Explanatory Material for Division B

Explanatory Material for Division B

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A-1.1.2.1.(2) Winter Design Temperatures.

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The 2.5 percent values referenced in Sentence 1.1.2.1.(2) are the least restrictive temperatures that can be used. If a designer chooses to use the 1 percent values shown in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, they would be in excess of the Code minimums and would be considered acceptable.

A-1.3.2.1. Abbreviations of Proper Names.

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The following table provides contact information for organizations referenced in this Code:

A-2 Application of Part 2.

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Part 2 of the Building Code contains specific requirements pertaining to farm buildings because they have distinct characteristics compared to other types of buildings: they have low occupant loads, are typically located in rural settings, and house unique activities and contents. Part 2 does not apply to large farm buildings that do not qualify as having “low human occupancy,” i.e., an occupant load of not more than 1 person per 40 m² of floor area.

A-2.1.1.1.(1) Safety of Persons.

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The intent of Part 2 is to set forth measures to ensure the safety of persons in farm buildings.

A-2.1.4.1.(1) Major Occupancy Classifications for Farm Buildings.

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The following are examples of the agricultural major occupancy classifications described in Table 2.1.4.1.:

Group G, Division 1 Farm buildings housing livestock with a below-floor storage area for liquid manure Feed mills Grain elevators Rooms for the bulk storage of dangerous goods classified as flammable gases or compressed gases Rooms for the bulk storage of flammable liquids Rooms for the bulk storage of reactive materials

Group G, Division 2 Animal exercise facilities Animal housing facilities, including, but not limited to, facilities for livestock, facilities for alternative livestock and game animals, facilities for fur-bearing animals, and facilities for cultured fish and shellfish Animal training facilities Facilities for the packaging and processing of agricultural products Facilities for the production of plants and fungi, excluding greenhouses Farm workshops Feed preparation centres Feed storage facilities Fruit and vegetable storage facilities Grain, forage and feed structures Milking facilities Storage facilities for farming equipment, implements and machinery Viniculture facilities

Group G, Division 3 Greenhouses

Group G, Division 4 Biomass facilities By-product facilities Digesters Grain bins Horizontal silos Storage bins Vertical silos

A-2.2.1.1.(2) Non-Agricultural Major Occupancies.

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It is intended that portions of farm buildings that contain permitted major occupancies other than agricultural major occupancies be subject to the requirements of Part 3. Unless specifically referenced in Part 2, the requirements of Part 3 are not intended to be applied to portions of farm buildings meeting the criteria for the application of Part 2. (See Articles 2.1.2.1. and 2.1.2.2.)

A-2.2.1.5. Environmental Conditions.

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The materials used in the construction of fire separations and closures in farm buildings should be selected to minimize deterioration caused by exposure to corrosive or humid environmental conditions.

A-2.2.1.8.(1) Concealed Spaces Used as Supply Air Plenums.

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Sentence 2.2.1.8.(1) is not intended to prohibit a concealed attic or roof space from being used as a supply air plenum for the distribution of air through a porous ceiling or ceiling inlets to the space below.

A-2.2.1.15.(2) Damage to Electrical Wiring.

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The protection required by Sentence 2.2.1.15.(2) is intended to prevent rodents from damaging electrical wiring that is installed in a concealed space, such as a space within an assembly, an attic space, or a service space.

A-2.2.7.1.(1) Exiting from Floor Areas.

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The intent of Sentence 2.2.7.1.(1) is that each floor level be served by its own exits. This approach to providing exits is consistent with that in Part 3.

A-2.2.7.2. Overhead Doors and Sliding Doors.

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Overhead doors and sliding doors are not permitted to be used as exits from farm buildings with human occupants because such doors could delay their egress.

A-2.2.8.2.(3) Ventilation of Below-Floor Storage Areas for Liquid Manure.

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Where a farm building housing livestock with a below-floor storage area for liquid manure is provided with a ventilation system in accordance with Article 2.2.8.3., the requirements of Sentences 2.2.8.2.(1) and (2) are considered to be satisfied with respect to the fire and explosion hazard posed by manure gases. Should other hazardous substances or conditions be present in the farm building, the requirements of Sentences 2.2.8.2.(1) and (2) must be applied with respect to those substances or conditions.

A-2.2.8.3. Below-Floor Storage Areas for Liquid Manure.

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The following are examples of manure-handling equipment and systems that are not considered to be below-floor storage areas for liquid manure:

• gutters, pumps and pump chambers designed to be emptied or flushed every few days
• shallow gutters
• gutters scraped with an alley scraper or stable cleaner
• gutters equipped with a belt manure removal system
• normally empty transfer gutters and pipes

A-2.2.8.4.(1) Welding and Cutting.

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The room referred to in Sentence 2.2.8.4.(1) is a space where significant and regular welding and cutting operations are routinely performed, such as a welding shop supporting the farm operation. Sentence 2.2.8.4.(1) is not intended to apply to occasional welding and cutting operations, such as those carried out during repairs of farm machinery.

Refer to Section 5.2. of Division B of the NFC for requirements relating to hot works, including cutting, welding, soldering, brazing, grinding and adhesive bonding.

A-2.2.8.6. Liquids Capable of Releasing Hazardous Gases or Vapours.

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Examples of liquids that are capable of releasing hazardous gases or vapours include liquid manure, wash water from a milking facility, and waste water in a septic system.

A-2.3.1.1.(1) Design of Bins and Silos.

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Information on the design of bins and silos can be found in the Commentary entitled Farm Buildings in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B”.

A-2.3.2.3.(1) Bulk Densities of Agricultural Products.

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The bulk densities, ρ, of agricultural products listed in Table A-2.3.2.3.(1) can be used to determine the specific weight, γ, of the products as follows:

where γ = specific weight, in N/m³

, ρ = bulk density, in kg/m³

, and g = gravitational acceleration, in m/s²

.

A-2.3.2.5.(3) Lateral Ice Pressure in Liquid Manure Storage Tanks.

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The lateral ice pressure in liquid manure storage tanks in an Ontario region has been found to reach 50 kPa acting over an ice thickness of 0.5 m. The ice thickness, and therefore the lateral ice load, depends on the geographic location. To calculate the lateral ice load for a particular location, a lateral ice pressure of 50 kPa is applied over the ice thickness expected in that location, which can be estimated from the location's degree-days below 18°C listed in Table 2 of Supplementary Standard SB-1 as follows:

ice thickness (location) = 0.5 m × (degree-days below 18°C (location) / degree-days below 18°C (location))

A-2.3.2.5.(4)(a) Lateral Earth Pressure on Walls of Liquid Manure Storage Tanks.

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The lateral earth pressure referred to in Clause 2.3.2.5.(4)(a) should be based on the equivalent fluid density of the earth surrounding the liquid manure storage tank. Equivalent fluid densities for different types of soil are listed in Table A-2.3.2.5.(4)(a).

2.3.2.5.(6) Design of Liquid Manure Storage Tanks to Minimize Leakage.

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In designing walls and bases of liquid manure storage tanks to minimize leakage of liquid manure, all factors that may influence the formation of cracks should be taken into account, including thermal effects, concrete shrinkage, structural movement, and material choice and installation. The control of crack formation to minimize leakage is particularly important for reinforced concrete structures to prevent corrosion of the reinforcing steel.

A-2.3.3.1.(1) Reduced Snow Loads for Unobstructed Slippery Roofs.

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Research has shown that sloped roofs covered with pre-painted steel have reduced snow loads relative to roofs covered with asphalt shingles. Sentence 2.3.3.1.(1) allows a reduction of the slope factor, C_s

, for unobstructed slippery roofs of farm buildings where the roof slope, α, is greater than 15° but not greater than 60°. Figure A-2.3.3.1.(1) shows the C_s versus α curve calculated in accordance with Sentence 2.3.3.1.(1).

Before using the reduced slope factor, the designer should carefully examine the proposed roof configuration to ensure that snow will freely slide off the roof. The reduced slope factor does not apply to sloped roofs terminating at grade, at a roof valley, or at another roof of lower slope because the snow may pile up or not slide freely at the transition in slope. The reduced slope factor also does not apply to roofs with obstructions, such as chimneys, silos or ice guards.

A-2.3.4. Seismic Design of Above-Ground Liquid Manure Storage Tanks.

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Information on the seismic design of above-ground liquid manure storage tanks can be found in the Commentary entitled Farm Buildings in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-2.3.4.1.(1)(b) SFRSs for Farm Buildings in Seismic Category SC2.

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Information on SFRSs with R_dR_o ≥ 3.0 for farm buildings in Seismic Category SC2 can be found in the Commentary entitled

Farm Buildings in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-2.4.2.1.(1) Required Ventilation.

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Guidance on ventilation in farm animal housing and indoor plant agriculture facilities can be found in the chapter entitled Environmental Controls for Animals and Plants in the “ASHRAE Handbook – HVAC Applications”.

A-2.4.2.3. Controlled-Atmosphere Storage Areas.

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Controlled-atmosphere storage areas are typically used to preserve fruits and vegetables and are not intended to contain hazardous gases.

A-2.4.2.4.(3) Gas Hazards in Enclosed Horizontal Silos.

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In enclosed horizontal silos, gases produced by tractors during loading and unloading operations and by silage fermentation present a hazard. Providing openings at both roof or eave level and floor level in horizontal silos promotes airflow to remove these gases, most of which are heavier than air.

A-2.4.2.4.(3)(b) Openings at Floor Level in Enclosed Horizontal Silos.

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The requirement of Clause 2.4.2.4.(3)(b) can be met by providing a single opening at floor level, which may also serve as a tractor access opening.

A-2.4.2.5. Below-Floor Storage of Liquid Manure.

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The ventilation requirements of Article 2.4.2.5. are intended to address the specific hazards due to manure gases in farm buildings housing livestock with below-floor storage of liquid manure. Where these requirements are met, it is not necessary to apply the provisions of Articles 6.3.1.5. and 6.9.1.2. with respect to manure gases. However, where the farm building contains other hazardous substances (air contaminants or hazardous gases, dusts or liquids), the provisions of Articles 6.3.1.5. and 6.9.1.2. must be applied with respect to those substances.

A-2.4.2.5.(1) Minimum Ventilation Rate.

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The minimum ventilation rate required by Sentence 2.4.2.5.(1) is intended to limit the concentrations of flammable gases and toxic gases produced by the decomposition of liquid manure. Higher ventilation rates may be necessary to promote farm animal health and production. Where requested by the authority having jurisdiction, compliance with Clauses 2.4.2.5.(1)(a) and (b) can be demonstrated through periodic in situ monitoring of gas concentrations or through calculation of gas concentrations using a reliable method (such as that described in the following publication: Massé, D.I., Croteau, F., Patni, N.K. and Masse, L. Methane Emissions from Dairy Cow and Swine Manure Slurries Stored at 10°C and 15°C. Canadian Biosystems Engineering, Vol. 45, pp. 6.1–6.6, 2003).

A-3 Application of Part 3.

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In applying the requirements of this Part, it is intended that they be applied with discretion to buildings of unusual configuration that do not clearly conform to the specific requirements, or to buildings in which processes are carried out which make compliance with particular requirements in this Part impracticable.

The definition of “building” as it applies to this Code is general and encompasses most structures, including those which would not normally be considered as buildings in the layman’s sense. This occurs more often in industrial uses, particularly those involving manufacturing facilities and equipment that require specialized design that may make it impracticable to follow the specific requirements of this Part. Steel mills, aluminum plants, refining, power generation and liquid storage facilities are examples. A water tank or an oil refinery, for example, has no floor area, so it is obvious that requirements for exits from floor areas would not apply.

Requirements for structural fire protection in large steel mills and pulp and paper mills, particularly in certain portions, may not be practicable to achieve in terms of the construction normally used and the operations for which the space is to be used. In other portions of the same building, however, it may be quite reasonable to require that the provisions of this Part be applied (e.g., the office portions). Similarly, areas of industrial occupancy which may be occupied only periodically by service staff, such as equipment penthouses, normally would not need to have the same type of exit facility as floor areas occupied on a continuing basis. It is expected that judgement will be exercised in evaluating the application of a requirement in those cases when extenuating circumstances require special consideration, provided the occupants' safety is not endangered.

The provisions in this Part for fire protection features installed in buildings are intended to provide a minimum acceptable level of public safety. It is intended that all fire protection features of a building, whether required or not, will be designed in conformance with good fire protection engineering practice and will meet the appropriate installation requirements in relevant standards. Good design is necessary to ensure that the level of public safety established by the Code requirements will not be reduced by a voluntary installation.

Firefighting Assumptions

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The requirements of this Part are based on the assumption that firefighting capabilities are available in the event of a fire emergency. These firefighting capabilities may take the form of a paid or volunteer public fire department or, in some cases, a private fire brigade. If these firefighting capabilities are not available, additional fire safety measures may be required.

Firefighting capability can vary from municipality to municipality. Generally, larger municipalities have greater firefighting capability than smaller ones. Similarly, older, well-established municipalities may have better firefighting facilities than newly formed or rapidly growing ones. The level of municipal fire protection considered to be adequate will normally depend on both the size of the municipality (i.e., the number of buildings to be protected) and the size of buildings within that municipality. Since larger buildings tend to be located in larger municipalities, they are generally, but not always, provided with a higher level of municipal protection.

Although it is reasonable to consider that some level of municipal firefighting capability was assumed in developing many of the fire safety provisions in Part 3, this was not done on a consistent or defined basis. The requirements in the Code, while developed in the light of commonly prevailing municipal fire protection levels, do not attempt to relate the size of building to the level of municipal protection. The responsibility for controlling the maximum size of building to be permitted in a municipality in relation to local firefighting capability rests with the municipality. If a proposed building is too large, either in terms of floor area or building height, to receive reasonable protection from the municipal fire department, fire protection requirements in addition to those prescribed in this Code, may be necessary to compensate for this deficiency. Automatic sprinkler protection may be one option to be considered.

Alternatively, the municipality may, in light of its firefighting capability, elect to introduce zoning restrictions to ensure that the maximum building size is related to available municipal fire protection facilities. This is, by necessity, a somewhat arbitrary decision and should be made in consultation with the local firefighting service, who should have an appreciation of their capability to fight fires.

The requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. are intended to prevent fire spread from thermal radiation assuming there is adequate firefighting available. It has been found that periods of from 10 to 30 minutes usually elapse between the outbreak of fire in a building that is not protected with an automatic sprinkler system and the attainment of high radiation levels. During this period, the specified spatial separations should prove adequate to inhibit ignition of an exposed building face or the interior of an adjacent building by radiation. Subsequently, however, reduction of the fire intensity by firefighting and the protective wetting of the exposed building face will often be necessary as supplementary measures to inhibit fire spread.

In the case of a building that is sprinklered, the automatic sprinkler system is intended to control the fire to an extent that radiation to neighbouring buildings should be minimal. Although there will be some radiation effect on a sprinklered building from a fire in a neighbouring building, the internal sprinkler system should control any fires that might be ignited in the building and thereby minimize the possibility of the fire spreading into the exposed building. NFPA 80A, “Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures”, provides additional information on the possibility of fire spread at building exteriors.

The water supply requirements for fire protection installations depend on the requirements of any automatic sprinkler installations and also on the number of fire streams that may be needed at any fire, having regard to the length of time the streams will have to be used. Both these factors are largely influenced by the conditions at the building to be equipped, and the quantity and pressure of water needed for the protection of both the interior and exterior of the building must be ascertained before the water supply is decided upon.

Acceptable water supplies may be:

• a public waterworks system that has adequate pressure and discharge capacity,
• automatic fire pumps,
• pressure tanks,
• manually controlled fire pumps in combination with pressure tanks,
• gravity tanks, and/or
• manually controlled fire pumps operated by remote control devices at each hose station. (See also A-3.2.5.7. Water Supply)

A-3.1.2. Use Classification.

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The purpose of classification is to determine which requirements apply. This Code requires classification in accordance with every major occupancy for which the building is used or intended to be used. Where necessary, an application clause has been inserted in this Part to explain how to choose between the alternative requirements that multiple occupancy classification may present.

A-3.1.2.1.(1) Major Occupancy Classification.

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The following are only examples of the major occupancy classifications described in Table 3.1.2.1. To ensure the correct classification, refer to the definitions for each occupancy in Part 1 of Division A.

Group A, Division 1 Motion picture theatres Opera houses Television studios admitting a viewing audience Theatres, including experimental theatres

Group B, Division 3 (See also Sentence 3.1.2.5.(1).) Children’s custodial homes Convalescent homes Group homes for people with developmental disabilities Residential care facilities Sanatoria without detention quarters

Group A, Division 2 Art galleries Auditoria Bowling alleys Child care facility Churches and similar places of worship Clubs, nonresidential Community halls Courtrooms Dance halls Exhibition halls (other than classified in Group E) Gymnasia Lecture halls Libraries Licensed beverage establishments Museums Passenger stations and depots Recreational piers Restaurants Schools and colleges, nonresidential Undertaking premises

Group C Apartments Boarding houses Camps for housing workers Clubs, residential Colleges, residential Convents Dormitories Group homes Halfway houses, drug and alcohol treatment Hostels Hotels Houses Lodging houses Monasteries Motels Open and semi-secure detention for youth Recreational camps Rooming houses Shelters for homeless Shelters for women Schools, boarding

Group A, Division 3 Arenas Indoor swimming pools Rinks

Group A, Division 4 Amusement park structures (not elsewhere classified) Bleachers Grandstands Reviewing stands Stadia

Group D Banks Barber and hairdressing shops Beauty parlours Dental offices Dry cleaning establishments, self-service, not using flammable or explosive solvents or cleaners Laundries, self-service Medical offices Offices Police stations without detention quarters Radio stations Small tool and appliance rental and service establishments

Group B, Division 1 Jails Penitentiaries Police stations with detention quarters Prisons Psychiatric hospitals with detention quarters Reformatories with detention quarters

Group B, Division 2 Facilities for people with developmental disabilities Homes for the aged Hospitals Infirmaries Long term care Nursing homes Psychiatric hospitals without detention quarters Reformatories without detention quarters Sanatoria without detention quarters

Group E Department stores Exhibition halls Markets Restaurants with an occupant load not more than 30 persons consuming food and drink Shops Stores Supermarkets

Group F, Division 1 Bulk plants for flammable liquids Bulk storage warehouses for hazardous substances Cereal mills Chemical manufacturing or processing plants Distilleries Dry cleaning plants using flammable or explosive solvents or cleaners Feed mills Flour mills Grain elevators Lacquer factories Paint, varnish and pyroxylin product factories Rubber processing plants Spray painting operations

Group F, Division 2 Aircraft hangars Cold storage plants Dry cleaning establishments not using flammable or explosive solvents or cleaners Electrical substations Freight depots Helicopter landing areas on roofs Laboratories Laundries, except self-service Planing mills Printing plants Repair garages Self-service storage buildings Service stations Storage rooms Television studios not admitting a viewing audience Tire storage Warehouses Woodworking factories

Group F, Division 3 Creameries Laboratories Power plants Storage garages, including open air parking garages Storage rooms Warehouses

A-3.1.3.2.(3) Food Premises.

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This requirement is intended to apply to facilities where food is being prepared, stored, processed or served, such as restaurants, commercial kitchens, cafeterias, camps, milk plants and bakeries.

A-3.1.4.1.(1) Combustible Construction and Materials Permitted.

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The permission to use combustible construction or combustible materials stated in Articles 3.1.4.1., 3.1.5.5., 3.1.5.14., and 3.1.5.15. does not waive the requirements regarding construction type and cladding stated in Article 3.2.3.7.

A-3.1.4.2. Protection of Penetrations.

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Where foamed plastics are required to be protected from adjacent spaces within a building, the protection should be continuous so as to cover the foamed plastics so they are not exposed to the interior of the building. However, minor penetrations of the protective covering by small electrical and mechanical components, such as electrical outlets and fixtures, sprinkler piping, and mechanical vents, are acceptable because the penetrant and associated fittings and seals will prevent the small amount of foamed plastic surrounding the penetration from being exposed to the interior of the building.

Foamed plastics that are penetrated by larger components or assemblies, such as windows, are unlikely to be exposed to the interior of the building as they are protected by associated framing and finishes and/or the installation of a closure.

Small amounts of foamed plastics, such as air sealants used between major components of exterior wall construction, are not required to be protected (see Sentence 3.1.5.2.(1)).

Penetrations of a fire separation or of a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating are nevertheless required to be provided with a fire stop in accordance with Subsection 3.1.9.

A-3.1.4.2.(1)(c) Thermal Barrier in Combustible Construction.

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Any thermal barrier that is accepted under the requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.12.(2) for noncombustible construction is also acceptable for combustible construction.

A-3.1.4.2.(1) Concealed Space.

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The term “concealed space” includes any space that is not visibly apparent and that is provided with an opening to allow access for repair and periodic inspections.

A-3.1.4.2.(2) & A-3.1.5.7.(3) Walk-in Coolers and Freezers.

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Sentences 3.1.4.2.(2) and 3.1.5.7.(3) are intended to apply to walk-in coolers and freezers that are constructed as stand-alone structures within a building.

A-3.1.4.3.(1) Wire and Cable Equivalence.

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Electrical wires and cables that conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.21.(1) are deemed to satisfy the requirements of Sentence 3.1.4.3.(1).

A-3.1.4.3.(1)(b)(i) Raceway Definition.

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The term raceway is defined in Ontario Electrical Safety Code and includes both rigid and flexible conduit.

A-3.1.4.8.(1) Exterior Cladding.

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The requirements in Sentence 3.1.4.8.(1) are intended to limit the potential for fire spread on the exterior cladding of buildings of combustible construction through the use of noncombustible finishes on the exterior of the wall assembly or the use of a cladding/wall assembly that has been assessed with regard to its ability to resist flame propagation up the outside of a building. These cladding and wall assembly combinations can be used as infill or panel-type walls between structural elements, or attached directly to a loadbearing structural system. Note that these requirements apply independently of the provisions contained in Subsection 3.2.3. regarding spatial separation and exposure protection.

A-3.1.5.4.(1) Skylight Spacing.

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The minimum spacing dimensions for skylight assemblies are based on the distance that flame must travel along a flat ceiling surface. If ceilings have projecting beams or other features that would increase the distance the flame would have to travel along the surface, the distances specified may be measured accordingly.

A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b) Combustible Cladding on Exterior Walls.

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The performance of the wall assembly is assessed with regard to its ability to resist flame propagation up the outside of a building.

A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(i) Flame-Spread Distance.

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The maximum flame-spread distance referred to in Subclause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(i) means the distance between the top of the opening and the highest observable instance of flaming along the wall assembly; thus, intermittent flaming to a height of 5 m above the opening is acceptable.

A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(ii) Heat Flux Measurement.

