stated in Table 3.4.2.2. measured along the path of travel are not exceeded from any point on the mezzanine to (ii) an egress door serving the space that the mezzanine overlooks, if the space is served by a single egress door, or (ii) the egress stairway leading to an access to exit in the space below if that space is required to be served by 2 or more egress doorways in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1).
(3)At least half of the required means of egress from a mezzanine shall comply with Sentence (1) if the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1).
| Occupancy of Space | Maximum Area, m2 | Distance Limits, m |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly occupancy | ||
| Residential occupancy | ||
| Business and personal services occupancy | ||
| Mercantile occupancy | ||
| Medium-hazard industrial occupancy | ||
| Low-hazard industrial occupancy |
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the least distance between 2 required exits from a floor area shall be
- (a) one-half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but need not be more than 9 m for a floor area having a public corridor, or
- (b) one-half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9 m for all other floor areas.
(2)Exits need not comply with Sentence (1) where
- (a) the floor area is divided so that not less than one-third of the floor area is on each side of a fire separation, and
- (b) it is necessary to pass through the fire separation to travel from one exit to another exit.
(3)The minimum distance between exits referred to in Sentence (1) shall be the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the exits, assuming that the smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.
(4)The distance between 2 exterior discharges leading from two or more exit stairs serving the same floor area shall be
- (a) not less than 9 m, or
- (b) not less than 6 m, where (i) the building is sprinklered throughout, and (ii) the 2 exterior discharges are located within 15 m of a street.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit.
(2)The travel distance from a suite or a room not within a suite is permitted to be measured from an egress door of the suite or room to the nearest exit, provided
- (a) the suite or room is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation (i) having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or (ii) that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout, and
- (b) the egress door opens onto (i) an exterior passageway, (ii) a corridor used by the public that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with the requirements in Article 3.3.1.4. for the separation of public corridors, or (iii) a public corridor that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with Article 3.3.1.4.
(3)Travel distance to an exit shall be not more than 50 m from any point in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8).
(4)If there is a firewall in an elementary or secondary school, the travel distance shall not be measured to a door in the firewall, but shall be measured to an exterior exit door or an exit door to a stairway.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.3.2.5.(13) to (16), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, the exits shall be located so that the travel distance to at least one exit shall be not more than
- (a) 25 m in a high-hazard industrial occupancy,
- (b) 40 m in a business and personal services occupancy,
- (c) 45 m in a floor area that contains an occupancy other than a high-hazard industrial occupancy, provided it is sprinklered throughout,
- (d) 105 m in any floor area, served by a public corridor, in which rooms and suites are not separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation, provided (i) the public corridor is not less than 9 m wide, (ii) the ceiling height in the public corridor is not less than 4 m above all floor surfaces, (iii) the building is sprinklered throughout, and (iv) not more than one-half of the required egress doorways from a room or suite open into the public corridor if the room or suite is required to have more than one egress doorway,
- (e) 60 m in any storage garage that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.2.2.92., and
- (f) 30 m in any floor area other than those referred to in Clauses (a) to (e).
(2)Except for a high-hazard industrial occupancy, Sentence (1) need not apply if exits are placed along the perimeter of the floor area and are not more than 60 m apart, measured along the perimeter, provided each main aisle in the floor area leads directly to an exit.
(3)Exits shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their locations are clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times.
(1)For the purposes of this Section, at least one door at every principal entrance to a building providing access from the exterior at ground level shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for exits.
(2)In a building that is not sprinklered throughout in accordance with Sentence 3.2.5.12.(1), the principal entrance serving a dance hall or a licensed beverage establishment with an occupant load more than 250 shall provide at least one-half of the required exit width.
Width and Height of Exits
(1)For the purpose of determining the aggregate width of exits, the occupant load of every room or floor area shall be determined in conformance with Subsection 3.1.17.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.4.3.2.(4), the required exit width shall be cumulative if 2 or more exits converge.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the minimum aggregate required width of exits serving floor areas intended for assembly occupancies, residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies, mercantile occupancies, and industrial occupancies shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
- (a) 6.1 mm per person for ramps with a slope of not more than 1 in 8, doorways, corridors and passageways,
- (b) 8 mm per person for a stair consisting of steps whose rise is not more than 180 mm and whose run is not less than 280 mm, or
- (c) 9.2 mm per person for (i) ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 8, or (ii) stairs, other than stairs conforming to Clause (b).
(2)The minimum aggregate width of exits serving floor areas intended for a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by 18.4 mm per person.
(3)The minimum aggregate width of means of egress serving a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
- (a) 1.8 mm per person for (i) aisles, (ii) stairs other than exit stairs, and (iii) ramps and passageways in vomitories and exits, and
- (b) 2.4 mm per person for exit stairs.
