3.2194 articles · 9 subsections

Functional Statements

3.2.1

Functional Statements

3.2.1.1

Functional Statements

(1)The objectives of this Code are achieved by measures, such as those described in the acceptable solutions in Division B, that are intended to allow the building or its elements to perform the following functions: To minimize the risk of accidental ignition. To limit the severity and effects of fire or explosions. To retard the effects of fire on areas beyond its point of origin. To retard failure or collapse due to the effects of fire. To retard the effects of fire on emergency egress facilities. To retard the effects of fire on facilities for notification, suppression and emergency response. To facilitate the timely movement of persons to a safe place in an emergency. To notify persons, in a timely manner, of the need to take action in an emergency. To facilitate emergency response. To notify emergency responders, in a timely manner, of the need to take action in an emergency. To support and withstand expected loads and forces. To limit or accommodate dimensional change. To limit movement under expected loads and forces. To maintain equipment in place during structural movement. To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of tripping, slipping, falling, contact, drowning or collision. To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of contact with hot surfaces or substances. To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of contact with energized equipment. To limit the level of sound of a fire alarm system. To resist or discourage unwanted access or entry. To facilitate the identification of potential intruders. To minimize the risk that persons will be trapped in confined spaces. To limit the level of contaminants. To minimize the risk of generation of contaminants. To resist the entry of vermin and insects. To minimize the risk of release of hazardous substances. To limit the spread of hazardous substances beyond their point of release. To minimize the risk of the spread of diseases through communal shower facilities. To minimize the risk of contamination of potable water. To provide air suitable for breathing. To maintain appropriate air and surface temperatures. To maintain appropriate relative humidity. To maintain appropriate indoor/outdoor air pressure differences. To limit drafts. To resist the transfer of air through environmental separators. To limit the transmission of airborne sound into a dwelling unit from spaces elsewhere in the building. To control the accumulation and pressure of water on and in the ground. To resist the ingress of precipitation, water or moisture from the exterior or from the ground. To facilitate the dissipation of water and moisture from the building. To limit moisture condensation. To provide potable water. To provide facilities for personal hygiene. To provide facilities for the sanitary disposal of human and domestic wastes. To facilitate access to and circulation in the building and its facilities by persons with physical or sensory limitations. To facilitate the use of the building's facilities by persons with physical or sensory limitations To resist deterioration resulting from expected service conditions. To minimize the risk of malfunction, interference, damage, tampering, lack of use or misuse. To minimize the risk of inadequate performance due to improper maintenance or lack of maintenance. To limit unwanted visual exposure. To provide a view to the outdoors in buildings. To control the release of contaminants into soil, groundwater, surface water, and air. To minimize the risk of malfunction, damage or failure of a sewage system. To provide adequate treatment of sanitary sewage and effluent. To minimize the risk of injury as a result of contact with sanitary sewage or partially treated effluent. To minimize the risk of injury to persons entering or exiting the pool, as a result of unfamiliarity with the pool. To minimize the risk of injury to persons using the pool, as a result of unfamiliarity with the pool. To minimize the risk of contamination of pool water. To facilitate timely response to incapacitated pool users. To minimize the risk of entrapment or injury to a person within the pool, as a result of water, air or vacuum action. To limit excessive water consumption. To limit excessive energy consumption. To limit excessive demand on the infrastructure. To limit excessive peak demand on the infrastructure. To facilitate the reuse and material alteration and repair of existing buildings. To limit excessive emissions of greenhouse gases into the air. To limit the excessive release of contaminants, other than greenhouse gases, into the air.

functional statements building performance safety health fire protection

3.2.1.2

Storage Garage Considered as a Separate Building

(1)A basement used primarily as a storage garage is permitted to be considered as a separate building for the purposes of Subsection 3.2.2. and Sentences 3.2.5.12.(2) and (3), provided the floor and roof assemblies above the basement and the exterior walls of the basement above the adjoining ground level are constructed as fire separations of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h and protected in conformance with Clause 3.1.10.2.(4)(a), except as permitted by Sentence (2).

(2)The exterior wall of a basement that is required to be a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating in accordance with Sentence (1) is permitted to be penetrated by openings that are not protected by closures provided

(a) the storage garage is sprinklered throughout,
(b) every opening in the exterior wall is separated from storeys above the opening by a projection of the floor or roof assembly above the basement, extending not less than (i) 1 m beyond the exterior face of the storage garage if the upper storeys are required to be of noncombustible construction, or (ii) 2 m beyond the exterior face of the storage garage if the upper storeys are permitted to be of combustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction, or
(c) the exterior walls of any storeys located above the floor or roof assembly referred to in Sentence (1) are recessed behind the outer edge of the assembly by not less than (i) 1 m if the upper storeys are required to be of noncombustible construction, or (ii) 2 m if the upper storeys are permitted to be of combustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction.

(3)The floor or roof assembly projection referred to in Clause (2)(b) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h and shall have no openings within the projection.

storage garage basement fire separation sprinkler noncombustible construction

3.2.1.3

Roof Considered as a Wall

(1)For the purposes of this Section any part of a roof that is pitched at an angle of 60 or more to the horizontal and is adjacent to a space intended for occupancy within a building shall be considered as part of an exterior wall of the building.

roof exterior wall pitched roof occupancy

3.2.1.4

Floor Assembly Over Basement

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.47.(3), 3.2.2.49.(3), 3.2.2.50.(3), 3.2.2.52.(3), 3.2.2.53.(3), 3.2.2.54.(3), 3.2.2.55.(3) or 3.2.2.93.(3), a floor assembly immediately above a basement shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. for a floor assembly, but not less than 45 min

(2)All loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a floor assembly immediately above a basement shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required by Sentence (1) for the floor assembly.

floor assembly basement fire separation fire resistance loadbearing walls

3.2.1.5

Fire Containment in Basements

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.2.2.15.(3), in a building in which an automatic sprinkler system is not required to be installed by Articles 3.2.2.18., every basement shall

(a) be sprinklered throughout, or
(b) be subdivided into fire compartments not more than 600 m2 in area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly immediately above the basement.

(2)An open-air storey need not conform to Sentence (1).

fire containment basement sprinkler system fire compartments fire separation

3.2.1.6

Mezzanines

(1)The floor assembly of a mezzanine that is required to be considered as a storey in calculating the building height shall be constructed in conformance with the fire separation requirements for floor assemblies in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93.

mezzanine floor assembly fire separation building height

3.2.2

Building Size and Construction Relative to Occupancy

3.2.2.1

Application

(1)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.3., a building shall be constructed in conformance with this Subsection to prevent fire spread and collapse caused by the effects of fire.

fire spread building construction fire protection collapse prevention

3.2.2.2

Special and Unusual Structures

(1)A structure that cannot be identified with the characteristics of a building in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. shall be protected against fire spread and collapse in conformance with good fire protection engineering practice.

special structures unusual structures fire protection engineering fire spread

3.2.2.3

Exceptions to Structural Fire Protection

(1)Fire protection is not required for

(a) steel lintels above openings not more than 2 m wide in loadbearing walls and not more than 3 m wide in non-loadbearing walls,
(b) steel lintels above openings more than 2 m wide in loadbearing walls and more than 3 m wide in non-loadbearing walls provided the lintels are supported at intervals of not more than 2 m by structural members with the required fire-resistance rating,
(c) the bottom flanges of shelf angles and plates that are not a part of the structural frame,
(d) steel members for framework around elevator hoistway doorways, steel for the support of elevator and dumbwaiter guides, counterweights and other similar equipment, that are entirely enclosed in a hoistway and are not a part of the structural frame of the building,
(e) steel members of stairways and escalators that are not a part of the structural frame of a building,
(f) steel members of porches, exterior balconies, exterior stairways, fire escapes, cornices, marquees and other similar appurtenances, provided they are outside an exterior wall of a building, and
(g) loadbearing steel or concrete members wholly or partly outside a building face in a building not more than 4 storeys in building height and classified as Group A, B, C, D or F, Division 3 major occupancy provided the members are (i) not less than 1 m away from any unprotected opening in an exterior wall, or (ii) shielded from heat radiation in the event of a fire within the building by construction that will provide the same degree of protection that would be necessary if the member was located inside the building, with the protection extending on either side of the member a distance equal to the projection of the member from the face of the wall.

fire protection steel lintels structural frame elevator hoistway exterior balconies

3.2.2.4

Buildings with Multiple Major Occupancies

(1)The requirements restricting fire spread and collapse for a building of a single major occupancy classification are provided in this Subsection according to its building height and building area.

(2)If a building contains more than one major occupancy, classified in more than one Group or Division, the requirements of this Subsection concerning building size and construction relative to major occupancy shall apply according to Articles 3.2.2.5. to 3.2.2.8.

(3)For the purposes of Sentences (1) and (2), a retirement home is deemed to be a separate major occupancy.

multiple occupancy fire spread building construction retirement home

3.2.2.5

Applicable Building Height and Area

(1)In determining the fire safety requirements of a building in relation to each of the major occupancies contained therein, the building height and building area of the entire building shall be used.

(2)For the purposes of Sentence (1), a retirement home is deemed to be a separate major occupancy.

building height building area fire safety major occupancy retirement home

3.2.2.6

Multiple Major Occupancies

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.7. and 3.2.2.8., and Sentences 3.2.2.48.(4), 3.2.2.51.(5), 3.2.2.57.(3) and 3.2.2.60.(4) and 3.2.2.93.(5) to (7), in a building containing more than one major occupancy, the requirements of this Subsection for the most restricted major occupancy contained shall apply to the whole building.

(2)For the purposes of Sentence (1), a retirement home is deemed to be a separate major occupancy.

(3)In a building or part thereof constructed in conformance with Article 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.93. containing more than one major occupancy, the most restrictive encapsulation requirements of Article 3.1.6.4. and Table 3.2.2.93. for any major occupancy contained within a storey shall apply to the encapsulation required on the interior of a public corridor or exit within that storey.

multiple occupancy restricted occupancy encapsulation public corridor retirement home

3.2.2.7

Superimposed Major Occupancies

(1)Except as permitted in Article 3.2.2.8. and Sentences 3.2.2.18.(2), 3.2.2.48.(4), 3.2.2.51.(5), 3.2.2.57.(3), 3.2.2.60.(4) and 3.2.2.93.(5) to (7), in a building in which one major occupancy is located entirely above another major occupancy, the requirements in this Subsection for each portion of the building containing a major occupancy shall apply to that portion as if the entire building were of that major occupancy.

(2)If one major occupancy is located above another major occupancy, the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly between the major occupancies shall be determined on the basis of the requirements of this Subsection for the lower major occupancy.

(3)For the purposes of Sentences (1) and (2), a retirement home is deemed to be a separate major occupancy.

(4)In a building or part thereof constructed in conformance with Article 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.93., if one major occupancy is located above another major occupancy,

(a) the most restrictive encapsulation requirements of Article 3.1.6.4. and Table 3.2.2.93. for any major occupancy contained within the building shall apply to the encapsulation required on the interior of vertical service spaces and exit stairs, and
(b) the encapsulation requirements of Article 3.1.6.4. and Table 3.2.2.93. for a mass timber floor assembly between the major occupancies shall be determined on the basis of the requirements for, (i) the upper major occupancy for the encapsulation of the upper surface of the mass timber floor assembly, and (ii) the lower major occupancy for the encapsulation of the underside of the mass timber floor assembly.

superimposed occupancy floor assembly fire resistance encapsulation mass timber

3.2.2.8

Exceptions for Major Occupancies

(1)In a building in which the aggregate area of all major occupancies in a particular Group or Division is not more than 10% of the floor area of the storey in which they are located, these major occupancies need not be considered as major occupancies for the purposes of this Subsection, provided they are not classified as Group F, Division 1 or 2 occupancies.

(2)For the purposes of Sentence (1), a retirement home is deemed to be a separate major occupancy.

(3)A helicopter landing area on the roof of a building need not be considered a major occupancy for purposes of Subsection 3.2.2. where such landing area is not more than 10% of the area of the roof.

major occupancy aggregate area Group F occupancy helicopter landing retirement home

3.2.2.9

Crawl Spaces

(1)For the purposes of Articles 3.1.11.6., 3.2.1.4. and 3.2.1.5., a crawl space shall be considered as a basement if it is

(a) more than 1.8 m high between the lowest part of the floor assembly and the ground or other surface below,
(b) used for any occupancy,
(c) used for the passage of flue pipes, or
(d) used as a plenum in combustible construction.

(2)A floor assembly immediately above a crawl space is not required to be constructed as a fire separation and is not required to have a fire-resistance rating provided the crawl space is not required to be considered as a basement by Sentence (1).

crawl space basement floor assembly fire separation plenum

3.2.2.10

Streets

(1)Every building shall face a street located in conformance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.5.4 and 3.2.5.5 for access routes.

(2)For the purposes of Subsections 3.2.2. and 3.2.5. an access route conforming to Subsection 3.2.5. is permitted to be considered as a street.

(3)A building conforming to Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60. is considered to face one street, where

(a) not less than 25% of the building perimeter is located within 15 m of a street or streets, or
(b) not less than 10% of the building perimeter is located within 15 m of a street or streets, provided the exterior cladding conforms to Sentence 3.1.4.8.(2).

(4)A building is considered to face 2 streets provided not less than 50% of the building perimeter is located within 15 m of the street or streets.

(5)A building is considered to face 3 streets provided not less than 75% of the building perimeter is located within 15 m of the street or streets.

(6)Enclosed spaces, tunnels, bridges and similar structures, even though used for vehicular or pedestrian traffic, are not considered as streets for the purpose of this Part.

streets access routes building perimeter exterior cladding vehicular traffic

3.2.2.11

Exterior Balconies

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), an exterior balcony shall be constructed in accordance with the type of construction required by Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93., as applicable to the occupancy classification of the building.

