Fire Protection
Definitions and Application
(1)For the purposes of this Section, roofs with slopes of 60° or more to the horizontal and that are adjacent to a room or space intended for occupancy shall be considered as a wall.
(1)Where life safety and fire protection systems and systems with fire protection and life safety functions are integrated with each other, they shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, "Standard for Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems," to verify that they have been properly integrated.
(2)Sentence (1) does not apply to a building that contains only dwelling units and has no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit.
(1)Tents, air-supported structures, transformer vaults, walkways, elevators and escalators shall conform to Part 3.
(2)Where rooms or spaces are intended for an assembly occupancy, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.
(3)Basements containing more than 1 storey or exceeding 600 m2 in area shall conform to Part 3.
(4)Where rooms or spaces are intended for the storage, manufacture or use of hazardous or explosive material, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.
(5)Reserved.
(6)Openings through floors that are not protected by shafts or closures shall be protected in conformance with Subsection 3.2.8.
(7)Chutes and shafts shall conform to Subsection 3.6.3. except where they are entirely contained within a dwelling unit.
(8)Sprinkler systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.12. to 3.2.5.15. and 3.2.5.17.
(9)Standpipe and hose systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. and 3.2.5.17.
(10)Fire pumps shall be installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.17. and 3.2.5.18.
(11)Where fuel-fired appliances are installed on a roof, such appliances shall be installed in conformance with Article 3.6.1.5.
(1)In kitchens containing commercial cooking equipment used in processes producing grease-laden vapours, the equipment shall be designed and installed in conformance with Article 6.3.1.6.
Occupancy Classification
(1)Every building or part of it shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the groups or divisions described in Table 9.10.2.1.
| Group | Division | Description of Major Occupancies(1) |
|---|---|---|
| C | — | Residential occupancies |
| D | — | Business and personal services occupancies |
| E | — | Mercantile occupancies |
| F | Medium-hazard industrial occupancies | |
| F | Low-hazard industrial occupancies (Does not include storage garages serving houses or individual dwelling units) |
(1)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.2.4., in any building containing more than one major occupancy in which one major occupancy is located entirely above another, the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. for each portion of the building containing a major occupancy shall be applied to that portion as if the entire building was of that major occupancy.
(1)In a building containing more than one major occupancy, where the aggregate area of all major occupancies in a particular group or division does not exceed 10% of the floor area on the storey on which they are located, they need not be considered as major occupancies for the purposes of Articles 9.10.2.3. and 9.10.8.1. provided they are not classified as Group F, Division 2 occupancies.
Ratings
(1)Where a fire-resistance rating or a fire-protection rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined in conformance with
- (a) the test methods described in Part 3,
- (b) MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings," or
- (c) MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-3, "Fire and Sound Resistance Tables."
(1)Where a flame-spread rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined in accordance with the test methods described in Part 3, or in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings."
(2)Unless the flame-spread rating is referred to in this Part as a "surface flame-spread rating", it shall apply to any surface of the element being considered that would be exposed by cutting through it as well as to the exposed surface of the element.
(1)Floor, roof and ceiling assemblies shall be rated for exposure to fire on the underside.
(2)Exterior walls shall be rated for exposure to fire from inside the building, except that such walls need not comply with the temperature rise limitations required by the standard tests referred to in Article 9.10.3.1. if such walls have a limiting distance of not less than 1.2 m, and due allowance is made for the effects of heat radiation in accordance with the requirements in Part 3.
(3)Firewalls and interior vertical fire separations required to have fire-resistance ratings shall be rated for exposure to fire on each side.
(1)Where a ceiling construction has a suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles that contribute to the required fire-resistance rating, hold down clips or other means shall be provided to prevent the lifting of such panels or tiles in the event of a fire.
Building Size Determination
(1)Except as required by Sentences (2) and 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from the calculation of building height, provided
- (a) the aggregate area of mezzanines that are not superimposed does not exceed 10% of the floor area of the building in which they are located, and
- (b) the area of mezzanine in a suite does not exceed 10% of the area of that suite on the storey on which it is located.
(2)Except as required by Sentence 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from the calculation of building height, provided
- (a) the aggregate area of mezzanines that are not superimposed does not exceed 40% of the open area of the room in which they are located, and
- (b) except as permitted in Sentence (3), the space above the mezzanine floor is used as an open area without partitions or subdividing walls higher than 1 070 mm above the mezzanine floor.
(3)The space above a mezzanine conforming to Sentence (2) is permitted to include an enclosed space whose area does not exceed 10% of the open area of the room in which the mezzanine is located, provided the enclosed space does not obstruct visual communication between the open space above the mezzanine and the room in which it is located.
(4)For the purpose of determining occupant load, the areas of mezzanines that are not considered as storeys shall be added to the floor area of the storey on which they are located.
(5)Platforms and catwalks intended solely for periodic inspection and maintenance need not be considered as floor assemblies or mezzanines for the purpose of calculating building height, provided
- (a) they are not used for storage, and
- (b) they are constructed with noncombustible materials, unless the building is permitted to be of combustible construction.
(1)Where more than one level of mezzanine is provided in a storey, each level additional to the first shall be considered as a storey.
(1)Where a basement is used primarily as a storage garage, the basement is permitted to be considered as a separate building for the purposes of this Section provided the floor above the basement and the exterior walls of the basement above the adjoining ground level are constructed as fire separations of masonry or concrete having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
(1)Rooftop enclosures provided for elevator machinery, stairways or service rooms, used for no purpose other than for service to the building, shall not be considered as a storey in calculating the building height.
Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Assemblies
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall not be pierced by openings into the assembly unless the assembly has been tested and rated for such openings.