(4)Except as required by Sentences 3.4.3.2.(5) and (6), the required exit width need not be cumulative in an exit serving 2 or more floor areas located one above the other.
(5)The required exit width for an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serving more than one balcony level shall conform to Sentence (6).
(6)The required exit width for exit stairs that serve interconnected floor space designed in accordance with Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. shall be cumulative, unless
- (a) the stairs provide not less than 0.3 m2 of area of treads and landings for each occupant of the interconnected floor space, or
- (b) protected floor spaces conforming to Article 3.2.8.5. are provided at each floor level and the protected floor space on a floor level has not less than 0.5 m2 of space for each occupant of that floor level of the interconnected floor space.
(7)If more than one exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not more than one-half of the required exit width.
(8)The minimum widths of exits shall conform to Tables 3.4.3.2.-A and 3.4.3.2.-B.
| Occupancy Classification | Exit Corridors and Passageways, mm | Ramps, mm | Stairs, mm | Doorways, mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A, Group B, Division 1, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F | 1 100 | 1 100 | 900(1) | 1 100(2) |
| Occupancy Classification | Exit Corridors and Passageways, mm | Ramps, mm (Not serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms) | Ramps, mm (Serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms) | Stairs, mm (Not serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms) | Stairs, mm (Serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms) | Doorways, mm (Not serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms) | Doorways, mm (Serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group B, Division 2 | 1 100 | 1 100 | 1 650 | 900(2) | 1 100(3) | 1 650 | 1 050 |
| Group B, Division 3 | 1 100 | 1 100 | 1 650 | 900(2) | 1 100(3) | 1 650 | 1 050 |
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), no fixture, turnstile or construction shall project into or be fixed within the required width of an exit.
(2)Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the required width of exit stairs or landings to less than 750 mm or reduce the width of an exit passageway to less than the minimum required width.
(3)Exit doors shall be installed so that, when open, they shall neither diminish nor obstruct the required width of the exit by more than 50 mm for each door leaf.
(4)Handrails and construction below handrails, including handrail supports and stair stringers, are permitted to project into the required width of means of egress but the projections shall be not more than 100 mm on each side of the required width.
(5)In an elementary or secondary school, where a stair lift is installed in an exit stair, an intermediate handrail shall be installed between the path of travel of the stair lift and the remainder of the stair to ensure that the stair lift will not reduce the required width of the exit stair.
(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2), (4) and (5), every exit shall have a clear height over the clear width of the exit of not less than 2 100 mm.
(2)The clear height of stairways shall be measured vertically, over the clear width of the stairway, from a straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest point above, and shall not be less than 2 050 mm.
(3)The clear height of landings shall be measured within the clear width of the landing vertically to the lowest element above.
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), the clear height of doorways shall not be less than 2 030 mm.
(5)No door closer or other device shall be installed so as to reduce the clear height of a doorway to less than 1 980 mm.
(1)The fee payable for an application to take an examination that is part of an examination program referred to in Clause 3.4.3.2.(1)(a), (b) or (c) is $150.
(2)The fee for a registration is $484, for 2025 and subsequent calendar years.
(3)The fee for the addition of a new class of registration is $82, for 2024 and subsequent calendar years.
(4)The fee for renewal of a registration is $356, for 2025 and subsequent calendar years.
(1)A registration is not transferable.
(1)The following are the conditions of a registration:
- (a) the registered person shall carry out activities under the registration in accordance with the Act, this Code and the quality management plan described in Clause 3.4.3.2.(1)(d),
- (b) if the registered person is a corporation or partnership, during the term of the registration there must be, (i) an officer, director, partner or employee of the registered person who has the qualifications set out in Clause 3.4.3.2.(1)(a), and (ii) one or more officers, directors, partners or employees of the registered person who have the qualifications set out in Clause 3.4.3.2.(1)(b) in respect of each class of registration that is held by the registered person,
- (c) the registered person shall, during the term of the registration, be covered by the insurance required under Subsection 3.6.2.,
- (d) the registered person shall, within 15 days after the event, notify the director in writing of, (i) any change in address of the registered person for correspondence relating to the registration, and (ii) any change in the information set out in Sentences 3.4.3.3.(5) and (6),
Fire Separation of Exits
(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2) and (4) and Sentences 3.3.5.4.(3), 3.4.4.2.(2), 3.4.4.3.(1) and 3.13.3.1.(3), every exit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required by Subsection 3.2.2., but not less than 45 min, for
- (a) the floor assembly above the storey, or
- (b) the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above.
(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation referred to in Sentence (1) need not be more than 2 h.
(3)If an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serves more than one balcony level, the exit stair shall be separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentence (1).