(2)The floor assembly of an exterior balcony in a building or part thereof conforming to Article 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.93. shall

(a) be of noncombustible construction, or
(b) be constructed in accordance with Article 3.1.6.3., but need not comply with Sentence 3.1.6.4.(1).

exterior balcony construction type floor assembly noncombustible occupancy classification

3.2.2.12

Exterior Passageways

(1)An elevated exterior passageway used as part of a means of egress shall conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. for mezzanines.

exterior passageway means of egress mezzanines elevated walkway

3.2.2.13

Occupancy on Roof

(1)A portion of a roof that supports an occupancy shall be constructed in conformance with the fire separation requirements of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. for floor assemblies.

roof occupancy fire separation floor assemblies roof construction

3.2.2.14

Rooftop Enclosures

(1)A rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery or for a service room shall be constructed in accordance with the type of construction required by Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93.

(2)A rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery or for a service room, not more than 1 storey high, is not required to have a fire-resistance rating.

(3)A rooftop enclosure for a stairway shall be constructed in accordance with the type of construction required by Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93.

(4)A rooftop enclosure for a stairway need not have a fire-resistance rating nor be constructed as a fire separation.

rooftop enclosure elevator machinery service room stairway fire resistance

3.2.2.15

Storeys Below Ground

(1)If a building is erected entirely below the adjoining finished ground level and does not extend more than one storey below that ground level, the minimum precautions against fire spread and collapse shall be the same as are required for basements under a building of 1 storey in building height having the same occupancy and building area.

(2)If any portion of a building is erected entirely below the adjoining finished ground level and extends more than 1 storey below that ground level, the following minimum precautions against fire spread and collapse shall be taken:

(a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), the basements shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) a floor assembly below the ground level shall be constructed as a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than (i) 3 h if the basements are used as Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 occupancies, or (ii) 2 h if the basements are not used as Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 occupancies, and
(c) all loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the construction that they support.

(3)If the first storey of a building is not required to be sprinklered, sprinklers are not required in the storey immediately below the first storey, provided the storey below

(a) contains only residential occupancies, and
(b) has at least one unobstructed access opening conforming to Sentence 3.2.5.1.(2) installed on that storey for each 15 m of wall length in at least one wall required by this Subsection to face a street.

underground building basement fire spread sprinkler system fire resistance

3.2.2.16

Heavy Timber Roof Permitted

(1)Unless otherwise permitted by Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93., a roof assembly in a building up to 2 storeys in building height is permitted to be of heavy timber construction regardless of building area or type of construction required, provided the building is sprinklered throughout.

(2)If Sentence (1) permits a roof assembly to be of heavy timber construction, structural members in the storey immediately below the roof assembly are permitted to be of heavy timber construction.

heavy timber roof assembly sprinkler system structural members building height

3.2.2.17

Roof Assemblies and Mezzanines in Gymnasiums, Swimming Pools, Arenas and Rinks

(1)The requirements for a roof assembly to have a fire-resistance rating stated in Articles 3.2.2.25., 3.2.2.30. and 3.2.2.32. are permitted to be waived for gymnasiums, swimming pools, arenas, and rinks, provided

(a) the roof carries no loads other than normal roof loads, including permanent access walks, and ventilating, sound and lighting equipment, and
(b) except as provided in Sentence (3), no part of the roof assembly is less than 6 m above the main floor or balcony.

(2)The requirements for a mezzanine to have a fire-resistance rating stated in Articles 3.2.2.25., 3.2.2.30. and 3.2.2.32. are permitted to be waived for gymnasiums, swimming pools, arenas, and rinks, provided

(a) the mezzanine is not required to be considered as a storey as per Sentences 3.2.1.1.(3) to (5),
(b) the mezzanine is used only for ventilating, sound and lighting equipment, and
(c) except as provided in Sentence (3), no part of the mezzanine is less than 6 m above the main floor or balcony.

(3)The restrictions concerning minimum distance stated in Clauses (1)(b) and (2)(c) shall not apply to

(a) an inclined and stepped floor ascending from the main floor that is used for seating purposes only, or
(b) a balcony used for seating purposes only.

gymnasiums swimming pools arenas rinks fire resistance mezzanine

3.2.2.18

Automatic Sprinkler System Required

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), an automatic sprinkler system conforming to the requirements of Articles 3.2.4.7., 3.2.4.8., 3.2.4.9. and 3.2.5.12. shall be installed throughout a building regulated by one or more of Articles 3.2.2.20., 3.2.2.21., 3.2.2.22., 3.2.2.23., 3.2.2.24., 3.2.2.26., 3.2.2.27., 3.2.2.29., 3.2.2.31., 3.2.2.33., 3.2.2.36., 3.2.2.37., 3.2.2.38., 3.2.2.39., 3.2.2.40., 3.2.2.41., 3.2.2.42., 3.2.2.43., 3.2.2.44., 3.2.2.45., 3.2.2.46., 3.2.2.47., 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.49., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.52., 3.2.2.55., 3.2.2.55A., 3.2.2.55B., 3.2.2.55C., 3.2.2.55D., 3.2.2.55.E., 3.2.2.56., 3.2.2.57., 3.2.2.59., 3.2.2.60., 3.2.2.61., 3.2.2.63., 3.2.2.65., 3.2.2.66., 3.2.2.67., 3.2.2.69., 3.2.2.71., 3.2.2.72., 3.2.2.73., 3.2.2.74., 3.2.2.76., 3.2.2.77., 3.2.2.79., 3.2.2.81., 3.2.2.82., 3.2.2.84., 3.2.2.86., 3.2.2.88., 3.2.2.90. and 3.2.2.93.

(2)If a storey in a building or a floor area is required to have an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with one or more of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. or Section 3.3., the automatic sprinkler system shall also be installed throughout all lower storeys in the building notwithstanding permission in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. to construct one or more of those storeys without installing automatic sprinkler protection.

automatic sprinkler fire protection sprinkler system building protection

3.2.2.19

Buildings Containing Impeded Egress Zones

(1)A building containing an impeded egress zone and conforming to the appropriate requirements of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. is not required to conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.36. and 3.2.2.37. for a Group B, Division 1 major occupancy provided

(a) the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height,
(c) it does not include (i) a contained use area, (ii) sleeping accommodation, (iii) a high-hazard industrial occupancy, or (iv) a mercantile occupancy,
(d) the building area is not more than 6 400 m2 if the building includes a medium-hazard industrial occupancy,
(e) the impeded egress zone does not extend beyond the boundaries of the fire compartment in which it is located, and
(f) the occupant load of the impeded egress zone is not more than 100.

impeded egress zone Group B occupancy sprinkler protection fire compartment occupant load

3.2.2.20

Group A, Division 1, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.21. and 3.2.2.22., a building classified as Group A, Division 1 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group A Division 1 sprinklered noncombustible construction fire-resistance rating

3.2.2.21

Group A, Division 1, One Storey, Limited Area, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 1 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height,
(c) it has less than 40% of the area of the building as 2 storeys for the purpose of (i) development of productions including preparation of scenery and costumes and rehearsal of performers, (ii) organization of performers, scenery and sound equipment, (iii) preparation by performers for a performance, (iv) managerial functions, or (v) toilets, rest rooms and similar public facilities,
(d) it has no occupancy above or below the auditorium other than one which serves it or is dependent on it,
(e) it is not more than 600 m2 in building area, and
(f) the occupant load is not more than 600.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of heavy timber construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations (i) with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) of heavy timber construction, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly, or (ii) be of heavy timber construction.

Group A Division 1 one storey limited area sprinklered heavy timber

3.2.2.22

Group A, Division 1, One Storey, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 1 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height,
(c) no part of an auditorium floor is more than 5 m above or below grade,
(d) no occupancy is above or below the auditorium other than one which serves it or is dependent on it, and
(e) the occupant load of the auditorium floor is not more than 300.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) be of noncombustible construction, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a fire separation shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the fire separation.

Group A Division 1 one storey sprinklered combustible construction auditorium

3.2.2.23

Group A, Division 2, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.24. to 3.2.2.28. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group A, Division 2 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group A Division 2 any height any area sprinklered noncombustible construction

3.2.2.24

Group A, Division 2, up to 6 Storeys, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 2, that is not limited by building area, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout, and
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) all loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group A Division 2 six storeys any area sprinklered noncombustible construction

3.2.2.25

Group A, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.25.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17., mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less 45 min,
(c) except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17., roof assemblies shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height, the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1., and the building area is not more than (i) 800 m2 if facing one street, (ii) 1 000 m2 if facing 2 streets, or (iii) 1 200 m2 if facing 3 streets, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Table 3.2.2.25Maximum Building Area, Group A, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	600	2 000	2 400
2	1 000	1 200

Group A Division 2 two storeys combustible construction building area

3.2.2.26

Group A, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys, Increased Area, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than (i) 4 800 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or (ii) 2 400 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group A Division 2 two storeys increased area sprinklered combustible construction

3.2.2.27

Group A, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 2 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than (i) 2 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height with no basement, (ii) 1 200 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or (iii) 600 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

Group A Division 2 two storeys sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.28

Group A, Division 2, One Storey

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 2 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, provided

(a) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(b) except as permitted by Sentence (2), it has a building area not more than (i) 400 m2 if facing one street, (ii) 500 m2 if facing 2 streets, or (iii) 600 m2 if facing 3 streets.

(2)In a building referred to in Sentence (1) without a basement, the building area limits of Sentence (1) are permitted to be doubled provided a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h is used to separate the building into fire compartments, each one of which does not exceed the area limits of Clause (1)(b).

Group A Division 2 one storey building area fire compartments fire separation

3.2.2.29

Group A, Division 3, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.30. to 3.2.2.34., a building classified as Group A, Division 3 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group A Division 3 any height any area sprinklered noncombustible construction

3.2.2.30

Group A, Division 3, up to 2 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.30.

(2)Except as permitted by Clauses (c) and (d), the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17., mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17., roof assemblies shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) be of heavy timber construction, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly, except that arches and structural members within the storey immediately below a roof assembly are permitted to be of heavy timber construction.

(3)If intended for occasional use for trade shows and similar exhibition purposes, the building referred to in Sentence (1) that is more than 1 500 m2 in building area shall be sprinklered throughout.

Table 3.2.2.30Maximum Building Area, Group A, Division 3, up to 2 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	4 000	5 000	6 000
2	2 000	2 500	3 000

Group A Division 3 two storeys noncombustible construction building area trade shows

3.2.2.31

Group A, Division 3, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than (i) 12 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or (ii) 6 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Clause (c) and Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly, except that arches are permitted to be of heavy timber construction.

Group A Division 3 two storeys sprinklered noncombustible construction building area

3.2.2.32

Group A, Division 3, One Storey, Increased Area

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than (i) 2 400 m2 if facing one street, (ii) 3 000 m2 if facing 2 streets, or (iii) 3 600 m2 if facing 3 streets.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17., mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17., roof assemblies shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1., and the building area is not more than (i) 1 200 m2 if facing one street, (ii) 1 500 m2 if facing 2 streets, or (iii) 1 800 m2 if facing 3 streets, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group A Division 3 one storey increased area combustible construction trade shows

3.2.2.33

Group A, Division 3, One Storey, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 3 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, provided,

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 7 200 m2.

Group A Division 3 one storey sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.34

Group A, Division 3, One Storey

(1)A building classified as Group A, Division 3 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, provided

(a) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than (i) 1 000 m2 if facing one street, (ii) 1 250 m2 if facing 2 streets, or (iii) 1 500 m2 if facing 3 streets.

Group A Division 3 one storey combustible construction building area

3.2.2.35

Group A, Division 4

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), a building classified as Group A, Division 4 shall be of noncombustible construction.

(2)Roof assemblies and supporting arches and columns are permitted to be of heavy timber construction.

(3)A building classified as Group A, Division 4 is permitted to be of combustible construction provided

(a) the occupant load is less than 1 500, and
(b) the building has a limiting distance not less than 6 m.

(4)Sprinklers shall be installed in all spaces below tiers of seats in a building classified as Group A, Division 4 if those spaces are used for occupancy.

Group A Division 4 noncombustible construction heavy timber sprinklers occupant load

3.2.2.36

Group B, Division 1, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.37., a building classified as Group B, Division 1 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 1 any height any area sprinklered noncombustible construction

3.2.2.37

Group B, Division 1, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 1 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area (i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 1 storey in building height, (ii) not more than 12 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or (iii) not more than 8 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 1 three storeys sprinklered noncombustible construction building area

3.2.2.38

Group B, Division 2, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.39. to 3.2.2.41., a building classified as Group B, Division 2 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 2 any height any area sprinklered noncombustible construction

3.2.2.39

Group B, Division 2, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area, (i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 1 storey in building height, (ii) not more than 12 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or (iii) not more than 8 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 2 three storeys sprinklered noncombustible construction building area

3.2.2.40

Group B, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than (i) 2 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or (ii) 1 600 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 2 two storeys sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.41

Group B, Division 2, One Storey, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 2 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 500 m2.

Group B Division 2 one storey sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.42

Group B, Division 3, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.43. to 3.2.2.46. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group B, Division 3 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 3 any height any area sprinklered noncombustible construction

3.2.2.43

Group B, Division 3, Up to 3 Storeys, (Noncombustible), Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area (i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 1 storey in building height, (ii) not more than 12 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or (iii) not more than 8 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 3 three storeys noncombustible construction sprinklered building area

3.2.2.44

Group B, Division 3, Up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than (i) 5 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height, (ii) 2 700 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or (iii) 1 800 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 3 three storeys sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.45

Group B, Division 3, Up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than (i) 2 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or (ii) 1 600 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group B Division 3 two storeys sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.46

Group B, Division 3, One Storey, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group B, Division 3 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction, used singly or in combination, provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 600 m2.

Group B Division 3 one storey sprinklered combustible construction building area

3.2.2.47

Group C, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.48. to 3.2.2.55. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group C other than a retirement home shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group C any height any area sprinklered noncombustible construction retirement home

3.2.2.48

Group C, up to 12 Storeys, Sprinklered, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2), provided

(a) it is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 12 storeys in building height,
(c) it has a height of not more than 42 m measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level that does not serve as a rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used only for service to the building, and
(d) it has a building area not more than 6 000 m2.