(2)A wall or ceiling membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating is permitted to be pierced by openings for electrical and similar service outlet boxes, provided such outlet boxes and the penetrations conform to Article 9.10.9.8.
(2.1)Where boxes referred to in Sentence (2) are located on both sides of walls required to provide a fire-resistance rating, they shall be offset where necessary to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.
Construction Types
(1)Where a building or part of a building is required to be of noncombustible construction, combustible elements shall be limited in conformance with the requirements in Subsection 3.1.5.
(1)Heavy timber construction shall be considered to have a 45 min fire-resistance rating when it is constructed in accordance with the requirements for heavy timber construction in Article 3.1.4.7.
Steel Members
(1)Except as permitted in Article 3.2.2.3., structural steel members used in construction required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be protected to provide the required fire-resistance rating.
Fire-Resistance and Combustibility in Relation to Occupancy, Height and Supported Elements
(1)Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the fire-resistance ratings of floors and roofs shall conform to Table 9.10.8.1. (See Subsection 9.10.2. for mixed occupancies and Subsection 9.10.21. for construction camps.)
| Major Occupancy | Maximum Building Height, Storeys | Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating by Building Element, min | Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces | Mezzanine Floors | Roofs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential (Group C) | — | All other occupancies | — | — |
(1)Except for roofs that support an occupancy, the requirements in Table 9.10.8.1. for roof assemblies to have a fire-resistance rating are permitted to be waived in sprinklered buildings where
- (a) the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and
- (b) the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
(1)Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, all loadbearing walls, columns and arches in the storey immediately below a floor or roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required for the supported floor or roof assembly.
(2)Light-frame walls, columns, arches and beams as well as loadbearing steel elements that support floors between dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be protected by not less than 15.9 mm thick Type-X gypsum board. (See Note A-9.10.8.3.(2))
(1)Where an assembly is required to be of noncombustible construction and to have a fire-resistance rating, it shall be supported by noncombustible construction.
(1)Construction supporting a service room need not conform to Article 9.10.8.3.
(1)Mezzanines required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements for "Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces" in Table 9.10.8.1.
(1)Where a portion of a roof supports an occupancy, that portion shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to the rating for "Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces" in Table 9.10.8.1.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the floor assembly of every exterior passageway used as part of a means of egress shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min or be of noncombustible construction.
(2)No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving buildings of Group D, E or F major occupancy that are not more than 2 storeys in building height.
(3)No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving
- (a) a house with a secondary suite, or
- (b) a single dwelling unit where no suite is located above or below the dwelling unit. (See also Sentence 9.9.9.3.(2))
(1)Where a crawl space exceeds 1.8 m in height or is used for any occupancy or as a plenum in combustible construction or for the passage of flue pipes, it shall be considered as a basement in applying the requirements in Article 9.10.8.1.
(1)Table 9.10.8.1. does not apply to
- (a) a dwelling unit that has no other dwelling unit above or below it,
- (b) houses with a secondary suite, where the floor framing is protected on the underside by a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board, or
- (c) a dwelling unit that is not above or below another major occupancy.
(1)The fire-resistance ratings of floors, roofs, loadbearing walls, columns and arches need not conform to this Subsection if such assemblies conform in all respects to the appropriate requirements in Section 3.2.
Fire Separations and Smoke-tight Barriers between Rooms and Spaces within Buildings
(1)This Subsection applies to
- (a) fire separations required between rooms and spaces in buildings, and
- (b) smoke-tight barriers required in houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
(1)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a fire separation shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of fire and retard the passage of smoke.
(2)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a smoke-tight barrier shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of smoke. (See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3))
(3)Except as provided in Sentence (6), the continuity of a fire separation where it abuts another fire separation or smoke-tight barrier, a floor, a ceiling, or a roof shall be maintained by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, "Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems," has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the abutting fire separation. (See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3)) (See also Note A-3.1.8.3.(2))
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (6), joints located in a horizontal plane between a floor and an exterior wall shall be sealed by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in ASTM E2307, "Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-storey Test Apparatus," has an F rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the horizontal fire separation.
(5)Except as provided in Sentence (6), all gypsum board joints in the assemblies described in Sentences (1) and (2) shall conform to CSA A82.31-M, "Gypsum Board Application," to maintain the integrity of the smoke-tight barrier over the entire surface.
(6)Joints between ceilings and walls, between floors and walls, and between walls at corners need not comply with Sentences (3) to (5) where such joints consist of gypsum board that is attached to framing members and arranged so as to restrict the passage of flame and smoke through the joints.
Firewalls
(1)Except as provided in Articles 9.10.11.2., a party wall on a property line shall be constructed as a firewall.
(1)A party wall on a property line of a building of residential occupancy need not be constructed as a firewall, provided it is constructed as a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating, where the party wall separates
- (a) two dwelling units where there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit,
- (b) a dwelling unit and a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, or
- (c) two houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
(2)Reserved.
(3)The wall described in Sentence (1) shall provide continuous protection from the top of the footings to the underside of the roof deck.
(4)Any space between the top of the wall described in Sentence (1) and the roof deck shall be tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material.
(1)Where firewalls are used, the requirements in Part 3 shall apply.
(1)Where a garage is detached from the dwelling unit it serves but attached to another garage on the adjacent property, the party wall so formed shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.
Prevention of Fire Spread at Exterior Walls and Between Storeys
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and in Articles 9.10.1.3. and 9.10.9.5., the portions of a floor area or mezzanine that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a firewall or a vertical shaft, shall terminate at a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly that terminates at the separation.
(2)A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation where the mezzanine is not required to be considered as a storey in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2.