(4)The path of exit travel may lead from an exit door or exit enclosure through open air parking that is located below a roof or floor assembly that is part of the building served by the exit door or exit enclosure, where
- (a) the portion of the path of exit travel that leads through the open air parking is not more than 9 m in length measured from the exit door to a point at ground level at the perimeter of the building,
- (b) measures are taken to prevent vehicles intended to park in spaces adjacent to the path of exit travel from encroaching on the path of exit travel, and
- (c) an alternate means of egress not leading through the open air parking is available from the interior side of the door opening onto the path of exit travel through the open air parking area.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), no exit from a floor area above or below the first storey shall lead through a lobby.
(2)Not more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby, provided
- (a) the lobby floor is not more than 4.5 m above grade,
- (b) the path of travel through the lobby to the outdoors is not more than 15 m,
- (c) the adjacent rooms or premises having direct access to the lobby do not contain a residential occupancy or an industrial occupancy, except that dwelling units may open directly onto the lobby, where (i) from the interior of the exit stair that opens onto the lobby there is alternate means of egress not leading through the lobby and such means of egress is entirely within the same storey as the lobby, or (ii) the floor area is sprinklered,
- (d) except as required by Clause (g), the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space other than as described in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(6),
- (e) the lobby conforms to the requirements for exits, except that (i) rooms other than service rooms and storage rooms are permitted to open onto the lobby, (ii) the fire separation between the lobby and a room used for the sole purpose of control and supervision of the building need not have a fire-resistance rating, (iii) the fire separation between the lobby and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open onto the lobby need not have a fire-resistance rating provided the lobby and adjacent occupancies are sprinklered, and (iv) passenger elevator entrances are permitted to open onto the lobby provided the elevator entrance doors are designed to remain closed except while loading and unloading,
- (f) a fire separation, constructed in accordance with Sentence 3.4.4.1.(1), is maintained between the lobby and any exit permitted by this Sentence to lead through the lobby, and
- (g) that if the exit serves a hotel, the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space.
(1)The requirements of Sentences 3.4.4.1.(1) and 3.2.3.13.(1) and (3) do not apply to an exterior exit passageway provided
- (a) not less than 50% of the exterior side is open to the outdoors, and
- (b) an exit stair is provided at each end of the passageway.
(1)A fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except for
- (a) standpipe and sprinkler piping,
- (b) electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit,
- (c) openings required by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6.,
- (d) exit doorways,
- (e) wired glass and glass block permitted by Article 3.1.8.16., and
- (f) a sprinkler protected glazed wall assembly conforming to Article 3.1.8.20.
(2)Exits within scissors stairs and other contiguous exit stairways shall be separated from each other by a smoke-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly through which they pass.
(3)Fire separations separating contiguous stairs described in Sentence (2) shall not be pierced by doorways, ductwork, piping or any other openings that affect the continuity of the separation.
(4)A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in an exit.
(5)An exit shall not be used as a plenum for a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system.
(6)An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit is permitted also to be designed to serve as an access to a floor area.
(7)A service room shall not open directly into an exit.
(8)Storage rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and similar ancillary rooms shall not open directly into an exit.
(9)Service spaces referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) shall not open directly into an exit.
(10)In elementary and secondary schools, an exit shall be designed so that it does not serve as an access from one portion of a floor area to another portion of the same floor area.
Exit Signs
(1)Except as provided by Sentences (8) and (9), every exit door shall have an exit sign providing visual information placed over or adjacent to it if the exit serves
- (a) a building more than 2 storeys in building height,
- (b) a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or
- (c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.
(2)Except as provided by Sentence (7), every exit sign providing visual information shall
- (a) be visible on approach to the exit,
- (b) consist of a green and white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings," and
- (c) conform to ISO 7010, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs," for the following symbols: (i) E001 emergency exit left, (ii) E002 emergency exit right, (iii) E005 90-degree directional arrow, and (iv) E006 45-degree directional arrow.
(3)Internally illuminated exit signs shall
- (a) be continuously illuminated, and
- (b) where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, be constructed in conformance with CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency Lighting Equipment."
(4)Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated by a light fixture supplied by an electrical circuit.
(4.1)Photoluminescent and self-luminous exit signs shall
- (a) conform to CAN/ULC-S572, "Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Signs and Path Marking Systems,"
- (b) be labelled in accordance with the time duration for which they have been tested and listed,
- (c) be so installed that upon failure of the regular power they will continue to be illuminated for the applicable time duration specified in Clause 3.2.7.4.(1)(b), and
- (d) be continuously illuminated if reliant on an external energy source to energize the reflective coating of the sign.