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The heat flux to the assembly referred to in Subclause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(ii) is the maximum one-minute averaged heat flux measured by transducers located 3.5 m above the top of the opening. The intent of this criterion is to limit the spread of fire on the wall assembly to a height of 3.5 m above the opening.

Fire tests have shown that flame does not spread on the exterior surface of a wall assembly where the heat flux is less than 35 kW/m² above the opening.

A-3.1.5.14.(5)(d) Foamed Plastic Insulation Protection.

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The standard fire exposure temperature in CAN/ULC-S101, “Standard Method of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials”, is the same as in CAN/ULC-S124, “Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Protective Coverings for Foamed Plastic”. A thermal barrier that, when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Standard Method of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials”, will not exceed an average temperature rise of 140°C on its unexposed face after a period of 10 min satisfies this requirement.

A-3.1.5.21.(1) Wire and Cable Flammability.

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In regulating the flammability characteristics of electrical wires and cables installed in a building, it is intended that the requirements of this Sentence and of other similar Sentences in the Code apply to wires and cables that are essentially a part of the distribution systems for power or communications. These distribution systems will normally include branch circuits that terminate at an outlet box in the space to be served and, at that location, cable terminators or plugs for individual items of equipment will be plugged in.

A-3.1.6. Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction and Materials Permitted.

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The permission to use encapsulated mass timber construction and other combustible materials stated in Articles 3.1.6.2., 3.1.6.3., 3.1.6.9. and 3.1.6.10. does not waive the requirements regarding types of construction and cladding stated in Article 3.2.3.7.

A-3.1.6.3. Structural Mass Timber Elements.

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Structural timber elements may consist of any number of large cross-section timber products, such as solid-sawn timber, glued-laminated timber (glulam), structural composite lumber (SCL), cross-laminated timber (CLT), and nail-laminated timber (NLT).

The minimum dimensions required for structural timber elements in encapsulated mass timber construction were established so that such elements will exhibit the fire performance characteristics of mass timber rather than those of lightweight, small-dimensioned wood elements (e.g., lumber), including reduced-ignition propensity and reduced average rate of fuel contribution. Note that the dimensions stated in Table 3.1.6.3. do not reflect a specific fire-resistance rating; larger dimensions may be required to satisfy fire-resistance rating requirements.

The reference to Article 3.2.2.16. means that heavy timber construction is permitted to be used for the roof assembly (and its supports) in buildings of encapsulated mass timber construction that are sprinklered and not more than 2 storeys in building height. It follows that the minimum dimensions stated in Table 3.1.4.7. would apply to those elements rather than the ones stated in Table 3.1.6.3. Furthermore, the roof elements and supports made of heavy timber construction do not need to conform to the encapsulation requirements of Article 3.1.6.4., nor are they limited by the flame-spread rating or maximum thickness or cut-through requirements of Article 3.1.6.14.

A-3.1.6.4.(1) Encapsulation of Mass Timber Elements.

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The general intent of Sentence 3.1.6.4.(1) is that all exposed surfaces of the mass timber elements be encapsulated, including the upper surface of a mass timber floor assembly. However, the exposed surfaces in certain concealed spaces formed by or contained within mass timber elements are exempted from complying with this Sentence (see Sentences 3.1.6.3.(4), 3.1.6.16.(2) and 3.1.6.17.(2), and Articles 3.1.6.7. and 3.1.6.12.). Moreover, the upper surface of a mass timber roof assembly need not be encapsulated where there is no concealed space above it. As well, the exterior side of a mass timber exterior wall assembly need not be encapsulated; however, the provisions of Article 3.1.6.9. and Subsection 3.2.3. for exterior walls still need to be considered.

A-3.1.6.4.(3) to (6) Fire-Resistance Rating of Mass Timber with Exposed Surfaces.

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Portions of mass timber elements required to have a fire-resistance rating are permitted to be exposed in accordance with the permissions stated in Sentences 3.1.6.4.(3) to (6); however, it is important to note that applying those permissions does not waive the requirement for these elements to have a fire-resistance rating.

A-3.1.6.4.(4) Exposed Surfaces of Mass Timber Walls.

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The primary objective of encapsulating mass timber elements is to limit the probability that these elements will significantly contribute to fire spread and fire duration in the event of a fire. Since thick wood members require a source of imposed heat flux to burn, the stipulation in Clause 3.1.6.4.(4)(a) that the exposed surfaces of mass timber walls face the same direction within a suite is intended to reduce the potential of re-radiation between burning mass timber surfaces that face each other, which could sustain flaming combustion into the decay phase of a fire if the sprinkler system failed to operate or to control the fire. Additionally, the maximum percentage of exposed surface area stated in Article 3.1.6.4. is low so that it is not sufficient to sustain a ventilation-controlled fire that might provide the radiation required to sustain flaming combustion into the decay phase of a fire if the sprinkler system failed to operate or to control the fire.

A-3.1.6.6. Encapsulation Materials.

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Research has been conducted on different types of encapsulation materials, such as gypsum board, gypsum concrete and cement board. The results of tests using an intermediate-scale furnace and of cone calorimeter tests indicate that a combustible timber element protected with a 38 mm thick layer of gypsum-concrete topping or with two layers of 12.7 mm Type X gypsum board will not ignite or contribute significant heat to a fire until average temperatures of 325°C to 380°C are attained at the interface between the encapsulation material or assembly of materials and the combustible substrate. These temperatures are consistent with the ignition temperatures of wood-based materials.

A-3.1.6.6.(2) Protection of Gypsum Board from Foot Traffic.

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Where gypsum board is used as the encapsulation material on the top of a mass timber floor assembly, it should be protected from physical impact arising from normal pedestrian traffic that could damage it and possibly compromise its encapsulation rating.

A-3.1.6.9.(1) and (2) Exterior Cladding.

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The requirements in Sentences 3.1.6.9.(1) and (2) are intended to reduce the potential for fire spread on the exterior cladding of buildings of encapsulated mass timber construction through the use of noncombustible finishes on the exterior of the wall assembly or the use of a cladding/wall assembly that has been proven to resist flame propagation. These cladding/wall assembly combinations can be used as infill or panel-type walls between structural elements, or attached directly to a loadbearing structural system. Note that the requirements in Article 3.1.6.9. do not supersede the provisions in Subsection 3.2.3. regarding spatial separation and exposure protection.

A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) Barrier to Control Smoke Spread.

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Although a fire separation is not always required to have a fire-resistance rating, the fire separation should act as a barrier to the spread of smoke and fire until some response is initiated.

When choosing products for the fire stopping, the physical characteristics of the material used at the joints as well as the nature of the assembly and its potential movement should be taken into consideration.

If the fire-resistance rating of a fire separation is waived on the basis of the presence of an automatic sprinkler system, it is intended that the fire separation will be constructed so that it will remain in place and act as a barrier against the spread of smoke for a period of time until the sprinklers have actuated and controlled the fire.

A-3.1.8.1.(2) Installation of Closures.

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Although there is no explicit performance statement in the Code that means of egress should be free of smoke, it is the intent that during the period when occupants are using a means of egress to evacuate from a floor area, the smoke contamination should not reach levels that would inhibit movement to the exit. This is particularly critical for persons with disabilities, who may not move at the same rate as other persons and who could be more susceptible to the effects of smoke contamination. NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives”, requires that a fire door protecting a means of egress be designed to minimize the possibility of smoke passing through the opening.

Although self-closing devices are not required for all doors in a fire separation (see Article 3.1.8.11.), it is assumed that in a fire situation every door in a fire separation is closed. Article 3.3.3.5. prohibits grilles and similar openings for certain fire separations in hospitals and long-term care homes.

Although fire dampers that release on the fusion of a fusible link will help to control the spread of fire, a substantial quantity of smoke could have passed through the opening before that event. They are frequently located below the upper levels of a room and so the release of the fusible link of the fire damper that protects an opening will be delayed until the temperature at the level of the opening becomes high enough to fuse the link.

Similar concern has to be considered for other closure devices that are permitted to remain open on fusible links, and their location should be restricted in accordance with NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives”, and this Code, except where their installation in another location will not allow the products of combustion to spread into means of egress.

A-3.1.8.3.(2) Fire Separation Continuity.

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The continuity of a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating is maintained by installing a firestop system at the juncture where it abuts against another fire separation, a floor, a ceiling or a roof assembly. The continuity of a fire separation without a fire-resistance rating that abuts another fire separation is maintained by filling all gaps at the juncture of the assemblies with a fire-resistance-rated joint firestop system that will ensure the integrity of the fire separation at that location.

Test methods for the evaluation of joint systems are described in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” which covers joint systems between adjacent fire-resistance-rated assemblies and between a fire-resistance-rated floor and a non-fire-resistance-rated exterior wall. ASTM E2307, “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-storey Test Apparatus,” is a test method applicable to joint systems between a fire-resistance-rated floor and a non-fire-resistance-rated exterior wall.

Fire-resistance-rated joint firestop systems can be tested and listed as either static or dynamic. Dynamic joint firestop systems are subjected to movement cycling prior to undergoing fire testing at maximum joint extension. This approach ensures that the fire-resistance rating of the joint firestop system will be maintained even after the joint has cycled through its anticipated range of movement over the service life of the building. Most joints between fire-resistance-rated assemblies, other than those between loadbearing elements, experience some movement over the service life of the building.

A-3.1.8.3.(5) Joints.

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Firestops need not be installed between joints of interior finish materials that are arranged so as to create a smoke-tight joint.

A-3.1.8.10.(1) Combination Smoke/Fire Dampers.

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A combination smoke/fire damper may be used in lieu of a fire damper to meet the requirement of Sentence 3.1.8.10.(1).

A-3.1.8.10.(5) Damper Access.

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It is intended that an access door be provided in the duct and, if the duct is enclosed with an architectural finish, that a second access door be provided through that finish.

A-3.1.8.18.(1) Wired Glass and Glass Block.

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The permission to include wired glass and glass block in doors and fire separations between an exit and the adjacent floor area does not permit the inclusion of those items in fire separations between exits and other parts of the building that are not included in the floor area. Examples include other exit facilities and vertical service spaces, including those used for building services and elevator hoistways.

A-3.1.8.19.(1) Fire-Protection Rating for Doors.

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The provisions in Articles 3.1.8.17. to 3.1.8.19. do not waive a requirement for a door to have a fire-protection rating. To achieve this rating in a door test, it may be necessary to limit the area of glass in the door. If this area is less than the area limits of Article 3.1.8.18., it is the governing criterion. Conversely, if the area limits of Article 3.1.8.18. are less than the area required to achieve a fire-protection rating, then the area limits of this Article govern.

A-3.1.9. Penetrations.

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In the application of Subsection 3.1.9., a building service or structural element is considered to penetrate an assembly if it passes into or through the assembly. In some situations, a service item enters an assembly through a membrane at one location, runs within the assembly, and then leaves the assembly through a membrane at another location.

The term “membrane penetration” usually designates an opening made through one side (wall, floor or ceiling membrane) of an assembly, whereas the term “through-penetration” designates an opening that passes through an entire assembly. Fire stopping of membrane penetrations and through-penetrations involves installing an assemblage of specific materials or products that are designed, tested and fire-resistance-rated to resist, for a prescribed period of time, the spread of fire through the penetrations.

Products for fire stopping within a barrier are required to address movement of the assembly and to control smoke spread; as such, the flexibility of the material used at the flexible joints as well as the nature of the assembly and its potential movement must be taken into consideration.

A-3.1.9.1.(1)(b) Penetrations.

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The intention behind the use of the term “cast in place” is to reinforce that there are to be no gaps between the building service or other penetrating item and the membrane or assembly it penetrates. The term “cast in place” describes a typical means of fire stopping for a service penetration through a concrete slab or wall.

A-3.1.9.2.(1) Service Equipment Penetrations.

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The provisions dealing with outlet boxes assume size, quantities and concentrations of partial depth penetrations that would not significantly affect the fire resistance of the assembly, including the temperature rise on the unexposed side of a wall. Sentence 3.1.9.2.(1) is not intended to allow large electrical distribution and control boxes to be recessed into an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating unless they are firestopped as described in Sentence 3.1.9.3.(1).

The installation of fire dampers, smoke dampers or combination smoke/fire dampers is intended to comply with Subsection 3.1.8. and Sentence 3.1.9.1.(5), and the conditions of their listing and labeling, which may or may not permit the installation of firestopping around the duct.

A-3.1.9.3. Outlet Boxes.

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For the purposes of Article 3.1.9.3., outlet boxes include, but are not limited to, electrical boxes, junction boxes, high and low voltage outlets, switches, enclosures for electrical equipment, laundry boxes, and shower diverters.

A-3.1.9.4.(8) Combustible Branches.

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Combustible branches for drain, waste and vent piping are permitted to be used to connect to a plumbing fixture within a fire compartment. The integrity of the fire separation is maintained through the use of a firestop system where the vertical stack piping penetrates the fire separation.

A-3.1.10.2.(4) Firewall Construction.

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Inherent in the use of a firewall is the intent that this specialized wall construction provides the required fire-resistance rating while also being designed to resist physical damage - arising out of normal use - that would compromise the rating of the assembly. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by prescribing the use of noncombustible materials, which was, in fact, restricted to concrete or masonry. Sentences 3.1.10.2.(3) and (4) are intended to retain both of the characteristics of firewalls, while permitting greater flexibility in the use of materials and designs. The fire-resistance rating and damage protection attributes of a firewall may be provided by a single fire- and damage-resistant material such as concrete or masonry, by a fire- and damage-resistant membrane on a structural frame, or by separate components - one that provides the fire-resistance rating and another one that protects the firewall against damage.

If the firewall is composed of separate components, the fire-resistance rating of the fire-resistive component needs to be determined for this assembly on its own. In addition, if the damage protection component is physically attached to the fire-resistive component (for example, as a sacrificial layer), then, for the purposes of determining the overall performance of the assembly, it is also necessary to determine through testing whether failure of the damage protection component during a fire affects the performance of the fire-resistive component.

A-3.1.11.3.(3) Fire Blocks Between Nailing and Supporting Elements.

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Sentence 3.1.11.3.(3) applies to the portion of the combustible ceiling finish that is attached using nailing elements and constructed in accordance with Sentence 3.1.6.14.(3), which permits 10% of the ceiling finish within a fire compartment to have a flame-spread rating not more than 150. Where this portion of ceiling finish creates a concealed space above it, exposed combustible elements within that space require fire blocks to limit the spread of fire.

A-3.1.11.5.(1) Fire Blocks in Combustible Construction.

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Combustible construction referred to in Sentence 3.1.11.5.(1) includes all types of construction that do not comply with the requirements for noncombustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction. All of the elements within the concealed space can be combustible, unless required to be of noncombustible materials (e.g., certain categories of pipework and ducts), but the value of the flame-spread rating of the combustible materials determines the permitted extent of the concealed space between fire blocks. The materials to be considered should include all construction materials regulated by this Code, including the framing and building services that are located in the concealed space. When designing fire blocking, consideration should be given to avoid restricting venting capabilities within concealed spaces. (See also Note A-5.6.2.1.)

A-3.1.11.5.(3) and (4) Fire Blocks in Concealed Spaces.

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To reduce the risk of fire spread in combustible concealed spaces within the types of buildings referred to in Sentences 3.1.11.5.(3) and (4), fire blocking is required regardless of whether the horizontal concealed space is protected by sprinklers or not, unless the space is filled with noncombustible insulation so that any air gap at the top of the insulation is very small. (See also Note A-3.1.11.5.(1) for roof venting.)

A 5- or 6-storey building constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.51. and buildings constructed in accordance with Articles 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.60. are required to be sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” (see Article 3.2.5.12.). NFPA 13 generally requires sprinklering of any concealed spaces of combustible construction or where large amounts of combustibles are present. However, NFPA 13 allows combustible concealed spaces not to be sprinklered in certain cases, including where concealed spaces are filled almost entirely with noncombustible insulation, where spaces contain only materials with a low flame-spread rating, and where limited access or the size of the space makes it impractical to install sprinklers. For certain types of construction in combustible concealed spaces that are not sprinklered, NFPA 13 mandates fire blocking beyond the minimum specified in Sentence 3.1.11.5.(3).

A-3.1.11.7.(7) Integrity of Fire Blocks.

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Sentence 3.1.11.7.(7) together with Article 3.1.9.1., is intended to ensure that the integrity of fire blocks in maintained at areas where they are penetrated. This requirement is satisfied by the use of generic fire stops such as mineral wool, gypsum plaster or Portland cement mortar, or by the use of sealants that form part of a firestop tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems.”

A-3.1.11.7.(8) Fire Blocks.

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Figure A-3.1.11.7.(8) shows the location of the semi-rigid fibre insulation board at the intersection between walls and floors in wood-frame construction. The figure is intended to illustrate the fire block detail and not a design of a fire separation.

A-3.1.13.2.(2) Folding Partition.

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Folding partitions used to divide a space into separate rooms are not considered as doors for the purposes of this Sentence.

A-3.1.15.1.(1) Roof Covering.

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The tests described in CAN/ULC-S107 are intended to measure the relative fire-performance of roof coverings when exposed to a fire originating from sources outside the building. When metal deck or a similar noncombustible rigid roof surface is directly exposed to the exterior (a covering material on its exterior surface has not been provided), the requirements of this Sentence need not apply.

A-3.2.1.1.(3)(a) Mezzanine Area.

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The permitted area of the mezzanine for the purposes of determining the allowable percentage is to be based on the open area of the floor of the space in which the mezzanine is located. The Code does not restrict the enclosing of space below the mezzanine, but the enclosed area must be deducted from the area of the overall space before applying the percentage allowance.

A-3.2.1.1.(8) Accessible Service Space.

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These service spaces are often referred to as interstitial spaces and are designed to allow service personnel to enter and undertake maintenance or installation within the space. Catwalks or flooring are usually included to provide a walking or access surface. Even when flooring is included, it is not intended that the interstitial space should be considered as a storey for the purposes of the Code unless the space is used for purposes other than servicing or the storage of materials and equipment to be used for building services within that space.

A-3.2.2.2.(1) Special and Unusual Structures.

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Examples of structures which cannot be identified with the descriptions of buildings in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.92. include grain elevators, refineries and towers. Publications that may be consulted to establish good engineering practice for the purposes of Article 3.2.2.2. include the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, Factory Mutual Data Sheets, and publications of the Society for Fire Protection Engineering.

A-3.2.2.17.(1) Roof Assemblies in Gymnasiums, Swimming Pools, Arenas and Rinks.

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The permission to waive the fire-resistance rating requirements for roof assemblies over gymnasiums, swimming pools, arenas and rinks that meet the conditions of Sentence 3.2.2.17.(1) includes the permission to waive the requirements relating to minimum size and construction details stated in Article 3.1.4.7. for wood elements in roof assemblies of heavy timber construction on buildings conforming to Articles 3.2.2.25. and 3.2.2.32. However, wood elements in roof assemblies of heavy timber construction on buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.30. must nevertheless meet the requirements of Article 3.1.4.7.

A-3.2.2.18.(2) Sprinkler Extent.

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A literal interpretation of Article 3.2.2.6. and Sentences 3.2.2.4.(1) and (2) could require installation of an automatic sprinkler system throughout all storeys of a building regardless of options in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.92. to construct one or more storeys without installation of sprinklers. It is the intent of the Code that all storeys below a storey in which an automatic sprinkler system is installed should also be protected by an automatic sprinkler system to ensure that a fire in a lower storey does not incapacitate the automatic sprinkler system or overwhelm an automatic sprinkler system in an upper storey. Persons in an upper storey in which waivers or reductions of other fire safety systems are permitted would be exposed to an increased risk from a fire on a lower storey. This concept also applies to situations in which an automatic sprinkler system has been installed within a floor area in order to modify other safety requirements applying within the floor area. If the uppermost storey or storeys of a building can be constructed without the installation of an automatic sprinkler system it is not necessary that an automatic sprinkler system required in a lower storey be extended into the upper storey or storeys.

A-3.2.2.35.(4) Sprinkler Requirements.

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Spaces in a building of Group A, Division 4 occupancy that are intended to be equipped with sprinklers include, but are not limited to, dressing and changing rooms, concession stands and areas, toilet rooms, locker rooms, storage areas, service rooms, offices and other spaces that provide service to the building. The enclosure of seating areas with glazing needs special consideration in determining the requirements for sprinklers. For example, if the enclosed area is used for the consumption of food and beverages, it should be classified as Group A, Division 2 and the appropriate requirements of that classification applied. Enclosure of limited spaces above seating areas for press and media purposes is not considered to require the installation of sprinklers.

A-3.2.2.48.(4) and 3.2.2.57.(3) Occupancy Combinations in Buildings of Mixed Construction.

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Buildings conforming to the building height and area limits and the other fire protection requirements of Article 3.2.2.48. or 3.2.2.57. may be entirely constructed of encapsulated mass timber construction and incorporate the occupancies specifically permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.48.(4) or 3.2.2.57.(3): e.g., Group A, Division 2 major occupancies on the first to third storeys, Group E major occupancies on the first and second storeys, and a parking garage on the first to fourth storeys.

Alternatively, the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.4. to 3.2.2.8. for superimposed major occupancies can be applied, resulting in buildings of mixed construction conforming to the building height and area limits for encapsulated mass timber construction and in which the lower storeys are of noncombustible construction and the upper storeys are of encapsulated mass timber construction. For example, a Group A, Division 2 or Group B, Division 3 major occupancy could be located on the first 4 storeys of a 12-storey Group C building constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.48., as long as these first 4 storeys were constructed of noncombustible construction in accordance with Article 3.2.2.23. or 3.2.2.38., as applicable. (See also Articles 3.2.2.6. and 3.2.2.7.)

A-3.2.2.51.(5) and 3.2.2.60.(4) Occupancy Combinations in Buildings of Mixed Construction.

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Buildings conforming to the building height and area limits and the other fire protection requirements of Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60. may be entirely constructed of combustible construction and incorporate the occupancies specifically permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.51.(5) or 3.2.2.60.(4): e.g., Group A, Division 2 and Group E major occupancies on the first and second storeys, and a parking garage on the first to third storeys.

Alternatively, the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.4. to 3.2.2.8. for superimposed major occupancies can be applied, resulting in buildings of mixed construction conforming to the building height and area limits of Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60. and in which the lower storeys are of noncombustible construction and the upper storeys are of combustible construction. For example, a Group A, Division 2 or Group B, Division 3 major occupancy could be located on the first 4 storeys of a 6-storey Group C building constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.51., as long as these first 4 storeys were constructed of noncombustible construction in accordance with Article 3.2.2.23. or 3.2.2.38., as applicable. (See also Articles 3.2.2.6. and 3.2.2.7.)

A-3.2.3. Fire Protection Related to Limiting Distance Versus Separation Between Buildings.