(1)Where a wall in a building is exposed to a fire hazard from an adjoining roof of a separate fire compartment that is not sprinklered in the same building, the roof shall contain no skylights within a horizontal distance of 5 m of the windows in the exposed wall.
(1)Except as provided in Article 9.9.4.5., where exterior walls of a building meet at an external angle of 135° or less, the horizontal distance from an unprotected opening in one exterior wall to an unprotected opening in the other exterior wall shall be not less than 1.2 m, where these openings are
- (a) in different fire compartments, or
- (b) in different dwelling units, ancillary spaces or common spaces in a house with a secondary suite.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the exterior wall of each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (1) within the 1.2 m distance shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the interior vertical fire separation between the compartment and the remainder of the building.
(3)Where interior walls between dwelling units, ancillary spaces or common spaces in a house with a secondary suite are not constructed as fire separations, the exterior wall of each dwelling unit, ancillary space or common space referred to in Sentence (1) within the 1.2 m distance shall be finished on the interior with not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board.
(1)This Article applies to the portion of any soffit enclosing a projection that is
- (a) less than 2.5 m vertically above a window or door, and
- (b) less than 1.2 m from either side of the window or door.
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), the construction described in Sentence (1) shall have no unprotected openings and shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (3), where the soffit encloses
- (a) a common attic or roof space that spans more than 2 suites of residential occupancy and projects beyond the exterior wall of the building,
- (b) a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey and (i) a fire separation is required at the floor between the two, or (ii) the floor separates dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space in a house with a secondary suite, or
- (c) a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey, and the projection is continuous across (i) a vertical fire separation separating two suites, or (ii) a wall separating dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space in a house with a secondary suite.
(3)Protection required by Sentence (2) shall be provided by
- (a) noncombustible material having a minimum thickness of 0.38 mm and a melting point not below 650°C,
- (b) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum wallboard installed according to CSA A82.31-M, "Gypsum Board Application,"
- (c) not less than 11 mm thick plywood,
- (d) not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or
- (e) not less than 11 mm thick lumber.
(4)In the case of a soffit described in Sentence (1) that is at the edge of an attic or roof space, and completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by fire blocks, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply.
(5)Where all suites spanned by a common attic or roof space or situated above or below the projecting floor are sprinklered, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply provided that all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exceptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.
Doors, Dampers and Other Closures in Fire Separations
(1)Except as provided in Article 9.10.13.2., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with a closure conforming to Table 9.10.13.1. and shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 80, "Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives," unless otherwise specified in this Part.
| Required Fire-Resistance Rating of Fire Separation | Required Fire-Protection Rating of Closure |
|---|---|
| 30 or 45 min | 20 min(1) |
| 1 h | 45 min(1) |
| 1.5 h | 1 h |
| 2 h | 1.5 h |
| 3 h | 2 h |
| 4 h | 3 h |
(1)A 45 mm thick solid core wood door is permitted to be used where a minimum fire-protection rating of 20 min is permitted or between a public corridor and a suite provided the door conforms to CAN/ULC-S113, "Standard Specification for Wood Core Doors Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104 for Twenty Minute Fire Rated Closure Assemblies."
(2)Doors described in Sentence (1) shall have not more than a 6 mm clearance beneath and not more than 3 mm at the sides and top.
(1)Doors required to provide a 20 min fire-protection rating or permitted to be 45 mm solid core wood shall be mounted in a wood frame of at least 38 mm thickness where the frame has not been tested and rated.
(1)Doors forming part of an exit or a public means of egress shall conform to Subsection 9.9.6. in addition to this Subsection.
(1)Wired glass conforming to Article 9.6.1.2. that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a vertical fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h provided such glass is not less than 6 mm thick and is mounted in conformance with Sentence (2).
(2)Wired glass described in Sentence (1) shall be mounted in fixed steel frames having a metal thickness of not less than 1.35 mm and a glazing stop of not less than 20 mm on each side of the glass.
(3)Individual panes of glass described in Sentence (1) shall not exceed 0.8 m² in area or 1.4 m in height or width, and the area of glass not structurally supported by mullions shall not exceed 7.5 m².
(1)Steel door frames forming part of a closure in a fire separation, including anchorage requirements, shall conform to CAN/ULC-S105, "Standard Specification for Fire Door Frames Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104."
(1)Glass block that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h.
(1)The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 11 m², with no dimension greater than 3.7 m, if a fire compartment on either side of the fire separation is not sprinklered.
(2)The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 22 m², with no dimension greater than 6 m, when the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are sprinklered.
(1)Every swing type door in a fire separation shall be equipped with a latch.
(1)Except as described in Sentence (2), every door in a fire separation shall have a self-closing device.
(2)Self-closing devices are not required between public corridors and suites in business and personal services occupancies, except in dead-end corridors or a corridor that serves a hotel.
(1)Where hold-open devices are used on doors in required fire separations, they shall be installed in accordance with Article 3.1.8.14.
(1)Swing-type doors shall open into service rooms containing fuel-fired equipment where such doors lead to public corridors or rooms used for assembly but shall swing outward from such rooms in all other cases.
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (5), 9.10.5.1.(3) and 9.10.9.9.(5), a duct that penetrates an assembly required to be a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating shall be equipped with a fire damper in conformance with Articles 3.1.8.4. and 3.1.8.10.
(2)A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation provided the duct
- (a) has a melting point not below 760°C,
- (b) has a cross-sectional area less than 130 cm², and
- (c) supplies only air-conditioning units or combined air-conditioning and heating units discharging air at not more than 1.2 m above the floor.
(3)A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation around an exhaust duct riser in which the air flow is upward provided
- (a) the melting point of the branch duct is not below 760°C,
- (b) the branch duct is carried up inside the riser at least 500 mm, and
- (c) the exhaust duct is under negative pressure as described in Article 9.10.9.20.