(2)Except as provided in Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and,

(a) except as provided in Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)Group A, Division 2 major occupancies, Group E major occupancies and storage garages located in a building or part of a building within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article, provided

(a) the Group A, Division 2 major occupancy is located below the fourth storey,
(b) the Group E major occupancy is located below the third storey, and
(c) the storage garage is located below the fifth storey. (See also Article 4.4.2.1.)

Group C encapsulated mass timber sprinkler retirement home fire-resistance

3.2.2.49

Group C, up to 6 Storeys, Sprinklered, Noncombustible Construction

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area
(i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 2 storeys in building height,
(ii) not more than 12 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iii) not more than 9 000 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(iv) not more than 7 200 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(v) not more than 6 000 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, which are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

Group C noncombustible construction sprinkler retirement home building height

3.2.2.50

Group C, up to 4 Storeys, Noncombustible Construction

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than
(i) 3 storeys in building height, or
(ii) 4 storeys in building height provided there is not more than one dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, and vertical fire separations of adjacent dwelling units conform to Sentence (4), and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.50.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, which are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)The dwelling units described in Subclause (1)(a)(ii) shall be separated by continuous vertical fire separations that extend through all storeys and service spaces of the separated portions.

Table 3.2.2.50Maximum Building Area, Group C, up to 4 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 1 Street	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 2 Streets	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 3 Streets
1	not limited	not limited	not limited
2	6 000	not limited	not limited
3	4 000	5 000	6 000
4	3 000	3 750	4 500

Group C noncombustible construction dwelling units fire separations

3.2.2.51

Group C, up to 6 Storeys, Sprinklered, Combustible Construction

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height,
(c) it has a height of not more than 18 m, measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level that does not serve a rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used only for service to the building, and
(d) it has a building area of not more than
(i) 9 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 4 500 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 3 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iv) 2 250 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(v) 1 800 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(vi) 1 500 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.

(2)Buildings referred to in Sentence (1) are permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) except as provided by Sentence (4), where the roof assembly has a height greater than 25 m measured from the floor of the first storey to the highest point of the roof assembly, the roof assembly shall be constructed of noncombustible construction, or fire-retardant-treated wood conforming to Article 3.1.4.5.,
(d) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including those over basements, which are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)Where buildings conforming to Sentence (2) include non-contiguous roof assemblies at different elevations, the roof assemblies are permitted to be evaluated separately to determine which ones are required to be constructed in accordance with Clause (2)(c).

(5)Group A, Division 2 major occupancies, Group E major occupancies and storage garages located in a building or part thereof within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article, provided

(a) the Group A, Division 2 major occupancy and Group E major occupancy are located below the third storey, and
(b) the storage garage is located below the fourth storey. (See also Article 4.4.2.1.)

Group C combustible construction sprinkler retirement home roof assemblies

3.2.2.52

Group C, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 7 200 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 3 600 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 2 400 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 1 800 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)In a building in which there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, the fire-resistance rating for floor assemblies entirely within the dwelling unit is waived.

Group C sprinkler retirement home dwelling units fire-resistance rating

3.2.2.53

Group C, up to 3 Storeys, Increased Area

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.53.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)In a building in which there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, the fire-resistance rating for floor assemblies entirely within the dwelling unit is waived.

Table 3.2.2.53Maximum Building Area, Group C up to 3 Storeys, Increased Area

No. of Storeys	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 1 Street	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 2 Streets	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 3 Streets
1	2 400	3 000	3 600
2	1 200	1 500	1 800
3	1 000	1 200

Group C increased area retirement home dwelling units

3.2.2.54

Group C, up to 3 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.54.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)In a building in which there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, the fire-resistance rating for floor assemblies entirely within the dwelling unit is waived.

Table 3.2.2.54Maximum Building Area, Group C, up to 3 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 1 Street	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 2 Streets	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 3 Streets
1	1 800	2 250	2 700
2		1 125	1 350
3

Group C 3 storeys retirement home 45 min fire-resistance

3.2.2.55

Group C, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 5 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 2 700 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) 1 800 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)In a building in which there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, the fire-resistance rating for floor assemblies entirely within the dwelling unit is waived.

Group C sprinkler 45 min fire-resistance dwelling units

3.2.2.55A

Group C, Retirement Home, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.55B. to 3.2.2.55E., a retirement home shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

retirement home Group C sprinkler noncombustible construction

3.2.2.55B

Group C, Retirement Home, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered, Increased Area

(1)A retirement home is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 12 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 6 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 4 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 3 000 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and,

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

retirement home increased area sprinkler 4 storeys

3.2.2.55C

Group C, Retirement Home, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A retirement home is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 6 600 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 3 300 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 2 200 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 1 650 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

retirement home sprinkler 4 storeys 1 h fire-resistance

3.2.2.55D

Group C, Retirement Home, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered, Noncombustible Construction

(1)A retirement home is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area that is
(i) not limited if the building is not more than 1 storey in building height,
(ii) not more than 12 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) not more than 8 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) is required to be of noncombustible construction, and,

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

retirement home noncombustible construction sprinkler 3 storeys

3.2.2.55E

Group C, Retirement Home, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered, Combustible Construction

(1)A retirement home is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 4 800 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 2 400 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) 1 600 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

retirement home combustible construction sprinkler 45 min fire-resistance

3.2.2.56

Group D, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.57. to 3.2.2.65. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group D shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group D sprinkler noncombustible construction 2 h fire-resistance

3.2.2.57

Group D, up to 12 Storeys, Sprinklered, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2), provided

(a) it is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 12 storeys in building height,
(c) it has a height of not more than 42 m measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level that does not serve as a rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used only for service to the building, and
(d) it has a building area not more than 7 200 m2.

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)Group A, Division 2 major occupancies, Group E major occupancies, Group F, Division 2 and 3 major occupancies and storage garages located in a building or part thereof within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article, provided

(a) the Group A, Division 2 major occupancy is located below the fourth storey,
(b) the Group E major occupancy and Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy are located below the third storey, and
(c) the storage garage is located below the fifth storey. (See also Article 4.4.2.1.)

Group D encapsulated mass timber sprinkler 12 storeys

3.2.2.58

Group D, up to 6 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.58.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height this requirement is waived, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Table 3.2.2.58Maximum Building Area, Group D, up to 6 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 1 Street	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 2 Streets	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 3 Streets
1	not limited	not limited	not limited
2	7 200	not limited	not limited
3	4 800	6 000	7 200
4	3 600	4 500	5 400
5	2 800	3 600	4 320
6	2 400	3 000	3 600

Group D 6 storeys noncombustible construction

3.2.2.59

Group D, up to 6 Storeys, Sprinklered, Noncombustible Construction

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area
(i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 2 storeys in building height,
(ii) not more than 14 400 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iii) not more than 10 800 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(iv) not more than 8 640 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(v) not more than 7 200 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group D sprinkler noncombustible construction 6 storeys

3.2.2.60

Group D, up to 6 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height,
(c) it has a height of not more than 18 m measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level that does not serve a rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used only for service to the building, and
(d) it has a building area of not more than
(i) 18 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 9 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 6 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iv) 4 500 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(v) 3 600 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(vi) 3 000 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) except as provided by Sentence (3), where the roof assembly has a height greater than 25 m measured from the floor of the first storey to the highest point of the roof assembly, the roof assembly shall be constructed of noncombustible construction or fire-retardant-treated wood conforming to Article 3.1.4.5.,
(d) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)Where buildings conforming to Sentence (2) include non-contiguous roof assemblies at different elevations, the roof assemblies are permitted to be evaluated separately to determine which ones are required to be constructed in accordance with Clause (2)(c).

(4)Group A, Division 2 major occupancies, Group E major occupancies, Group F, Division 2 and 3 major occupancies and storage garages located in a building or part thereof within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article, provided

(a) the Group A, Division 2 major occupancy, Group E major occupancy and Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy are located below the third storey, and
(b) storage garages are located below the fourth storey. (See also Article 4.4.2.1.)

Group D sprinkler 6 storeys combustible construction roof assemblies

3.2.2.61

Group D, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 3 600 m2.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group D sprinkler 4 storeys 3600 m2

3.2.2.62

Group D, up to 3 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.62.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) roof assemblies shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height, the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1., and the building area is not more than
(i) 2 400 m2 if facing one street,
(ii) 3 000 m2 if facing 2 streets, or
(iii) 3 600 m2 if facing 3 streets, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Table 3.2.2.62Maximum Building Area, Group D, up to 3 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 1 Street	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 2 Streets	Maximum Area, m2 Facing 3 Streets
1	4 800	6 000	7 200
2	2 400	3 000	3 600
3	1 600	2 000	2 400

Group D 3 storeys 45 min fire-resistance fire-retardant-treated wood

3.2.2.63

Group D, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 14 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 7 200 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) 4 800 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group D sprinkler 3 storeys 45 min fire-resistance

3.2.2.64

Group D, up to 2 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.64.

Group D 2 storeys

3.2.2.65

Group D, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 3 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or
(ii) 2 400 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group D sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building height

3.2.2.66

Group E, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.67. to 3.2.2.71. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group E shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group E noncombustible construction sprinklered fire resistance mezzanine

3.2.2.67

Group E, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 1 800 m2.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group E sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building height

3.2.2.68

Group E, up to 3 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.68.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height, the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is of noncombustible construction or is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1.,
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction, and
(e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a fire separation shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the fire separation.

Table 3.2.2.68Maximum Building Area, Group E, up to 3 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	1 500	1 500	1 500
2	1 200	1 500	1 500
3	1 000	1 500

Group E building area fire resistance roof assembly noncombustible

3.2.2.69

Group E, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 7 200 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 3 600 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) 2 400 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a fire separation shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the fire separation.

Group E sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.70

Group E, up to 2 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.70.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Table 3.2.2.70Maximum Building Area, Group E, up to 2 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	1 000	1 250	1 500
2	800	1 000

Group E building area fire resistance combustible construction fire separation

3.2.2.71

Group E, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 3 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or
(ii) 1 800 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group E sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building height

3.2.2.72

Group F, Division 1, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.73. to 3.2.2.75., a building classified as Group F, Division 1 shall conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than
(i) 9 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 4 500 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 3 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 2 250 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 1 sprinklered noncombustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.73

Group F, Division 1, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 1 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 3 600 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 1 800 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) 1 200 m2 if 3 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of heavy timber construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 1 sprinklered heavy timber noncombustible construction fire resistance

3.2.2.74

Group F, Division 1, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 1 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 2 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or
(ii) 1 200 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group F Division 1 sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.75

Group F, Division 1, One Storey

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 1 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination provided

(a) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than 800 m2.

Group F Division 1 one storey combustible construction building area noncombustible

3.2.2.76

Group F, Division 2, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.77. to 3.2.2.81. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group F, Division 2 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 2 sprinklered noncombustible construction fire resistance mezzanine

3.2.2.77

Group F, Division 2, up to 4 Storeys, Increased Area, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 18 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 9 000 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 6 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 4 500 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 2 sprinklered increased area noncombustible construction fire resistance

3.2.2.78

Group F, Division 2, up to 3 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.78.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) roof assemblies shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height, the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1.,
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction, and
(e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a fire separation shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Table 3.2.2.78Maximum Building Area, Group F, Division 2, up to 3 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	1 500	1 500	1 500
2	1 500	1 500	1 500
3	1 070	1 340	1 500

Group F Division 2 combustible construction fire resistance roof assembly building area

3.2.2.79

Group F, Division 2, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 9 600 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 4 800 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 3 200 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 2 400 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a fire separation shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 2 sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.80

Group F, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.80.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Table 3.2.2.80Maximum Building Area, Group F, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	1 000	1 250	1 500
2	800	1 000

Group F Division 2 building area fire resistance combustible construction fire separation

3.2.2.81

Group F, Division 2, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 2 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.28.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 4 500 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or
(ii) 1 800 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group F Division 2 sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.82

Group F, Division 3, Any Height, Any Area, Sprinklered

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.83. to 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group F, Division 3 shall conform to Sentence (2).

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout,
(b) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h, except that floor assemblies are permitted to be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h in a storage garage with all storeys constructed as open-air storeys,
(c) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less 1 h,
(d) if the building is not sprinklered, roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 3 sprinklered noncombustible construction storage garage fire resistance

3.2.2.83

Group F, Division 3, up to 6 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.83.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Table 3.2.2.83Maximum Building Area, Group F, Division 3, up to 6 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	not limited	not limited	not limited
2	7 200	9 000	10 800
3	4 800	6 000	7 200
4	3 600	4 500	5 400
5	2 880	3 600	4 320
6	2 400	3 000	3 600

Group F Division 3 noncombustible construction fire resistance building area six storeys

3.2.2.84

Group F, Division 3, up to 6 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area
(i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 1 storey in building height,
(ii) not more than 21 600 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) not more than 14 400 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iv) not more than 10 800 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(v) not more than 8 640 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(vi) not more than 7 200 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

Group F Division 3 sprinklered noncombustible construction fire resistance six storeys

3.2.2.85

Group F, Division 3, up to 4 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.85.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c) roof assemblies shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height, the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1., and the building area is not more than
(i) 2 400 m2 if facing one street,
(ii) 3 000 m2 if facing 2 streets, or
(iii) 3 600 m2 if facing 3 streets, and
(d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Table 3.2.2.85Maximum Building Area, Group F, Division 3, up to 4 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	4 800	6 000	7 200
2	2 400	3 000	3 600
3	1 600	2 000	2 400
4	1 200	1 500	1 800

Group F Division 3 combustible construction fire resistance roof assembly building area

3.2.2.86

Group F, Division 3, up to 4 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 4 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 14 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 7 200 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 4 800 m2 if 3 storeys in building height, or
(iv) 3 600 m2 if 4 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group F Division 3 sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.87

Group F, Division 3, up to 2 Storeys

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.87.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Table 3.2.2.87Maximum Building Area, Group F, Division 3, up to 2 Storeys

No. of Storeys	Facing 1 Street	Facing 2 Streets	Facing 3 Streets
1	1 600	2 000	2 400
2	1 000	1 200

Group F Division 3 building area fire resistance combustible construction fire separation

3.2.2.88

Group F, Division 3, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than
(i) 7 200 m2 if 1 storey in building height, or
(ii) 2 400 m2 if 2 storeys in building height.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and

(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.