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Building Code provisions that address protection against fire spread from building to building use the limiting distance (see definition in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A) for a building rather than using the distance between adjacent buildings on separate properties, since this would result in situations where the design and construction of a building on one property affects the design and construction of a building on an adjacent property.

The Code requirements that deal with reducing the probability of building-to-building fire spread were originally developed based on the assumption that the exposing building faces of adjacent buildings are of similar size and configuration, and are equidistant from the shared property line. Where buildings are of different sizes, the smaller building may be subject to a higher heat flux in the event of a fire compared to the larger building. Where buildings are closely spaced and not equidistant from the property line, the construction of the building with the greater limiting distance does not recognize the proximity of the building with the lesser limiting distance.

The Building Code has more stringent requirements for buildings having lesser limiting distance with regards to the maximum area and spacing of unprotected openings, and the construction, cladding and fire resistance of walls. This increased stringency recognizes that the fire hazard is greater where the buildings are close together and that adjacent buildings may have exposing building faces of different sizes, configurations or limiting distances, which could further increase the hazard.

The authority having jurisdiction may also address limiting distances through legal agreements with the parties involved that stipulate that the limiting distance be measured to a line that is not the property line. Such agreements would normally be registered with the titles of both properties.

A-3.2.3.1.(4) Spatial Separation Design.

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In the application of Sentences 3.2.3.1.(3) and (4), it is intended that Sentence (3) be used first to establish the basic requirements for the exterior wall in terms of fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of cladding. The percentage of unprotected openings determined from the application of Sentence (3) would be unnecessarily restrictive if the actual unprotected openings occur in a plane that is set back from the front of the building face.

Sentence (4) applies to the calculation of the allowable percentage of unprotected openings based upon projection onto a plane that is in front of all unprotected openings. The application of these two Sentences is shown in Figure A-3.2.3.1.(4). The modifications permitted by Article 3.2.3.12. would be applied, if applicable, to the area of unprotected openings derived from Sentence (4).

A-3.2.3.6.(2) Protection of Roof Soffits Near Property Lines.

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Sentences 3.2.3.6.(2) to (5) provide requirements for the protection of soffits where the soffit of the subject building is located close to the property line or to an imaginary line between two buildings on the same property. Fire from inside the roof space of the subject building can exit unprotected soffits and expose the adjacent building to flames.

A-3.2.3.7.(4)(d)(iv) Thickness of Cladding.

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In the case of insulated vinyl siding, the maximum 2 mm thickness stated in Subclause 3.2.3.7.(4)(d)(iv) refers to the total thickness of the siding and the insulation, not of the siding alone.

A-3.2.3.12.(1) Increased Openings Permitted.

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No increase of the maximum area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face should be applied until the requirements of Article 3.2.3.7. have been satisfied in determining the construction of the exposing building face.

A-3.2.3.14. Wall Exposed to Another Wall.

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The intent of this Article is to ensure that the control of fire spread by the interior fire separations between adjacent fire compartments is not defeated through the spread of fire by thermal radiation outside the building. Minimum separations (D_o

) are specified between unprotected openings in separate fire compartments of the building where the exterior faces of these compartments are deemed to expose each other to a thermal radiation hazard. This situation may arise where the angle, θ, between the intersecting planes of the exposing building faces is less than 135° and both of these faces have unprotected openings. The exterior walls of the fire compartments do not have to intersect in order to apply Article 3.2.3.14. Rather, the critical factor is the angle, θ, between the planes formed by the exterior walls. Examples are shown in Figures A-3.2.3.14.-A, A-3.2.3.14.-B and A-3.2.3.14.-C of situations which would be addressed by this Article.

The exterior unprotected openings in the fire compartments are not deemed to expose each other to a thermal radiation hazard if:

• the angle formed between the planes of the exposing building faces is 135° or more, or
• the fire compartments are sprinklered.

In order to apply Sentence 3.2.3.14.(1), both of the exterior walls must have unprotected openings. Sentence (1) does not apply where the exterior wall of only one fire compartment has unprotected openings. The separation of exterior unprotected openings in adjacent fire compartments is not required if the openings in both compartments are in the same plane (θ = 180°).

Sentence 3.2.3.14.(2) requires the exterior walls of each fire compartment within the distance, D_o to have a fire-resistance rating. The fire-resistance rating must be at least equal to the required interior separation between the fire compartments. Thermal radiation from an opening is substantially reduced at angles less than 45° from the plane of the unprotected opening. This may be shown schematically in Figure A-3.2.3.14.-D.:

Sentence 3.2.3.14.(2) requires the portion of an exterior wall (containing an unprotected opening) of any other fire compartment that falls within the shaded area of the Figure above to have a fire-resistance rating.

Figure A-3.2.3.14-E illustrates the application of Sentence 3.2.3.14.(2) where the exterior walls of 2 fire compartments contain unprotected openings and the planes of the openings meet at 90°.

In order to apply Sentence 3.2.3.14.(2), the fire-resistance rating of each of the exterior walls exposed to significant thermal radiation at all angles of less than 135° within the distance, D_o

, from the opening in the opposite wall must be investigated.

In the example shown in Figure A-3.2.3.14.-E, the effect of Opening A on the exterior wall of Fire Compartment “B” must be investigated as follows.

In this example, a portion of the exterior wall of Fire Compartment “B” happens to fall within the distance, D_o, and within the angle, θ less than 135°. However, only that part of the wall which is shown shaded is required to have a fire-resistance rating.

A-3.2.4. Fire Alarm System.

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The term “fire alarm system” used in this Subsection applies to fire alarm systems with or without voice communication capability.

A-3.2.4.4.(1) Single-Stage Fire Alarm System.

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This requirement, in combination with Article 3.2.4.22., is intended to allow for the provision of voice communication capability as an integral part of a single-stage fire alarm system.

A-3.2.4.4.(2) Two-Stage Fire Alarm System.

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This requirement, in combination with Article 3.2.4.22. or 3.2.4.23., is intended to allow for the provision of voice communication capability as an integral part of a 2-stage fire alarm system.

A-3.2.4.4.(2)(c) Fire Alarm Alert Signal.

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In a 2-stage fire alarm system described in Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2), the alert signal may be transmitted to audible signal devices in designated locations or to audible signal devices throughout the building. If actuated, the second stage alarm signal in a 2-stage fire alarm system may sound throughout all zones in the building. All manual station key switches would typically initiate the alarm signal.

Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2) also allows the implementation of a “zoned 2-stage” sequence of operation, whereby the alarm signal sounds in the zone of key switch actuation (and perhaps in the adjacent zones, which may be the storey above and the storey below) and the alert signal sounds throughout the rest of the building. This sequencing would be created automatically by the fire alarm control unit.

The key or special device referred to in Clause 3.2.4.4.(2)(c) should be immediately available to all persons on duty who have been given authority to sound an alarm signal.

A-3.2.4.6.(2) Access to Silencing Switches.

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This requirement is intended to prevent unauthorized access to silencing switches. The satisfactory operation of a fire alarm system to alert the occupants of a building to an emergency is predicated on the assumption that the alarm signal will be silenced only after responsible staff have verified that no emergency exists.

A-3.2.4.7.(4) Design and Installation of Fire Department Notification.

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In some jurisdictions, the fire department may utilize, or have available, a municipal fire alarm system or equipment intended for receiving notification by means of a direct connection. If used, it is expected that these systems and installations conform to the requirements of Sentence (4) so as to achieve and provide a uniform and reliable level of service. It is also intended that a proprietary central station as well as a fire brigade used by a large corporation, university campus or similar site comply with Sentence (4).

CAN/ULC-S561, “Standard for Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems” which is referenced in Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4), and CAN/ULCS524, “Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems” which is referenced in Sentence 3.2.4.5.(1), go hand-in-hand: conformity to CAN/ULC-S561 entails conformity with the fire alarm system components required in that standard, which include the fire alarm transmitter (signal transmitting unit), the interconnections, and the communication path.

A-3.2.4.7.(5)(b) Emergency Telephone Number.

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In many municipalities an emergency telephone number, for example 911, is used for all emergency services and it is preferable to post that number.

A-3.2.4.8.(2) Fire Alarm Zones.

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Alarm initiating devices referred to in this Sentence include fire detectors, waterflow switches and manual pull stations. If a room or space in a building extends through more than one storey of the building, as in the case of multi-level dwelling units and machinery rooms, judgment must be exercised in the zoning and annunciation of the fire detectors in that room or space. In general, the lowest storey on which access is provided into the room or space should be indicated on the annunciator to avoid unnecessary delays for the responding fire fighters. Consideration should also be given to the use of numbers or letters on the annunciator that correspond to those used in the building elevators.

A-3.2.4.8.(7) Indicator Devices.

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It is permissible to install the fire alarm control unit in close proximity to the building entrance to meet the requirement for an annunciator. All signals required for the annunciator must be present at the control unit. In systems that include both control unit and annunciator, the signals must be routed to the annunciator through the control unit and the same functionality must be available at the control unit for operation and maintenance functions.

A-3.2.4.9.(3)(f) Supervision for Fire Pumps.

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Specific electrical supervision for fire pumps is stated in NFPA 20, “Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection”, which is referenced in NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”.

A-3.2.4.11.(1) Smoke Detector Location.

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In the design and installation of the smoke detection system, consideration must be given to all features which could have a bearing on the location and sensitivity of the detectors, including ceiling height, sloped ceilings, diffusion from air conditioning and ventilating currents, obstructions, baffles, and other pertinent physical configurations that might interfere with the proper operation of the system.

A-3.2.4.11.(3) Visible Signals.

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If staff located in each zone or compartment can see each sleeping room door, visible signals may be located above each door. If staff cannot see every door, it is intended that the visible signals be provided at the location where the staff are normally in attendance. The audible signal is intended to alert staff of the need to check the visible signals.

A-3.2.4.16.(1) Manual Station.

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Only one manual station need be provided near a group of doors serving as a principal entrance or as a single exit facility.

A-3.2.4.18. Acoustic Measurement and Terminology.

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The following notes on acoustic measurement and terminology are intended to assist in the application of the requirements for audibility of fire alarm system sounding devices.

The background or ambient measurement should be a spatial averaged A-weighted equivalent sound level measured for 60 s. This can be obtained using an integrating sound level meter with the integration time set to 60 s. During the measurement period the meter should be slowly moved about so as to sample the space uniformly but coming no closer than 0.5 m from any solid wall, floor or ceiling. Alternatively, measurements can be made at 3 or more positions throughout the space and an energy average calculated.

The measurement of the alarm level depends on the type of alarm signal. If the signal is a continuous signal from a bell or siren, the spatial averaged A-weighted equivalent sound level should be obtained. The integration time should be long enough to obtain a reasonable spatial average of the space, but not less than 10 s.

If the alarm has a temporal pattern, then the A-weighted sound level should be measured using the ‘fast’ time constant during the ‘on’ part of the cycle. In this situation it is not appropriate to use an integrating sound level meter. Since the duty cycle of the alarm is only 37.5% at best, that type of meter would give a reading that is 4 or more decibels lower than the level while the alarm is ‘on’. A number of measurements should be made about the space in question and the average value used to obtain a good spatial representation. Strictly speaking, the energy average of the measurements should be used; however, the frequency spectrum associated with most alarms is of a type that should give little variation about the space. If the measured levels don’t vary by more than 2 to 3 dB, then an arithmetic average rather than an energy average can be used.

Effect of Furnishings

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The final inspection of a fire alarm system is seldom made when the building is furnished and ready for occupancy. This results in measured levels which may be several decibels higher than will be found in the occupied building. The importance of this difference depends on the situation.

If the building is complete except for furnishings, so that the sources of ambient noise are present, then the amount by which the alarm signal exceeds the ambient level will not change appreciably with the introduction of furnishings. In this case both levels will be reduced by about the same amount.

If the primary source of ambient noise will be office equipment and workers, as would be expected in an open plan office, then measurements made prior to occupancy may differ substantially from those made afterwards. This may be true for both the absolute sound levels and the difference between the alarm level and the ambient.

A problem arises in trying to estimate what the absolute sound levels will be after the building is occupied.

In general, if the measurement is made in a totally bare room then the level will be about 3 dB higher than if the room were carpeted, assuming a reasonable carpet with an underlay. In most cases this will account for most of the absorption in the room and no further correction will be necessary. Adding heavy drapes and absorptive furnishings to a carpeted room can reduce the sound level by a further 2 to 3 dB.

Commercial buildings are more problematic. For example, if an open plan office is measured before any office screens are installed, there could be a substantial difference in the before and after levels, depending on the distance to the nearest alarm device.

Glossary of Acoustical Terms

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Audible: A signal is usually considered to be clearly audible if the A-weighted sound level exceeds the level of ambient noise by 15 dB or more.

Awakening threshold: The level of sound that will awaken a sleeping subject 50% of the time.

A-weighted: A frequency weighting network which emphasizes the middle frequency components similar to the response of the human ear. The A-weighted sound level correlates well with subjective assessment of the disturbing effects of sounds. The quantity is expressed in dBA.

Masked threshold: The level of sound at which a signal is just audible in ambient noise.

Sound level: A sound pressure level obtained using a signal to which a standard frequency-weighting has been applied. Sound pressure: A fluctuating pressure superimposed on the static pressure by the presence of sound. The unqualified term means the root-mean-square sound pressure. In air, the static pressure is barometric pressure.

Sound pressure level: Ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the square of the sound pressure under consideration to the square of the standard reference pressure of 20 mPa. The quantity obtained is expressed in decibels.

A-3.2.4.18.(1) Alert and Alarm Signals.

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Alert signals are part of a 2-stage fire alarm system. The intent of the first, alert, stage is to notify persons in authority of a potential threat to building occupants. In certain occupancies such as an emergency ward in a hospital, it may not be desirable for an alert signal to sound throughout the floor area. In such cases, the alert signal may be restricted to a continuously staffed location. Examples of continuously staffed locations include a nursing station in a hospital or a building security desk in an office tower, where staff on shift are available every day and at all times.

A-3.2.4.18.(2) Alarm Signal Temporal Pattern.

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The temporal pattern of an alarm signal relates to the time during which the signal is produced and the intervals between the individual signal pulses. The international standard ISO 8201, “Acoustics - Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal”, includes a pattern that is becoming widely used in different countries and it is appropriate for this pattern to be adopted in Canada. The temporal pattern can be produced on most signalling devices. Most existing alarm systems can be modified, and this pattern could be phased in when the systems require modification. The characteristic of the pattern is a 3-pulse phase followed by an off phase. The 3 pulses each consist of an on phase lasting for 0.5 ± 0.05 s followed by an off phase lasting for 0.5 ± 0.05 s sounded for 3 successive on periods and then followed by an off phase lasting for 1.5 ± 0.15 s. Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-A indicates the pattern that is intended.

Although the diagram shows a square wave form, the wave can have other shapes that produce a similar effect.

If single stroke bells are to be used, the temporal pattern can be produced by having the bell struck three times at a rate of one stroke per second followed by an interval of 2 s of silence. Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-B shows the pattern that results.

Note:

(1)

The on phase represents the time that the striker mechanism is actuated. The sound produced by the bell or chime will continue at a level that decreases until the striker mechanism is re-actuated.

A-3.2.4.18.(3) Audibility of Alarm Systems.

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It is very difficult to specify exactly what types of sound patterns are considered to be “significantly different” from one another. The intent is to ensure that there is a noticeable or measurable difference between the alert signals and the alarm signals such that it reduces the possibility of confusion.

A-3.2.4.18.(4) Sound Pressure Level.

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For the purposes of this requirement, an audible signalling device should not produce a sound pressure level more than 110 dBA when measured at a distance of 3 m.

A-3.2.4.18.(5) Residential Sound Level.

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In a building in which corridors or hallways serve more than one suite or dwelling unit, there will be situations in which an audible signal device cannot be placed in the corridor or hallway to alert persons sleeping in suites and dwelling units, because the sound level in the vicinity of the device would exceed that permitted by Sentence 3.2.4.18.(4).

In these situations it will be necessary to supplement the building fire alarm system with an audible signal device in the suite or dwelling unit. These devices could be piezoelectric devices similar to the sounding units in many smoke alarms, subject to the device emitting the appropriate temporal pattern required by Sentence 3.2.4.18.(2).

The sound pressure level required in this Sentence should be measured when the suite is unfurnished and unoccupied.

A-3.2.4.18.(6) Low Frequency Signal.

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Audible signal devices that emit a low frequency signal in the range of 470 Hz to 570 Hz have been shown to be more effective in waking people.

A-3.2.4.18.(8) Disconnect Device for Dwelling Units.

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In order to minimize the annoyance caused by false and unwanted alarms, the disconnect is intended to permit a person to silence the local audible device within the dwelling unit. At that time the person would be aware of sounds from devices in common spaces and could plan appropriate action.

A-3.2.4.18.(9) and (10) Signal Circuits.

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Clause 3.2.4.18.(9)(a) permits Class A wiring, or Class B wiring with signal circuit isolators located outside of the suites, to serve audible signal devices within residential suites. Clause 3.2.4.18.(9)(b) permits a separate signal circuit to serve each suite without the need for signal circuit isolators or Class A wiring. Open circuits and Class A and Class B wiring circuits are terms defined in CAN/ULC-S524, “Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems."

A-3.2.4.18.(12) Separate Signal Circuits.

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Sentence 3.2.4.18.(9) in combination with Sentence 3.2.4.18.(10) require separate audible signal circuits for dwelling units. It allows the designer the option to wire the audible signal devices in a dwelling unit on an individual circuit that serves each suite only or to wire the audible signal devices in a common circuit that serves the dwelling units within the floor area and is separate from the circuit that serves the audible devices outside the dwelling unit. Compliance with either of the above two options would meet the intent of a separate circuit required in Sentence 3.2.4.18.(12).

A-3.2.4.19.(1)(g) Visible Signal in Hotels and Motels.

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Visible signal devices should be installed in a combination of regular suites and designated accessible suites in hotels and motels so that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can safely occupy either type of suite.

Visible signal devices are not required to be installed in all the rooms of the suite. The signal should be visible from any room in the suite, which can be accomplished by installing glazing panels between the rooms or additional visible signal devices.

In addition, CAN/ULC-S524, “Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” requires that high-intensity strobes be used in sleeping rooms.

A-3.2.4.19.(2) Visible Signal.

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If staff located in each zone or compartment can see each sleeping room door, visual signals could be located above each door. If staff cannot see every door, it is intended that the visual signals be provided at the location where the staff are normally in attendance.

A-3.2.4.19.(3) Visible Alarm Pattern.

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CAN/ULC-S526, “Visible Signal Devices for Fire Alarm Systems Including Accessories”, published by Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada, applies to visible signalling units. This document is referenced by the most recent standard for the installation of fire alarm systems and would automatically apply. Current Canadian technology does not integrate visible and audible alarms to have the same temporal pattern. Visible and audible alarms should have as close a temporal pattern as possible but without interference beats that might have a deleterious effect on some persons. Visible signalling devices with the same temporal pattern as required for audible devices are available from some sources and they should become available in Canada. Not all units that comply with the ULC standard will have sufficient power to adequately cover large areas; care will have to be taken to specify units with adequate power when large spaces are being designed.

A-3.2.4.20.(9) Smoke Alarm Installation.

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Ontario’s Electrical Safety Code permits a smoke alarm to be installed on most residential circuits that carry lighting outlets and receptacles. It is the intent of the Building Code that any other item on a circuit with a smoke alarm should be unlikely to be overloaded and trip the breaker with a resultant loss of power that is not sufficiently annoying for the breaker to be restored to the on position. It is considered that an interior bathroom light or a kitchen light fulfills this intent, but that circuits restricted to receptacles do not fulfill this intent.

A-3.2.4.20.(10) Smoke Detectors in Lieu of Smoke Alarms.

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It is intended that the smoke detector in this application will function as per the requirements of a smoke alarm; specifically, it will be a localized alarm to the suite. The advantage of this type of installation is that the detector would be monitored by the fire alarm panel, which would provide notification to the supervisory personnel and be inspected as per CAN/ULC-S524, “Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems.” It is not intended that smoke detectors used in lieu of smoke alarms will activate the fire alarm panel to send a signal to the fire department.

A-3.2.4.20.(17) Smoke Alarms with a Visual Signalling Component.

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Smoke alarms with a visual signaling component can alert people who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing to the presence of smoke in the dwelling just as the alarm sound provides an alert to people with no or low vision or who are sighted. The visual signal provides an extra level of safety alerts to building residents.

A-3.2.4.22.(1)(b) Voice Messages.

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The concept of intelligibility expressed in Clause 3.2.4.22.(1)(b) is intended to mean that a person with average hearing and cognitive abilities is able to understand the messages that are transmitted into the space occupied by the person. There is no absolute measure to predetermine the effect of loudspeakers and it maybe necessary, once the building has been furnished and occupied, to increase to the number of loudspeakers to improve the quality of the messages.

The intelligibility of the message depends on the speech level, the background level, and the reverberation time of the space. ISO 7731, “Ergonomics - Danger Signals for Public and Work Areas - Auditory Danger Signals”, addresses audibility. The standard suggests that an A-weighted sound level at least 15 dBA above the ambient is required for audibility, but allows for more precise calculations using octave or ⅓ octave band frequencies to tailor the alarm signal for particular ambient noise conditions. Design of the alarm system is limited to ensuring that all areas receive an adequately loud alarm signal.

If a public address system is to be used to convey instructions during an emergency, then the requirements of the system are less straightforward. In general, however, a larger number of speakers operating at lower sound levels would be required.

Additional guidance on how to design and evaluate the intelligibility of a communication system can be found in the following documents

• IEC 60268-16, Sound System Equipment — Part 16: Objective Rating of Speech Intelligibility by Speech Transmission Index
• ISO 7240-19, Fire Detection and Alarm Systems — Part 19: Design, Installation, “Commissioning and Service of Sound Systems for Emergency Purposes”
• NEMA SB 50, “Emergency Communications Audio Intelligibility Applications Guide”
• Annex D of NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code".

A-3.2.5.4.(1) Fire Department Access for Detention Buildings.

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Buildings of Group B, Division 1 used for housing persons who are under restraint include security measures that would prevent normal access by local fire departments. These security measures include fencing around the building site, exterior walls without openings or openings which are either very small or fitted with bars, and doors that are equipped with security hardware that would prevent easy entry. These buildings would have firefighting equipment installed and the staff would be trained to handle any small incipient fires. It is expected that appropriate fire safety planning would be undertaken in conjunction with local fire departments in order that special emergencies could be handled in a cooperative manner.

A-3.2.5.6.(1) Fire Department Access Route.

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The design and construction of fire department access routes involves the consideration of many variables, some of which are specified in the requirements in the Building Code. All these variables should be considered in relation to the type and size of fire department vehicles available in the municipality or area where the building will be constructed. It is appropriate, therefore, that the local fire department be consulted prior to the design and construction of access routes.

A-3.2.5.7. Water Supply.