(5)If illumination of an exit sign is provided from an electrical circuit, that circuit shall
- (a) serve no equipment other than emergency lighting in the area where exit signs are installed, and
- (b) be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentence 3.2.7.4.(1).
(6)Where no exit is visible from a public corridor, from a corridor used by the public in a Group A or B major occupancy or from principal routes serving an open floor area having an occupant load of more than 150, an exit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and (c) with an arrow or other indicator pointing at the direction of egress shall be provided.
(7)Except for egress doorways described in Sentence 3.3.2.4.(4), an exit sign conforming to Sentences (2) to (5) shall be placed over or adjacent to every egress doorway from rooms with an occupant load more than 60 in Group A, Division 1 occupancies, dance halls, licensed beverage establishments and other similar occupancies that, when occupied, have lighting levels below the level that would provide easy identification of the egress doorway.
(8)Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotel shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it.
(9)An exit sign is not required within a suite containing a Group B, Division 3 occupancy if the following requirements are met:
- (a) the suite contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons, and
- (b) not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.
(1)An exit sign displaying the word "EXIT" in tactile form that complies with Article 3.8.3.1. shall be mounted on the approach side of exit doors described in Sentence 3.4.5.1.(1), in the direction of travel to the exit.
(1)In a building more than 2 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stair that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall be clearly marked by a sign indicating that it does not lead to an exit.
(2)An exit stair serving a building more than 6 storeys in building height shall be clearly marked by signs indicating that it does not lead to an exit at the roof level.
Types of Exit Facilities
(1)The surfaces of ramps, landings and treads shall
- (a) have a finish that is slip-resistant, and
- (b) if accessible to the public, have a colour contrast or a distinctive visual pattern to demarcate (i) the leading edge of the tread, (ii) the leading edge of the landing, and (iii) the beginning and end of a ramp.
(1.1)A tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed
- (a) at the top of the stairs, starting one tread depth back from the edge of the top stair, and
- (b) at the leading edge of landings where a doorway opens onto stairs, starting one tread depth back from the edge of the landing.
(2)Treads and landings of exterior exit stairs shall be designed to be free of ice and snow accumulations if the stairs
- (a) are more than 10 m high, or
- (b) serve a hotel.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.3.2.15.(1), every flight of interior stairs shall have not less than 3 risers.
(1)No flight of stairs shall have a vertical rise of more than 3.7 m between floors or landings, except that a flight of stairs serving as an exit in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall have a vertical rise not more than 2.4 m between floors or landings.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), a landing shall be provided
- (a) at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs,
- (b) at the top and bottom of every section of ramp,
- (c) where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp,
- (d) where a ramp opens onto a stair, and
- (e) where a stair opens onto a ramp.
(3)A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp, provided there is no gate, door or fixed obstruction within the lesser of
- (a) the width of the stair or ramp, or
- (b) 1 100 mm.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (6), a landing shall be at least as wide and as long as the width of the stairway in which it occurs.
(2)In a straight stairway and in a stairway that turns less than 90°, the length of the landing need not be more than the lesser of
- (a) the required width of the stair or ramp, or
- (b) 1 100 mm.
(3)The length of a landing shall be measured perpendicular to the nosing of adjacent steps, at a distance equal to half the length required in Sentence (2), from the narrow edge of the landing.
(4)Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through a side wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp, and for a distance of 300 mm on either side of the wall opening, except one side if it abuts on an end wall.
(5)Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through an end wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp and along its length for not less than 900 mm.
(6)Where the direction of exit travel changes at a landing, the landing is permitted to be chamfered or curved in plan, provided the required width of the stair is maintained where measured perpendicular to the direction of exit travel across the landing.
(1)One handrail shall be provided on stairs that are less than 1 100 mm in width.
(2)One handrail shall be provided on each side of
- (a) stairs that are 1 100 mm or more in width,
- (b) curved flights of any width, and
- (c) ramps.
(3)In addition to Sentence (2), intermediate handrails shall be provided so that
- (a) a handrail is reachable within 825 mm of all portions of the required exit width, and
- (b) at least one portion of the stair or ramp between two handrails is the required exit width for stairs or ramps as described in Sentences 3.4.3.2.(8) and 3.4.3.4.(4).
(4)Where a stair or ramp is wider than its required exit width, handrails shall be located along the most direct path of travel.
(5)Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length, be free of any sharp or abrasive elements, and have
- (a) a circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than 50 mm, or
- (b) a non-circular cross-section with a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 160 mm and whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 57 mm.
(6)The height of handrails on stairs, on aisles with steps and on ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to
- (a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair or aisle step served by the handrail, or
- (b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.
(7)Except as provided in Sentence (8) and Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(e), the height of handrails on stairs, on aisles with steps and on ramps shall be
- (a) not less than 865 mm, and
- (b) not more than 1070 mm.