Group F Division 3 sprinklered combustible construction fire resistance building area

3.2.2.89

Group F, Division 3, One Storey

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to be of heavy timber construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination provided

(a) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(b) it has a building area not more than
(i) 5 600 m2 if facing one street,
(ii) 7 000 m2 if facing 2 streets, or
(iii) 8 400 m2 if facing 3 streets.

Group F Division 3 one storey heavy timber noncombustible construction building area

3.2.2.90

Group F, Division 3, One Storey, Sprinklered

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to be of heavy timber construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 16 800 m2.

Group F Division 3 one storey sprinklered heavy timber building area

3.2.2.91

Group F, Division 3, One Storey, Any Area, Low Fire Load Occupancy

(1)A building classified as Group F, Division 3 is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided it is

(a) not more than 1 storey in building height,
(b) used solely for low fire load occupancies such as
(i) power generating plants, or
(ii) plants for the manufacture or storage of noncombustible materials, and
(c) not limited in building area.

(2)The building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction.

Group F Division 3 low fire load power plant noncombustible materials unlimited area

3.2.2.92

Group F, Division 3, Storage Garages up to 22 m High

(1)A building used as a storage garage with all storeys constructed as open-air storeys and having no other occupancy above it is permitted to have its floor, wall, ceiling and roof assemblies constructed without a fire-resistance rating provided it is

(a) of noncombustible construction,
(b) not more than 22 m high, measured between grade and the ceiling level of the top storey,
(c) not more than 10 000 m2 in building area, and
(d) designed so that every portion of each floor area is within 60 m of an exterior wall opening.

storage garage noncombustible construction fire resistance building area open-air storey

3.2.2.93

Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, Various Occupancies, Heights and Areas, Sprinklered

(1)A building that is classified as Group A, Division 2, Group B, Division 3, Group C other than a retirement home, Group D, Group E, or Group F, Division 2 or 3, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided

(a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) the building has a building height not exceeding the number of storeys shown in Table 3.2.2.93. for the applicable major occupancy and minimum encapsulation rating,
(c) the building has a maximum height that conforms to the value shown in Table 3.2.2.93. for the applicable major occupancy and minimum encapsulation rating that is measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level that does not serve a rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used only for service to the building,
(d) the building has a maximum building area that conforms to the value shown in Table 3.2.2.93. for the applicable major occupancy, and
(e) except as provided in Sentences 3.1.6.3.(4) and 3.1.6.7.(1) and Article 3.1.6.4., the encapsulation rating conforms to the value shown in Table 3.2.2.93. for the applicable major occupancy and maximum building height.

(a) except as provided in Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.

(3)In a building classified as a Group C major occupancy that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)In buildings referred to in Sentence (1) where the roof assembly of an exit stairway or vertical service space used as an elevator hoistway has a height greater than 55 m measured from grade to the highest point of the roof assembly, the enclosure for the stairway or hoistway shall be of encapsulated mass timber construction or constructed of concrete.

(5)Group E major occupancies and storage garages located in a building or part thereof within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article and the corresponding Group A, Division 2, Group C, or Group D major occupancy requirements contained in Table 3.2.2.93., provided

(a) the Group E major occupancy is located below the third storey, and
(b) the storage garage is located below the fifth storey.

(6)Group A, Division 2 major occupancies located in a building or part of a building within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article and the corresponding Group C, or Group D major occupancy requirements contained in Table 3.2.2.93., provided they are located below the fourth storey.

(7)Group F, Division 2 and 3 major occupancies located in a building or part thereof within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article and the corresponding Group D major occupancy requirements contained in Table 3.2.2.93., provided they are located below the third storey.

Table 3.2.2.93Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, Various Occupancies, Heights and Areas, Sprinklered

Major Occupancy	Maximum Building Height, Storeys	Maximum Height, m	Maximum Building Area, m2	Minimum Encapsulation Rating, min
Group A, Division 2
Group B, Division 3
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F, Division 2
Group F, Division 3

encapsulated mass timber sprinkler system fire resistance building height occupancy classification

3.2.3

Spatial Separation and Exposure Protection

3.2.3.1

Limiting Distance and Area of Unprotected Openings

(1)Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.3.10. to 3.2.3.12., the area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face for the applicable limiting distance shall be not more than the value determined in accordance with

(a) Table 3.2.3.1.-B or Table 3.2.3.1.-C for an exposing building face conforming to Article 3.2.3.2. of a building or fire compartment which is not sprinklered, or
(b) Table 3.2.3.1.-D or Table 3.2.3.1.-E for an exposing building face conforming to Article 3.2.3.2. of a sprinklered fire compartment that is part of a building which is sprinklered in conformance with Section 3.2.

(2)The area of the unprotected openings in an exposing building face shall be the aggregate area of unprotected openings expressed as a percentage of the area of the exposing building face in Table 3.2.3.1.-B, 3.2.3.1.-C, 3.2.3.1.-D or 3.2.3.1.-E.

(3)For the purpose of determining the type of construction and cladding and the fire-resistance rating of an exterior wall,

(a) the exposing building face shall be taken as the projection of the exterior wall onto a vertical plane located so that no portion of the exterior wall of the building or of a fire compartment, if the fire compartment complies with the requirements of Article 3.2.3.2., is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured, and
(b) the area of unprotected openings shall be determined from Table 3.2.3.1.-B, 3.2.3.1.-C, 3.2.3.1.-D or 3.2.3.1.-E.

(4)For the purpose of determining the actual percentage of unprotected openings permitted in an exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face is permitted to be taken at a vertical plane located so that there are no unprotected openings between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured.

(5)Except for buildings that are sprinklered, where the limiting distance is 2 m or less, individual unprotected openings in an exposing building face shall be no greater than

(a) the area stated in Table 3.2.3.1.-A, or
(b) where the limiting distance equal to or greater than 1.2 m, the area calculated by Area = 0.24 [(2 x LD) - 1.2]2 where Area = area of the unprotected opening, and LD = limiting distance.

(6)The spacing between individual unprotected openings described in Sentence (5) that serve a single room or space described in Sentence (7) shall not be less than

(a) 2 m horizontally of another unprotected opening that is on the same exposing building face and serves the single room or space, or
(b) 2 m vertically of another unprotected opening that serves the single room or space, or another room or space on the same storey.

(7)For the purpose of Sentence (6), "single room or space" means a room or space that

(a) is not divided by a wall,
(b) is divided by (i) a wall that extends less than 1.5 m from the interior face of the exterior wall, or (ii) a partial height wall, or
(c) consists of two or more stacked spaces that are on the same storey.

(8)If a building has any storey that is not sprinklered and firefighting facilities cannot reach it within 10 min of the alarm being received, the required limiting distance shall be doubled.

(9)If the surface temperature on the unexposed surface of a wall assembly exceeds the temperature limit of a standard fire test as permitted by Article 3.1.7.2., an allowance shall be made for the radiation from the hot unexposed wall surface by adding an equivalent area of unprotected opening to the area of actual openings as follows: AC = A + (AF × FEO) where AC = corrected area of unprotected openings including actual and equivalent openings, A = actual area of unprotected openings, AF = area of exterior surface of the exposing building face, exclusive of openings, on which the temperature limit of the standard test is exceeded, and FEO = an equivalent opening factor derived from the following expression: FEO = (Tu + 273) / (Te + 273) where Tu = average temperature in degrees Celsius of the unexposed wall surface at the time the required fire-resistance rating is reached under test conditions, Te = 892°C for a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, 927°C for a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and 1 010°C for a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.

(10)Unless a closure used to protect an opening in an exposing building face has a protective performance equivalent to that required for the wall assembly in which it is located, an equivalent area of unprotected opening, determined in accordance with the procedures of Sentence (9) shall be added to the greater of

(a) the actual area of unprotected openings, or
(b) the corrected area of unprotected openings.

(11)The required limiting distance for an exposing building face is permitted to be measured to a point beyond the property line that is not the centre line of a street, lane or public thoroughfare if

(a) the owners of the properties on which the limiting distance is measured and the municipality enter into an agreement in which such owners agree that, (i) each owner covenants that, for the benefit of land owned by the other covenantors, the owner will not construct a building on his or her property unless the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the proposed construction is measured in accordance with the agreement, (ii) the covenants contained in the agreement are intended to run with the lands, and the agreement shall be binding on the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, (iii) the agreement shall not be amended or deleted from title without the consent of the municipality, and (iv) they will comply with such other conditions as the municipality considers necessary, including indemnification of the municipality by the other parties, and
(b) the agreement referred to in Clause (a) is registered against the title of the properties to which it applies.

(12)Where an agreement referred to in Sentence (11) is registered against the title of a property, the limiting distance for exposing building faces shall be measured to the point referred to in the agreement.

Table 3.2.3.1.-AMaximum Concentrated Area of Unprotected Openings

Limiting Distance, m	Maximum Area of Individual Unprotected Openings, m2
1.2	0.35
1.5	0.78
2.0	1.88

Table 3.2.3.1.-BUnprotected Opening Limits for a Building or Fire Compartment that is not Sprinklered Throughout

Exposing Building Face Maximum Area, m2	Ratio (L/H or H/L)	Area of Unprotected Openings for Groups A, C, D, and F, Division 3 Occupancies, %

Table 3.2.3.1.-CUnprotected Opening Limits for a Building or Fire Compartment that is not Sprinklered Throughout

Exposing Building Face Maximum Area, m2	Ratio (L/H or H/L)	Area of Unprotected Openings for Groups E and F, Division 1 and 2 Occupancies, %

Table 3.2.3.1.-DUnprotected Opening Limits for a Building or Fire Compartment that is Sprinklered Throughout

Exposing Building Face Maximum Area, m2	Limiting Distance, m	Area of Unprotected Opening for Groups A, B, C, D and F, Division 3 Occupancies, %

Table 3.2.3.1.-EUnprotected Opening Limits for a Building or Fire Compartment that is Sprinklered Throughout

Exposing Building Face Maximum Area, m2	Limiting Distance, m	Area of Unprotected Opening for Groups E and F, Division 1 and 2 Occupancies, %

unprotected openings limiting distance exposing building face fire separation sprinkler system

3.2.3.2

Area of Exposing Building Face

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), the area of an exposing building face shall be calculated as the total area of exterior wall facing in one direction on any side of a building measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling.

(2)If a building is divided by fire separations into fire compartments, the area of exposing building face is permitted to be calculated for each fire compartment provided the fire separations have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.

(3)In a building that is sprinklered throughout and contains an interconnected floor space, the area of the exposing building face for the interconnected floor space is permitted to be determined by considering each storey as a separate fire compartment notwithstanding openings through the floor assemblies.

exposing building face fire compartment fire separation sprinkler system building area

3.2.3.3

Wall Enclosing Attic or Roof Space

(1)An exterior wall enclosing an attic or roof space and located above an exposing building face, shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements for the exposing building face.

attic roof space exterior wall exposing building face fire resistance

3.2.3.5

Wall With Limiting Distance Less Than 1.2 m

(1)Openings in a wall that has a limiting distance less than 1.2 m shall be protected by closures whose fire-protection rating is in conformance with the fire-resistance rating required for the wall.

(2)Wired glass or glass block shall not be used for a closure referred to in Sentence (1).

limiting distance wall openings fire protection closure wired glass

3.2.3.6

Combustible Projections

(1)Except for a building containing one or two dwelling units only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread and are more than 1 m above ground level, including balconies, platforms, canopies and stairs, shall not be permitted within

(a) 1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or
(b) 2.4 m of a combustible projection on another building on the same property.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (4), where the exposing building face has a limiting distance of not more than 0.45 m, projecting roof soffits shall not be constructed above the exposing building face.

(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), where the exposing building face has a limiting distance of more than 0.45 m, the face of roof soffits above the exposing building face shall not project to less than 0.45 m from the property line.

(4)The face of a roof soffit is permitted to project to the property line, where it faces a public way.

(5)Where roof soffits project to less than 1.2 m from the centre line of a public way, or from an imaginary line between two buildings or fire compartments on the same property, they shall

(a) have no openings, and
(b) be protected by (i) not less than 0.38 mm thick sheet steel, (ii) unvented aluminum conforming to CAN/CGSB-93.2-M, "Prefinished Aluminum Siding, Soffits and Fascia, for Residential Use," (iii) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum ceiling board installed according to CSA A82.31-M, "Gypsum Board Application," (iv) not less than 11 mm thick plywood, (v) not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or (vi) not less than 11 mm thick lumber.

(6)For buildings of combustible construction, materials installed to provide the required protection of soffits may be covered with a combustible or noncombustible finish material.

combustible projections balcony soffit fire protection property line

3.2.3.7

Construction of Exposing Building Face

(1)Except as provided by Sentences (3) and (4) and Articles 3.2.3.10. and 3.2.3.11., the fire-resistance rating, construction and cladding for exposing building faces of buildings or fire compartments of Group A, B, C, D or Group F, Division 3 occupancy classification shall comply with Table 3.2.3.7.

(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4) and Article 3.2.3.10., the fire-resistance rating, construction and cladding for exposing building faces of buildings or fire compartments of Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 occupancy classification shall comply with Table 3.2.3.7.

(3)Except as provided in Articles 3.1.4.8. and 3.1.6.9., the requirement in Table 3.2.3.7. for noncombustible cladding for buildings or fire compartments where the maximum permitted area of unprotected openings is more than 10% of the exposing building face is permitted to be waived for exterior wall assemblies that comply with Article 3.1.5.5. or 3.1.5.6.