(4)Noncombustible ducts that penetrate a fire separation separating a vertical service space from the remainder of the building need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation provided
- (a) the ducts have a melting point above 760°C, and
- (b) each individual duct exhausts directly to the outside at the top of the vertical service space.
(5)A duct serving commercial cooking equipment and piercing a required fire separation need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation.
(1)Fire stop flaps in ceiling membranes required in Sentence 9.10.5.1.(3) shall
- (a) conform to CAN/ULC-S112.2, "Standard Method of Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies," and
- (b) activate at a temperature approximately 30°C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the ducts, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down.
(1)A door between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall be tight-fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gases and exhaust fumes and shall be fitted with a self-closing device.
(2)A doorway between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall not be located in a room intended for sleeping.
(1)Where a door is installed so that it may damage the integrity of a fire separation if its swing is unrestricted, door stops shall be installed to prevent such damage.
Spatial Separation Between Buildings
(1)This Subsection applies to buildings other than those to which Subsection 9.10.15. applies.
(2)This Subsection does not apply to a house with a secondary suite.
(1)The area of an exposing building face shall be
- (a) taken as the exterior wall area facing in one direction on any side of a building, and
- (b) calculated as, (i) the total area measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling, or (ii) the area for each fire compartment, where a building is divided into fire compartments by fire separations with fire-resistance ratings not less than 45 min.
(2)For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.4.-A to determine the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings permitted in an irregularly-shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that there are no unprotected openings between the vertical plane and the line to which limiting distance is measured.
(3)For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.5. to determine the required type of construction, cladding and fire-resistance rating for an irregularly-shaped or skewed exterior wall,
- (a) the exposing building face is permitted to be divided into any number of portions and the fire-resistance rating, type of cladding and percentage of unprotected openings limitations is permitted to be determined individually for each portion based on the limiting distance for each portion so divided,
- (b) the exposing building face shall be taken as the projection of the exterior wall onto a vertical plane located so that no portion of the exterior wall of the building is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is established in Clause (a), and
- (c) for the purpose of determining the actual area of unprotected openings permitted in an exterior wall, the unprotected openings shall be projected onto the vertical plane established in Clause (b).
(4)The required limiting distance for an exposing building face is permitted to be measured to a point beyond the property line that is not the centre line of a street, lane or public thoroughfare if
- (a) the owners of the properties on which the limiting distance is measured and the municipality enter into an agreement in which such owners agree that, (i) each owner covenants that, for the benefit of land owned by the other covenantors, the owner will not construct a building on his or her property unless the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the proposed construction is measured in accordance with the agreement, (ii) the covenants contained in the agreement are intended to run with the lands, and the agreement shall be binding on the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, (iii) the agreement shall not be amended or deleted from title without the consent of the municipality, and (iv) they will comply with such other conditions as the municipality considers necessary, including indemnification of the municipality by the other parties, and
- (b) the agreement referred to in Clause (a) is registered against the title of the properties to which it applies.
(5)Where an agreement referred to in Sentence (4) is registered against the title of a property, the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the construction of any buildings on the property shall be measured to the point referred to in the agreement.
(1)Where there is no fire department or where a fire department is not organized, trained and equipped to meet the needs of the community, the required limiting distance determined from Sentences 9.10.14.4.(2), (5) and (6) and Sentence 9.10.14.5.(6), shall be doubled for a building that is not sprinklered.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (10) and Sentence 9.10.14.6.(1), the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face shall
- (a) conform to Table 9.10.14.4.,
- (b) conform to Subsection 3.2.3., or
- (c) where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m, be equal to or less than (i) the limiting distance squared, for residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies and low-hazard industrial occupancies, and (ii) half the limiting distance squared, for mercantile occupancies and medium-hazard industrial occupancies.
| Occupancy Classification of Building | Maximum Total Area of Exposing Building Face, m² | Maximum Aggregate Area of Unprotected Openings, % of Exposing Building Face Area | Limiting Distance, m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential, business and personal services, and low-hazard industrial | Over 100 | Less than 1.2 | |
| Mercantile and medium-hazard industrial | Over 100 | 1.2 1.5 2.5 |
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (4) to (14), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Table 9.10.14.5. and Subsection 9.10.8.
(2)Cladding on exposing building faces and exterior walls located above exposing building faces need not conform to the type of cladding required by Table 9.10.14.5. where
- (a) the exposing building face is constructed with no unprotected openings,
- (b) the limiting distance is not less than 0.6 m, and
- (c) the cladding (i) conforms to Subsection 9.27.12., (ii) is installed without furring members over not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum sheathing or over masonry, (iii) has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and (iv) is not more than 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements.
| Occupancy Classification of Building | Maximum Area of Unprotected Openings Permitted, % of Exposing Building Face Area | Minimum Required Fire-Resistance Rating | Type of Construction Required | Type of Cladding Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential, business and personal services, and low-hazard industrial | 0 - 10 | 1 h | Noncombustible | Noncombustible |
| >10 but ≤25 | 1 h | Combustible or noncombustible | Noncombustible | |
| >25 but <100 | 45 min | Combustible or noncombustible | Combustible or noncombustible | |
| Mercantile and medium-hazard industrial | 0 - 10 | 2 h | Noncombustible | Noncombustible |
| >10 but ≤25 | 2 h | Combustible or noncombustible | Noncombustible | |
| >25 but <100 | 1 h | Combustible or noncombustible | Combustible or noncombustible |
Spatial Separation Between Houses
(1)This Subsection applies to
- (a) buildings that contain only dwelling units and have no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, and
- (b) houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
(1)The area of an exposing building face shall be
- (a) taken as the exterior wall area facing in one direction on any side of a building, and
- (b) calculated as (i) the total area measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling, (ii) the area for each fire compartment, where a building is divided into fire compartments by fire separations with fire-resistance ratings not less than 45 min, or (iii) where Table 9.10.15.4. is used to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings, the area of any number of individual portions of the exposing building face.