(8)Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (7).
(9)Required handrails shall be continuous throughout the length of
- (a) a ramp, and
- (b) a flight, from the bottom riser to the top riser.
(10)Except as required by Sentence (16) and except where interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction, at least one handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of a stair or ramp, including at landings.
(11)Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard.
(12)At least one handrail shall,
- (a) in the case of a stair, (i) extend horizontally at the required height, not less than 300 mm beyond the top riser, and (ii) continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser followed by a 300 mm horizontal extension, and
- (b) in the case of a ramp, extend horizontally at the required height, not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom edges of the incline.
(13)The clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less than
- (a) 60 mm, if the surface behind the handrail is rough or abrasive, or
- (b) 50 mm, in all other cases.
(14)Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values specified in Sentence 4.1.5.14.(7).
(15)A ramp shall have handrails on both sides.
(16)In a long-term care home, a Group B, Division 3 occupancy and a retirement home, a continuous handrail shall be provided on both sides of a stair throughout the length of the stair, including landings, except where a handrail is interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction.
(1)Every exit shall have a wall or a well-secured guard on each side, where
- (a) the difference in elevation is more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface, or
- (b) the adjacent surface within 1.2 m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2.
(2)Except as required by Sentence (4), the height of guards for exit stairs and exit ramps, as well as their landings, shall be not less than 1 070 mm.
(3)The height of guards shall be measured vertically to the top of the guard from
- (a) a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
- (b) the surface of the ramp or landing.
(4)The height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above adjacent ground level shall be not less than 1 500 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing or a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings.
(5)Except as provided in Sentence (5.1), openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard.
(5.1)Openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) and that is installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard.
(6)In a stairway, a window for which the distance measured vertically between the bottom of the window and a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings is less than 900 mm, or a window that extends to less than 1 070 mm above the landing, shall
- (a) be protected by a guard that is (i) located approximately 900 mm above a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or (ii) not less than 1 070 mm high measured to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing, or
- (b) be fixed in position and designed to resist the lateral design loads specified for guards and walls in Articles 4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.16.
(7)Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a hazard, a guard shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the level being protected by the guard will facilitate climbing.
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and as provided for aisles in Article 3.3.2.5., ramps shall have a uniform slope along their length and a maximum slope of 1 in 12.
(2)Except as provided in Section 3.8., ramps in industrial occupancies shall have a uniform slope along their length and a maximum slope of
- (a) 1 in 6 for interior ramps, and
- (b) 1 in 10 for exterior ramps.
(1)Except as permitted for dwelling units and by Sentence 3.4.7.5.(1) for fire escapes, steps in flights shall have a run of not less than 280 mm and not more than 355 mm between successive steps.
(2)Steps for stairs referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a rise between successive treads not less than 125 mm and not more than 180 mm.
(3)Except as provided in Article 3.3.4.7. and except for fire escape stairs, stairs that are principally used for maintenance and service, and stairs that serve industrial occupancies other than storage garages, steps for stairs shall have no open risers.
(4)Except in fire escape stairs and where an exterior stair adjoins a walkway as permitted in Sentence 3.4.6.3.(3), risers, measured as the vertical nosing-to-nosing distance, shall be of uniform height in any one flight, with a maximum tolerance of
- (a) 5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and
- (b) 10 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
(5)Except in fire escape stairs, treads shall have a uniform run with a maximum tolerance of
- (a) 5 mm between adjacent treads, and
- (b) 10 mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.
(6)Treads and risers shall not differ significantly in run and rise in successive flights in any stair system.
(7)The slope of treads or landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.
(8)Except as permitted by Sentence (10), the top of the nosing of stair treads shall have a rounded or bevelled edge extending not less than 6 mm and not more than 13 mm measured horizontally from the front of the nosing.
(9)The front edge of stair treads in exits and public access to exits shall be at right angles to the direction of exit travel.
(10)If resilient material is used to cover the nosing of a stair tread, the minimum rounded or beveled edge required by Sentence (8) is permitted to be reduced to 3 mm.
(1)Exit stair flights shall consist solely of
- (a) straight flights, or
- (b) curved flights complying with Sentence (2).
(2)A curved flight used as an exit shall have
- (a) a handrail on each side,
- (b) a minimum run of 240 mm,
- (c) treads with a run that conforms to Article 3.4.6.8. when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the inside handrail at the narrow end of the tread, and
- (d) an inside radius that is not less than twice the stair width.
(3)Tapered treads shall have a consistent angle and uniform run and rise dimensions in accordance with the construction tolerances described in Article 3.4.6.8. when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail at the narrow end of the tread.
(4)All tapered treads within a flight shall turn in the same direction.