(4)Except as provided by Articles 3.1.4.8. and 3.1.6.9., the requirement in Table 3.2.3.7. for noncombustible cladding for buildings or fire compartments where the maximum permitted area of unprotected openings is more than 25% but not more than 50% of the exposing building face is permitted to be waived where

(a) the limiting distance is greater than 5 m,
(b) the building or fire compartment and all combustible attic or roof spaces are sprinklered throughout,
(c) the cladding (i) conforms to Subsection 9.27.6., 9.27.7., 9.27.8., 9.27.9. or 9.27.10., (ii) is installed without furring members, or on furring not more than 25 mm thick, over gypsum sheathing at least 12.7 mm thick or over masonry, and (iii) after conditioning in conformance with ASTM D2898, "Standard Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing," has a flame-spread rating not greater than 25 on the exterior face when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(1),

Table 3.2.3.7Minimum Construction Requirements for Exposing Building Faces

Occupancy Classification of Building or Fire Compartment	Maximum Area of Unprotected Openings Permitted, % of Exposing Building Face Area	Minimum Required Fire-Resistance Rating	Type of Construction Required	Type of Cladding Required
Group A, B, C, D, or Group F, Division 3	0 to 10	1 h	Noncombustible	Noncombustible
Group A, B, C, D, or Group F, Division 3	> 10 to 25	1 h	Combustible, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, or Noncombustible	Noncombustible
Group A, B, C, D, or Group F, Division 3	> 25 to 50	45 min	Combustible, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, or Noncombustible	Noncombustible
Group A, B, C, D, or Group F, Division 3	> 50 to < 100	45 min	Combustible, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, or Noncombustible	Combustible or Noncombustible
Group E, or Group F, Division 1 or 2	0 to 10	2 h	Noncombustible	Noncombustible
Group E, or Group F, Division 1 or 2	> 10 to 25	2 h	Combustible, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, or Noncombustible	Noncombustible
Group E, or Group F, Division 1 or 2	> 25 to 50	1 h	Combustible, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, or Noncombustible	Noncombustible
Group E, or Group F, Division 1 or 2	> 50 to < 100	1 h	Combustible, Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction, or Noncombustible	Combustible or Noncombustible

exposing building face fire resistance rating cladding construction type occupancy classification

3.2.3.8

Protection of Exterior Building Face

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and in addition to the requirements of Sentences 3.2.3.7.(1) and (2) and where the maximum permitted area of unprotected openings is greater than 10% of the exposing building face, foamed plastic insulation used in an exterior wall of a building more than 3 storeys in building height shall be protected on its exterior surface by

(a) concrete or masonry not less than 25 mm thick, or
(b) noncombustible material that complies with the criteria for testing and conditions of acceptance stated in Sentence (2) when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, "Standard Method of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials."

(2)The criteria for testing and the conditions of acceptance for a wall assembly to satisfy the requirements of Clause (1)(b) are that

(a) the fire exposed area of the wall assembly shall be not less than 9.3 m2 and have no dimension less than 2.75 m,
(b) the exposed surface shall include typical vertical and horizontal joints,
(c) the test shall be continued for not less than 15 min and the standard time/temperature curve of the referenced standard shall be followed,
(d) the noncombustible protective material will remain in place and no through openings should develop that are visible when viewed normal to the face of the material, and
(e) the noncombustible protective material will not disintegrate in a manner that would permit fire to propagate along the surface of the test assembly.

(3)The requirements of Sentence (1) are waived for wall assemblies that comply with the requirements of Article 3.1.5.5.

foam insulation exterior wall fire protection high rise noncombustible

3.2.3.9

Protection of Structural Members

(1)Structural members, including beams, columns and arches, placed wholly or partly outside the exterior face of a building and are less than 3 m from the property line or the centre line of a public thoroughfare shall be protected from exterior fire exposure by fire protection having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for their protection from interior fire exposure, as stated in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93., but not less than 1 h.

(2)Structural members of heavy timber construction, including beams, columns and arches, that are placed wholly or partly outside an exterior face of a building and are 3 m or more from the property line or the centre line of a public thoroughfare need not be covered with noncombustible cladding.

structural members exterior exposure fire resistance heavy timber beams columns

3.2.3.10

Unlimited Unprotected Openings

(1)An exposing building face in a storage garage with all storeys constructed as open-air storeys is permitted to have unlimited unprotected openings provided it has a limiting distance not less than 3 m.

(2)The exposing building face of a storey that faces a street and is at the same level as the street is permitted to have unlimited unprotected openings if the limiting distance is not less than 9 m.

unprotected openings storage garage street level limiting distance

3.2.3.11

Low Fire Load, One Storey Building

(1)An exposing building face of a building of low-hazard industrial occupancy conforming to Article 3.2.2.91. is permitted to be of noncombustible construction without a fire-resistance rating provided

(a) it is not a loadbearing wall, and
(b) the limiting distance is not less than 3 m.

low hazard industrial noncombustible construction loadbearing wall limiting distance

3.2.3.12

Area Increase for Unprotected Openings

(1)Except as required by Sentence 3.2.3.7.(5), the maximum area of unprotected openings in any exposing building face of a building that is not sprinklered is permitted to be doubled if the openings are glazed with

(a) glass block conforming to the requirements of Article 3.1.8.16., or
(b) wired glass assemblies conforming to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings."

unprotected openings glass block wired glass fire glazing

3.2.3.13

Protection of Exit Facilities

(1)Except as required by Sentence (3) and as permitted by Sentence 3.4.4.3.(1), if the plane of an exterior wall of an exit enclosure forms an angle less than 135 with the plane of an exterior wall of the building it serves, and an opening in the exterior wall of the exit enclosure could be exposed to fire from an opening in the exterior wall of the building, the opening in either the exterior wall of the exit or the exterior wall of the building shall be protected in conformance with the requirements of Sentence (4) where the opening in the exterior wall of the building is within 3 m horizontally and

(a) less than 10 m below an opening in the exterior wall of the exit, or
(b) less than 2 m above an opening in the exterior wall of the exit.

(2)If an unenclosed exterior exit stair or ramp could be exposed to fire from an opening in the exterior wall of the building it serves, the opening in the exterior wall of the building shall be protected in conformance with the requirements of Sentence (4) where the opening in the exterior wall of the building is within 3 m horizontally and

(a) less than 10 m below the exit stair or ramp, or
(b) less than 5 m above the exit stair or ramp.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.4.4.3.(1), if an exterior exit door in one fire compartment is within 3 m horizontally of an opening in another fire compartment and the exterior walls of these fire compartments intersect at an exterior angle of less than 135, the opening shall be protected in conformance with the requirements of Sentence (4).

(4)The opening protection referred to in Sentences (1) to (3) shall consist of

(a) glass block conforming to the requirements of Article 3.1.8.16.,
(b) a wired glass assembly conforming to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings," or
(c) a closure conforming to the requirements of Subsection 3.1.8. and Articles 3.2.3.1. and 3.2.3.14.

exit protection exterior stairs fire compartments opening protection

3.2.3.14

Wall Exposed to Another Wall

(1)Except as required by Sentences (3) and 3.2.3.13.(1) or as permitted by Sentence 3.2.3.19.(5), if an unprotected opening in an exterior wall of a fire compartment is exposed to an unprotected opening in the exterior wall of another fire compartment, and the planes of the 2 walls are parallel or at an angle less than 135°, measured from the exterior of the building, the unprotected openings in the 2 fire compartments shall be separated by a distance not less than DO where but in no case less than 1 m, and D = the greater required limiting distance for the exposing building faces of the 2 fire compartments, and θ = the angle made by the intersecting planes of the exposing building faces of the 2 fire compartments (in the case where the exterior walls are parallel and face each other, θ = 0).

(2)The exterior wall of each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (1) within the distance, DO, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the interior vertical fire separation between the fire compartment and the remainder of the building.

(3)Sentence (1) does not apply to unprotected openings of fire compartments within a building that is sprinklered throughout, but shall apply to,

(a) unprotected openings of fire compartments on opposite sides of a firewall, and
(b) exposure from unprotected openings of a fire compartment that is not protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

wall exposure fire compartments limiting distance sprinkler system

3.2.3.15

Wall Exposed to Adjoining Roof

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.3.19.(5), if a wall in a building is exposed to a fire hazard from an adjoining roof of a separate fire compartment that is not sprinklered in the same building, and the exposed wall contains windows within 3 storeys vertically and 5 m horizontally of the roof, the roof shall contain no skylights within 5 m of the exposed wall.

roof exposure skylights fire hazard windows

3.2.3.16

Protection of Soffits

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), where there is a common attic or roof space above more than two suites of residential occupancy or above more than two patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, and the common attic or roof space projects beyond the exterior wall of the building, the soffit, and any opening in the soffits or other surface of the projection located within 2 500 mm of a window or door opening, shall be protected by

(a) noncombustible material (i) not less than 0.38 mm thick, and (ii) having a melting point not below 650°C,
(b) plywood not less than 11 mm thick,
(c) strandboard or waferboard not less than 12.5 mm thick, or
(d) lumber not less than 11 mm thick.

(2)The soffit protection required by Sentence (1) shall extend the full width of the opening and to not less than 1 200 mm on either side of it, and shall apply to all openings through the soffit within this limit.

(3)If an eave overhang is completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by the use of fire blocks, the requirements of Sentence (1) do not apply.

(4)The protection required by Sentence (1) for projections is permitted to be omitted if

(a) the fire compartments behind the window and door openings are sprinklered in accordance with Article 3.2.5.12., and
(b) all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding exceptions permitted in the standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12. for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.

soffit protection attic space fire blocks sprinkler systems

3.2.3.17

Canopy Protection for Vertically Separated Openings

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), if a storey classified as a Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 major occupancy is required to be separated from the storey above by a fire separation,

(a) every opening in the exterior wall of the lower storey that is located vertically below an opening in the storey above shall be separated from the storey above by a canopy projecting not less than 1 m from the face of the building at the intervening floor level, and
(b) the canopy required by Clause (a) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly but need not be more than 1 h, except as required elsewhere in this Subsection.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the canopy required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be omitted if the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 m behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey.

(3)The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived if the building is sprinklered throughout.

canopy protection vertical separation industrial occupancy fire separation

3.2.3.18

Covered Vehicular Passageway

(1)A covered vehicular passageway designed as a receiving or shipping area shall be separated from every building or part of a building adjoining it by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.

(2)A covered vehicular passageway constructed below grade shall be of noncombustible construction.

vehicular passageway fire separation noncombustible construction below grade

3.2.3.19

Walkway Between Buildings

(1)Except as required by Sentence 3.2.3.20.(2), if buildings are connected by a walkway, each building shall be separated from the walkway by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction shall also be of noncombustible construction.

(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), a walkway connected to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction shall be of noncombustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction.

(4)A walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction or to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction is permitted to be of heavy timber construction provided

(a) not less than 50% of the area of any enclosing perimeter walls is open to the outdoors, and
(b) the walkway is at ground level.

(5)A walkway of noncombustible construction used only as a pedestrian thoroughfare need not conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.3.14. and 3.2.3.15.

(6)A walkway between buildings shall be not more than 9 m wide

walkway fire separation noncombustible construction mass timber heavy timber

3.2.3.20

Underground Walkway

(1)An underground walkway shall not be designed or used for any purpose other than pedestrian travel unless

(a) the purpose is permitted, and
(b) sprinklers are installed in any space in the walkway containing an occupancy.

(2)Buildings connected by an underground walkway shall be separated from the walkway by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(3)An underground walkway shall be of noncombustible construction suitable for an underground location.

(4)In an underground walkway

(a) smoke barrier doors shall be installed at intervals of not more than 100 m, or
(b) the travel distance from the door of an adjacent room or space to the nearest exit shall be not more than one and a half times the least allowable travel distance to an exit for any of the adjacent occupancies as permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.5.(1).

(5)An underground walkway between buildings shall be not more than 9 m wide.

underground walkway fire separation smoke barriers sprinklers

3.2.3.21

Reserved

3.2.3.22

Service Lines Under Buildings

(1)A building shall not be constructed over an existing buried flammable gas main unless the gas main is encased in a gas-tight conduit in conformance with CAN/CSA-Z662, "Oil and gas pipeline systems."

gas main buried lines gas-tight conduit

3.2.4

Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

3.2.4.1

Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System

(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a fire alarm system shall be installed in buildings in which an automatic sprinkler system is installed.

(2)Buildings in which a sprinkler system is installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," need not comply with Sentence (1).

(3)Buildings that contain fewer than 9 sprinklers conforming to Sentence 3.2.5.12.(4) need not comply with Sentence (1).

(4)Except as permitted by Sentences (5), (6) and 3.2.4.2.(4), a fire alarm system shall be installed in a building that is not sprinklered throughout and that contains

(a) a contained use area,
(b) an impeded egress zone,
(c) more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey,
(d) a total occupant load more than 300, other than in open air seating areas,
(e) an occupant load more than 150 above or below the first storey, other than in open air seating areas,
(f) a school, college or child care facility, including a day care facility, with an occupant load more than 40,
(g) a licensed beverage establishment or a licenced restaurant, with an occupant load more than 150,
(h) a low-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,
(i) a medium-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,
(j) a residential occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons,
(k) a high-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 25,
(l) an occupant load more than 300 below an open air seating area,
(m) a care and treatment occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care or treatment, or
(n) a care occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care.

(4.1)A fire alarm system is not required in a hotel 3 storeys or less in building height provided each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.

(5)A fire alarm system is not required in a residential occupancy that is not sprinklered, where

(a) not more than 4 suites share a common means of egress, or
(b) each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.

(6)A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92. that is contained in a building that is not sprinklered provided there are no other occupancies in the building.

fire alarm system sprinkler system occupant load building height

3.2.4.2

Continuity of Fire Alarm System

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), if there are openings through a firewall, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and totally enclosed noncombustible raceways, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply to the floor areas on both sides of the firewall as if they were in the same building.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if a building contains more than one major occupancy and a fire alarm system is required, a single system shall serve all occupancies.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if a fire alarm system is required in any portion of a building, it shall be installed throughout the building.

(4)Except as required by Sentence (5), the requirements in this Subsection are permitted to be applied to each portion of a building not more than 3 storeys in building height, in which a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h separates the portion from the remainder of the building as if it were a separate building, provided there are no openings through the fire separation, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and totally enclosed noncombustible raceways.

(5)The permission in Sentence (4) to consider separated portions of a building as separate buildings does not apply to service rooms and storage rooms.