(2)Reserved.
(3)For the purpose of using Table 9.10.15.4. to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that there are no glazed openings between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured.
(1)Where there is no fire department or where a fire department is not organized, trained and equipped to meet the needs of the community, the required limiting distance determined from Sentences 9.10.15.4.(2) and (5) and Sentence 9.10.15.5.(6), shall be doubled for a building that is not sprinklered throughout.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (9), the maximum area of glazed openings in an exposing building face shall
- (a) conform to Table 9.10.15.4.,
- (b) conform to Subsection 3.2.3. as if the glazed openings were unprotected openings, or
- (c) where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m, be equal to or less than the limiting distance squared.
(2)Where the limits on the area of glazed openings are determined for individual portions of the exposing building face, as described in Subclause 9.10.15.2.(1)(b)(iii), the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings for any portion shall be determined using the values in Table 9.10.15.4. corresponding to
- (a) the maximum total area of exposing building face, which is equal to the sum of all portions of the exposing building face, and
- (b) the limiting distance of each portion.
(3)Reserved.
(4)Reserved.
(5)Reserved
(6)The limits on the area of glazed openings shall not apply to the exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory building, where
- (a) the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,
- (b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and
- (c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.
(7)The maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an exposing building face is permitted to be up to twice the area determined in accordance with Sentence (1), where
- (a) the glazed openings consist of glass blocks, as described in Article 9.10.13.7., or
- (b) the building is sprinklered, provided all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that are adjacent to the exposing building face and that have glazed openings are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.
(8)Except as provided in Sentence (9), openings in a wall having a limiting distance of less than 1.2 m shall be protected by closures, of other than wired glass or glass block, whose fire-protection rating is in conformance with the fire-resistance rating required for the wall.
(9)An opening in an exposing building face not more than 130 cm2 need not be protected by a closure.
| Maximum Total Area of Exposing Building Face, m² | Maximum Aggregate Area of Glazed Openings, % of Exposing Building Face Area | Limiting Distance, m | Less than 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 2.5 | Over 100 |
|---|
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (1.1), (2), (4) and (6), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Subsection 9.10.8.,
- (a) for the exposing building face as a whole, or
- (b) for any number of separate portions of the exposing building face.
(1.1)Sentence (1) does not apply where
- (a) the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m,
- (b) the limiting distance is less than 1.2 m but not less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, or
- (c) the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min and is clad with noncombustible material.
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, the exposing building face and exterior walls located above the exposing building face that enclose an attic or roof space shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and
- (a) the cladding shall be metal or noncombustible cladding installed in accordance with Section 9.20., 9.27. or 9.28.,
- (b) the cladding shall (i) conform to Subsection 9.27.12., (ii) be installed without furring members over gypsum sheathing at least 12.7 mm thick or over masonry, (iii) has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and (iv) not exceed 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements, or
- (c) the wall assembly shall comply with Clause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b) when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S134, "Standard Method of Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies."
(3)Reserved.
(4)The requirements for fire-resistance rating and type of cladding-sheathing assembly shall not apply to the exposing building face or projections from an exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory building, or a garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where
- (a) the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,
- (b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and
- (c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.
(5)Except for buildings containing 1 or 2 dwelling units only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 m above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted within
- (a) 1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or
- (b) 2.4 m of a combustible projection on another building on the same property.
(6)Reserved.
(7)Reserved.
(8)Reserved.
(9)Reserved.
(10)Reserved.
(11)Reserved.
(12)Reserved.
(13)Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1) provided the limiting distance is not less than 3 m.
Fire Blocks
(1)Concealed spaces in interior walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces shall be separated by fire blocks from concealed spaces in exterior walls and attic or roof spaces.
(2)Reserved.
(3)Fire blocks shall be provided at all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces in interior coved ceilings, drop ceilings and soffits where the exposed construction materials within the concealed spaces have a surface flame-spread rating greater than 25.
(4)Fire blocks shall be provided at the top and bottom of each run of stairs where they pass through a floor containing concealed space in which the exposed construction materials within the space have a surface flame-spread rating greater than 25.
(5)Where not sprinklered, concealed spaces of combustible construction created by a ceiling, roof space or unoccupied attic space shall be separated by fire blocks into compartments
- (a) not more than 60 m in greatest dimension, and
- (b) where such space contains exposed construction materials having a surface flame-spread rating greater than 25, not more than 300 m2 in area.
(6)No dimension of the compartment described in Clause (5)(b) shall exceed 20 m.
(7)Concealed spaces in mansard or gambrel style roofs, exterior cornices, balconies and canopies of combustible construction in which the exposed construction materials within the space have a surface flame-spread rating exceeding 25 shall have vertical fire blocks at intervals of not more than 20 m and at points where such concealed spaces extend across the ends of required vertical fire separations.
(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), fire blocks shall be provided to block off concealed spaces within wall assemblies, including spaces created by furring,
- (a) at each floor level,
- (b) at each ceiling level where the ceiling contributes to part of the required fire-resistance rating, and
- (c) at other locations within the wall, so that the distance between fire blocks does not exceed 20 m horizontally and 3 m vertically.