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This Article requires that an adequate water supply for firefighting is to be provided for every building. However, farm buildings of low human occupancy under the National Farm Building Code of Canada 1995 are exempted. The water supply requirements for interior fire suppression systems such as sprinkler systems and standpipe and hose systems are contained in other standards, for example, NFPA Standard 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, and NFPA Standard

14, “Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems”. This Appendix note focuses only on water supplies that are considered essential to firefighting by fire department or other trained personnel using fire hoses.

Minimum requirements for water supply for firefighting are relevant mainly to building sites not serviced by municipal water supply systems. For building sites serviced by municipal water supply systems where the water supply duration is not a concern, water supply flow rates at minimum pressures would be the main focus of this Appendix note. However, where municipal water supply capacities are limited, it would be necessary for buildings to have on-site supplemental water supply.

An adequate water supply for firefighting should be an immediately available and accessible water supply with sufficient volume and/or flow to enable fire department personnel using fire hoses to control fire growth until the building is safely evacuated, prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, limit environmental impact of the fire, and provide a limited measure of property protection.

The sources of water supply for firefighting purposes may be natural or man-made. Natural sources may include ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, bays, creeks, springs, artesian wells, and irrigation canals. Man-made sources may include aboveground tanks, elevated gravity tanks, cisterns, swimming pools, wells, reservoirs, aqueducts, tankers, and hydrants served by a public or private water system. It is imperative that such sources of water be accessible to fire department equipment under all climate conditions.

The available water supply would allow arriving fire department personnel to use the water at their discretion when entering a burning building with hose lines. During the search and evacuation operation, hose streams may be needed for fire suppression to limit fire spread. The duration of the water supply should be sufficient to allow complete search and evacuation of the building. Once the search and rescue operations are complete, additional water may be required for exposure protection or fire suppression to limit property damage.

Fire departments serving remote or rural areas often have to respond to a fire with a transportable water supply of sufficient volume for approximately 5 to 10 minutes when using one or two 38 mm hose lines. This would provide minimal hose streams allowing immediate search and rescue operations in small buildings with simple layouts but limited fire suppression capabilities, especially if a fire is already well-established.

For larger more complex buildings, an on-site water supply for firefighting would be needed to provide an extended duration of hose stream use by the fire department to allow search and evacuation of the building, exposure protection and fire suppression. The volume of this on-site water supply would be dependent on the building size, construction, occupancy, exposure and environmental impact potential, and should be sufficient to allow at least 30 minutes of fire department hose stream use.

The recommendations of this Appendix note are predicated on prompt response by a well-equipped fire department using modern firefighting techniques, and buildings being evacuated in accordance with established building fire safety plans and fire department pre-fire plans. For buildings constructed in areas where fire department response is not expected at all or in a reasonable time, sprinkler protection should be considered to ensure safe evacuation.

Elementary and secondary schools usually have a record of well-established and practiced fire safety plans which would allow complete evacuations within 4 minutes. Because of this and the inherent high level of supervision in these buildings, a reduction of the water supply for firefighting may be considered. It is suggested that the level of reduction should be determined by the local enforcement authority based on the resources and response time of the fire department, and the size and complexity of the buildings.

When designing open, unheated reservoirs as sources of fire protection water, a 600 mm ice depth allowance should be included in the water volume calculations, except where local winter temperature conditions result in a greater ice depth (as typically found on local lakes or ponds). As well, make-up water supplies should be provided to maintain the design volumes, taking into account volume loss due to evaporation during drought periods.

1. Buildings not Requiring an On-Site Water Supply (a) A building would not require an on-site water supply for firefighting if the building satisfies the criteria set out in Item 1(b) or Item 1(c) provided that: (i) the building is serviced by a municipal water supply system that satisfies Item 3(b), or

(ii) the fire department can respond with a transportable water supply of sufficient quantity to allow them to conduct an effective search and evacuation of the building, determined on the basis of other guidelines or standards (such as, NFPA 1142, “Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting”). (b) A building would not require an on-site water supply for firefighting where all of the following criteria are met: (i) the building area is 200 m² or less, (ii) the building height is 2 storeys or less, (iii) the building does not contain a care or detention occupancy, (iv) the building does not require a sprinkler system or a standpipe and hose system, (v) the limiting distance from the property line is at least 13 m if the building contains a high hazard industrial occupancy, and (vi) the building constitutes no significant environmental contamination potential due to fire. (c) A building that exceeds 200 m² in building area or 2 storeys in building height and that contains a low hazard industrial occupancy may not require an on-site water supply for firefighting if the combustible loading in the building is insignificant (such as that found in cement plants, steel stock storage sheds, etc.), as determined by the chief building official.

2. Sprinklered Buildings For sprinklered buildings, water supply additional to that required by the sprinkler systems should be provided for firefighting using fire hoses in accordance with the hose stream demands and water supply durations for different hazard classifications as specified in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”.

3. Buildings Requiring On-Site Water Supply (a) Except for sprinklered buildings and as required by Items 3(c) and 3(e), buildings should have a supply of water available for firefighting purposes not less than the quantity derived from the following formula: Q = K • V • S_tot where

Q = minimum supply of water in litres

K = water supply coefficient from Table 1

V = total building volume in cubic metres

S_tot = total of spatial coefficient values from property line exposures on all sides as obtained from the formula:

S_tot = 1.0 + [S_side1 + S_side2 + S_side3 + ... etc.)] where

S_side values are established from Figure 1, as modified by Items 3(d) and 3(f), and

S_tot need not exceed 2.0.

(b) Water supply flow rates should not be less than that specified in Table 2. Where the water supply is from a municipal or industrial water supply system, the required flow rate should be available at a minimum pressure of 140 kPa. (c) The water supply as required in Item 3(a) should not be less than that needed to provide the minimum flow rate specified in Table 2 for a minimum duration of 30 minutes. (d) Where a masonry wall with a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 h, and no unprotected openings is provided as an exterior wall, the spatial coefficient (S_side

) for this side of the building may be considered equal to 0. This masonry wall should be provided with a minimum 150 mm parapet. Firewalls that divide a structure into two or more buildings may be given similar consideration when evaluating the exposure of the buildings to each other. (e) In elementary or secondary schools, the water supply determined in accordance with Items 3(a) and 3(b) may be reduced. The level of reduction to be applied would be at the discretion of the local enforcement authority, and should not exceed 30 percent. (f) The spatial coefficient S_side may be considered equal to 0 when the exposed building is on the same property and is less than 10 m² in building area.

4. Additions to Existing Buildings (a) Except as permitted in Items 4(b) and 4(c), additions to existing buildings should be provided with a water supply for firefighting as required in Items 3(a) to 3(e). Although under Part 11, Renovation, the required water supply is to be based only on the building volume of the addition, it is recommended that the entire building volume of the expanded facility be used to ensure complete evacuation and safety of all the occupants. (b) Buildings with new additions falling within any one of the following criteria would not require an additional water supply for firefighting where: (i) the expanded building complies with all the requirements of Item 1(a), (ii) the new addition does not exceed 100 m² in building area, or (iii) the new addition exceeds 100 m² but does not exceed 400 m² in building area, contains an assembly, business and personal services, mercantile or low hazard industrial occupancy, is of noncombustible construction, does not result in a significant increase in exposure to other existing buildings, has no combustible storage or process, and is separated from the existing building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h. (c) Where a firewall is provided between the new addition and the existing building, the water supply for firefighting may be determined in accordance with Items 1(a) and 3(a), using only the building volume of the new addition.

Further clarification of intent and sample problems and solutions are contained in the “Fire Protection Water Supply Guideline for Part 3 in the Ontario Building Code” (TG-03-1999). This guideline may be obtained through the Office of the Fire Marshal’s by contacting AskOFM@ontario.ca or contact a Field Advisory Services adviser toll free at 1-800-565-1842.

A-3.2.5.9.(4)(c) Fire Department Pumping Equipment.

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Availability of appropriate pumping equipment from the local fire department or, in the case of industrial plants or complexes, from their fire brigade, is considered sufficient to meet the intent of this requirement.

A-3.2.5.11.(2) Hose Stations.

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A building that is partially sprinklered may have some floor areas where local sprinklers are installed that do not cover the entire floor area. It is intended that hose stations be provided in these floor areas to allow emergency responders to fight fires that cannot be controlled by local sprinklers.

A-3.2.5.12.(1) Sprinkler System Design.

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In NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, reference is made to other NFPA standards which contain additional sprinkler design criteria. These criteria apply to industrial occupancies with high fire loads, including warehouses with high piled storage, and industrial occupancies intended for the use, manufacture or storage of highly flammable materials. Therefore, while only NFPA 13 is called up directly by Sentence 3.2.5.13.(1), the additional criteria in the other NFPA standards are included automatically.

In some NFPA standards, certain aspects of sprinkler protection are dependent on the fire-resistance rating of the vertical structural members. In these cases, the sprinkler system design options can be affected by the fire-resistance rating of these elements. For example, in buildings used for the storage of rubber tires, sprinklers directed at the sides of a column are required if the column does not have the required fire-resistance rating.

Other NFPA standards may require that certain occupancies be sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13, as in the case of some garages. These requirements do not supersede the requirements in the Building Code. An occupancy is required to be sprinklered only when this is specified in the Building Code, but when it is so required, it must be sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13 and its referenced standards.

Additionally, while Part 4 contains seismic force provisions that apply to the design of sprinklers, NFPA 13 contains other structural requirements for sprinklers that are also required to be met.

A-3.2.5.12.(2) Sprinklering of Residential Buildings Above a Storage Garage Considered as a Separate Building.

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For the purpose of determining whether NFPA 13R, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and including Four Stories in Height”, applies to a residential building constructed over a storage garage, it is not intended that a storage garage constructed as a separate building in accordance with Article 3.2.1.2. be considered as a storey when determining the building height of the residential building. Similarly, this would not preclude the use of NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes”, for any one- or two-family home constructed above such a storage garage.

A-3.2.5.12.(6) Sprinklering of Roof Assembly.

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Sprinkler protection for roof assemblies in lieu of fire resistance is based on the assumption that the sprinklers will protect the roof assembly from the effects of fire in spaces below the roof. If a ceiling membrane is installed, the sprinklers would have to be located below the membrane in order to react quickly to the fire. In certain instances, however, sprinklers may be required within the concealed spaces as well as below the membrane. NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, requires sprinklers in certain concealed spaces.

According to NFPA 13 and 13R, some small rooms and closets within a dwelling unit in a sprinklered building, including those that may be in the storey immediately below the roof assembly do not require sprinklers. However, the Building Code requires sprinkler protection within all rooms and closets immediately below the roof so as to control any fire that might start in that space and thereby limit the probability of the fire spreading into the roof assembly.

Moreover, NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,” also allows the omission of sprinklers in such rooms and closets under certain circumstances, provided the building is sprinklered in conformance with this standard. In this case, the Building Code concurs with the provisions of the NFPA 13D standard.

A-3.2.5.12.(7) Balconies and Decks.

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The intent of this provision is to suppress or control the spread of a fire originating from a balcony or deck to the balcony above, roof assembly or other parts of the building. It is not intended to apply to a roof top deck or uppermost balcony where there are no parts of the building above.

A-3.2.5.12.(8) Sprinkler Rating.

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The requirements of this Sentence can be met by using sprinklers with a rating of 79°C to 107°C.

A-3.2.5.13.(1) Hazard Classification for Sprinkler Selection.

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The reference to light hazard occupancies is based on the descriptions of these occupancies given in NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” and is intended only for use in the design of sprinkler systems. These descriptions should not be confused with the occupancy classifications in the Building Code.

In NFPA 13 a light hazard occupancy is one in which the quantity or combustibility of contents is low and fires with relatively low rates of heat release are expected. Typical buildings or parts of buildings include: churches; clubs; eaves and overhangs, if of combustible construction with no combustibles beneath; educational buildings; hospitals; institutional buildings; libraries, except very large stack rooms; museums; long term care or convalescent homes; offices, including data processing rooms; residential buildings; restaurant seating areas; theatres and auditoria, excluding stages and proscenia; and unused attics.

Although NFPA 13R, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height”, and NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Mobile Homes”, as referenced by NFPA 13, are concerned with specific types of residential occupancy, namely apartment buildings up to four storeys, one and two family dwellings, and mobile homes, for the purpose of acceptance of combustible sprinkler piping these occupancies are considered to be included in the category of residential buildings under light hazard occupancies.

A-3.2.5.18.(1) Fire Pumps.

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In order to ensure an adequate water supply, it may be necessary to install a fire pump for a building that has either a standpipe system or an automatic sprinkler system installed. Reference to NFPA 20, “Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection,” provides the necessary guidance to designers.

A-3.2.6. Smoke Control for High Buildings.

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Experience with high buildings has shown that the time required for complete evacuation can exceed that which is considered necessary for the safe egress of all occupants. Studies of the “chimney effect” and observations of smoke movement in actual fires have shown that fire compartmentation to contain a fire on any one storey will not usually prevent the movement of smoke through elevator, stair and other vertical shafts to the upper floors of a high building. Occupants of a high building in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed, and particularly those on upper storeys, could be faced with severe smoke conditions from fires occurring in storeys below them before their own evacuation is possible. The requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. are intended to maintain safe conditions for occupants of a high building who may have to remain in the building during a fire, and to assist the firefighters by providing efficient access to the fire floor. The Notes for Subsection 3.2.6. are intended to assist a designer in complying with the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. The knowledge requirements are well within the capabilities of a competent designer. The designer should appreciate, however, that successful application requires a clear understanding of the principles that govern smoke movement. Subsection 3.2.6. contains only those items that relate to the design and construction of a building; operation of the facilities and recommended actions to be taken by the building owner, occupant and fire department are covered by the Fire Code.

The designer is cautioned that the tabular and graphical information in the Notes for Subsection 3.2.6. was developed for buildings having conventional configurations. The designer has to judge the extent to which the building under consideration has characteristics that will allow the application of this information; this is particularly true of designs employing air-handling systems for which a realistic assessment of the leakage characteristics of the enclosures of spaces may be critical.

It is assumed that buildings regulated by Subsection 3.2.6. will be in an area served by a fire department capable of an early response and that all firefighting and rescue situations will be under the direct control of the officer-in-charge of the fire department responding to the emergency. It is important that firefighters be provided with a smoke-free access to fire floors below grade. Provisions are included to separate exit stairways serving storeys above grade from those serving storeys below grade, and to limit entry of smoke into these shafts. Similarly, elevator hoistways and service shafts are required to be provided with a separation near grade or be designed to limit their functioning as paths of smoke movement into upper floor areas from storeys below grade.

It is assumed that in the event of fire, occupants of the floor on which the fire occurs will leave by exit stairs immediately following the sounding of a fire alarm, and that occupants of the floor immediately above the floor on which the fire occurs will be advised to leave by the first fire department officer on the scene or other person assigned this responsibility. Occupants of all other floors may remain on their floors unless otherwise directed. It is also assumed that the owner of the building has complied with the Emergency Planning Section of the Fire Code by preparing a comprehensive fire safety plan to safeguard the building occupants and that the building supervisory staff are familiar with the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and with their responsibilities under the fire safety plan.

The Building Code requires that a check be made of the smoke control and mechanical venting systems. Testing will indicate deficiencies caused by inexact estimates of the leakage characteristics or of air supply requirements and, in all but the most extreme cases, will provide an opportunity for appropriate adjustments before the system is put into service.

A-3.2.6.4.(6)(a) Elevator Recall.

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Automatic emergency recall actuation that is dependent on the operation of 2 smoke detectors in the elevator lobby meets the intent of this requirement. Such an arrangement may reduce the frequency of nuisance recalls.

A-3.2.6.5.(6)(b) Protection of Electrical Conductors

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Electrical conductors are part of a system that includes, among other components, raceways, conduits, splices, couplings, vertical supports, grounds and pulling lubricants. When selecting electrical conductors to provide a circuit integrity rating, it is important to understand how they will be installed and to know if the fire performance of the system as a whole was tested.

A-3.2.7.4.(1) Emergency Power Reliability.

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In some areas power outages are frequent and may be of long duration. These local conditions should be taken into account in determining the type of system for supplying emergency power for lighting. This should be studied at the planning stage of a building project in conjunction with the local fire safety and building officials.

A-3.2.7.6.(1) Emergency Power for Hospitals.

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CSA-Z32, “Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities”, contains requirements for three classes of health care facilities - Class A, Class B and Class C. The intent of Article 3.2.7.6. is to apply specific requirements for emergency equipment for Class A facilities, which are designated as hospitals by the authorities having jurisdiction and where patients are accommodated on the basis of medical need and are provided with continuing medical care and supporting diagnostic and therapeutic services.

A-3.2.7.8.(3) Emergency Power Duration.

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The times indicated in this Sentence are the durations for which emergency power must be available for a building under fire emergency conditions. Additional fuel for generators or additional battery capacity is required to handle normal testing of the equipment. If the operation of emergency generators or batteries is intended for other than fire emergency conditions, such as power failures, fuel supplies or battery capacity must be increased to compensate for that use.

A-3.2.7.9.(1) Emergency Power Reliability.

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In some areas power outages are frequent and may be of long duration. These local conditions should be taken into account in determining the type of system for supplying emergency power for building services. This should be studied at the planning stage of a building project in conjunction with the local fire safety and building officials.

A-3.2.7.10.(2)(a) and (3)(a) Protection of Electrical Conductors.

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It is important to understand that electrical conductors are part of a system that includes—among other components— raceways, conduits, splices, couplings, vertical supports, grounds and pulling lubricants. When selecting electrical conductors to provide a circuit integrity rating, it is therefore important to understand how they will be installed and to know if the fire performance of the system as a whole was tested.

A-3.2.7.10.(5)(b) Electrical Conductors in the Same Room.

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If the distribution panel and the equipment it serves are within the same room, only the electrical conductors leading up to the distribution panel need to be protected. It is assumed that the distribution panel and the equipment it serves are within sufficient proximity to each other such that a fire in the same area of origin would affect both.

A-3.2.7.10.(7) Fire Alarm Branch Circuits.

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In order to ensure continuous operation of the fire alarm and voice communication system in a high-rise building for a sufficient duration of time to control and direct the evacuation of building occupants, a level of protection is required by Sentence 3.2.7.10.(2) for those electrical conductors interconnecting the major elements of the fire alarm system. Sentence 3.2.7.10.(7) permits the protection of electrical conductors to be waived for portions connecting a transponder or fault isolation device to the fire alarm input devices (fire detectors, manual stations, etc.) or a voice communication transponder to a fire alarm audible signalling device, provided all circuits or portions of the circuits are contained within the same storey.

A-3.2.8.2.(3) Special Protection of Opening.

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In manufacturing operations involving the use of conveyor systems to transport material through fire separations, it may not be possible to use standard closure devices. NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives”, includes appendix information concerning protection of openings through vertical fire separations. NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, includes methods of protecting openings through floor assemblies, however, it is assumed by that standard that the remainder of the building would be sprinklered. Combinations of methods may be required to ensure that the level of safety inherent in the requirements of the Code is maintained.

A-3.2.8.2.(6)(b) Restriction on Size of Openings Through Floors.

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The phrase “used only for stairways, escalators or moving walks” is intended to restrict the size of a floor opening to what is necessary to accommodate the stairway, escalator or moving walk.

A-3.2.8.2.(6)(c) Waiver of Occupancy Separation Continuity.

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The typical application of this Sentence is to buildings with a mixture of occupancies that are randomly located throughout the building. Examples include shopping centres, podia of large commercial and business complexes, and recreational buildings that are combined with mercantile and business operations. A shopping mall with two interconnected storeys is an example that is frequently encountered in many jurisdictions. The permission to breach the floor assembly between the storeys does not override requirements for separation of specific suites or occupancies. For instance, although storage garages are Group F, Division 3 occupancies, the requirement in Article 3.3.5.6. for the storage garage to be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with at least a 1.5 h fire-resistance rating must be observed. In a similar manner, a theatre or cinema (Group A, Division 1 occupancy) must be separated from other occupancies in accordance with Sentence 3.3.2.2.(1) and seats in an arena type building (Group A, Division 3) must be separated from space below in accordance with Sentence 3.3.2.2.(3).

A-3.2.8.4.(1)(c) Contamination of Vestibule.

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The vestibule should have equipment capable of maintaining a supply of air into the vestibule that is sufficient to ensure that the air pressure in the vestibule when the doors are closed is higher by at least 12 Pa than the air pressure in the adjacent floor areas when the outdoor temperature is equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis.

A-3.2.8.7.(1) Smoke Exhaust System.

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The mechanical exhaust system is intended as an aid to firefighters in removing smoke and is to be designed to be actuated manually by the responding fire department. Although smoke is normally removed from the top of the interconnected floor space, exhaust outlets at other locations may be satisfactory.

A-3.2.9.1.(1) Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems.

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Building owners should verify that fire protection and life safety systems and their components (i.e. fire alarm systems, sprinklers, standpipes, smoke control, ventilation, pressurization, door hold-open devices, elevator recalls, smoke and fire shutters and dampers, emergency power, emergency lighting, fire pumps, generators, etc.), including their interconnections with other building systems, are functioning according to the intent of their design. CAN/ULC-S1001, “Standard for Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems” provides the methodology for verifying and documenting that interconnections between building systems satisfy the intent of their design and that systems function as intended by the Code.

Clause 6.1.5. of CAN/ULC-S1001 allows the Integrated Testing Coordinator to accept documented evidence of any tests that have been performed on a system as part of its acceptance testing for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with the integrated testing requirements of that standard, so as to avoid duplication of work.

A-3.3. Safety Within Floor Areas.

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Section 3.3. regulates safety within floor areas including rooms and other spaces within a building. The requirements are grouped according to the occupancy of the floor area, room or space which is not necessarily the major occupancy for which the building is classified. For example, a building may be classified by major occupancy as an office building: therefore, the provisions for structural fire protection and fire protection equipment for office buildings prescribed in Section 3.2. apply. However, within that building, a room or floor area may be used for mercantile, care, treatment, detention, business, residential, industrial or other occupancy.

Life safety for the occupants of any floor area depends in the first instance on the use or occupancy of that floor area. The risks to the occupants occur in the early stages of a fire. These special life risks differ from one occupancy to another and, consequently, must be regulated differently. Section 3.3. regulates risks within floor areas: these requirements apply regardless of the major occupancy of the building that contains the floor areas. For example, an assembly room must comply with the requirements for assembly occupancy whether it is contained in an office building, hospital, hotel, theatre, industrial building or other major occupancy.

Since this Code regulates new construction, alterations and changes of use, the construction of kiosks and similar structures in public corridors must take into consideration all the requirements that apply to the remainder of the building, including structural fire protection, construction type, finish materials, egress widths and sprinkler installations. Special activities of an occasional nature that were not contemplated in the original design of a public corridor and that represent only a temporary change in occupancy are regulated by the Fire Code. These regulations include maintaining egress paths clear of obstructions, controlling combustible contents and providing measures to ensure quick response for firefighting.