(6)Buildings interconnected by walkways permitted in Articles 3.2.3.19. and 3.2.3.20. or by vestibules provided in conformance with Article 3.2.6.3. shall be treated as separate buildings for the purpose of fire alarm installation required by this Subsection.

fire alarm continuity firewall major occupancy fire separation

3.2.4.3

Types of Fire Alarm Systems

(1)A fire alarm system shall be

(a) a single-stage system in a Group F, Division 1 occupancy,
(b) except as permitted in Clause (c), a 2-stage system in a Group B occupancy,
(c) a single- or 2-stage system in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy where the building is 3 storeys or less in building height,
(d) a single-stage system in elementary and secondary schools, except for a special needs facility, and
(e) a single- or 2-stage system in all other cases.

fire alarm types single-stage two-stage occupancy classification

3.2.4.4

Description of Fire Alarm Systems

(1)A single-stage fire alarm system shall, upon the operation of any manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector, cause an alarm signal to sound on all audible signal devices in the system.

(2)A 2-stage fire alarm system shall

(a) cause an alert signal to sound upon the operation of any manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector,
(b) except for a Group B, Division 2 occupancy, automatically cause an alarm signal to sound if the alert signal is not acknowledged within 5 min of its initiation,
(c) have manual stations, each of which is equipped so that the use of a key or other similar device causes an alarm signal to sound that continues to sound upon removal of the key or similar device from the manual station, and
(d) in a building containing a hotel, (i) cause an alarm signal to sound in the initiating fire zone in the hotel, and (ii) cause an alert signal to sound throughout the hotel and such parts of the building as is necessary to alert hotel staff.

(3)A 2-stage fire alarm system is permitted to be zone coded so that, upon the operation of any manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector,

(a) a coded alert signal is sounded indicating the zone of alarm initiation,
(b) the coded alert signal is repeated in its entirety not less than 4 times, and
(c) a continuous alert signal is sounded upon completion of the coded signals referred to in Clause (b) and Sentence (4).

(4)If a second manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector is operated in a fire alarm system with zone coding as permitted by Sentence (3), in a zone other than that for which the first alert signal was sounded, the coded alert signal for the first zone shall be completed before the coded alert signal for the second zone is repeated not less than 4 times.

alarm system description manual station waterflow detector alert signal

3.2.4.5

Installation and Verification of Fire Alarm Systems

(1)Fire alarm systems, including those with voice communication capability where provided, shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems."

(2)Fire alarm systems shall be verified in conformance with CAN/ULC-S537, "Verification of Fire Alarm Systems," to ensure satisfactory operation.

alarm installation verification voice communication

3.2.4.6

Silencing of Alarm Signals

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a fire alarm system shall be designed so that when an alarm signal is actuated, it cannot be silenced automatically before a period of time has elapsed that is not less than

(a) 5 min for a building not required to be equipped with an annunciator, and
(b) 20 min for any other building.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.4.18.(8) and Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) and (3), a fire alarm system shall not incorporate manual silencing switches other than those installed inside the fire alarm control unit.

(3)Except as provided by Clause 3.2.4.22.(3)(a), in a care and treatment occupancy an alert signal is permitted to be silenced automatically after 1 min.

alarm silencing annunciator manual switches

3.2.4.7

Signals to Fire Department

(1)A single-stage fire alarm system shall be designed to notify the fire department in conformance with Sentence (4) that an alarm signal has been initiated in

(a) a building of a Group A occupancy having an occupant load more than 300, or
(b) a retirement home.

(2)A fire alarm system that includes waterflow indicating devices shall be designed to notify the fire department in conformance with Sentence (4), when an alarm is initiated.

(3)A 2-stage fire alarm system shall be designed to notify the fire department, in conformance with Sentence (4), that an alert signal has been initiated.

(4)Notification of the fire department, as required by Sentences (1) to (3), shall be provided in conformance with CAN/ULC-S561, "Standard for Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems."

(5)Where a single-stage fire alarm system is installed in a building that is not sprinklered throughout and Sentence (1) does not apply, a legible notice that is not easily removed shall be affixed to the wall near each manual station stating

(a) that the fire department is to be notified in the event of a fire emergency, and
(b) the emergency telephone number for the municipality or for the fire department.

(6)Helicopter landing areas on roofs shall be provided with telephone extensions or means to notify the fire department.

fire department notification waterflow devices emergency telephone

3.2.4.8

Annunciator and Zone Indication

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (3) to (5), an annunciator shall be installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1).

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), the annunciator required by Sentence (1) shall have separate zone indication of the actuation of the alarm initiating devices in each

(a) floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone in a building that is not sprinklered is not more than 2 000 m2,
(b) floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone is neither (i) more than one storey, nor (ii) more than the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,"
(c) shaft required to be equipped with fire detectors,
(d) air-handling system required to be equipped with smoke detectors,
(e) fire extinguishing system required by NFPA 96, "Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations,"
(f) contained use area,
(g) impeded egress zone, and
(h) fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2).

(3)An annunciator need not be provided for a fire alarm system if not more than one zone indicator is required in Sentence (2).

(4)If an annunciator is not installed as part of a fire alarm system in conformance with Sentence (1), a visible and audible trouble signal device shall be provided inside the main entrance of the building.

(5)The requirements in Sentence (1) are waived in a building

(a) in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed,
(b) that has an aggregate area for all storeys of not more than 2 000 m2, and
(c) that is not more than 3 storeys in building height.

(6)The area limits of Clause (2)(a) are waived for an interior undivided open space used as an arena, a rink or a swimming pool provided that other spaces in the building that are separated from the open space are individually zoned in accordance with the requirements of Sentence (2).

(7)A fire alarm control unit installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1), is deemed to satisfy the requirement for an annunciator provided all indicators required for an annunciator or trouble signal device are included on the control unit.

(8)In a building containing a hotel in which a trouble signal sounding device has a silencing switch, a trouble light shall be installed in

(a) the main reception area serving the hotel, or
(b) another continually-supervised location.

(9)In a long-term care home, a remote audiovisual fire alarm trouble signal shall be located at the main nursing station.

annunciator zone indication fire alarm control trouble signal

3.2.4.9

Electrical Supervision

(1)Electrical supervision shall be provided for a fire alarm system.

(2)If a fire alarm system in a building is required to have an annunciator by Sentence 3.2.4.8.(1), except for hose valves, all valves controlling water supplies in a standpipe system, shall be equipped with an electrically supervised switch for transmitting a trouble signal to the annunciator in the event of movement of the valve handle.

(3)An automatic sprinkler system shall be electrically supervised to indicate a supervisory signal on the building fire alarm system annunciator for each of the following:

(a) movement of a valve handle that controls the supply of water to sprinklers,
(b) loss of excess water pressure required to prevent false alarms in a wet pipe system,
(c) loss of air pressure in a dry pipe system,
(d) loss of air pressure in a pressure tank,
(e) a significant change in water level in any water storage container used for firefighting purposes,
(f) loss of power to any automatically starting fire pump, and
(g) a temperature approaching the freezing point in any dry pipe valve enclosure or water storage container used for firefighting purposes.

(4)A fire pump shall be electrically supervised as stipulated in NFPA 20, "Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection."

(5)Electrical supervision shall be provided to indicate, on the fire alarm system annunciator, a loss of power to a heat tracing cable that is installed to heat

(a) a standpipe riser,
(b) a sprinkler line as part of a fire suppression system, or
(c) an exit or means of egress to keep it free of ice and snow.

(6)Indication of a supervisory signal in accordance with Sentences (3) and (5) shall be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).

electrical supervision standpipe system sprinkler supervision fire pump

3.2.4.10

Fire Detectors

(1)Fire detectors required by this Code shall be connected to the fire alarm system.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), if a fire alarm system is required in a building that is not sprinklered, fire detectors shall be installed in the following spaces:

(a) storage rooms not within dwelling units,
(b) service rooms not within dwelling units,
(c) janitors' rooms,
(d) rooms in which hazardous substances are to be used or stored,
(e) elevator hoistways or dumbwaiter shafts,
(f) laundry rooms in buildings of residential occupancy, but not those within dwelling units, and
(g) hazardous classrooms and change rooms in elementary or secondary schools.

(3)Fire detectors required by Sentence (2) need not be provided within floor areas that are sprinklered.

(4)Fire detectors required by Sentence (2) shall be installed in elevator hoistways and dumbwaiter shafts where a sprinkler system is not installed within the hoistway or shaft.

fire detectors storage rooms service rooms elevator hoistways

3.2.4.11

Smoke and Heat Detectors

(1)If a fire alarm system is installed, smoke detectors shall be installed in

(a) each sleeping room and each corridor serving as part of a means of egress from sleeping rooms in portions of a building classified as Group B major occupancy,
(b) each room in a contained use area and corridors serving those rooms,
(c) each corridor in portions of a building classified as Group A, Division 1 major occupancy,
(d) each public corridor in portions of a building classified as Group C major occupancy,
(e) each exit stair shaft, other than those serving only a Group A, Division 4 major occupancy or an open storage garage,
(f) the vicinity of draft stops required by Article 3.2.8.6.,
(g) each elevator machine room, and
(h) each corridor serving classrooms in elementary and secondary schools.

(2)In a floor area containing a hotel, where a fire alarm system is installed and the floor area is not sprinklered, heat detectors shall be installed in every room in a suite and in every room not located in a suite other than washrooms within a suite, saunas, refrigerated areas and swimming pools.

(3)Smoke detectors required in sleeping rooms of a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy shall, upon actuation, provide an audible and visible signal to staff serving those rooms so that the room or location containing the smoke detector can be easily identified.

(4)Smoke detectors required in Clause (1)(g) shall, upon actuation, recall the elevators served by the elevator machine room in which the smoke detector is installed.

(5)Except as permitted in Sentences (6) and (7), smoke detectors installed in buildings required to be equipped with a fire alarm system shall be located near the entrance to walkways described in Articles 3.2.3.19. and 3.2.3.20. or vestibules provided in conformance with Article 3.2.6.3.

(6)Smoke detectors installed at the entrance to the walkways in conformance with Article 3.1.8.14. shall be deemed to meet the requirements of Sentence (5).

(7)Smoke detectors required by Sentence (5) may be replaced with fire detectors in Group F occupancies where the smoke detectors may be subjected to false alarms due to the activities within the building.

smoke detectors heat detectors sleeping rooms corridors elevator recall

3.2.4.12

Prevention of Smoke Circulation

(1)If a fire alarm system is installed, an air-handling system shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a duct-type smoke detector if the air handling system

(a) serves more than one storey,
(b) serves more than one suite in a storey,
(c) serves more than one fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2), or
(d) is not provided with fire dampers as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.8.(4).

smoke circulation air-handling system duct smoke detector fire dampers

3.2.4.13

Vacuum Cleaning System Shutdown

(1)A central vacuum cleaning system serving more than one suite or storey in a building equipped with a fire alarm system shall be designed to shut down upon actuation of the fire alarm system.

vacuum system fire alarm shutdown central vacuum

3.2.4.14

Elevator Emergency Return

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), in a building having elevators that serve storeys above the first storey and that are equipped with an automatic emergency recall feature, smoke detectors shall be installed in the elevator lobbies on the recall level so that when these smoke detectors are actuated, the elevators will automatically return directly to an alternate floor level.

(2)Smoke detectors required by Sentence (1) shall be designed as part of the building fire alarm system.

(3)The alternate floor recall feature required by Sentence (1) is not required if the floor area containing the recall level is sprinklered throughout.

elevator emergency return smoke detectors elevator lobbies alternate floor

3.2.4.15

System Monitoring

(1)An automatic sprinkler system shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices and, if an annunciator is required by Article 3.2.4.8., shall be installed so that each device serves

(a) not more than one storey, and
(b) an area on each storey that is not more than the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."

(2)Waterflow detecting devices required by Sentence (1) shall be connected to the fire alarm system so that, upon its actuation, an alert signal or an alarm signal is initiated.

(3)The actuation of each waterflow detecting device required by Sentence (1) shall be indicated separately on the fire alarm system annunciator.

sprinkler system waterflow monitoring fire alarm annunciator

3.2.4.16

Manual Stations

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), where a fire alarm system is installed, a manual station shall be installed in every floor area near

(a) every principal entrance to the building, and
(b) every exit.

(2)In a building that is sprinklered throughout, a manual station is not required at an exterior egress doorway from a suite that does not lead to an interior shared means of egress in a hotel not more than 3 storeys in building height, provided each suite is served by an exterior exit facility leading directly to ground level.

(3)In a building that is sprinklered throughout, a manual station is not required at an exterior egress doorway from a dwelling unit that does not lead to an interior shared means of egress in a building not more than 3 storeys in building height containing only dwelling units, provided each dwelling unit is served by an exterior exit facility leading directly to ground level.

(4)In a building referred to in Sentence (2) or (3), manual stations shall be installed near doorways leading from shared interior corridors to the exterior.

(5)Where a fire alarm system is installed, a manually operated fire alarm station shall be installed on the roof at each exit from a helicopter landing area.

(6)In a building containing a hotel, a manual station shall be installed in the main reception area serving the hotel.

(7)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), in Group C apartment buildings other than retirement homes, if a manual station is not installed on a floor area in accordance with Sentence (1) or (4),

(a) a manual station shall be installed in every dwelling unit in the floor area near each egress door leading from the dwelling unit,
(b) smoke detectors shall be installed in the floor area in public corridors and stairwells, and
(c) fire detectors shall be installed in the floor area in all common public areas and in rooms not located within dwelling units.

(8)In floor areas where the manual stations are located in dwelling units, a legible sign stating FIRE ALARM MANUAL STATIONS LOCATED IN APARTMENT UNITS shall be posted near every exit in a public corridor.

(9)Key switch activated manual stations are permitted in an impeded egress zone and a contained use area in Group B, Division 1 and 2 occupancies.

manual station fire alarm sprinkler hotel apartment dwelling unit

3.2.4.17

Alert and Alarm Signals

(1)In a 2-stage fire alarm system described in Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2), the same audible signal devices are permitted to be used to sound the alert signals and the alarm signals.

(2)If audible signal devices with voice reproduction capabilities are intended for paging and similar voice message use, other than during a fire emergency, they shall be installed so that alert signals and alarm signals take priority over all other signals.