(2)Fire blocks described in Sentence (1) are not required, provided
- (a) the insulated wall assembly contains not more than one concealed air space whose horizontal thickness is not more than 25 mm,
- (b) the exposed construction materials within the space are noncombustible, or
- (c) the exposed construction materials within the space, including insulation, but not including wiring, piping or similar services, have a flame-spread rating of not more than 25, or
- (d) the concealed wall space is filled with insulation.
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), fire blocks shall be constructed of materials that will remain in place and prevent the passage of flames for not less than 15 min when subjected to the standard fire exposure in CAN/ULC-S101, "Standard Method of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials."
(2)Fire blocks are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if they are constructed of not less than,
- (a) 0.38 mm sheet steel,
- (b) 12.7 mm gypsum board,
- (c) 12.5 mm plywood, OSB or waferboard, with joints having continuous supports,
- (d) two layers of lumber, each not less than 19 mm thick, with joints staggered, or
- (e) 38 mm lumber.
(3)In a building permitted to be of combustible construction, semi-rigid fibre insulation board produced from glass, rock or slag, is permitted to be used to block the vertical space in a double-frame wall assembly formed at the intersection of the floor assembly and the walls, provided the width of the vertical space does not exceed 25 mm and the insulation board
- (a) has a density not less than 45 kg/m3,
- (b) is securely fastened to one set of studs,
- (c) extends from below the bottom of the top plates in the lower storey to above the top of the bottom plate in the upper storey, and
- (d) completely fills the portion of the vertical space between the headers and between the wall plates.
(1)Where fire blocks are pierced by pipes, ducts or other elements, the effectiveness of the fire blocks shall be maintained around such elements.
Flame Spread Limits
(1)Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the exposed surface of every interior wall and ceiling, including skylights and glazing, shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150.
(2)Except as permitted in Sentence (3), doors need not conform to Sentence (1) provided they have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 200.
(3)Doors within dwelling units, other than garage doors, need not conform to Sentences (1) and (2).
(1)At least 90% of the exposed surface of every ceiling in an exit or ceiling that is not sprinklered in a public corridor shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), at least 90% of the exposed surfaces of every wall in an exit shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
(2)At least 75% of the wall surface of a lobby used as an exit in Article 9.9.8.5. shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
(1)Where an exterior exit passageway provides the only means of egress from the rooms or suites it serves, the wall and ceiling finishes of that passageway, including the soffit beneath and the guard on the passageway, shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25, except that up to 10% of the total wall area and 10% of the total ceiling area is permitted to have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150.
(1)At least 90% of the total wall surface in any public corridor that is not sprinklered shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 75, or at least 90% of the upper half of such walls shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
(1)Skylights, glazing, combustible doors, and combustible light diffusers and lenses shall not be considered in the calculation of wall and ceiling areas in this Subsection.
(1)Where a public corridor or a corridor used by the public contains an occupancy, the interior finish materials used on the walls or ceiling of such occupancy shall have a surface flame-spread rating in conformance with that required for public corridors.
(1)Light diffusers and lenses having flame-spread ratings that exceed those permitted for the ceiling finish, shall conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.13.4.(1).
(1)Individual combustible skylights in corridors required to be separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations shall not exceed 1 m² in area and shall be spaced not less than 1.2 m apart.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), foamed plastics that form part of a wall or ceiling assembly shall be protected from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within attic or roof spaces, crawl spaces, wall assemblies and ceiling assemblies
- (a) by one of the interior finishes described in Subsections 9.29.4. to 9.29.9.,
- (b) provided the building does not contain a Group C major occupancy, by sheet metal that (i) is mechanically fastened to the supporting assembly independent of the insulation, (ii) is not less than 0.38 mm thick, and (iii) has a melting point not less than 650°C, or
- (c) any thermal barrier that meets the requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.15.(2).
(2)A walk-in cooler or freezer consisting of factory-assembled wall, floor or ceiling panels containing foamed plastics is permitted to be used, provided the panels
- (a) are protected on both sides by sheet metal not less than 0.38 mm thick having a melting point not less than 650°C,
- (b) do not contain an air space, and
- (c) have a flame-spread rating, determined by subjecting a sample panel with an assembled joint typical of field installation to the applicable test described in Subsection 3.1.12., that is not more than that permitted for the room or space in which they are located or that they bound.
(3)Thermosetting foamed plastic insulation having a flame-spread rating of not more than 200 is permitted to be used in factory-assembled doors in storage garages serving buildings of residential occupancy provided that
- (a) the insulation is covered on the interior with a metallic foil,
- (b) the assembly has a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 200, and
- (c) the assembly incorporates no air spaces.
(1)The interior finish of walls and ceilings in bathrooms within suites of residential occupancy shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 200.
(1)Where a covering or a lining is used with a duct, such lining or covering shall have a flame-spread rating conforming to Article 3.6.5.4. or 9.33.6.4.
Alarm and Detection Systems
(1)Where access is provided through a firewall, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply to the floor areas on both sides of the firewall as if they were in the same building.
(1)Reserved.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (5), a fire alarm system shall be installed
- (a) in every building that contains more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey,
- (b) where the total occupant load exceeds 300, or
- (c) when the occupant load for any major occupancy in Table 9.10.18.2. is exceeded.
(3)Reserved.
(4)Reserved.
(5)A fire alarm system is not required in a residential occupancy where an exit or public corridor serves not more than 4 suites or where each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.
| Major Occupancy Classification | Occupant Load Above which Fire Alarm System is Required |
|---|---|
| Residential | 10 (sleeping accommodation) |
| Business and personal services, mercantile | 150 above or below the first storey |
| Low- or medium-hazard industrial | 75 above or below the first storey |
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), and as required by this Subsection, where fire alarm, fire detection and smoke detection devices and systems are installed, these devices and systems and their installation shall conform to Subsection 3.2.4., 3.2.7.8. and 3.2.7.10.