(1)Except in an elementary or secondary school that is subdivided by a firewall, the floor area on each side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupants of both floor areas, allowing not less than 0.5 m2 of clear floor space per person, except that 1.5 m2 shall be provided for each person in a wheelchair and 2.5 m2 for each bedridden patient.
(2)If vestibules, enclosed balconies or bridges are used as parts of a horizontal exit, their clear width shall be not less than that of the exit doorways opening into them, except that handrails are not permitted to project into this clear width more than 100 mm.
(3)In a horizontal exit where there is a difference in level between the connected floor areas, slopes not more than those specified for ramps in Article 3.4.6.7. are permitted to be used.
(4)No stairs or steps shall be used at a horizontal exit.
(5)If 2 doors are provided in a horizontal exit that comprises a part of the required number of exits from the floor areas on both sides of the exit
- (a) the doors shall be mounted adjacent to each other with the door on the right side in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit swinging in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit, and
- (b) signs shall be provided on each side of the horizontal exit to indicate the door that swings in the direction of travel from that side.
(6)If a horizontal exit utilizes bridges between buildings or outside balconies, the bridges or balconies shall conform to Article 3.2.3.19.
(7)Any change in floor level from one side of a horizontal exit to the other side shall not exceed 2 000 mm.
(1)The distance between a stair riser and the leading edge of a door during its swing shall be not less than 300 mm.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3) and where a threshold is used to contain spillage, a threshold for a doorway in an exit shall be not more than 13 mm higher than the surrounding finished floor surface.
(3)No exit door shall open directly onto a step except that, if there is danger of blockage from ice or snow, an exit door is permitted to open onto not more than one step which shall be not more than 150 mm high.
(4)Exit doors shall be clearly identifiable.
(5)No door leaf in an exit doorway with more than one leaf shall be less than 610 mm wide.
(6)Where an exit door leading directly to the outside is subject to being obstructed by parked vehicles or storage because of its location, a visible sign or a physical barrier prohibiting such obstructions shall be installed on the exterior side of the door.
(1)Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit and except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 3.4.6.14., every exit door shall
- (a) open in the direction of exit travel, and
- (b) swing on its vertical axis.
(2)Except in a high-hazard industrial occupancy, an exit door need not swing in the direction of exit travel where it serves
- (a) a room, suite or floor area having an occupant load of not more than 60 persons, or
- (b) as part of a means of egress from more than one floor area and the floor areas so served have a total occupant load of not more than 60 persons.
(3)Exit doors need not conform to Sentence (1) where they serve
- (a) storage garages serving not more than one dwelling unit,
- (b) accessory buildings serving not more than one dwelling unit, or
- (c) storage suites not more than 28 m2 in area that are on the first storey of a warehouse and open directly outdoors at ground level.
(1)An exit door that is normally required to be kept closed
- (a) shall be provided with a self-closing mechanism, and
- (b) shall not be secured in an open position except as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.14.(1).
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.4.6.12.(2), an exit door leading directly to outdoors at ground level is permitted to be a sliding door provided it conforms to Sentence 3.3.1.12.(1).
(2)An exit door serving a Group B, Division 1 occupancy, or an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, is permitted to be a sliding door that does not conform to Sentence 3.3.1.12.(1) provided it is designed to be released in conformance with Article 3.3.1.13.
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a revolving door, if used, shall
- (a) be collapsible,
- (b) have hinged doors providing equivalent exiting capacity located adjacent to it,
- (c) be used as an exit from the ground floor level only,
- (d) be not less than 3 m from the foot of any stairway, and
- (e) have all glass in door leaves and enclosure panels conforming to (i) CAN/CGSB-12.1, "Safety Glazing," or (ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, "Wired Safety Glass."
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a revolving door shall not be considered to have an exiting capacity for more than 45 persons.
(3)An electrically powered revolving door is not required to conform to Sentences (1) and (2) provided
- (a) the door leaves will collapse and stop automatic rotation of the door system and not obstruct the doorway if a force not more than that specified in Sentence 3.4.6.16.(2) is applied at the centre of a door leaf,
- (b) the door leaves are capable of being opened from inside the building without requiring keys, special devices, or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism,
- (c) the allowable exiting capacity is based on the clear width of passage through the door enclosure when the doors are fully collapsed,
- (d) a permanent sign, whose centre line is between 1 000 mm and 1 500 mm above the floor, is placed on each face of each door leaf indicating the method for collapsing the door leaf in an emergency, and
- (e) glass used for door leaves and enclosure panels is safety glazing conforming to (i) CAN/CGSB-12.1, "Safety Glazing," or (ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, "Wired Safety Glass."