(3)Audible signal devices forming part of a fire alarm or voice communication system shall not be used for playing music or background noise.

alert signal alarm signal 2-stage voice communication paging

3.2.4.18

Audibility of Alarm Systems

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.4.19.(2) and except as required by Clause 3.2.4.4.(2)(d), audible signal devices forming part of a fire alarm system shall be installed in a building so that

(a) alarm signals are clearly audible throughout the floor area, and
(b) alert signals are clearly audible in continuously staffed locations, and where there are no continuously staffed locations, throughout the floor area.

(2)The sound pattern of an alarm signal shall conform to the temporal pattern defined in Clause 4.2 of ISO 8201, "Acoustics — Audible emergency evacuation signal."

(3)The sound patterns of alert signals shall be significantly different from the temporal patterns of alarm signals.

(4)In all normally occupied spaces, the fire alarm signal sound pressure level

(a) shall be not more than 110 dBA when measured at a distance of 3 m from the device, or
(b) is permitted to be more than 100 dBA provided the sound pressure level measured 2 000 mm above floor level is not more than 100 dBA.

(5)The sound pressure level in a sleeping room from a fire alarm audible signal device shall be not less than 75 dBA in a building of residential occupancy when any intervening doors between the device and the sleeping room are closed.

(6)Audible signal devices in sleeping rooms in a building of residential or care occupancy shall emit a low frequency signal.

(7)Except as required by Sentence (5), the sound pressure level from a fire alarm system's audible signal device within a floor area shall be not less than 10 dBA above the ambient noise level and not less than 65 dBA, when any intervening doors between the device and the rest of the floor area are closed.

(8)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), audible signal devices located within a dwelling unit shall include a means for them to be manually silenced for a period of not more than 10 min, after which time the devices shall restore themselves to normal operation.

(9)Audible signal devices within a dwelling unit or a suite of residential occupancy shall be connected to the fire alarm system

(a) in a manner such that a single open circuit at one device will not impair the operation of other audible signal devices on that same circuit that serve the other dwelling units or suites of residential occupancy, or
(b) on separate signal circuits that are not connected to the devices in any other dwelling unit, public corridor or suite of residential occupancy.

(10)In a building or part thereof classified as a residential occupancy,

(a) separate circuits shall be provided for audible signal devices on each floor area, and
(b) audible signal devices within dwelling units or suites of residential occupancy shall be wired on separate signal circuits from those not within suites of residential occupancy or dwelling units.

(11)Audible signal devices shall be installed in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) and shall be connected to the fire alarm system.

(12)Audible signal devices within dwelling units that are wired on separate signal circuits in accordance with Clause (10)(b) need not include a means for manual signal silencing as required by Sentence (8), provided the fire alarm system includes a provision for the automatic signal silence within dwelling units, where

(a) the automatic signal silence cannot occur within the first 60 s of operation or within the zone of initiation,
(b) a subsequent alarm elsewhere in the building will reactuate the silenced audible signal devices within dwelling units,
(c) after a period of not more than 10 min, the silenced audible signal devices will be restored to continuous audible signal if the alarm is not acknowledged, and
(d) the voice communication systems referred to in Article 3.2.4.22. and 3.2.4.23. has a provision to override the automatic signal silence to allow the transmission of voice messages through silenced audible signal device circuits that serve the dwelling units.

(13)If a 2-stage fire alarm system has been installed with an automatic signal silence as described in Sentence (12), the system shall be designed so that any silenced audible signal devices serving dwelling units are reactuated whenever an alarm signal is required to be transmitted as part of the second stage.

audible signal sound pressure decibel dwelling unit residential occupancy

3.2.4.19

Visible Signals

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), where a fire alarm system is installed, visible signal devices shall be installed in addition to alarm signal devices

(a) in a building or portions thereof intended for use primarily by persons with a hearing impairment,
(b) in assembly occupancies in which music and other sounds associated with performances could exceed 100 dBA,
(c) in any floor area in which the ambient noise level is more than 87 dBA,
(d) in any floor area in which the occupants
(i) use ear protection devices,
(ii) are located in an audiometric booth, or
(iii) are located in sound-insulating enclosures,
(e) in public corridors serving a Group A, B, C, D or E major occupancy,
(f) in a corridor used by the public and in a floor area or part of a floor area where the public may congregate in a Group A occupancy,
(g) in not less than 10% of the suites of a hotel or motel,
(h) in washrooms for public use described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), (3), (4) or (6), and
(i) in living spaces in a suite of residential occupancy in a Group C major occupancy apartment building.

(2)Visible signal devices are permitted to be installed in lieu of audible signal devices in the compartments referred to in Article 3.3.3.6.

(3)Visible signal devices required by Sentence (1) shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the floor area or portion thereof in which they are installed.

(4)Visible signal devices required by Clauses (1)(e) and (f) are not required in

(a) a classroom, and
(b) a Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than six occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.

visible signal hearing impairment assembly noise level hotel washroom

3.2.4.20

Smoke Alarms

(1)Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.21., smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with this Article.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (10), smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, "Standard for Smoke Alarms," shall be installed in each dwelling unit and, except for care, care and treatment or detention occupancies required to have a fire alarm system, in each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit.

(3)At least one smoke alarm shall be installed on each storey and mezzanine of a dwelling unit.

(4)On any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a smoke alarm shall be installed

(a) in each sleeping room, and
(b) in a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway.

(5)Reserved.

(6)A smoke alarm shall be installed on or near the ceiling.

(7)Reserved.

(8)Reserved.

(9)Except as permitted by Sentence (10), smoke alarms referred in Sentence (2) shall

(a) be installed with permanent connections to an electrical circuit,
(b) have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm, and
(c) in case the regular power supply to the smoke alarm is interrupted, be provided with a battery as an alternative power source that can continue to provide power to the smoke alarm for a period of not less than 7 days in the normal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm.

(10)Suites of residential occupancy are permitted to be equipped with smoke detectors in lieu of smoke alarms, provided the smoke detectors

(a) are capable of independently sounding audible signals with a sound pressure level between 75 dBA and 110 dBA within the individual suites,
(b) except as permitted by Sentence (11), are installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarm Systems," and verified in conformance with CAN/ULC-S537, "Standard for the Verification of Fire Alarm Systems,"
(c) form part of the fire alarm system, and
(d) are equipped with visual signalling components that meet the requirements of Sentences (17) to (19).

(11)Smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as stated in Sentence (10) are permitted to sound localized alarms within individual suites, and need not sound an alarm throughout the rest of the building.

(12)If more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected so that the actuation of one smoke alarm will cause all smoke alarms within the dwelling unit to sound.

(13)A smoke alarm required by Sentence (2) shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S553, "Standard for Installation of Smoke Alarms."

(14)Except as permitted in Sentence (15), a manually operated silencing device shall be incorporated within the circuitry of a smoke alarm installed in a dwelling unit so that it will silence the signal emitted by the smoke alarm for a period of not more than 10 min, after which the smoke alarm will reset and again sound the alarm if the level of smoke in the vicinity is sufficient to reactuate the smoke alarm.

(15)Suites of residential occupancy equipped with smoke detectors installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems," as part of the fire alarm system in lieu of smoke alarms as permitted by Sentence (10), need not incorporate the manually operated silencing device required by Sentence (14).

(16)The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall

(a) meet the temporal patterns of alarm signals, or
(b) be a combination of temporal pattern and voice relay.

(17)Smoke alarms required by Sentence (2) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, "National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code."

(18)The visual signalling component required by Sentence (17) need not

(a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it,
(b) be on battery backup, or
(c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a dwelling unit.

(19)The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required by Sentence (17) that are installed in sleeping rooms shall be a minimum of 175 cd.

(20)Smoke alarms required in suites in a retirement home or smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as provided in Sentence (10) shall upon actuation provide an audible and visual signal to staff serving those suites, so that the suite containing the actuated smoke alarm or smoke detector can be easily identified.

smoke alarm dwelling unit sleeping room battery backup visual signalling

3.2.4.21

Residential Fire Warning Systems

(1)Except where a fire alarm system is installed or required in a building, smoke detectors forming part of a residential fire warning system installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S540, "Standard for Residential Fire and Life Safety Warning Systems: Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance," are permitted to be installed in lieu of all smoke alarms required by Article 3.2.4.20., provided that the system is

(a) capable of sounding audible signals in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.20.(12) and (16),
(b) provided with a visual signalling component in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(17) to (19),
(c) powered in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.20.(9), and
(d) provided with a silencing device in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.20.(14) and (15).

residential fire warning smoke detector visual signalling audible signals

3.2.4.22

Two-Way Voice Communication Systems

(1)A voice communication system required by Subsection 3.2.6., Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(12) shall

(a) consist of a two-way means of communication with the central alarm and control facility and to the mechanical control centre from each floor area, and
(b) be capable of broadcasting pre-recorded, synthesized or live messages from the central alarm and control facility that are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building, except elevator cars.

(2)The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alarm signal in a single-stage fire alarm system while voice instructions are being transmitted, but only after the alarm signal has initially sounded for not less than 30 s.

(3)The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alert signal and the alarm signal in a 2-stage fire alarm system while voice instructions are being transmitted, but only after the alert signal has initially sounded for not less than

(a) 10 s in hospitals that have supervisory personnel on duty for twenty-four hours each day, or
(b) 30 s for all other occupancies.

(4)The voice communication system referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be designed so that the alarm signal in a 2-stage fire alarm system can be selectively transmitted to any zone or zones while maintaining an alert signal or selectively transmitting voice instructions to any other zone or zones in the building.

(5)The 2-way communication system referred to in Clause (1)(a) shall be installed so that emergency telephones are located in each floor area near exit stair shafts.

(6)Visible signal devices required by Sentence 3.2.4.19.(1) shall continue to emit a visible signal while voice instructions are being transmitted.

(7)Where the facility is not equipped with staff trained to provide instructions over the loudspeakers, a pre-recorded message shall be provided.

voice communication two-way emergency telephone pre-recorded message 2-stage

3.2.4.23

One-Way Voice Communication Systems

(1)Except for Group B, Division 1 and Group F, Division 1 major occupancies, where a fire alarm system is required under Subsection 3.2.4., a one-way voice communication system shall be installed in buildings where a 2-stage fire alarm system is installed and whose occupant load exceeds 1 000.

(2)The one-way voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall consist of loudspeakers that are

(a) operated from the central alarm and control facility or, in the absence of a central alarm and control facility, from a designated area, and
(b) except in elevator cars, designed and located so that transmitted messages are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building.

(3)Where the facility is not equipped with staff trained to provide instructions over the loudspeakers, a pre-recorded message shall be provided.

(4)The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) to (4) and (6).

one-way voice loudspeaker occupant load 2-stage pre-recorded

3.2.5

Provisions for Firefighting

3.2.5.1

Access to Above Grade Storeys

(1)Except for storeys below the first storey, direct access for firefighting shall be provided from the outdoors to every storey that is not sprinklered throughout and whose floor level is less than 25 m above grade, by at least one unobstructed window or access panel for each 15 m of wall in each wall required to face a street by Subsection 3.2.2.

(2)An opening for access required by Sentence (1) shall

(a) have a sill no higher than 900 mm above the inside floor, and
(b) be not less than 1 100 mm high by not less than
(i) 550 mm wide for a building not designed for the storage or use of dangerous goods, or
(ii) 750 mm wide for a building designed for the storage or use of dangerous goods.

(3)Access panels above the first storey shall be readily openable from both inside and outside, or the opening shall be glazed with plain glass.

firefighting access window access panel dangerous goods sprinkler

3.2.5.2

Access to Basements

(1)Direct access from at least one street shall be provided from the outdoors in a building that is not sprinklered to each basement having a horizontal dimension more than 25 m.

(2)The access required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be provided by

(a) doors, windows or other means that provide an opening not less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide, with a sill no higher than 900 mm above the inside floor, or
(b) an interior stairway immediately accessible from the outdoors.

basement access firefighting doors windows stairway

3.2.5.3

Roof Access

(1)On a building more than 3 storeys in building height where the slope of the roof is less than 1 in 4, all main roof areas shall be provided with direct access from the floor areas immediately below, either by

(a) a stairway, or
(b) a hatch not less than 550 mm by 900 mm with a fixed ladder.

(2)Clearance and access around roof signs or other obstructions shall provide

(a) a passage not less than 900 mm wide by 1 800 mm high, clear of all obstructions except for necessary horizontal supports not more than 600 mm above the roof surface,
(i) around every roof sign, and
(ii) through every roof sign at locations not more than 15 m apart, and
(b) a clearance of not less than 1 200 mm between any portion of a roof sign and any opening in the exterior wall face or roof of the building in which it is erected.

roof access hatch ladder roof sign clearance

3.2.5.4

Access Routes

(1)A building which is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m2 in building area shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles

(a) to the building face having a principal entrance, and
(b) to each building face having access openings for firefighting as required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2.

access route fire department vehicle access principal entrance

3.2.5.5

Location of Access Routes

(1)Access routes required by Article 3.2.5.4. shall be located so that the principal entrance and every access opening required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route required for fire department use, measured horizontally from the face of the building.

(2)Access routes shall be provided to a building so that

(a) for a building provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to the hydrants referred to in Article 3.2.5.15.,
(b) for a building not provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located so that the length of the access route from a hydrant to the vehicle plus the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 90 m, and
(c) the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 45 m.

(3)The unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter required by Sentence (2) from the vehicle to the building shall be measured from the vehicle to the fire department connection provided for the building, except that if no fire department connection is provided, the path of travel shall be measured to the principal entrance of the building.

(4)If a portion of a building is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, the access routes required by Sentence (2) shall be located so that the unobstructed path of travel from the vehicle to one entrance of each portion of the building is not more than 45 m.

access route fire department connection hydrant path of travel

3.2.5.6

Access Route Design

(1)A portion of a roadway or yard provided as a required access route for fire department use shall

(a) have a clear width not less than 6 m, unless it can be shown that lesser widths are satisfactory,
(b) have a centre line radius not less than 12 m,
(c) have an overhead clearance not less than 5 m,
(d) have a change of gradient not more than 1 in 12.5 over a minimum distance of 15 m,
(e) be designed to support the expected loads imposed by firefighting equipment and be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or other material designed to permit accessibility under all climatic conditions,
(f) have turnaround facilities for any dead-end portion of the access route more than 90 m long, and
(g) be connected with a public thoroughfare.