(2)The following Articles in Subsection 3.2.4. regarding fire alarm systems do not apply to Part 9 buildings: Articles 3.2.4.1., 3.2.4.10., 3.2.4.11., 3.2.4.12., 3.2.4.13., 3.2.4.20. and 3.2.4.22.
(1)Where a fire alarm system is required, every public corridor in buildings of residential occupancy and every exit stair shaft shall be provided with smoke detectors.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), if a fire alarm system is required in a building that is not sprinklered, fire detectors shall be installed in the following spaces:
- (a) storage rooms not within dwelling units,
- (b) service rooms not within dwelling units,
- (c) janitors' rooms,
- (d) rooms in which hazardous substances are to be used or stored,
- (e) elevator hoistways, chutes and dumbwaiter shafts, and
- (f) laundry rooms in buildings of residential occupancy, except those within dwelling units.
(3)Except as required in Sentence (4), heat detectors and smoke detectors described in Sentence (2), are not required in dwelling units or in sprinklered buildings in which the sprinkler system is electrically supervised and equipped with a water flow alarm.
(4)Where a fire alarm system is required in a hotel, heat detectors shall be installed in every room in a suite and in every room not located in a suite in a floor area containing a hotel, other than washrooms within a suite, saunas, refrigerated areas and swimming pools.
(1)Except for a recirculating air system serving not more than one dwelling unit, where a fire alarm system is required to be installed, every recirculating air handling system shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a duct-type smoke detector where such system supplies more than one suite on the same floor or serves more than 1 storey.
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), where a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h separates a portion of a building from the remainder of the building and there are no openings through the fire separation other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and conduit, the requirements for fire alarm and detection systems may be applied to each portion so separated as if it were a separate building.
(2)The permission in Sentence (1) to consider separated portions of a building as separate buildings does not apply to service rooms and storage rooms.
(1)Central vacuum cleaning systems serving more than one suite or storey in a building equipped with a fire alarm system shall be designed to shut down upon activation of the fire alarm system.
(1)A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92. provided there are no other occupancies in the building.
(1)If a fire alarm system is required in a building containing a hotel, a single stage fire alarm system shall be provided.
(1)Where fire protection and life safety systems, and systems with fire protection and life safety functions, are integrated with each other, the systems shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, "Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems," to verify that the systems have been properly integrated.
(2)Sentence (1) does not apply to a building that contains only dwelling units and has no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit.
Smoke Alarms
(1)Except as permitted by Article 9.10.19.8., smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, "Standard for Smoke Alarms," shall be installed in
- (a) each dwelling unit,
- (b) each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit, and
- (c) ancillary spaces and common spaces not in dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite.
(2)Smoke alarms required in Sentence (1) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code."
(3)The visual signalling component required in Sentence (2) need not
- (a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it,
- (b) be on battery backup, or
- (c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit.
(4)The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required in Sentence (2) that are installed in sleeping rooms shall be a minimum of 175 cd.
(1)The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall
- (a) meet the temporal patterns of alarm signals, or
- (b) be a combination of temporal pattern and voice relay.
(1)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.19.8., within dwelling units, sufficient smoke alarms shall be installed so that
- (a) there is at least one smoke alarm installed on each storey, including basements, and
- (b) on any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a smoke alarm is installed (i) in each sleeping room, and (ii) in a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway.
(1.1)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.19.8., within a house with a secondary suite that contains an interior shared means of egress or common area, a smoke alarm shall be installed in each shared means of egress and common area.
(2)A smoke alarm required in Sentences (1) and (1.1) shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S553, "Standard for Installation of Smoke Alarms."
(3)Smoke alarms required in Article 9.10.19.1. and Sentences (1) and (1.1) shall be installed on or near the ceiling.
(4)A smoke alarm required in Sentences (1) and (1.1) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code."
(5)The visual signalling component required in Sentence (4) need not
- (a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it,
- (b) be on battery backup, or
- (c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit.
(6)The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required in Sentence (4) that are installed in sleeping rooms shall be a minimum of 175 cd.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), smoke alarms described in Sentence 9.10.19.1.(1) and 9.10.19.3.(1.1) shall
- (a) be installed with permanent connections to an electrical circuit,
- (b) have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm, and
- (c) in case the regular power supply to the smoke alarm is interrupted, be provided with a battery as an alternative power source that can continue to provide power to the smoke alarm for a period of not less than 7 days in the normal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm.
(2)Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, smoke alarms are permitted to be battery-operated.
(3)Suites of residential occupancy are permitted to be equipped with smoke detectors in lieu of smoke alarms, provided the smoke detectors
- (a) are capable of independently sounding audible signals with a sound pressure level between 75 dBA and 110 dBA within the individual suites,
- (b) except as permitted in Sentence (4), are installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems," and
- (c) form part of the fire alarm system.
(4)Smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as stated in Sentence (3) are permitted to sound localized alarms within individual suites, and need not sound an alarm throughout the rest of the building.
(1)Where more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be wired so that the activation of one alarm will cause all alarms within the dwelling unit to sound.
(2)Smoke alarms in a house with a secondary suite shall be wirelessly interconnected or interconnected by hard-wiring so that the activation of any one smoke alarm causes all smoke alarms within the house with a secondary suite to sound.
(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), a manually operated device shall be incorporated within the circuitry of a smoke alarm installed in a dwelling unit so that the signal emitted by the smoke alarm can be silenced for a period of not more than 10 min, after which the smoke alarm will reset and sound again if the level of smoke in the vicinity is sufficient to re-actuate it.