(1)Except for dwelling units, except for devices on doors serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone designed to be released in conformance with Article 3.3.1.13., and except as permitted by Sentence (5), locking, latching and other fastening devices on every exit door shall permit the door to be readily opened from the inside with not more than one releasing operation and without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism.
(2)If a door is equipped with a latching mechanism, a device complying with Sentence (3) shall be installed on
- (a) every exit door from a floor area containing an assembly occupancy having an occupant load more than 100,
- (b) every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft, and every exterior door leading from an exit stair shaft in a building having an occupant load more than 100, and
- (c) every exit door from a floor area containing a high-hazard industrial occupancy.
(3)The device required in Sentence (2) shall
- (a) extend across not less than one-half of the width of the door,
- (b) release the latch, and
- (c) allow the door to swing wide open when a force not more than that specified in Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7) is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit.
(4)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7), every exit door shall be designed and installed so that, when the latch is released, the door will open under a force of not more than 90 N, applied at the knob or other latch releasing device.
(5)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6), electromagnetic locks that do not incorporate latches, pins or other similar devices to keep the door in the closed position are permitted to be installed on exit doors other than doors described in Sentence (6) provided
- (a) the building is equipped with a fire alarm system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4.,
- (b) the locking device, and all similar devices in the access to exit leading to the exit door, are installed as ancillary devices to the fire alarm system and release immediately upon activation of (i) the alarm signal where a single-stage fire alarm system is installed, (ii) except as provided in Subclause (iii), the alert signal where a 2-stage fire alarm system is installed, or (iii) the alarm signal of a 2-stage fire alarm system installed in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy or in a retirement home,
- (c) the locking device releases immediately upon loss of power controlling the electromagnetic locking mechanism and its associated auxiliary controls,
- (d) the locking device releases immediately upon actuation of a manually operated switch readily accessible only to authorized personnel and located near the main entrance of the building or in the central alarm and control facility of Sentence 3.2.6.7.(1),
- (e) the locking device releases immediately upon a fault being detected in the electrical circuit between the fire alarm control panel and the controller of the locking device,
- (f) the locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual station for the fire alarm system located on the wall not more than 600 mm from the door,
- (g) a visual information sign complying with Article 3.8.3.1. that displays the words EMERGENCY EXIT UNLOCKED BY FIRE ALARM is permanently mounted on the door,
- (h) a tactile information sign complying with Article 3.8.3.1. that displays the words EMERGENCY EXIT UNLOCKED BY FIRE ALARM is permanently mounted near the door,
- (i) upon release, the locking device must be reset manually by the actuation of the switch referred to in Clause (d),
- (j) the operation of any by-pass switch, where provided for testing of the fire alarm system, causes an audible signal and a visual signal to be indicated at the fire alarm annunciator panel and at the monitoring station referred to in Sentence 3.2.4.8.(4),
- (k) emergency lighting conforming to 3.2.7.3.(1) is provided, and
- (l) where they are installed on doors providing emergency crossover access to floor areas from exit stairs in accordance with Article 3.4.6.18., (i) the locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual station for the fire alarm system located on the wall on the exit stair side not more than 600 mm from the door, (ii) a visual information sign displaying the words RE-ENTRY DOOR UNLOCKED BY FIRE ALARM that complies with Article 3.8.3.1. is permanently mounted on the door on the exit stair side, and (iii) a tactile information sign displaying the words RE-ENTRY DOOR UNLOCKED BY FIRE ALARM that complies with Article 3.8.3.1. is permanently mounted near the door on the exit stair side.
(6)Reserved.
(7)Door release hardware for the operation of the doors referred to in this Section shall be installed between 900 mm and 1 100 mm above the finished floor.
(8)Except as permitted by Sentences (9) and (10), electromagnetic locks are not permitted to be installed on exit doors
- (a) described in Clause (2)(a), (b) or (c),
- (b) serving an elementary or secondary school, or
- (c) leading directly from a high-hazard industrial occupancy.
(9)Electromagnetic locks are permitted to be installed on an exterior door leading from an exit stairway in a building containing only a Group B, Division 2 major occupancy, a Group B, Division 3 major occupancy or a retirement home.
(10)Electromagnetic locks are permitted to be installed on an exit door that serves only a gaming premises if
- (a) the gaming premises is located within a sprinklered floor area,
- (b) smoke detectors are installed in each room and each corridor accessible to the public,
- (c) a force of not more than 90 N applied to the door opening hardware initiates an irreversible process that will release the locking device within 15 s and not relock until the door has been opened, and
- (d) a legible sign conforming with Clauses (5)(g) and(h) is permanently mounted on the exit door to indicate that the locking device will release within 15 s of applying pressure to the door release hardware.