A-3.3.1.2.(1) Hazardous Substances.

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The term “hazardous substances” refers to dangerous goods that are regulated by TC SOR/2008-34, “Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR)” or that are classified as “controlled products” under the “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)” established to meet the requirements of HC SOR/2015-17 “Hazardous Products Regulations”. It also refers to materials and products that are not regulated by the TDGR or WHMIS, but that pose a fire or explosion hazard due to their own properties or because of the manner in which they are stored, handled or used. These include combustible products, rubber tires, combustible fibres, combustible dusts, products producing flammable vapours or gases, etc.

A-3.3.1.2.(2) Cooking Equipment Ventilation.

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Cooking equipment manufactured for use in dwelling units and other residential suites is often installed in buildings used for assembly and care or detention purposes. It is not obvious from the Building Code requirements or those of NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”, whether a ventilation and grease removal system is required in all assembly, care, care and treatment, or detention uses. If the equipment is to be used in a manner that will produce grease-laden vapours that are substantially more than would be produced in a normal household environment, then it would be appropriate to apply the requirements of NFPA 96. If the equipment is used primarily for reheating food prepared elsewhere or is used occasionally for demonstration or educational purposes, there would be no expectation of applying the requirements of NFPA 96. In all cases the circumstances should be reviewed with the enforcement authority.

A-3.3.1.7.(1) Temporary Refuge for Persons with Disabilities.

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These measures are intended to provide temporary refuge for persons with disabilities. It is acknowledged, however, that the measures cannot provide absolute safety for all occupants in the fire area. It may, therefore, be necessary to develop special arrangements in the fire safety plan to evacuate persons with disabilities from these areas.

The protected elevator referred to in Clause 3.3.1.7.(1)(a) is intended to be used by firefighters as a means for evacuating persons with disabilities. It is not intended that this elevator be used by persons with disabilities as a means of egress without the assistance of firefighters.

If an estimate is to be made of the number of persons with disabilities in a floor area who can be accommodated in each zone in Clause 3.3.1.7.(1)(b), this estimate may be based on Table 3.8.2.1., which is used to determine the minimum number of spaces to be provided for wheelchair occupants in fixed seating areas. If more precise information is available, it should be used for sizing the zones.

A-3.3.1.7.(1)(b) Zones.

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The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. may be considered as a zone in applying the requirements of Article 3.3.1.7.

A-3.3.1.8.(2) and (3) Protruding Building Elements in Paths of Travel.

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The term “protruding building elements” refers to elements regulated by this Code that are permanently affixed to the building and protrude into the path of travel.

The sweep of a cane used by people with vision loss normally detects protruding building elements that are within 680 mm of the floor. Any protruding element above this height would not normally be detected and can, therefore, create a hazard if it projects more than 100 mm into the path of travel.

A-3.3.1.12.(3) Movable Partitions.

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Should an emergency situation arise outside of normal working hours but when occupants are still in the space, they could be left without a clear way out. This could occur during inventory or after closing time when all occupants have not yet left, but staff close the door to prevent other persons from entering. In many small tenant areas, the movable partitions (store fronts) provide the only way out. There should always be a second way out or a swinging door within or adjacent to the sliding partitions.

A-3.3.1.13.(4) Door Hardware.

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The permission to have additional door releasing devices is intended to allow the use of a security chain, night latch or dead bolt to supplement the normal door latching device. These are permitted for dwelling units and locations where guests in a hotel require additional security. The height of these items is also governed by the maximum height stipulated in Sentence 3.3.1.13.(5) to ensure that they can be operated by persons with physical disabilities. This additional hardware should not require appreciable dexterity by the user and the general requirements on the ability to operate the device without the use of keys, special tools or specialized knowledge still apply.

A-3.3.1.13.(6) Controlled Egress Doors.

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It is intended that Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6) apply to doors used at the perimeter of a contained use area or an impeded egress zone. If the contained use area consists of a single room, the requirements would apply to that room. In the case of individual cells within a contained use area, exterior keyed locks could be used on the cell doors consistent with the fire safety plan and continuous supervision by staff who can release the doors in an emergency.

A-3.3.1.19.(1) Attention Indicators at Unenclosed Stairs and at Drop-off Edges.

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Stairs in open spaces, stairs from mezzanines, and stairs that are not separated from the floor area by an element, such as a door or gate, are examples of stairs that are unenclosed. Transit platforms and the edges of a reflecting pool are examples of locations with drop-off edges where tactile attention indicators should be installed.

A-3.3.1.24.(1) Obstructions in Means of Egress.

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Obstructions including posts, counters or turnstiles should not be located in a manner that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area unless an alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted means of egress.

A-3.3.2.4.(2) Tablet Arms.

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Although it is intended that the motion to raise the tablet arm be essentially a single fluid motion, it is acceptable that the motion be a compound motion of raising the tablet arm and including an articulation to allow the tablet to fall back alongside the arm rest.

A-3.3.2.10. Installation Configurations of Handrails in Aisles with Steps.

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A-3.3.3.1.(1) Safety in a Care, Care and Treatment and Detention Occupancy.

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Fire safety for patients and residents in sleeping room areas in care, care and treatment and detention occupancies is predicated on the ability of staff to carry out at all times essential life safety functions in accordance with the fire safety plan.

Many factors may affect the ability of staff to carry out life safety functions, including the mobility of patients who cannot fend for themselves and the built-in protection for patients who cannot be moved except under exceptional circumstances.

Should a patient area in a hospital or long-term care homes contain factors which would increase the time normally required for staff to evacuate patients or to undertake other life safety measures, consideration should be given to providing additional fire protection measures to ensure that equivalent safety is available.

A-3.3.3.4.(1) Doorway Width.

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The 1 050 mm minimum clear width of doorways accounts for door stops and, thus, is intended to allow for the use of 1 100 mm doors.

A-3.3.3.5.(1) Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes.

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The basis for the requirements in this Article is that staff will be in attendance at all times on the same storey, either in each fire compartment or in a fire compartment immediately adjacent.

A long-term care home is intended to include skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and some homes for the aged. Occupants of long-term care homes are assumed to be, for the most part, non-ambulatory. The use of physical restraints and tranquilizing drugs which may render occupants immobile are also factors which should be considered.

Although the age of patients by itself is not sufficient justification for a floor area to be included in a long-term care home occupancy, it should be recognized that many homes for the aged are in fact long-term care homes. The factor that determines whether or not a home for the aged is a long-term care home and, therefore, a care and treatment occupancy, is whether or not continuous nursing care is required for the occupants. Where continuous nursing care and treatment is not provided for the occupants, a home for the aged may be classified as either a care occupancy or a residential occupancy. If no care is provided to the residents, a home for the aged would normally be classified as a residential occupancy.

A-3.3.3.5.(10) Intercommunicating Rooms.

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Rooms that are interconnected can include more than one sleeping room, together with ensuite toilet rooms, shower rooms, and storage closets used for the storage of personal items of the persons occupying the sleeping rooms. It is not intended that storage rooms for other purposes be included within the group of interconnected rooms.

A-3.3.4.4.(1) Landing in Egress Stairway.

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A landing level used in an egress stairway from a dwelling unit is not considered to be a storey of that dwelling unit if the landing is used only for pedestrian travel purposes.

A-3.3.4.5.(1) Automatic Locking Prohibited.

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Doors that must be manually reset to lock them when they are opened from the inside meet the intent of this requirement.

A-3.3.4.9.(1) Stud Wall Reinforcement.

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If the bathroom layout does not provide a wall beside the water closet, the reinforcing for future installation of a grab bar would only be required in the wall behind the water closet.

A-3.3.5.4. Electrical Wiring and Appliances.

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Sources of ignition, such as electrical wiring and appliances, can set off an explosion if exposed to gases or vapours such as those that can be released in a repair or storage garage. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code contains provisions requiring either shielded wiring installations adjacent to certain garages or an air-tight curb separating the garage from adjacent spaces.

A-3.3.6.1.(1) Design of Hazardous Areas.

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Subsection 3.3.6. applies to the storage of products, whether raw or waste materials, goods in process, or finished goods.

This Subsection does not deal with products or materials that are directly supplied to appliances, equipment or apparatus through piping, hose, ducts, etc. For example, gas cylinders that are mounted on propane barbeques are not covered by Subsection 3.3.6. since they are considered to be “in use” as opposed to “in storage”.

The design requirements contained in Subsection 3.3.6. reflect some, but not all design requirements contained in Division B of the Fire Code as it relates to the design of hazardous areas. Designers are advised to refer to the Fire Code for any other design requirements that may apply to their circumstances.

A-3.3.6.2.(2) Storage of Reactive Materials.

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Reactive materials include various classes of unstable or reactive dangerous goods, such as flammable solids, pyrophoric materials, oxidizers, corrosives, water-reactive substances and organic peroxides.

In general, it is unsafe to store highly reactive oxidizers close to liquids with low flash points, combustible products or chemically incompatible products. Quantities of oxidizers or other dangerously reactive materials should therefore be limited and the storage area should be constructed of noncombustible materials, should be kept cool and ventilated, and should not impede egress.

In some cases, depending on the quantity and nature of the oxidizing agent, normal fire protection measures (e.g. sprinklers, fire hose and extinguishers) are ineffective due to the self-yielding of oxygen by the oxidizing agent.

When containers of highly reactive oxidizers become damaged or are exposed to excessive heat, humidity or contamination (e.g. sawdust, petroleum products, or other chemicals), a very violent fire or explosion can result.

The following oxidizing substances, among others, are known to supply oxygen: organic and inorganic peroxides; pool chemicals (e.g. calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate); oxides; permanganates; perrhenates; chlorates; perchlorates; persulfates; organic and inorganic nitrates; bromates; iodates; periodates; perselenates; chromates, dichromates; ozone; perborates.

When containers of dangerously reactive materials become damaged or are exposed to water or humidity, a flammable gas (such as hydrogen, ammonia or methane) or a toxic gas (such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide or phosphine) can be released.

The following dangerously reactive materials, among others, are known to release a flammable gas in reaction to contact with water or humidity: alkali metals (e.g. sodium, potassium, cesium); reactive metals (e.g. zinc, aluminum, magnesium); metallic hydride (e.g. sodium borohydride, germanium tetrahydride, calcium hydride).

The following dangerously reactive materials, among others, are known to release a toxic gas in reaction to contact with water or humidity: organic and inorganic chloride (e.g. phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus oxide trichloride, acetyl chloride); organic and inorganic bromide (e.g. phosphorus tribromide, aluminum tribromide, acetyl bromide).

A-3.3.6.4.(2) Explosion Venting in Hazardous Locations.

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When a flammable mixture of air and vapour/gas/dust is ignited and causes an explosion, the exothermic reaction results in the rapid expansion of heated gases and the corresponding pressure waves travel through the mixture at sonic or supersonic velocities. The pressures developed by an explosion very rapidly reach levels that most building structures and equipment cannot withstand unless specifically designed to do so. Explosion venting consists of devices designed to open at a predetermined pressure to relieve internal pressure build-up inside a room or enclosure, hence limiting the structural and mechanical damage.

The major parameters to be considered in designing an explosion venting system for a building are:

• the physical and chemical properties of the flammable air mixture, such as the particle size or the droplet diameter, the moisture content, the minimum ignition temperature and the explosive concentration, the burning velocity or explosion classification, the maximum explosion pressure and the rate of pressure rise,
• the concentration and dispersion of the flammable mixture in the room,
• the turbulence and physical obstructions in the room,
• the size and shape of the room, the type of construction and its ability to withstand internal pressures, and
• the type, size and location of relief panels, which should be designed to reduce the possibility of injury to people in the immediate vicinity of the panels.

A-3.3.6.5.(1) Measurement of Tire Storage Volume.

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The volume of tires in a storage area can be determined by measuring to the nearest 0.1 m the length, width, and height of the piles or racks intended to contain the tires. In racks, the top shelf is assumed to be loaded to a maximum possible height, while observing required clearances between structural elements and sprinklers.

A-3.3.6.6.(1) Products Stored with Ammonium Nitrate.

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Copper and its alloys should not be used where they can come into contact with ammonium nitrate. The presence of copper represents the single greatest hazard with respect to the accidental detonation of ammonium nitrate during a fire.

Steel and wood can be protected with special coatings such as sodium silicate, epoxy, or polyvinyl chloride.

Asphalt and similar hydrocarbon-based roof coverings should not be used. Stored ammonium nitrate may become sensitized during a fire if such roof coverings melt and leak into the interior of the building, causing burning droplets to fall on the stored product.

A-3.4.1.6.(2) Sleeping Area.

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Areas serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms include sleeping areas and areas where patients or residents are taken for treatment.

A-3.4.2.3.(1) Least Distance Between Exits.

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The least distance measurement does not apply to each combination of exits on a multi-exit storey. It only applies to at least 2 of the required exits from that storey.

A-3.4.3.2.(6) Evacuation of Interconnected Floor Space.

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This Sentence ensures that egress facilities allow for the simultaneous evacuation of all portions of an interconnected floor space. It does not contemplate the phased evacuation of occupants; thus, in buildings where that type of evacuation is intended, fire protection requirements in addition to those prescribed in the Code may be necessary.

In the first instance, this Sentence provides for cumulative exiting that can accommodate the efficient movement of all occupants in the exit stairs. Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(a) permits an alternative approach that will accommodate all the occupants in the stairs but will restrict the egress flow rate. Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(b) provides a second alternative that assumes the occupants must queue before entering the stair. A “protected floor space” conforming to Article 3.2.8.5. is intended to provide an intermediate area of safety that is protected from the hazards of the interconnected floor space. It does not provide a holding or refuge area for all occupants of a floor area for an extended period of time.

To ensure that evacuation is not unduly delayed and that queuing of the occupants in the protected floor space can be accommodated, requires careful consideration in the design of the interface between the interconnected floor space/protected floor space/exit.

It is not appropriate, for example, to share a common vestibule in complying with Sentences 3.2.8.4.(1) and 3.2.8.5.(1). Under evacuation conditions, occupants entering the vestibule would flow towards the exit, as opposed to the protected floor space, thus resulting in queuing outside the vestibule and potential exposure to fire. To comply with the intent, it is necessary to design the egress path such that the occupants enter the protected floor space through a vestibule, then in turn enter the exit stair from the protected floor space. In addition, sufficient space should be provided between the vestibule and the exit to allow for the queuing of occupants in the protected floor space.

A-3.4.3.2.(6)(a) Temporary Safety Area.

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The objective of Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(a) is to provide an area of temporary safety in the exit stair shafts for the occupants of the interconnected floor space. This requirement is considered to be met if 0.3 m² per person is provided in the stair shaft between the floor level served and the floor level immediately beneath it.

A-3.4.3.4. Clear Height and Width of Exits.

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Clear height is intended to be measured from a line tangent to the nosings extended to the underside of the lowest element above the walking surface, over the clear width of the exit (see Figure A-3.4.3.4.) Examples of low elements above the walking surface include light fixtures, sprinkler heads and pipes.

Clear width is intended to be measured from a line tangent to the horizontal protrusions such as handrails.

A-3.4.4.2.(2)(e) Requirements for Lobby.

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If an exit is permitted to lead through a lobby, the lobby must provide a level of protection approaching that of the exit. As well as meeting the width and height requirements for exits, the lobby must be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating at least equal to that required for the exit, unless one of the exceptions in this Clause is applied.

A-3.4.5.1.(2)(c) Graphic Symbols for Exit Signs.

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ISO 7010, “Graphic symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Safety signs used in workplaces and public areas”, identifies the recognized symbols for use at required exits. Examples are provided in Figures 3.4.5.1.(2)(c)(i) and 3.4.5.1.(2)(c)(iii).

A-3.4.5.1.(4.1) Photoluminescent Exit Signs.

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An external lighting source is required to properly charge photoluminescent signs. These types of signs must be lit in conformance with the charging requirements stated in CAN/ULC-S572, “Standard for Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems”.

A-3.4.5.3.(2) Stairwell Signs.

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Past experience indicates that some persons attempt to exit at the roof level of a building in the event of an emergency. Rescue from the roof of a building more than six storeys high is rarely possible from the exterior of a building. In order to avoid instances of persons getting trapped by smoke at the top of a stairwell that has no access to a roof, signs are required within the stairwell (at least one sign immediately above the highest normally occupied floor level) to indicate that the stairwell does not provide an exit at the roof level. The sign should consist of a graphic and text to indicate that there is no exit to the roof.

A-3.4.6. Application to Means of Egress.

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The requirements in Subsection 3.4.6. apply to interior and exterior exits, as well as to ramps, stairways and passageways used by the public as access to exit. The treads, risers, landings, handrails and guards for the latter access to exit facilities must thus be provided in conformance with the appropriate requirements for exit facilities.

A-3.4.6.1.(1.1) Surface Finish of Ramps and Stairs.

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A tactile attention indicator strip signals a warning to people with no or low vision that they are approaching a change in level. The strip is set back from the leading edge of the stair to provide sufficient warning of the change in level in advance.

A-3.4.6.4. Dimensions of Landings.

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A landing is a floor area provided at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs or a ramp, or a platform built as part of a stairway or ramp. Landings provide a safe surface for users to rest upon, allow design flexibility, and facilitate a change in direction.

Figure A-3.4.6.4. illustrates how to measure the length of a landing for various landing configurations turning less than 90 degrees, including straight landings.

Notes to Figure A-3.4.6.4.:

(1)

L1 + L2 = length of the landing = the lesser of the required width of stair or ramp, or 1 100 mm See Sentences 3.4.6.4.(2) and 9.8.6.3.(2)

(2)

D = distance from the narrow edge where the length of the landing is measured = half the required length of the landing See Sentences 3.4.6.4.(3) and 9.8.6.3.(3)

A-3.4.6.5.(4) Wider Stairs than Required.

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The intent of Sentence 3.4.6.5.(4) is that handrails be installed in relation to the required exit width only, regardless of the actual width of the stair and ramp. The required handrails are provided along the assumed natural path of travel to and from the building.

A-3.4.6.5.(10) Continuity of Handrails.

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Persons with vision loss rely on handrails to guide them on stairways. A continuous handrail will assist them in negotiating stairs at changes in direction. The extended handrail is useful to persons with physical disabilities to steady themselves before using the stairs. Handrails should, however, return to the wall, floor or post, so as not to constitute a hazard to persons with vision loss.

A-3.4.6.5.(11) Termination of Handrails.

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Handrails should terminate at the wall, floor or post so as not to constitute a hazard to persons.

A-3.4.6.8.(6) Stair Tolerances.

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The term “shall not differ significantly” assumes normal construction tolerances.

A-3.4.6.10.(5) Door Swing.

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Although it is required that the door on the right hand side of a pair of doors shall swing in the direction of travel through the exit, the direction of swing of the door on the left side will depend on the function of the horizontal exit. If the horizontal exit provides for movement from one building to the adjacent building but does not require movement in the reverse direction, both doors must swing in the direction of travel to the adjacent building. If the design is based upon both buildings providing complementary movement in either direction, then the doors must swing in opposite directions. Location of a required exit sign directly above a door that swings in the direction of travel is deemed to meet the intent of Clause 3.4.6.10.(5)(b).

A-3.4.6.11.(4) Exit Concealment.

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Hangings or draperies placed over exit doors may conceal or obscure them.

Exit Doors Concealed with Murals

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Some people with cognitive disabilities such as dementia are at risk of wandering away from the residence or healthcare facility in which they are being treated. To reduce this risk, some residences and healthcare facilities install special hardware on egress and exit doors that can only be operated by designated persons. This solution keeps residents/patients from wandering, but the doors can still trigger anxiety in residents/patients who may nevertheless try to leave the space through them, without success.

Recent studies have shown that applying murals (of a landscape, for example) on exit and egress doors in these environments can help reduce anxiety in people with cognitive disabilities who tend to view them as a pleasant natural barrier rather than as a means of escape.

Where this approach is implemented and the doors are not reasonably discernible, an alternative means of egress from the space should be provided. It is expected that the designers and authorities having jurisdiction will use judgement in determining whether or not an alternative means of egress is required. Where this approach is implemented, the murals should be applied with care so that they do not conceal or impair the operation of any fire and life safety systems installed nearby, including, but not limited to, exit signage, emergency lighting, fire alarm devices, sprinklers or door hardware. Egress and exit doors with murals should be reasonably discernible to residential care or healthcare staff who will be required to assist residents/patients in the event that the space must be evacuated, and to visitors who will be expected to evacuate on their own.

A-3.4.6.16.(1) Fastening Device.

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Turnpieces of a type which must be rotated through an angle of more than 90° before releasing a locking bolt are not considered to be readily openable. The release of a locking bolt should allow the door to open without having to operate other devices on the door.

A-3.4.6.16.(5) Electromagnetic Locks.

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Electromagnetic locks are intended for use where there is a need for security additional to that provided by traditional exit hardware. They are not intended for indiscriminate use as alternative locking devices.

The design of these devices requires evaluation to ensure that their operation will be fail-safe in allowing exiting in the event of foreseeable emergencies.

If more than one locking device is used in a building, it is expected that one switch will release and reset all devices simultaneously. If more than one such switch is provided in a building, at least one switch must be installed in the annunciator panel located at the main entrance of the building or, in the case of a building within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., in the central alarm and control facility for easy access of fire department personnel.

Most importantly, electromagnetic locks are not to be used where panic hardware must be installed. This will ensure that a large number of occupants can exit a building quickly in emergency situations created by either fire or non-fire conditions. It will also ensure that occupants in buildings containing highly hazardous substances can exit quickly unimpeded in an emergency.

In care and treatment facilities, such as hospitals and long-term care homes, and residential care facilities, however, because the occupant load is relatively low and the level of staff supervision is generally high, electromagnetic devices may be installed on exit doors at the bottom of exit stairways where panic hardware is required by code to maintain security where necessary.

When installed on doors in fire separations, electromagnetic locking devices must be used in conjunction with positive latching devices designed to hold the doors in the closed position since these locks do not incorporate latches and are released in an emergency. In a fire, keeping doors in fire separations closed is essential to control the spread of fire and smoke.

To enable exiting without delay (especially important in non-fire emergency situations), a manual station must be installed in close proximity to the door equipped with an electromagnetic locking device. The operation of this manual pull station will immediately release the electromagnetic locking device and, at the same time, activate the building fire alarm system.

Precautionary measures should be in place to ensure that by-pass switches would be deactivated at the completion of each fire alarm testing. An audible and a visual signal at the annunciator panel and at the monitory station should provide such assurance.

A-3.5.4.1.(1) Elevator Car Dimensions.