(2)Suites of residential occupancy equipped with smoke detectors installed to CAN/ULC-S524, "Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems," which are part of the fire alarm system in lieu of smoke alarms as permitted in Sentence 9.10.19.4.(3), need not incorporate the manually operated device required in Sentence (1).
(1)Where instructions are necessary to describe the maintenance and care required for smoke alarms to ensure continuing satisfactory performance, they shall be posted in a location where they will be readily available to the occupants for reference.
(1)Except where a fire alarm system is installed or required in a building, smoke detectors forming part of a residential fire warning system installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S540 "Standard for Residential Fire and Life Safety Warning Systems: Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance," are permitted to be installed in lieu of all smoke alarms required by Articles 9.10.19.1. and 9.10.19.3., provided that the fire warning system
- (a) is capable of sounding audible signals in accordance with Articles 9.10.19.2. and 9.10.19.5.,
- (b) is powered in accordance with Article 9.10.19.4., and
- (c) is equipped with a silencing device conforming to Article 9.10.19.6.
Firefighting
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), a window or access panel providing an opening not less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide and having a sill height of not more than 900 mm above the floor shall be provided on the second and third storeys of every building in at least one wall facing on a street if such storeys are not sprinklered.
(2)Access panels required in Sentence (1) shall be readily openable from both inside and outside or be glazed with plain glass.
(3)Access panels required in Sentence (1) need not be provided in
- (a) buildings containing only dwelling units where there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, or
- (b) houses with a secondary suite.
(1)Except in basements in houses with a secondary suite or basements serving not more than one dwelling unit, each basement that is not sprinklered that exceeds 25 m in length or width shall be provided with direct access to the outdoors to at least one street.
(2)Access required in Sentence (1) may be provided by a door, window or other means that provides an opening not less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide, the sill height of which shall not be more than 900 mm above the floor.
(3)Access required in Sentence (1) may also be provided by an interior stair accessible from the outdoors.
(1)Access for fire department equipment shall be provided to each building by means of a street, private roadway or yard.
(2)Where access to a building as required in Sentence (1) is provided by means of a roadway or yard, the design and location of such roadway or yard shall take into account connection with public thoroughfares, weight of firefighting equipment, width of roadway, radius of curves, overhead clearance, location of fire hydrants, location of fire department connections and vehicular parking.
(1)Portable extinguishers shall be installed in all buildings, except within dwelling units, in conformance with the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
(1)Equipment forming part of a fire protection system that may be adversely affected by freezing temperatures and that is located in an unheated area shall be protected from freezing.
Fire Protection for Construction Camps
(1)Except as provided in Articles 9.10.21.2. to 9.10.21.9., camps for housing of workers in construction camps shall conform to Subsections 9.10.1. to 9.10.20.
(1)Except for sleeping rooms within dwelling units, sleeping rooms in a building in a camp for housing of workers shall be separated from each other and from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 30 min fire-resistance rating.
(1)Except in a dwelling unit, a floor assembly in a building in a camp for housing of workers separating the first storey and the second storey shall be constructed as a fire separation having not less than a 30 min fire-resistance rating.
(1)Walkways of combustible construction connecting buildings shall be separated from each connected building by a fire separation having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating.
(1)Buildings in a camp for housing of workers shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 10 m unless otherwise permitted in Subsection 9.10.14.
(1)Except in dwelling units and except as provided in Sentence (2), the surface flame-spread rating of wall and ceiling surfaces in corridors and walkways, exclusive of doors, shall not exceed 25 over not less than 90% of the exposed surface area and not more than 150 over the remaining surface area.
(2)Except within dwelling units, corridors that provide access to exit from sleeping rooms and that have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min shall have a flame-spread rating conforming to the appropriate requirements in Subsection 9.10.17.
(1)Except in dwelling units, corridors providing access to exit from sleeping rooms in every building in a camp for housing of workers with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons shall have a smoke detector connected to the building alarm system.
(1)Each building in a camp for housing of workers shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers in conformance with the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
(1)Every building in a camp for housing of workers providing sleeping accommodation for more than 30 persons shall be provided with a hose station that is protected from freezing and equipped with a hose of sufficient length so that every portion of the building is within the range of a hose stream.
(2)Hose stations required in Sentence (1) shall be located near an exit.
(3)Hoses referred to in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 19 mm inside diam and shall be connected to a central water supply or to a storage tank having a capacity of not less than 4 500 L with a pumping system capable of supplying a flow of not less than 5 L/s at a gauge pressure of 300 kPa.
Fire Protection for Gas, Propane and Electric Cooktops and Ovens
(1)Reserved.
(2)Clearances for and protection around gas, propane and electric ranges shall be not less than those provided in Articles 9.10.22.2. and 9.10.22.3.
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), framing, finishes and cabinetry installed directly above the location of the cooktop shall be not less than 750 mm above the level of cooktop burners or elements.
(2)The vertical clearance described in Sentence (1) for framing, finishes and cabinets located directly above the location of the cooktop is permitted to be reduced to 600 mm above the level of the elements or burners provided the framing, finishes and cabinets
- (a) are noncombustible, or
- (b) are protected by a metal hood that projects 125 mm beyond the framing, finishes and cabinets.
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), combustible wall framing, finishes or cabinets within 450 mm of the area where the cooktop is to be located shall be protected above the level of the heating elements or burners by
- (a) gypsum board not less than 9.5 mm thick, or
- (b) any material providing a fire-resistance rating of not less than 10 min and a flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
(2)Countertop splash boards or back plates that extend above the level of the heating elements or burners need not be protected as described in Sentence (1).
(3)Except for cabinetry described in Article 9.10.22.2., cabinetry located not less than 450 mm above the level of the heating elements or burners need not be protected as described in Sentence (1).