(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), doors providing access to floor areas from exit stairs shall not have locking devices to prevent entry into any floor area from which the travel distance up or down to an unlocked door is more than 2 storeys.
(2)Doors referred to in Sentence (1) are permitted to be equipped with electromagnetic locks provided they comply with Sentences 3.4.6.16.(5) and (8).
(3)Doors referred to in Sentence (1) shall be identified by visual and tactile information signs complying with Article 3.8.3.1. mounted on the stairway side to indicate that they are openable from that side.
(4)Locked doors intended to prevent entry into a floor area from an exit stair shall
- (a) be identified by visual and tactile information signs complying with Article 3.8.3.1. mounted on the stairway side to indicate the location of the nearest unlocked door in each direction of travel, and
- (b) be openable with a master key that fits all locking devices and is kept in a designated location accessible to firefighters or be provided with a wired glass panel not less than 0.0645 m2 in area and located not more than 300 mm from the door opening hardware.
(5)Where access to a floor area through unlocked doors is required by Sentence (1), it shall be possible for a person entering the floor area to have access through unlocked doors within the floor area to at least one other exit.
(6)In a building not more than 6 storeys in building height, doors providing access from exit stairs to a floor area containing a hotel are permitted to have locking devices to prevent entry into the floor area provided the requirements in Clause (4)(b) are complied with.
(1)Arabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number in both visual and tactile forms in accordance with Article 3.8.3.1. shall, be mounted permanently on the wall on the stair side and on the floor side at the latch side of doors to exit stair shafts.
(2)Upper case letters indicating the designation assigned to each exit stair shaft in both visual and tactile forms in accordance with Article 3.8.3.1. shall mounted permanently on the wall on the stair side and on the floor side at the latch side of doors to exit stair shafts.
Fire Escapes
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), fire escapes shall not be erected on a building.
(2)If it is impracticable to provide one or more of the exit facilities listed in Article 3.4.1.4., fire escapes conforming to Articles 3.4.7.2. to 3.4.7.7. are permitted to serve floor areas in an existing building provided the floor areas served are
- (a) not in an elementary or secondary school or a retirement home,
- (b) not more than 2 storeys above ground level in care, care and treatment or detention occupancies, and
- (c) not more than 5 storeys above ground level in other occupancies.
(1)Fire escapes shall be of metal or concrete, of the stair type extending to ground level, constructed throughout in a strong substantial manner and securely fixed to the building, except that wooden fire escapes are permitted to be used on buildings of combustible construction if all posts and brackets are not less than 89 mm in their least dimension and all other woodwork is not less than 38 mm in its least dimension.
(1)Access to fire escapes shall be from corridors through doors at floor level, except that access from a dwelling unit is permitted to be through a casement window having an unobstructed opening not less than 1 100 mm high by 550 mm wide with a sill height of not more than 900 mm above the inside floor.
(2)The clear area of a fire escape balcony onto which a door opens, shall be not less than 1 m2.
(1)If a fire escape serves any storey above the second, openings located in a zone described in Sentence (2), including access doorways in the exterior walls of the building to which the fire escape is attached, shall be protected by closures conforming to Subsection 3.1.8.
(2)The zone referred to in Sentence (1) extends from any balcony, platform or stairway of a fire escape to a distance
- (a) 3 m horizontally,
- (b) 10 m below, and
- (c) 1.8 m above.
(1)Stairs shall be inclined at an angle of not more than 45 with the horizontal, and their steps shall have risers not more than 210 mm high and treads not less than 220 mm wide exclusive of nosing.
(2)Stairway headroom shall be not less than 1 950 mm plus the height of one riser measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform.
(3)The width of a fire escape shall conform to Articles 3.4.3.1. to 3.4.3.3., except that the width is permitted to be reduced to 550 mm provided the fire escape serves
- (a) not more than 3 storeys, and
- (b) not more than 15 persons.
(4)If a flight of stairs leading to the ground at the foot of a fire escape is not fixed in position, it shall
- (a) be held in the raised position without a latch or locking device,
- (b) be fitted with a counterbalancing device,
- (c) be easily and quickly brought into position for use, and
- (d) reach the ground in the lowered position.
(1)The open sides of every platform, balcony and stairway forming part of a fire escape shall be protected by guards not less than 920 mm high measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform.
(2)The top rail of a guard is permitted to serve as a handrail if it is free from obstructions that could break a handhold.
(3)A wall handrail shall be installed if the fire escape is more than 550 mm wide.
(4)Openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard.
(5)Unless it can be shown that the location and size of an opening do not present a hazard, a guard for a fire escape shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above a platform or the nosing of any tread will facilitate climbing.
(1)Platforms for a fire escape shall be provided in conformance with the requirements for stair landings in Articles 3.4.6.3. and 3.4.6.4.