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In some circumstances, it is necessary to maintain a patient on a stretcher in the prone position during transit to a hospital or to treatment facilities. Inclining the stretcher to load it into an elevator could be fatal or at the very least detrimental to the patient’s health. Many ambulance services use a 2 010 mm long by 610 mm wide mobile patient stretcher. As well as space for the stretcher in the elevator, there should be sufficient additional space for at least two attendants who may also be providing treatment during transit. Common elevator units that can satisfy this requirement include:

• a 1 134 kg elevator car with minimum interior dimensions of 2 032 mm wide and 1 295 mm deep with a right or left hand access door. The minimum access door width is 1 067 mm and it must be on the 2 032 mm side of the car.

• a 1 134 kg elevator car with minimum interior dimensions of 2 032 mm deep and 1 295 mm wide with a minimum 915 mm wide access door located on the 1 295 mm side.

A-3.6.2.1.(1) Location of Fuel-Fired Appliances.

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Sentence 3.6.2.1.(1) requires that fuel-fired appliances be located in service rooms. It does not allow for their installation in service spaces.

A-3.6.2.5.(1) Storage of Combustible Refuse and Recycling.

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Storage of refuse consisting of combustible materials including waste paper, cardboard and plastic, and noncombustible materials such as glass and metallic containers can be accumulated in these rooms for the purpose of recycling. The storage of hazardous materials destined for recycling may need to satisfy other requirements than those stated in Sentence 3.6.2.5.(1).

A-3.6.2.7.(8) Vertical Service Spaces.

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Examples of good engineering practice for this application can be found in NFPA 68, “Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting,” NFPA 69, “Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems,” and the NFPA “Fire Protection Handbook.”

A-3.6.3.1.(1) Vertical Service Spaces.

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Sentence 3.6.3.1.(1) does not prohibit the internal subdivision of a vertical service space to allow different building services to be installed in physically separated spaces unless other requirements apply (see, for example, Article 3.2.7.10.). Fire separation requirements apply to the perimeter of the group of service spaces. Article 3.6.3.3. has special requirements for linen chutes and refuse chutes.

A-3.6.3.5. Grease Duct Enclosures.

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NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”, presents two options for enclosing grease ducts for commercial cooking equipment: the first option is to use continuous fire-rated building component assemblies to enclose the ducts and the second one consists of installing proprietary, fire-rated, field- applied or factory-built grease duct assemblies in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. These types of enclosure assemblies are evaluated for their resistance to fire and their ability to protect adjacent combustibles through reduced clearances. Although NFPA 96 references other standards that deal with grease duct assemblies, Sentence 3.6.3.5.(2) requires that CAN/ULC-S144, “Standard Method of Fire Resistance Test – Grease Duct Assemblies”, be used to determine the fire-resistance rating of factory-built and field-applied grease duct assemblies.

A-3.6.4.2.(2) Ceiling Membrane Rating.

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In construction assemblies that utilize membrane ceiling protection and have been assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of a fire test, the membrane is only one of the elements that contribute to the performance of the assembly and does not in itself provide the protection implied by the rating. For the fire-resistance rating of membrane materials used in this form of construction, reference should be made to the results of fire tests which have been conducted to specifically evaluate the performance of this element.

A-3.6.5.6.(2) Clearance for Warm-Air Supply Ducts.

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Applicable to forced-air furnaces where permissible clearance C above plenum is 75 mm or less.

A-3.6.5.6.(3) Clearance for Warm-Air Supply Ducts.

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Applicable to forced-air furnaces where permissible clearance C above plenum is more than 75 mm but not more than 150 mm.

A-3.6.5.6.(4) Clearance for Warm-Air Supply Ducts.

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Applicable to forced-air furnaces where permissible clearance C above plenum is more than 150 mm.

A-3.7.2.1.(1) Window Area Limit.

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Part 9 requirements for windows cover a number of subjects, however, this Article refers only to the area limits.

A-3.7.4.2.(1) Sanitary Facilities.

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It is assumed that if the sanitary facilities are provided on every storey, the occupant load for the determination of the number of fixtures would be the anticipated occupant load of that storey. If the washrooms are provided in a central location, the number of fixtures should then be based on the total anticipated occupant load for the areas that are served by that washroom.

A-3.7.4.2.(2) Washroom Units in Industrial Occupancies.

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Substations and parking garages are examples of industrial occupancies where staff presence may be permanent or may be intermittent. In the case of parking garages, the presence of occupants other than staff is transitory.

A-3.7.4.2.(3) Sanitary Facilities.

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Although traditional industry practice has provided separate gender identified washrooms, there is no implied or specific requirement in the code that requires this. As such, washrooms do not need to be separated into distinct gender-specific rooms. The Code’s provisions require a design that includes an adequate total number of water closets and urinals be provided for the number and demographics of building occupants. For gender neutral washrooms, features such as full height partition walls for the privacy of washroom users, and doors with locks for safety should be considered in the space’s design. Where washrooms are required to be accessible, Section 3.8. will apply.

A-3.7.4.2.(6) Lavatories.

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This provision is intended to ensure that a sufficient number of lavatories are provided based on the number of water closets or urinal, in order to maintain personal hygiene.

A-3.7.4.2.(9) Plumbing Fixtures for Small, Low Occupancy Uses.

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For small restaurants, retail and other small assembly uses with low occupancy loads, the number of washrooms provided may be reduced, where permitted, to provide some flexibility for space planning provided at least one universal washroom is provided in compliance with Sentence 3.8.3.12.(6) and one single washroom is provided and neither washroom is signed for gender.

A-3.7.4.12.(1) Washrooms for Public Use.

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The definition of public use clarifies that facilities for public use must have unrestricted access. Since a washroom in a hotel room is restricted for the use of the hotel guest only, it is an example of a washroom that would be exempt from requiring a floor drain. Also, the definition of private use includes a washroom in a hotel suite.

A-3.7.4.14.(1) Clearances for Water Closets.

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The minimum clearance in front of a water closet is intended to be measured from the front edge of the seat to:

• the nearest point of the wall or cubicle enclosure,
• another fixture, or
• the washroom door or stall door when the door is in the closed position.

A-3.7.5.3.(1) Shielding of X-Ray Equipment.

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Every installation of an x-ray machine or x-ray equipment used for the exposure of persons shall be shielded with a primary and a secondary protective barrier to protect any person who could be exposed to radiation. This protection is required for

• x-ray workers
• persons other than patients undergoing an application of therapeutic or diagnostic x-rays
• persons in adjacent buildings
• persons located outdoors of buildings containing x-ray equipment.

These protective barriers should be designed and installed to comply with requirements of The Healing Arts Radiation Protection Act. Applications for approval for these installations should be addressed to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Similarly, every installation of an x-ray machine or x-ray equipment for industrial or veterinary applications shall be shielded with a primary and a secondary protective barrier to protect any person who could be exposed to radiation. This protection is required for

• x-ray workers,
• persons other than x-ray workers,
• persons in adjacent buildings, and
• persons located outdoors of buildings containing x-ray equipment.

The protective barriers should be designed and installed to comply with requirements of The Occupational Health and Safety Act. Applications for approval for these installations should be addressed to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

A-3.8. Barrier-Free Design Assumptions.

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This Section contains minimum provisions to accommodate a person using a typical manual wheelchair or other manual mobility assistance devices such as walking aids, including canes, crutches, braces and artificial limbs. The Code also includes provisions to address needs of people with sensory disabilities.

All dimensions to objects such as controls, switches and grab bars provided in Section 3.8. are considered to be measured to the centre line of such objects unless otherwise specified in Section 3.8.

A-3.8.1.1.(1)(b) Industrial Occupancies.

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Industrial buildings often pose a greater risk to their occupants due to the presence of significant quantities of dangerous materials or the use of hazardous processes. For example, plants which are classified as Group F, Division 2 or 3, may store and use toxic or highly flammable substances in significant quantities, or house processes which involve very high temperatures and which may have a high degree of automation. In some facilities, particularly in primary industries such as forestry and metallurgy, the construction normally used and the operations carried out within the space can make compliance with the requirements of Section 3.8. impractical. It is therefore intended that these requirements be applied with discretion in buildings of Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy. However, where industrial buildings contain subsidiary occupancies, such as offices or showrooms, it is reasonable to require that accessibility be provided in these spaces.

A-3.8.1.1.(1)(d) Camps for Temporary and Emergency Workers.

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The exemption of camps for housing of workers from barrier-free design requirements is intended to exempt accommodations for seasonal workers such as agricultural workers or emergency workers such as firefighters working in remote areas.

A-3.8.1.2. Barrier-Free Entrances.

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A barrier-free path of travel should be provided from the sidewalk or roadway and parking areas to a barrier-free building entrance. This route should be located so that persons with disabilities do not have to pass behind parked cars. The number of barrier-free entrances to a building must be not less than the minimum number required in Table 3.8.1.2. in order to provide more general and equitable access to the building and should include the principal entrance. For the purpose of determining the number of entrances to a building, several adjacent doors in a bank of doors are considered to be a single entrance. The principal entrance to the building is the entrance that is normally used by the public or the building occupants.

A-3.8.1.3.(2) Surfaces in a Barrier-Free Path of Travel.

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Floor finishes, including walk-off matts and carpet, should be selected, installed and securely fixed to provide a firm and stable surface so that persons using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids can easily travel over them without tripping or expending undue energy. Other than very high-density, short-pile carpeting, most carpeting does not meet these criteria.

Furthermore, where the path of travel is exposed to intense light conditions, such as daylight or directional lighting, a low-glare or matte floor surface should be selected as glare from floor surfaces can bother all users and be particularly problematic for individuals with a vision impairment. For the same reasons, heavily patterned flooring should also be avoided.

A-3.8.1.3.(4) Unobstructed Space.

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The 1800 mm by 1800 mm space spaced every 30 m provides a layby area where two wheelchairs can pass.

A-3.8.1.3.(5) and (6)(b) Reduced Headroom.

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Wherever an overhead obstruction occurs within or adjacent to a barrier-free path of travel such as the underside of a stairway or escalator or a building structural element, a cane-detectable barrier will provide an effective warning to people with no or low vision that headroom is reduced and the path is obstructed to prevent them from moving toward the obstruction.

A-3.8.1.4.(1) Access to Storeys Served by Escalators and Moving Walks.

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In some buildings, escalators and inclined moving walks are installed to provide transportation from one floor level to another floor level so as to increase the capacity to move large numbers of persons. Some buildings located on a sloping site are accessible from street level on more than one storey and an escalator or inclined moving walk is provided for internal movement from floor to floor. In both these situations, a person with a physical disability must be provided with an equally convenient means of moving between the same floor levels within the building. A wheelchair user should not be required to travel outside the building in order to gain access to another level. This can be accomplished by providing an elevator or a platform-equipped passenger-elevating device.

A-3.8.1.5.(1) Controls.

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Building controls that are intended to be operated by the occupants include thermostats, light switches, intercoms and other controls for building use and comfort. It is not intended to include those controls that are secured for use by building operations, maintenance and management personnel.

Light switches, intercoms and similar devices located within a barrier-free path of travel should be located between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the finished floor. Thermostats should be mounted at 1200 mm on centre above the finished floor for the optimal operation.

A-3.8.2.1.(1) Access to Rooms and Facilities.

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If barrier-free access is required into suites or rooms in Subsection 3.8.2., it is intended that access be provided, with some exceptions identified in Sentence 3.8.2.1.(2), throughout each room or suite. Some examples of where barrier-free access is required are as follows:

• within rooms or areas that serve the public or are designated for use by visitors, including areas in assembly occupancies with fixed seats, display areas and merchandising departments,

• within rooms or areas for student use in assembly occupancies,

• within general work areas, including office areas,

• within general use or general service areas, including shared laundry areas in residential occupancies, recreational areas, cafeterias, lounge rooms, lunch rooms and infirmaries,

• within sleeping rooms in hospitals and long term care homes,

• (if installed), into at least one passenger elevator or elevating device conforming to Article 3.8.3.5.,

• into washrooms described in Article 3.8.2.3.,

• to any facility required by this Section to be designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities,

• onto every balcony provided in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.7.(2),

• to service counters used by the general public (examples include ticket counters, refreshment stands, drinking fountains, cafeteria counters, checkout counters and bank service counters)

• into 10% of hotel suites, (not more than 20 suites required), and

• within 15% of residential suites in an apartment building from the suite entrance door into at least one bedroom and bathroom at the same level as the suite entrance.

A-3.8.2.1.(1)(b) Rooftop Amenity Spaces.

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External rooftop areas of buildings that are designed for use as amenity spaces for building occupants must be made accessible to people with disabilities. This includes rooftop terraces, patios and barbecue facilities and requires that a barrier-free path of travel be provided from the floor area to the rooftop amenity space. Exterior roof spaces that are only accessed for the purpose of building and equipment maintenance and operations are not required to be barrier-free accessible and will continue to be exempt from barrier-free design requirements under Clause 3.8.2.1.(3)(f).

A-3.8.2.1.(2) Portions of Floor Areas not Required to be Barrier-Free.

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The permission to waive a barrier-free path of travel for wheelchair access to certain specified areas of a building is not intended to waive accessibility requirements for persons with physical disabilities who do not require special provision for access to raised or sunken levels. Persons with visual or hearing disabilities that do not require the use of a wheelchair can be expected to move throughout a building.

The concept of wheelchair accessibility does not extend to building service facilities, nor to all floor levels within a storey, e.g., mezzanines not served by an elevator. Mezzanines that are accessible by an elevator are therefore not excluded.

Seating booths and banquettes in restaurants and bars are considered furniture, which is beyond the scope of the Code. However, various types of seating should be considered to ensure the availability of barrier-free options.

Accessibility “within” a floor area is intended to mean that in general all normally occupied spaces are to be accessible, except where essential obstructions in the work area would make a barrier-free path of travel hazardous. Examples of excluded floor areas could include small raised office areas in retail and industrial premises, storage platforms in industrial occupancies, repair garages and areas within commercial kitchens.

Where a floor area does not require a barrier-free path of travel, certain barrier-free design provisions of Section 3.8. will still be applicable. These requirements can provide greater accessibility for persons with limited mobility who do not use wheelchairs or for those with sensory disabilities. People using walking aids, service animals or those with hearing and vision loss may still be able to climb stairs or use escalators. Accessibility features such as wider door openings, lever door handles and larger washroom stalls can also assist other building users.

The applicable requirements include: 3.8.1.3.(6) – Headroom and walking surfaces 3.8.2.3.(6) – Non-barrier-free washrooms 3.8.3.1.(6) – Accessibility signs 3.8.3.3.(19) – Doors, door hardware and vision panels 3.8.3.8.(10) – Ambulatory water closet stalls 3.8.3.10.(5) – Urinals 3.8.3.11.(5) – Lavatories 3.8.3.15.(5) – Counters for telephones 3.8.3.16.(4) – Drinking fountains

A-3.8.2.1.(2)(b) Exemptions from Barrier-Free Path of Travel for Small Buildings.

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Some small buildings are restricted in building area by lot size, including small infill properties between existing buildings. In those cases, it may not be feasible to require an elevator for the building. This Clause does not exempt areas requiring barrier-free path of travel described in Clause 3.8.2.1.(1)(a) and Sentence 3.8.2.1.(5), from being met.

A-3.8.2.1.(3) Exemptions for Service Facilities.

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The concept of wheelchair accessibility does not extend to building service facilities. Nor does it extend to all floor levels within a storey, e.g., mezzanines not served by an elevator. Mezzanines that are accessible by an elevator are not excluded.

A-3.8.2.1.(3)(m) Access to Facilities on a Floor Level Other than the Entrance Level

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Subclauses 3.8.2.1.(3)(m)(ii) to (iv) are intended to exempt certain storeys other than the entrance level - including basements and mezzanines that are less than 600 m² in floor area or 100 m² or less in floor area in assembly occupancies, that are self-contained, or that contain the same facilities as the entrance level - from the requirement to have a barrier-free path of travel.

Examples of buildings and spaces to which this exemption may apply are small office buildings with additional workspaces on the second storey and small restaurants with a second storey that contains only additional seating. However, if a restaurant's only washrooms are in the basement, they must have a barrier-free path of travel as they are an integral part of the principal function of the first storey. Similarly, staff lunchrooms and washrooms are also integral to the principal function of a restaurant; as such, if they are located in a floor area such as a second storey, basement or mezzanine that contains essential facilities as described in Subclause 3.8.2.1.(3)(m)(iii), they must have a barrier-free path of travel for potential employees with disabilities.

Where a building contains more than one floor level, other than the entrance level, each floor level should be considered individually when determining the floor area for the purposes of Subclauses 3.8.2.1.(3)(m)(ii) and (iv). Mezzanines should be considered as a floor level other than the entrance level.

A-3.8.2.1.(4) Designated Wheelchair Spaces and Adaptable Seating.

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Spaces designated for wheelchair use, and for adaptable seating, should be distributed in various locations throughout the venue in order to provide a choice of seating location for patrons. Seating spaces should be located adjacent to a barrier-free access aisle or an open space to facilitate ease of manoeuvring a wheelchair into position or to facilitate a side transfer to a fixed adaptable seat. Figure A-3.8.2.1.(4) provides an example of distribution of adaptable seats, designated wheelchair spaces, and mobility aid storage spaces in an auditorium.

A-3.8.2.1.(5) Number of Apartments Required to be Barrier-Free.

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The intent behind Sentence 3.8.2.1.(5) is that, in calculating the 15% of apartments in a multi-unit apartment building required to be barrier-free, the 15% of units is determined based on whole numbers as indicated in the examples set out in Table A-3.8.2.1.(5) and not based on fractions of units.

A-3.8.2.1.(5)(a) and (b) Access to Bedrooms and Bathrooms in Apartments.

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This requirement ensures that a person using a wheelchair can enter a bedroom and a bathroom within 15% of apartment suites and 10% of hotel and motel suites. A barrier-free path of travel and clearances on the latch side of the doors to the designated bedroom and bathroom must be provided.

A-3.8.2.1.(6) Residential Bathrooms.

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The intent of the barrier-free features required in 15% of apartment bathrooms, is to provide basic manoeuvrability into, and within, the space for a wheelchair user. The door swing may overlap the turning circle within the bathroom as long as there is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to clear the door and close the door. The bathroom is not required to include a barrier-free bathtub or barrier-free shower meeting the requirements of Article 3.8.3.13. The intent is not to provide accessibility for a full range of disabilities which may require additional features to accommodate the specific needs of an individual resident. However, stud wall reinforcement for the future installation of grab bars is required in the main bathroom in all dwellings as set out in Articles 9.5.2.3. and 3.3.4.9.

A-3.8.2.1.(7) Distribution of Apartments with Accessible Features.

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The intent is to provide a variety of suite sizes and locations and not locate all suites with barrier-free design features on the same floor. The intention is to provide a level of visitability to apartments. Given the broad range of disabilities and the specific needs of people with disabilities in their home settings, the accessibility provisions may not provide all of the features required by an individual’s personal needs that cannot be anticipated when the building is constructed initially.

The intent behind Sentence 3.8.2.1.(7) is that, in determining the proportion of barrier-free suites by unit size, the total number of barrier-free suites and the percentage of suites of each type (by number of bedrooms) should be calculated first. Those percentages should be multiplied by the total number of barrier-free suites required. For example, in a 40 unit apartment building with 30 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, 6 suites in total would be required to be barrier-free. The proportional breakdown of required barrier-free suites would be 75% or 5 one-bedroom suites and 25% or one two-bedroom suite. The proportion of units is also determined based on whole numbers and not based on fractions of units as long as the total number of barrier-free suites are provided.

Studio or bachelor apartments are a specific type suite and are intended to be counted separately when determining the proportion of suites, by type and size, in a building. Where studio or bachelor suites are provided, a proportionate number of studio or bachelor suites should also be accessible even though those suite types do not include a separate bedroom. For example, if 25% of the units in a building are studios, 50% are one-bedroom units and 25% are two-bedroom units, the same proportions should be reflected in the 15% of total units required to include barrier-free design features. The Building Code does not differentiate one- or two-bedroom units from one- or two-bedroom units with dens. The intent is that a range of unit types and sizes are available as accessible units.

A-3.8.2.2. Parking Areas.

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In localities where local regulations or bylaws do not govern the provision of or dimensions of barrier-free parking spaces, the following provides guidance to determine appropriate provisions. If more than 50 parking spaces are provided, parking spaces for use by persons with physical disabilities should be provided in the ratio of one for every 100 parking spaces or part thereof. Parking spaces for use by persons with physical disabilities should

(1) be not less than 2 400 mm wide and provided on one side with an access aisle not less than 1 500 mm wide,

(2) have a firm, slip-resistant and level surface,

(3) be located close to an entrance required to conform to Article 3.8.1.2.,

(4) be clearly marked as being for the use of persons with physical disabilities, and

(5) be identified by a sign located not less than 1 500 mm above ground level, with the International Symbol of Access and the words “Permit Required” (Figure A-3.8.2.2.-A).

Asphalt, concrete and gravel are acceptable parking surfaces. Curb ramps should be not less than 920 mm wide. Parallel parking spaces should be not less than 7 000 mm long. If more than one parking space is provided for persons with physical disabilities, a single access aisle can serve two adjacent parking spaces. The arrangement shown in Figure A-3.8.2.2.-B allows the shared use of an access aisle to serve two adjacent parking spaces provided for use by persons with physical disabilities.

A-3.8.2.2.(1) and (4) Barrier-Free Paths of Travel to Building Entrances, Exterior Passenger Loading Zones and Access to Parking Areas.

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The intent of Sentences 3.8.2.2.(1) and (4) is to ensure that exterior barrier-free paths of travel are readily available so that persons of all abilities can move to and from a building with minimal effort and in a manner that minimizes the total distance required to be travelled.

A-3.8.2.3. Washrooms.

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The primary intent of this requirement is that all regular washrooms be made accessible to all persons, including persons with disabilities, primarily persons who must use a wheelchair.

The exception in Clause (5)(b) recognizes situations where several washrooms may be provided on a large floor area. In such a case, not all washrooms need to be barrier-free, provided that a barrier-free washroom is available within a reasonable distance (45 m) of one that is not barrier-free and that the location of that barrier-free washroom is clearly indicated as required by Sentence 3.8.3.1.(3).

Clause 3.8.2.3.(5)(c) is intended to address “strip malls” (a shopping mall with no public corridor). Section 3.7. which requires plumbing facilities, does not address the concept of suite and could permit, for instance, a shopping mall containing only Group E occupancies (assuming the mall is more than 100 m²

) to have only one washroom for each sex located in any one of the suites. It is desirable however that such washrooms be located so as to be accessible at all times, since the owner or tenant of one suite has no control over the activities of another. Such buildings may either provide public barrier-free washrooms in a central location or washrooms which can accommodate disabled persons in each suite. This arrangement relieves any one tenant from having to provide “public” washrooms. Hence, the exception for suites of less than 300 m² is meant as a relaxation to avoid an unnecessary burden on small facilities but should not be construed as meaning that such buildings need not provide accessible washrooms.

A-3.8.2.3.(2) Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms.

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The requirements for the number of universal washrooms in buildings are set out in Article 3.8.2.3. and Table 3.8.2.3.A. Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2) refers back to Subsection 3.7.4. which sets out the number of washrooms required in buildings by occupancy.

The intent of the new requirements in Table 3.8.2.3.A is to provide additional universal washrooms in uses and occupancies where washrooms are required and not to require washrooms where they had not been required previously. For that reason the requirements are linked back to Subsection 3.7.4. For example, in the case of a high-rise apartment building, floors with only apartment units and without any common amenity spaces, would not require a universal washroom, nor would 3 levels of underground parking below the building.

Using the ratio of ‘1 universal washroom for every 3 storeys’ is a way to determine the number of universal washrooms in a building but without specifying where they should be located. The intent of the Code is to provide designers and building owners flexibility to locate the washrooms as appropriate to the building design and operation. For example, a six storey office building would require 2 universal washrooms (1 per 3 storeys) but those could both be on the same storey or on different storeys – not necessarily on the first and fourth floors or on every third storey.

A-3.8.2.3.(3) Minimum Number of Barrier-Free Water Closet Stalls.

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Washrooms that contain barrier-free washroom stalls and barrier-free lavatories, typically meet the needs of single users with disabilities. The requirements for universal washrooms, in addition to barrier-free washrooms, accommodate people with disabilities who require assistance from a same or opposite gender care giver.

A-3.8.2.3.(5)(b) Individual Washrooms.

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Washrooms, in excess of those required under Subsection 3.7.4., that are provided for private or individual use within an individual suite where washrooms for public use are provided elsewhere in the building, are not required to meet barrier-free design requirements. This could include a single user washroom that is part of a private office or a small retail store.

A-3.8.2.3.(6) Ambulatory Water Closet Stalls.

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Washrooms on storeys that are not required to have a barrier-free path of travel are still required to provide a washroom stall in each washroom that includes certain barrier-free design elements in order to accommodate people with disabilities who are ambulatory but still need some supports.

A-3.8.2.4.(1) Number of Hotel Rooms Required to be Barrier-Free.

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The intent behind Sentence 3.8.2.4.(1) is that, in calculating the 10% of hotel rooms required to be barrier-free, the 10% of units is determined based on whole numbers and not based on fractions of units. A small hotel with 9 suites or fewer, would not require any barrier-free rooms.

A-3.8.2.4.(7) Emergency Power Outlet.

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An outlet on emergency power is required to provide power for a guest with a disability who needs constant support from equipment such as a ventilator or oxygen concentrator generator.

The emergency power receptacle need only be provided in one of the suites required to have accessible features. This outlet must be identified and signed as being on emergency power.

A-3.8.3.1. Accessibility Signs.

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The International Symbol of Access, as shown in Figure 3.8.3.1.-A below, indicates to persons with disabilities that they will have reasonable freedom of movement within the building. It usually has a blue background, but if, because of lighting conditions, it may not stand out, it can be set on a white background. An arrow can be added to either side or to the top or bottom to indicate direction or the location of an accessible space or facility.

An International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss, shown in Figure A-3.8.3.1.-B, indicating accessibility for persons with hearing loss, should be used to indicate the availability of variable volume controls on telephones, assistive listening systems, and text telephones (TT). These latter devices may also be referred to as teletypewriters (TTY) or telecommunications devices for the deaf (TTD).

A-3.8.3.1.(7) and (8) Visual and Tactile Information Signs.

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This requirement only applies to those signs which are required under the Building Code including those for washrooms, directional signs to building entrances and parking areas.

A-3.8.3.2.(1)(h) Tactile Indicators at Exterior Walks.

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The requirement for a tactile indicator surface installed at specified locations is to provide a tactile signal that an individual is moving toward a potential hazard such as a curb cut at a vehicular route or the edge of a level rapid transit platform.

A-3.8.3.3.(1) Doorway Width.

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Standard wheelchair width specifications indicate a range of sizes from 584 mm overall to 685 mm overall. Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel must have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position and therefore it is important that this dimension be measured correctly.

Figure A-3.8.3.3.(1) shows a door opened to 90°. It is clear that the door, and to a lesser extent the stop, impinges on the space within the door frame. The clear width of not less than 850 mm is measured from the face of the door to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame. It is not sufficient just to measure the inside width of the door frame or the width of the door panel. There should be no projections into the required clear opening width lower than 865 mm above the finish floor or ground. Projections into the clear opening width between 865 mm and 2030 mm above the finish floor or ground should not exceed 100 mm.

Other factors, including location of door stops other than on the door frame, and the installation of door closers and exit devices, should be taken into account. The intrusion of a door handle into the space is of lesser importance. It is recognized that there are many types of door frame and door mounts, but the overall objective is to maintain a clear width of not less than 850 mm. The diagram depicts a somewhat restrictive scenario, as many doors can open wider than 90° to ensure the minimum clear width of 850 mm that is required.

A-3.8.3.3.(2) Washrooms and Bedrooms in Residential Occupancies.

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This requirement ensures that the width of a doorway to the washroom and the bedrooms in relation to the corridor width leading to those rooms in a dwelling unit or a hotel/motel suite can provide for basic maneuverability into and out of the room. The Code does not require these washrooms (except the 15% required by Sentence 3.8.2.1.(5) and 10% required by Article 3.8.2.4.) to be barrier-free.

A-3.8.3.3.(3) Accessible Door Handles.

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Door handles that can be operated with a closed fist include lever-style handles which are useable by most persons with limited hand mobility and will meet the intent of this requirement. Lever handles with an end return towards the door are less prone to catch the clothing of someone passing through the doorway. Where the door is a sliding door with manual controls, it shall be configured so that the hardware is exposed and usable from both sides when the sliding door is in the open position.

A-3.8.3.3.(4) Doors with Power Operators.

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Doors equipped with a power operator activated by a pressure plate identified with the international symbol of access or, where security is required, by a key, card or remote device, and that can otherwise be opened manually meet the intent of the requirement. The device selected should consider ease of use by people with disabilities including those with limited hand motion and dexterity. The location of these activating devices should ensure that a wheelchair will not interfere with the operation of the door once it is activated. Where the power door operator is provided for one leaf of a pair of double, out-swinging doors, the door operator should be located so that it is as close as possible to the latch side or, beyond the door swing so that the door does not obstruct the path of travel.

Swinging doors equipped with power operators which are activated automatically and open into passing pedestrian traffic should be provided with a guard or other device designed to prevent pedestrians from stepping in the swing area of the door. These guards or devices should be detectable by blind persons. For example, inverted U-shaped guards should have an additional rail at a height not more than 680 mm so that it is detectable by the long cane. These doors should also have a device (mat or other sensor) on the swing side to prevent the door from opening if someone is standing in the swing area.

A-3.8.3.3.(4.1) Power Door Operators for Interior Doors.

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This requirement is not intended that all doors located in a barrier-free path of travel be equipped with a power door operator, but rather those, that are located within public areas of the building, such as public corridors or corridors used by the public. Doors of suites served by a public area do not need to be equipped with a power door operator.

A-3.8.3.3.(8) Air Pressure Differences.

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Differences in air pressure on opposite sides of a door may be due to the operation of mechanical systems such as those associated with smoke control. So-called “stack action” in buildings in winter can also cause differential pressures due to the buoyancy of warm air. Stack action is usually most noticeable between stairwells and the remainder of the building, and at the entrances to buildings; the taller the building, the greater the effect. Doors with automatic closers have to operate with sufficient opening forces to allow the return action to overcome the differential pressure.

A-3.8.3.3.(9) Delayed Action on Door Closers.

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In some circumstances, closers with a delay feature which keep the door open for several seconds before it begins to close might be desirable. However, closers with this feature have limited back-check, a feature of a normal door closer where resistance to opening increases as the door reaches the full arc of swing. Doors equipped with this type of closer are more susceptible to damage should the door be opened with too much force or should someone try to force it closed, thinking the closer has failed to operate. Delayed action closers are not recommended for such occupancies as schools.

A-3.8.3.3.(10) Clearances at Doorways.

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Sufficient clearance must be provided on the latch side of doors for a user to operate the door opening mechanism and open the door without interference from the wheelchair. This is particularly important where the door swings toward the approach side where a larger clearance of 600 mm is required.

A-3.8.3.3.(11)(b) Doors in a Series.

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Where there are doors in a series such as an entry or washroom vestibule, there must be a full 1500 mm diameter turning circle or a linear dimension of 1500 mm provided within the vestibule that is clear of the door swing to ensure that persons using wheelchairs or other mobility devices can close the door behind them before proceeding through the next door in the series.

A-3.8.3.3.(17)(c) Vertical Power Door Operators.

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The height range permitted for the location of a power door operators in Subclause 3.8.3.3.(17)(c)(ii) allows for the installation of vertical power door operators, either wall- or floor-mounted, that can be operated by a closed fist, a foot or other pressure anywhere within the height of the door operating device.

A-3.8.3.3.(18) Proximity Scanners as Door Operators.

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Where a proximity scanner is utilized it must be set to scan a lower height to ensure that a person using a seated mobility device will trigger the opening of the door.

A-3.8.3.3.(19)(b) Manual Door Operators.

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The door opening device referred to in Clause 3.8.3.3.(19)(b) is not required to be a power door operator. A manual door opener with lever handles will meet the intent of the Code.

A-3.8.3.4.(1)(b) Ramp Slopes.

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Although Article 3.8.3.4. permits slopes on ramps as great as 1 in 12 for distances of up to 9 m, gradients of 1 in 20 are safer and less strenuous. When limited space is available, as may be the case during renovations, ramps of up to 1 in 12 should be restricted to lengths not exceeding 3 m whenever possible.

A-3.8.3.4.(1)(c) Landing Design at Doorways Leading to Ramps.

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A level landing surface at doorways leading to ramps provides a level and stable surface for people using wheeled mobility devices and other mobility aids to stop and manoeuver clear of the door swing.

A-3.8.3.4.(2) Fixed Seating on Sloped Floors.

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In an assembly room with fixed seating on a sloped floor, such as a theatre, the limitation on floor slope is intended to apply only to the required barrier-free access leading to spaces for persons using wheelchairs described in Sentence 3.8.2.1.(3) and not to aisles and portions of floors serving only fixed seating for ambulatory persons.

A-3.8.3.4.(3) Sloped Floors.

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A floor with a slope of 1:20 or less need not be designed as a ramp.

A-3.8.3.6.(1)(c) Locating Wheelchair Spaces, Adaptable and Companion Seating.

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People with disabilities who require either a wheelchair space or an adaptable seat may attend an event with a companion who needs no special seating accommodation. For that reason, the companion seat required beside a wheelchair space is intended to be a standard seat provided for the facility.

A-3.8.3.7.(1) Assistive Listening Systems.

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Examples of assistive listening systems include FM, infrared and induction loop systems. However, the technology in this field is advancing rapidly; as such, other types of assistive listening systems could be considered in the design of a space. In choosing the most appropriate system, a number of factors must be taken into account including cost, installation and maintenance requirements, suitability for the intended user or audience, ease of operation, and the need for privacy. Information on designers and suppliers of such systems can be obtained from the Canadian Hearing Society. The intent of Article 3.8.3.7. is to provide clear communication where information, goods or services are provided to the public.

Wireless sound transmission systems, such as FM, infrared or magnetic induction loop, improve sound reception for the hard of hearing by providing amplification which can be adjusted by each user while blocking out unwanted background noise. These systems transmit a signal that is picked up by special receivers available for use by people with a hearing impairment, whether or not they use a hearing aid. Neither system interferes with the listening enjoyment of others.

The transmitter can be jacked into an existing P.A. system amplifier or used independently with microphones. The induction loop system (See Figure A-3.8.3.7.(1)-C) requires users to sit in the area circumscribed by the loop; though installation of the loop is relatively simple, the installer should be knowledgeable about these systems if proper functioning is to be achieved. FM or infrared systems can be designed to broadcast signals which cover the entire room and thus do not restrict seating to any one area. Figures 3.8.3.7.(1)-A and 3.8.3.7.(1)-B show the general configuration of FM and infrared systems. Although portable systems (FM in particular) are available, these are best suited to small audiences. Generally, the systems installed in church halls, auditoria, theatres and similar places of assembly are not easily portable, as they are installed in a fixed location by a sound technician and form an integral part of the P.A. system of the room or building.

Hard wired systems (where a jack is provided at a particular seat) will not meet this requirement unless adequate provisions are made to accommodate persons with hearing aids. In choosing the most appropriate system, a number of factors must be taken into account including cost, installation and maintenance, suitability to the audience, ease of operation and the need for privacy. Information on designers and suppliers of these systems may be obtained from such organizations as the Canadian Hearing Society.

A-3.8.3.7.(2) Assistive Listening Systems and Adaptive Technologies.

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The intent of Sentence 3.8.2.9.(2) is to require that at least one counter with an assistive listening system or adaptive technology be provided at each group of service counters providing the same exchange of information, goods or services. For example, in a stadium with ticket counters at multiple building entrances, at least one ticket counter at each entrance should be equipped with an assistive listening system or adaptive technology.

A-3.8.3.8.(1)(a) Water Closet Stalls.

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The wheelchair turning circle within the stall may not overlap space of an inward swinging door or the area below plumbing fixtures.

A-3.8.3.8.(1)(c)(iii) Water Closet Stalls.

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Doors to water closet stalls for persons with disabilities should swing outward and preferably against a side wall.

A-3.8.3.8.(1)(c)(v) Washroom Stall Door Pulls.

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The purpose of the door pull mounted on both sides of the stall door is to assist those with limited arm strength to open and close the door. The pull should be located close to the latch side on both the inside and outside surfaces of the door. Pulls mounted close to the latch side require less strength to pull the door open or closed than a pull located close to the hinge side. The door pull should consist of a D-shaped handle mounted horizontally. The centre lines are the lines drawn through the long axis and the short axis of the handle. In the horizontal position, the centerline of the short or transverse axis must be located at between 200 mm and 300 mm from the latch side of the door, and the long or longitudinal axis must be located between 900 mm and 1 100 mm from the floor.

A-3.8.3.8.(1)(f) Washroom Clearances.

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A-3.8.3.8.(2)(b) Transfer Space on Both Sides of Water Closet.

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A-3.8.3.8.(3) Additional Grab Bars.

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Designers may exceed the minimum requirements found in the Building Code and specify the installation of additional grab bars in other locations. These additional grab bars may be of different configurations and can be installed in other orientations.

A-3.8.3.8.(5) L-Shaped Grab Bar.

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L-shaped grab bars provide greater support for people who rely on grab bars to assist them in transferring to and from a standing or seated position. Diagonally mounted grab bars may not be suitable for the downward force necessary for support or for pulling upward. Hands can slip along the bar if it is set in a diagonal position. The use of two straight grab bars located at a 90° angle to one another is not permitted.

A-3.8.3.8.(8) Fold-Down Grab Bars.

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A fold-down grab bar is required to resist a load of 1.3 kN applied either vertically or horizontally and will require blocking in the wall so that the grab bar remains anchored to the wall when in use.

A-3.8.3.8.(10) Ambulatory Water Closet Stalls.

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An ambulatory water closet stall is designed to accommodate people requiring some mobility assistance using aids such as canes or crutches but who do not use wheelchairs. Ambulatory stalls include features such as a higher water closet seat height, grab bars and some additional space for mobility aids such as a cane. A door pull should be provided on both faces of the stall door.

A-3.8.3.9. Water Closets.

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Article 7.2.2.5. applies to water closets referenced in Articles 3.8.3.8., 3.8.3.9. and 3.8.3.12.

A shelf or projection should not be located behind a water closet such that it could present a hazard.

A-3.8.3.9.(1) Water Closets.

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Wall-mounted water closets or floor models with receding bases are preferable because they provide the least amount of obstruction.

A-3.8.3.9.(1)(c) Back Support at Water Closets.

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The purpose of the back support is to reduce the chance of imbalance or injury caused by a user leaning against exposed flush valves or pipes. A toilet seat lid, where provided, may be a suitable back support.

A-3.8.3.10. Barrier-Free Urinals.

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Where provided, barrier-free urinals require both properly mounted and supported grab bars and privacy screens. Privacy screens alone should not be used as both a privacy and support element.

A-3.8.3.11. Washroom Accessories.

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Washroom accessories for barrier-free water closets and lavatories must be located within arm’s reach of a person in a seated position. Placement of towel dispensers and hand dryers should not require that a person seated in a wheelchair must travel beyond the reach range of the lavatory to dry his or her hands.

A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c) Clearances Beneath a Lavatory.

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Barrier-free lavatories require sufficient knee and toe clearance below to permit a person in a wheelchair to move close enough to the faucet to easily access the water stream.

In order to meet the clearances contained in this Clause, and depending on the lavatory to be installed, it may be necessary to install an offset P.O. lavatory drain.

A-3.8.3.11.(1)(d) Pipe Protection.

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The pipes referred to in Clause 3.8.3.11.(1)(d) include both supply and waste pipes. The hazard can be prevented by insulating the pipes, by locating the pipes in enclosures, or avoided by limiting the temperature of the hot water to a maximum of 43°C.

A-3.8.3.11.(1)(f) Clear Space at Lavatory.

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The clear space required for the wheelchair user to pull into the fountain may overlap with an adjacent barrier-free path of travel but should not prevent other building users from passing when the barrier-free lavatory is in use.

A-3.8.3.12.(1)(d) Transfer Space.

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The transfer space beside a water closet or the approach space at a lavatory must be a clear space with no obstruction or potential obstruction of the space from adjacent elements such as a fold-down change table, or other fixture. The exception to this would be a fold-down grab bar where provided. If a fold-down change table is not returned to the fold-up position after use, the next user of the space should not be inconvenienced from using the water closet or lavatory due to the transfer or approach spaces being blocked.

A-3.8.3.12.(1) and (3) Universal Washroom.

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Unobstructed areas in front of the lavatory, in front of the water closet and on one side of the water closet are necessary for manoeuverability of a wheelchair. The door swing may overlap the turning circle within the universal washroom as long as there is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuver to clear the door and close the door from a front approach position.

The space for an adult size change table may encroach upon the 1700 mm turning circle only where the change table is movable and is not permanently fixed or stored within the washroom. In that case the table, such as a hospital gurney is brought into the washroom when needed and removed after use. A permanently fixed table may not be appropriate for certain building occupancies due to operational and maintenance considerations.

A-3.8.3.12.(2) Emergency Call System.

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The purpose of the emergency call system is to notify other building occupants that a person using the universal washroom requires assistance. The visual signal and alarm should be different from the building fire and smoke alarms and visual signals, where installed, as this call system is for personal, not building, emergencies.

The emergency call button is intended to provide a local visual signal outside of the washroom to alert others that someone in the washroom needs assistance. It is not required to be linked to a central monitoring station. Where central monitoring is not provided, such as in the case of a small building or a standalone washroom in a park, an additional sign informing the washroom users that there is no central monitoring may be appropriate.

A-3.8.3.12.(6) Universal Washrooms for Small Buildings.

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The permission for a smaller universal washroom to be provided in small buildings recognizes the limited space available for construction of service and amenity spaces while still balancing available space with the needs of people with disabilities.

A-3.8.3.13.(1) Minimum Number of Barrier-Free Showers.

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The intent of the requirement for one or more barrier-free showers in a group of showers is to address the increased demand for accessible facilities in publicly accessible buildings such as arenas, community recreation centres and private health and fitness facilities where the accessible shower stall is located in the same room as non-accessible showers. It is not the intent of the Code to require single shower stalls or single private use showers that are part of a private office suite to be barrier-free accessible.

A-3.8.3.13.(2)(b) Clear Space at Entrances to Showers.

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The clear space at the entrance to a shower may be encroached upon by fixtures such as a wall hung sink which does not interfere with the leg rests of the wheelchair. However, this sink could restrict movement for persons who need to make a lateral transfer if it were installed at the seat end of the shower.

A-3.8.3.13.(2)(f) and (g) Shower Seat and Grab Bars.

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Only one grab bar is required, to be installed on the wall next to the seat; a grab bar behind the seat prevents the user from leaning against the wall, while one located on the wall opposite the seat cannot be reached from the seated position.

The use of two straight grab bars installed at a 90° angle to one another is not acceptable. The Code requires a continuous L-shaped grab bar. The seat itself may be used in conjunction with the bar for transfer. If design flexibility is required, fold away grab bars may be used as an alternative.

A grab bar installed within a barrier-free shower stall on the same wall as the shower controls should have 900 mm long horizontal and vertical components.

A-3.8.3.13.(4) Universal Dressing and Shower Rooms.

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A universal dressing and shower room is a barrier-free space that contains a shower and a space for dressing for one person and their care attendant(s) and provides privacy, regardless of gender. It is intended that a universal dressing and shower room be available within close proximity to each bank of showers in a floor area. In cases where only one shower is provided, a universal dressing and shower room would satisfy the requirement.

A-3.8.3.13.(5)(f) Grab Bar at Bench.

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Where a bench in a universal dressing and shower room is located adjacent to a wall, it is recommended that a grab bar be installed to assist users in transferring to the bench.

A-3.8.3.13.(7) Showers and Bathtubs.

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The grab bars and their mounting position must facilitate getting in and out of the bathtub from a seated or standing position, as appropriate, to limit the need for twisting the body.

A-3.8.3.14.(1) Service Counters.

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It is not intended that all counters be barrier-free, but that sufficient barrier-free counter space be available. Examples of counters that should be barrier-free include check-in counters and those in financial institutions and reception areas as well as any counter at which processing and signing of documents takes place. The provision is not intended to apply to work surfaces in industrial occupancies.

A-3.8.3.14.(2)(c) Knee Space at Service Counters.

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Where forward-facing interaction with a person is required, the knee space requirement of Clause 3.8.3.20.(1)(c) applies to both sides of the service counter to ensure accessibility for both service providers and those receiving services.

A-3.8.3.15. Telephone Shelves or Counters.

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Built-in shelves or counters for public telephones must be designed to accommodate persons using text telephones (TT). These devices may also be referred to as teletypewriters (TT) or telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). These devices require a level surface at least 500 mm wide by 350 mm deep with no obstruction above that space within 250 mm. If a wall-hung telephone or other obstruction extends to less than 250 mm from the shelf or counter, an equivalent clear space must be provided on either side of each telephone.

At least one telephone should be equipped with a volume control on a receiver that generates a magnetic field compatible with the T-switch of a hearing aid. The lower portion of the shelf or counter is intended for persons using a wheelchair; therefore, all parts of the operating mechanism of the telephone above this portion should be within the reach of a wheelchair user.

A-3.8.3.16. Drinking Fountains.

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Accessible drinking fountains require sufficient knee and toe clearance below to permit a person in a wheelchair to move close enough to the fountain to easily access the water stream. The 700 mm deep clear space in addition to the fountain depth of 450 mm minimum is required for the wheelchair user to pull into the fountain. That approach space may overlap with an adjacent barrier-free path of travel but should not prevent other building users from passing when the drinking fountain is being used.

A-3.8.3.16A.(2)(b) and (d) Water-Bottle Filling Stations.

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A-3.9.3. Portable Classrooms.

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Distance between classrooms: 6 m or more 3.2.2. applies to each classroom 3.2.3. does not apply between classrooms

Extinguisher required Access; street; hydrant; fire alarm; - not required

Distance between classrooms: less than 6 m³.2.2. applies to each classroom 3.2.3. applies to each classroom i.e. rating and construction of facing walls determined by limiting distance

Extinguisher required Access; street; hydrant; fire alarm; - not required

Distance between classrooms: less than 6 m No. of classrooms in group: 6 max. Distance between groups: not less than 12 m³.2.2. applies to each group 3.2.3. does not apply between classrooms within a group if the facing walls have a rating of 45 min, on the inside 3.2.3. applies between groups

Extinguisher required Access; street; hydrant; fire alarm - not required

Distance between classrooms: less than 6 m No. of classrooms in group: 6 max. Distance between groups: not less than 12 m³.2.2. applies to each group 3.2.3. does not apply between classrooms within a group 3.2.3. applies between groups

Extinguisher required Fire alarm required (extension of main system) Access; street; hydrant; - not required

Distance between classrooms: less than 6 m No. of classrooms in group: 6 max. Distance between groups: not less than 12 m³.2.2. applies to each group 3.2.3. does not apply between classrooms within a group 3.2.3. applies between groups

Extinguisher required Fire alarm required (extension of main system) Access; street; hydrant; - not required

All other cases require: - Fire extinguisher - Access - Street - Hydrant - Fire alarm: extension of existing system

A-3.11.3.1.(9)(a) Barrier-Free Path of Travel at Pool Deck.

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The barrier-free path of travel throughout the pool deck area may be included in the 1800 mm wide pool deck space. The width of the barrier-free path of travel must not be reduced where a column or other obstruction interrupts the pool deck space.

A-3.11.3.1.(14) Tactile Indicator at Pool Deck.

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The tactile indicator at the of the pool deck, signals a warning to people with no or low vision that they have reached the water’s edge. The tactile indicator may be built-in or applied but must not present a tripping hazard. The indicator should be a continuous band installed parallel to the outside edge of the gutter around the pool perimeter.

A-3.11.3.2.(1) Outdoor Pool Deck.

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Where an outdoor pool deck is provided, a barrier-free path that is an exterior walk is required between the building and the outdoor pool, including access from change rooms and showers, and throughout the pool deck area.

A-3.11.3.3.(4) Pool Lift Space Requirements.

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The clear space required to transfer from a wheelchair to the pool lift may overlap the required barrier-free path of travel within the pool deck.

A-3.11.5.1.(4)(b) Ramps into Public Swimming Pools.

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Despite the requirement that the hard surface area piercing the pool deck and leading to a submerged ramp must be at least 750 mm wide, it is recommended that the clear width of the access point to the ramp be at least the same width of the ramp and consistent with Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(d).

A-3.12.3.2.(3) and (4) Transfer Wall at Public Spa.

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A transfer wall design can be accommodated where the spa is raised above the pool deck enabling a wheelchair user to make a horizontal transfer from the wheelchair seat to the top surface of the transfer wall and directly accessing the water on the other side of the wall.

A-3.14. Tents and Air-Supported Structures.

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The requirements in this Subsection are intended to be limited to certain types of structure. For instance, the word “tent” as used in the Code is intended to refer to a temporary shelter which is used at an open air event such as a fair or an exhibition. A tent will normally be constructed of a fabric held up by poles and attached to the ground by ties. The requirements for tents, however, are not intended to be applied to fabric structures located on buildings.

The term “air-supported structure”, as used in the Code, refers to an envelope which is held up by air pressure alone and which is erected on the ground or on a building. The structure will usually require ballast or a positive anchorage system around the entire perimeter to secure it to the ground or building structure.

A-3.16.1.7.(7) Exits and Means of Egress from Shelf and Rack Storage Systems.

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The fundamental principle of providing sufficient exits and means of egress from a shelf and rack storage system is to have the occupants reach an open public thoroughfare, a separate building, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having an access to an open public thoroughfare before the environment in the building becomes life threatening.

In addition to the time-based egress calculation, the professional engineer or architect undertaking the time-based egress analysis, must also undertake a detailed fire dynamics evaluation of the occupancy to determine when critical life threatening levels are reached. Temperature, toxic conditions and psycho-physiological characteristics of the occupants will play an important roll in the analysis.

A-4.1.1.3.(1) Structural Integrity.

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The requirements of Part 4, including the CSA design standards, generally provide a satisfactory level of structural integrity. Additional considerations may, however, be required for building systems made of components of different materials, whose interconnection is not covered by existing CSA design standards, buildings outside the scope of existing CSA design standards, and buildings exposed to severe accidental loads such as vehicle impact or explosion. Further guidance can be found in the Commentary entitled “Structural Integrity” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.1.3.(2) Serviceability.

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Information on serviceability can be found in the Commentary entitled “Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.1.5.(2) Structural Equivalents.

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Sentence 4.1.1.5.(2) provides for the use of design methods not specified in Part 4, including full-scale testing and model analogues. This provision is usually used to permit the acceptance of newer and innovative structures or to permit the acceptance of model tests such as those used to determine structural behaviour, or snow or wind loads. Sentence 4.1.1.5.(2) specifically requires that the level of safety and performance be at least equivalent to that provided by design to Part 4 and requires that loads and designs conform to Section 4.1.

Sentence 4.1.1.5.(2) and the provision for alternative solutions stated in Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) of Division A are not intended to allow structural design using design standards other than those listed in Part 4. The acceptance of structures that have been designed to other design standards would require the designer to prove to the appropriate authority that the structure provides the level of safety and performance required by Clause 1.2.1.1.(l)(b) of Division A. The equivalence of safety and performance can only be established by analyzing the structure for the loads and load factors set out in Section 4.1. and by demonstrating that the structure at least meets the requirements of the design standards listed in Sections 4.3. and 4.4.

A-4.1.2.1. Loads and Effects.

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Information on the definitions can be found in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.2.1.(1) Temperature Changes.

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Information on effects due to temperature changes can be found in the Commentary entitled “Effects of Deformations in Building Components” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A.4.1.2.1.(3) Major Occupancies.

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In a building containing more than one major occupancy and classified in more than one Importance Category, the classification of each independent structural system shall be the same as for any part of the building that is dependent on that structural system and for the highest usage group according to Table 4.1.2.1.

A-Table 4.1.2.1.B. Importance Categories for Buildings.

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Low Importance Category Buildings

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A minor storage building is an example of a Low Importance Category building.

Low-human-occupancy farm buildings with an occupant load of 1 person or less per 40 m² of floor area are also examples of Low Importance Category buildings.

Normal Importance Category

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Most buildings will fall into the Normal Importance Category.

The following types of buildings may be classified in the Normal Importance Category: buildings that are equipped with secondary containment of dangerous goods, including, but not limited to, double-walled tanks, dikes of sufficient size to contain a spill, and other means to contain a spill or a blast within the property boundary of the facility and prevent the release of harmful quantities of contaminants to the air, soil, groundwater, surface water or atmosphere, as the case may be.

High Importance Category

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The following buildings may contain sufficient quantities of dangerous goods to be classified in the High Importance Category:

• petrochemical facilities,

• fuel storage facilities (other than those required for post-disaster use), and

• manufacturing or storage facilities containing dangerous goods.

Information on community centres can be found in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

Post-Disaster Importance Category

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Before classifying a building as a post-disaster building, Code users should consider the intent of the classification and look beyond the name of the building. For example, a building that is named “ABC Treatment” but is used for emergency care should be considered as a hospital and, as such, classified as a post-disaster building. Conversely, a building named “XYZ Hospital” that is only used for walk-in medical services could be classified as a Normal Importance Category building.

A-4.1.2.2.(1) Loads Not Listed.

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The intent of Sentence 4.1.2.2.(1) is to draw attention to the fact that there are loads, forces and effects that need to be considered in addition to those specified in the Code. These loads, forces and effects will vary in need, application, and magnitude for each use and location. Some may result from environmental considerations (e.g., ice accretion, wave and ice action, water flow) while others will result from the use and occupancy of the facility (e.g., dangerous goods storage, manufacturing and mining operations). The reasonable determination of the probability, type and magnitude of project-specific loads must be assessed by a knowledgeable project team that includes the building owner/operator and experienced design professionals, and incorporated into the design where deemed necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the facility.

In recent years, security issues have prompted the consideration of loads and effects due to improvised explosive devices and other methods of sabotage. Consideration of these loads is driven by operational and public safety requirements, and their incorporation in the design is not considered a mandatory provision of the Code.

A-4.1.3. Limit States Design.

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Information on limit states design can be found in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.2.(2) Load Combinations.

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Load Combination Equations

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The load combinations in Tables 4.1.3.2.-A and 4.1.3.2.-B apply to most situations for loadbearing building structures. Guidance on special situations such as load combinations for fire resistance and building envelopes is given in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

Load Cases and Crane Load Effects

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The load combinations in Table 4.1.3.2.-A are to be evaluated for structures with crane load effects for the scenario where the crane loads are zero, and for structures without crane loads. The load combinations in Table 4.1.3.2.-B are to be evaluated for structures with crane loads for the scenario where the crane load effects are other than zero.

Crane Loads

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Crane-supporting structures that have cranes in multiple parallel bays should be designed for the maximum vertical crane load with the cranes positioned for the most critical effect in conjunction with a lateral load with each crane in turn positioned for the most critical effect. For load combinations that include crane loads, additional guidance can be found in CISC/ICCA 2013, “Crane-Supporting Steel Structures: Design Guide”.

A-4.1.3.2.(4) Effects of Lateral Earth Pressure, H, Pre-Stress, P, and Imposed Deformation, T, in Design Calculations.

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Effects of Lateral Earth Pressure, H, in Design Calculations

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For common building structures below ground level, such as walls, columns and frames, 1.5 H is added to load combinations 2 to 4. For cantilever retaining wall structures, see the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

Effects of Pre-Stress, P, and Imposed Deformation, T, in Design Calculations

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For structures and building envelopes designed in accordance with the requirements specified in the standards listed in Section 4.3., with the exception of Clauses 8 and 18 of CSA A23.3, P and T need not be included in the load combinations of Table 4.1.3.2.-A. For structures not within the scope of the standards listed in Section 4.3., including building envelopes, P and T must be taken into account in the design calculations. For recommended load combinations including T, see the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.2.(5) Overturning, Uplift or Sliding.

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Information on overturning, uplift and sliding can be found in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.3.(1) Failure Due to Fatigue.

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Failure due to fatigue of building structures referred to in Section 4.3. and designed for serviceability in accordance with Article 4.1.3.6. is, in general, unlikely except for girders supporting heavily used cranes, on which Article 4.1.5.11. provides guidance.

A-4.1.3.3.(2) Vibration Effects.

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Guidance on vibration effects can be found in the Commentary entitled “Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.4.(1) Loads and Load Combinations for Serviceability.

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The loads and load combinations for serviceability depend on the serviceability limit states and on the properties of the structural materials. Information on loads and load combinations for the serviceability limit states, other than those controlled by deflection, can be found in the Commentary entitled “Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-Table 4.1.3.4. Acceleration Due to Vibrations.

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Information on the determination of acceleration due to vibrations resulting from loads L and W can be found in the Commentary entitled Wind Load and Effects in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B).”

A-4.1.3.5.(1) Deflections.

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Serviceability criteria for deflections that cause damage to non-structural building components can be found in the standards listed in Section 4.3. Information on deflections can be found in the Commentary entitled “Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”. Information on loads and load combinations for calculating deflection can be found in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.5.(3) Lateral Deflection of Buildings.

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The limitation of 1/500 drift per storey may be exceeded if it can be established that the drift as calculated will not result in damage to non-structural elements. Information on lateral deflection can be found in the Commentary entitled “Wind Load and Effects” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.6.(1) Floor Vibration.

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Information on floor vibration can be found in the Commentary entitled “Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”. Information on loads and load combinations for the calculation of vibration can be found in the Commentary entitled “Limit States Design” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.6.(2) Floor Vibrations Caused by Resonance with Operating Machinery or Equipment.

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Guidance on floor vibration effects caused by operating machinery and equipment can be found in the Commentary entitled Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.6(3) Dynamic Analyses of Floor Vibrations.

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Information on a dynamic analysis of floor vibrations from rhythmic activities can be found in the Commentary entitled “Deflection and Vibration Criteria for Serviceability and Fatigue Limit States” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.3.6.(4) Lateral Vibration Under Wind Load.

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Information on lateral vibrations and accelerations under dynamic wind loads can be found in the Commentary entitled “Wind Load and Effects” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.4.1.(2) Permanent Partitions Fixed to the Structure.

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Partitions in residential buildings, including condominiums, apartments and hotels, are typically permanent and fixed to the structure. In such cases, the weight of partitions referred to in Clause 4.1.4.1.(1)(c) is the actual weight of the partitions that are shown on the drawings.

A-4.1.4.1.(3) Partitions Not Shown on the Drawings.

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The potential locations of partitions in work areas, such as offices, are not typically shown on the drawings. For such areas, a partition weight allowance must be considered based on the anticipated weight and location of partitions, but not less than 1 kPa over the area of floor being considered.

A-4.1.4.1.(6) Counteracting Dead Load Due to Soil.

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Examples of structures that traditionally employ the dead load of soil to resist loadings are pylon signs, tower structures, retaining walls, and deadmen, which resist wind uplift and overturning in light structures.

A-4.1.5.1.(1) Loads Due to Use of Floors and Roofs.

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In many areas of buildings, such as equipment areas, service rooms, factories, storage areas, warehouses, museums, and office filing areas, live loads due to their intended use may exceed the minimum specified loads listed in Table 4.1.5.3. In these instances, the probable live load shall be calculated and used as the specified live load for the design of that particular area.

A-Table 4.1.5.3. Considerations for Live Loads.

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Arenas, Grandstands and Stadia

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The designer should give special consideration to the effects of vibration.

Attics - Limited Accessibility

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Attic live loading is not required when the ceiling below the attic consists of removable panels that permit access to the ceiling space without loading the ceiling supporting members. Attic live loading is not required in any area of the attic where the least dimension of the attic space is less than 500 mm.

Corridors, Aisles and Rows of Seats

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The spaces between rows of seats are typically designed for the loads of the occupancy they serve. Rows typically discharge into aisles that are designed for the loads used for the rows of seats. Corridors have a minimum width 1 100 mm and may serve as collectors for aisles; they are therefore part of the exit system and are required to be designed for a minimum live load of 4.8 kPa.

Floor Areas That Could Be Used As Viewing Areas

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Some interior balconies, mezzanines, corridors, lobbies and aisles that are not intended to be used by an assembly of people as viewing areas are sometimes used as such; consequently, they are subject to loadings much higher than those for the occupancies they serve. Floor areas that may be subject to such higher loads must, therefore, be designed for a loading of 4.8 kPa.

Lecture Halls and Classrooms

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For the purpose of applying the requirements of Table 4.1.5.3., lecture halls with fixed seats are similar to theatres in configuration (the seats may have a writing tablet affixed to one arm). Classrooms are typically furnished with full-sized desks having separate or integrated seats.

Minimum Roof Live Load

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Articles 4.1.5.3. and 4.1.5.10. stipulate a minimum uniform roof live load of 1.0 kPa and a minimum concentrated live load of 1.3 kN. These live loads are “use and occupancy loads” intended to provide for maintenance loadings: they are not reduced as a function of area or as a function of the roof slope due to their variability in distribution and location.

Office Areas

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The general minimum specified load for office areas, including mezzanines, is 2.4 kPa.

A minimum specified load of 4.8 kPa applies to office areas in basements, which are normally slab-on-grade, and to office areas in floor areas that may be subject to an increase in loading for brief periods, for example, when tenants temporarily use that floor area to store furniture, equipment and files while moving in or out of the building.

Where an office building is situated on a level site, all floors are uniform in elevation, and there are no mezzanines, allocating the correct loads is straightforward. However, where the site is steeply sloped, the situation is more complex— even more so where there are also mezzanines.

The principle is that floor levels and mezzanines with access to the exterior at ground level could be used as staging areas during a move, and so, must be designed for a minimum of 4.8 kPa. Also, there is usually an area adjacent to the exterior exit that can accommodate trucks.

Vehicle Loads

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A special study should be undertaken to determine the distributed loads to be used for the design of floors and areas used by vehicles exceeding 9 000 kg gross weight and of driveways and sidewalks over areaways and basements. Where appropriate, the designer should refer to CAN/CSA-S6, “Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code”.

A-4.1.5.5. Loads on Exterior Areas.

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In Article 4.1.5.5., “accessible” refers to the lack of a physical barrier that prevents or restricts access by vehicles or persons to the site in the context of the specific use.

Information on the design of roof parking decks and exterior areas that are accessible to vehicular traffic can be found in the Commentary entitled “Live Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.5.8. Tributary Area.

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Information on tributary area can be found in the Commentary entitled “Live Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-Table 4.1.5.9. Loads Due to Concentrations.

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Special study is required to determine concentrated loads for the design of floors and areas used by vehicles exceeding 9 000 kg gross weight, and of driveways and sidewalks over areaways and basements. Where appropriate, the designer should refer to CAN/CSA-S6, “Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code”.

A-4.1.5.11. Crane-Supporting Structures.

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Guidance on crane-supporting structures can be found in CSA S16, “Design of Steel Structures”.

A.4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.15.(1) Design of Guards.

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In the design of guards, due consideration should be given to the durability of the members and their connections.

A.4.1.5.17. Loads on Firewalls.

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Information on loads on firewalls can be found in the Commentary entitled “Structural Integrity of Firewalls” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.6.1.(1) Specified Load Due to Rain or to Snow and Associated Rain.

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The location of a new building or obstruction may affect the snow loads on the roof of an adjacent existing building—on the same property or on an adjacent one—that is lower in height.

Additional guidance can be found in the Commentary entitled “Snow Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.6.2. Coefficients for Snow Loads on Roofs.

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Information on coefficients for snow loads on roofs can be found in the Commentary entitled “Snow Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.6.2.(2) Basic Roof Snow Load Factor, C_b.

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A-4.1.6.3.(2) Full and Partial Loading Under Snow Loads.

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Information on full and partial snow loading on roofs can be found in the Commentary entitled “Snow Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.6.4.(1) Rain Loads.

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Information on rain loads can be found in the Commentary entitled “Rain Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.6.4.(3) Flow Control Drains.

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Part 7 contains requirements regarding the use of flow control roof drains. The designer must ensure that the building complies with both Part 4 and Part 7.

A-4.1.6.7.(1) Roof Projections.

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Elevator, air-conditioning and fan housings, small penthouses and wide chimneys are examples of roof projections.

A-4.1.6.7.(2) Values of C_a for Small Roof Projections.

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Calculating C_a in accordance with Article 4.1.6.5. rather than Sentence 4.1.6.7.(1) results in lower values for small projections.

A-4.1.6.9. Load Cases for Gable Roofs.

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A-4.1.6.16. Roofs with Solar Panels.

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Information on the design of roofs with solar panels can be found in the Commentary entitled “Snow Loads” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.6.16.(3) Snow Obstructed from Sliding by Solar Panels.

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Figure A-4.1.6.16.(3) shows the areas on sloped roofs with solar panels where snow is considered to be obstructed from sliding by the solar panels and the slope factor, C_s

, must be taken as 1.0.

Notes to Figure A-4.1.6.16.(3):

(1)

Cs = as specified in Sentences 4.1.6.2.(5) to (7).

A-4.1.6.16.(4)(b) Snow Loads for a Sloped Roof with Parallel Flush Solar Panels Where w_g

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Figure A-4.1.6.16.(4)(b) shows the snow loads for a sloped roof with Parallel Flush solar panels where the gap width, w_g, between the panels is greater than or equal to the panel width, w_p.

A-4.1.6.16.(4)(c) Snow Loads for a Sloped Roof with Parallel Flush Solar Panels Where w_g

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Figure A-4.1.6.16.(4)(c) shows the snow loads for a sloped roof with Parallel Flush solar panels where the gap width, w_g, between the panels is less than the panel width, w_p.

A-4.1.6.16.(5)(a) Snow Loads for a Flat Roof with Parallel Raised Solar Panels.

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A-4.1.6.16.(5)(b) Snow Loads for a Sloped Roof with Parallel Raised Solar Panels.

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A-4.1.6.16.(6) Snow Loads for a Flat Roof with Tilted Solar Panels.

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A-4.1.6.16.(6)(c) Variation of C_a with h_g − C_bC_wS_s/γ.

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Figure A-4.1.6.16.(6)(c) shows the variation of the accumulation factor, C_a

, with the height of the lowest edge of the panels above the surface of the uniform snow load, h_g

− C_bC_wS_s/γ, for a flat roof with Tilted solar panels.

A-4.1.7.1.(6) Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

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It is not currently possible to verify the reliability and accuracy of CFD and no standards address it; as such, this method is not permitted to be used to determine specified wind loads.

A-4.1.7.2. Natural Frequency.

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Information on calculating the natural frequency of a building can be found in the Commentary entitled “Wind Load and Effects” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.7.3.(5)(c) Procedure for Calculating Intermediate C_e.

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Information on calculating intermediate values of C_e between two exposures can be found in the Commentary entitled “Wind

Load and Effects” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.7.3.(10) Internal Gust Factor, C_qi.

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The effect of building envelope flexibility can be included in the calculation of C_gi. See the Commentary entitled “Wind

Load and Effects” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.7.5.(2) and (3) Pressure Coefficients for Main Structural System on Rectangular Buildings.

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A-4.1.7.5.(4) Pressure Coefficients for Roof and Wall Claddings and Secondary Structural Supports of Cladding on Rectangular Buildings.

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Notes to Figure A-4.1.7.5.(4):

(1)

The larger of W or D is to be used.

(2)

Where vertical ribs deeper than 1 m are present on the walls, the dimensions 0.1D and 0.1W must be changed to 0.2D and 0.2W and the negative value of C_p must be changed from –1.2 to –1.4.

A-4.1.7.7.(2) Cladding on Parapets.

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Information on the design of cladding on parapets can be found in the Commentary entitled “Wind Load and Effects” in the “Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B)”.

A-4.1.7.8.(2) and (3) Exposure Factor for Dynamic Procedure.

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A-4.1.7.8.(4) Peak Factor, Size Reduction Factor and Gust Energy Ratio.

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A-4.1.7.9.(1) Full and Partial Wind Loading.

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