(2)For buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60., no portion of the access route described in Sentence 3.2.2.10.(3) shall be more than 20 m below the uppermost floor level.

access route design roadway gradient turnaround clearance

3.2.5.7

Water Supply

(1)Every building shall be provided with an adequate water supply for firefighting.

water supply firefighting

3.2.5.8

Standpipe Systems

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a standpipe system shall be installed in a building that is

(a) more than 3 storeys in building height,
(b) more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey, or
(c) not more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey but has a building area exceeding the area shown in Table 3.2.5.8. for the applicable building height unless the building is sprinklered throughout.

(2)A standpipe system need not be installed in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92., provided the building is not more than 15 m high.

(3)A standpipe system is not required to be installed in a building classified as Group C major occupancy,

(a) that is not more than 4 storeys above grade,
(b) that does not contain a public corridor or other common areas,
(c) where each dwelling unit,
(i) is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building,
(ii) has direct access to its interior by means of an exterior doorway located not more than 1 500 mm above or below adjacent finished ground level, and
(d) that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.2.2.50. or Article 3.2.2.52.

Table 3.2.5.8Building Limits without Standpipe Systems

Occupancy Classification	Building Area, m2 - 1 storey	Building Area, m2 - 2 storeys	Building Area, m2 - 3 storeys
Group A	2 500	2 000	1 500
Group C	2 000	1 500	1 000
Group D	4 000	3 000	2 000
Group F, Division 2	1 500	1 500	1 000
Group F, Division 3	3 000	2 000	1 000

standpipe system building height sprinkler Group C storage garage

3.2.5.9

Standpipe System Design

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), Articles 3.2.5.10. and 3.2.5.11., and Sentence 3.2.4.9.(2), the design, construction, installation and testing of a standpipe system shall conform to NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems."

(2)A dry standpipe that is not connected to a water supply shall not be considered as fulfilling the requirements of this Article.

(3)If more than one standpipe is provided, the total water supply need not be more than 30 L/s.

(4)The residual water pressure at the design flow rate at the topmost hose connection of a standpipe system that is required to be installed in a building is permitted to be less than 690 kPa provided

(a) the building is sprinklered throughout,
(b) the water supply at the base of the sprinkler riser is capable of meeting, without a fire pump, the design flow rate and pressure demand of the sprinkler system, including the inside and outside hose allowance, and
(c) fire protection equipment is available to deliver, by means of the fire department connection, the full demand flow rate at a residual water pressure of 690 kPa at the topmost hose connection of the standpipe system.

(5)A fire department connection shall be provided for every standpipe system.

standpipe design water pressure fire department connection dry standpipe NFPA 14

3.2.5.10

Hose Connections

(1)Hose connections shall be located in exits, in accordance with NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems."

(2)Hose connections are not required within a floor area.

(3)Hose connections shall be provided with sufficient clearance to permit the use of a standard fire department hose key.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), 64 mm diam hose connections shall be installed in a standpipe system.

(5)Hose connections for 64 mm diam hose are not required in a building that is not more than 25 m high, measured between grade and the ceiling level of the top storey and in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed.

hose connection exit 64 mm clearance fire department

3.2.5.11

Hose Stations

(1)Hose stations for 38 mm diam hose shall be installed for a standpipe system in a building that is not sprinklered throughout.

(2)Hose stations for a 38 mm diam hose shall be installed for a standpipe system within every floor area that is not sprinklered throughout.

(3)Hose stations shall be located in the floor area within 5 m of exits and at other locations to provide coverage of the entire floor area.

(4)A hose station located on one side of a horizontal exit shall be considered to serve only the floor area on that side of the horizontal exit.

(5)A hose cabinet shall be located so that its door, when fully opened, will not obstruct the required width of a means of egress.

(6)Where a building or part thereof is used as a distillery and the building is sprinklered in conformance with Article 3.2.5.12., small hose (38 mm) stations are permitted to be supplied from interior sprinkler piping.

(7)Where a hose station is provided in grain handling and storage facilities in which combustible dusts are produced in quantities or concentrations that create an explosion or fire hazard, fog and fine spray nozzles shall be used instead of nozzles that discharge a solid stream of water to prevent combustible dusts from being raised into suspension.

hose station 38 mm sprinkler distillery grain handling

3.2.5.12

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2) to (4) and (9), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."

(2)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies," is permitted to be used for the design, construction, installation and testing of an automatic sprinkler system installed

(a) in a building of residential occupancy throughout that is not more than 4 storeys in building height and conforms to Article 3.2.2.47., 3.2.2.49., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.52. or 3.2.2.55.,
(b) in a building of Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than six occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency,
(c) in a building that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.55D., or
(d) in a building that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.55E., where the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2) on the storey immediately below the roof assembly is continuous to the underside of the roof deck.

(3)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," is permitted to be used for the design, construction and installation of an automatic sprinkler system installed

(a) in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains not more than two dwelling units,
(b) reserved,
(c) in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains more than two dwelling units, provided
(i) except for a secondary suite, no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit,
(ii) all suites are separated by a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h that provides continuous protection from the top of the footing to the underside of the roof deck, with any space between the top of the wall and the roof deck tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material,
(iii) each dwelling unit has its own sprinkler water supply provided in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,"
(iv) a passive purge sprinkler system design is used as described in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," and
(v) where the sprinkler system is taken into consideration for the reduction of limiting distance, all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that adjoin an exposing building face are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemption stated in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes."

(4)If a building contains fewer than 9 sprinklers, the water supply for these sprinklers is permitted to be supplied from the domestic water system for the building provided the required flow for the sprinklers can be met by the domestic system.

(5)If a water supply serves both an automatic sprinkler system and a system serving other equipment, control valves shall be provided so that either system can be shut off independently.

sprinkler system NFPA 13 NFPA 13R NFPA 13D residential occupancy

3.2.5.13

Combustible Sprinkler Piping

(1)Combustible sprinkler piping shall be used only for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies and other light-hazard occupancies.

(2)Combustible sprinkler piping shall meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-C199P, "Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems."

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), combustible sprinkler piping shall be separated from the area served by the sprinkler system, and from any other fire compartment, by ceilings, walls, or soffits consisting of, as a minimum,

(a) lath and plaster,
(b) gypsum board not less than 9.5 mm thick,
(c) plywood not less than 13 mm thick, or
(d) a suspended membrane ceiling with (i) steel suspension grids, and (ii) lay-in panels or tiles having a mass not less than 1.7 kg/m2.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), combustible sprinkler piping may be located above a ceiling, provided that the distance between the edge of any ceiling opening that is not protected in conformance with Sentence (3) and the nearest sprinkler is not more than 300 mm.

(5)Where combustible sprinkler piping has been tested in conformance with ULC/ORD-C199P, "Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems," and has been shown to meet the requirements therein without additional protection, conformance to Sentences (3) and (4) is not required.

combustible piping sprinkler residential light hazard fire protection ceiling

3.2.5.14

Sprinklered Service Space

(1)An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if flooring for access within the service space is other than catwalks.

(2)The sprinkler system required by Sentence (1) shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices, with each device serving not more than 1 storey.

(3)The waterflow detecting devices required by Sentence (2) shall be connected to the fire alarm system, to

(a) initiate an alert signal in a 2-stage system or an alarm signal in a single-stage system, and
(b) indicate separately on the fire alarm system annunciator the actuation of each device.

(4)If a building is sprinklered, sprinkler protection need not be provided in the space below a raised floor in a computer room

(a) if the optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables in this space conform to the test requirements in Article 3.1.5.25.,
(b) if the building is of noncombustible construction and other combustible components are limited to those permitted in Subsection 3.1.5.,
(c) if this space is used to circulate conditioned air and the air handling system is designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a smoke detector,
(d) if all of this space is easily accessible by providing access sections or panels in the raised floor, and
(e) if the computer room is more than 2 000 m2 and the annunciator has separate zone indicators of the actuation of smoke detectors located in this space so that the coverage for each zone is not more than 2 000 m2.

service space sprinkler waterflow fire alarm computer room raised floor

3.2.5.15

Fire Department Connections

(1)The fire department connection for a standpipe system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.

(2)The fire department connection for an automatic sprinkler system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.

fire department connection standpipe sprinkler hydrant access

3.2.5.16

Portable Fire Extinguishers

(1)Portable extinguishers shall be provided and installed in all buildings, except within dwelling units, in conformance with the provisions of Division B of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

(2)In a Group B, Division 1 major occupancy, portable fire extinguishers are permitted to be located in secure areas, or in lockable cabinets provided

(a) identical keys for all cabinets are located at all supervisory or security stations, or
(b) electrical remote release devices are provided and are connected to an emergency power supply.

fire extinguisher portable Group B secure area lockable cabinet emergency power

3.2.5.17

Protection from Freezing

(1)Equipment forming part of a fire protection system shall be protected from freezing if

(a) it could be adversely affected by freezing temperatures, and
(b) it is located in an unheated area.

fire protection freezing equipment unheated area temperature

3.2.5.18

Fire Pumps

(1)If a fire pump is installed, it shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 20, "Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection."

fire pump NFPA 20 stationary pump installation

3.2.6

Additional Requirements for High Buildings

3.2.6.1

Application

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), this Subsection applies to a building

(a) of Group A, D, E or F major occupancy classification that is more than (i) 36 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, or (ii) 18 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, and in which the cumulative or total occupant load on or above any storey above grade, other than the first storey, divided by 1.8 times the width in metres of all exit stairs at that storey, exceeds 300,
(b) containing a Group B major occupancy in which the floor level of the highest storey of that major occupancy is more than 18 m above grade,
(c) containing a floor area or part of a floor area located above the third storey designed or intended as a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy,
(d) containing a Group C major occupancy in which the floor level of the highest storey of that major occupancy is more than 18 m above grade, or
(e) containing a retirement home, where the floor level of the highest storey of the retirement home is more than 18 m above grade.

(2)Except as required by Clause 3.2.6.1.(1)(c), this Subsection applies to a building or part thereof constructed in conformance with Article 3.2.2.57. or 3.2.2.93. in which the floor level of the highest storey is more than 18 m above grade.

high building height limits occupancy retirement home exit stairs

3.2.6.2

Limits to Smoke Movement

(1)A sprinklered building shall be designed in accordance with Sentences (2) to (6) and MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings," to limit the danger to occupants and firefighters from exposure to smoke in a building fire.

(2)A building referred to in Sentence (1), shall be designed so that, during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, each exit stair serving storeys below the lowest exit level will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire floor, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data."

(3)Each stairway that serves storeys above the lowest exit level shall have a vent to the outdoors, at or near the bottom of the stair shaft, that

(a) has an openable area of 0.05 m2 for every door between the stair shaft and a floor area, but not less than 1.8 m2,
(b) opens directly to the outdoors or into a vestibule that has a similar opening to the outdoors, and
(c) has a door or closure that (i) is openable manually, and (ii) can remain in the open position during a fire emergency.

(4)Measures shall be taken to limit movement of smoke from a fire in a floor area below the lowest exit storey into upper storeys.

(5)Except for exhaust fans in kitchens, washrooms and bathrooms in dwelling units, and except for fans used for smoke venting as required by Article 3.2.6.6., air moving fans in a system that serves more than 2 storeys shall be designed and installed so that in the event of a fire these fans can be stopped by means of a manually operated switch at the central alarm and control facility.

(6)Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.12. or where there is a conflict with other smoke control measures in the building, air-handling systems used to provide make-up air to public corridors serving suites in a Group C major occupancy shall not shut down automatically upon activation of the fire alarm so as to maintain corridor pressurization.

(7)A building that is not sprinklered shall be designed in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings," to limit the danger to occupants and firefighters from exposure to smoke in a building fire.

smoke control sprinkler exit stair vent air handling fire safety

3.2.6.3

Connected Buildings

(1)If a building described in Article 3.2.6.1. is connected to any other building, measures shall be taken to limit movement of contaminated air from one building into another during a fire.

connected buildings contaminated air fire smoke movement

3.2.6.4

Emergency Operation of Elevators

(1)Manual emergency recall shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey.

(2)Key-operated switches for emergency recall described by Sentence (1) shall be provided in a conspicuous location at

(a) each elevator lobby on the recall level, and
(b) the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.7.

(3)In-car emergency service switches shall be provided in all elevator cars.

(4)Keys to operate the switches required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall be

(a) provided in a suitably identified box conspicuously located on the outside of an elevator hoistway near the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.7., and
(b) kept at the central alarm and control facility.

(5)In a building that is not sprinklered, automatic emergency recall operation shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey.

(6)The automatic emergency recall feature in Sentence (5) shall be actuated by

(a) smoke detectors installed in each elevator lobby on each storey, or
(b) the building fire alarm system.

(7)Smoke detectors in Sentence (6) shall be designed as part of the building fire alarm system.

elevator emergency recall smoke detector fire alarm key switch

3.2.6.5

Elevator for Use by Firefighters

(1)At least one elevator shall be provided for use by firefighters in conformance with Sentences (2) to (6).

(2)The elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a useable platform area not less than 2.2 m2 and shall be capable of carrying a load of 900 kg to the top floor that it serves from a landing on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. within 1 min.

(3)Except where Measure K of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings," is used, each elevator for use by firefighters shall

(a) be provided with a closure at each shaft opening so that the interlock mechanism remains mechanically engaged and electrical continuity is maintained in the interlock circuits and associated wiring for a period of not less than 1 h when the assembly is subjected to the standard fire exposure described in CAN/ULC-S104, "Standard Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies,"
(b) be protected with a vestibule containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(c) be protected with a corridor containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), an elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall be capable of providing transportation from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. to every floor that is above grade in the building and that is normally served by the elevator system.

(5)If it is necessary to change elevators to reach any floor referred to in Sentence (4), the system shall be designed so that not more than one change of elevator is required when travelling to any floor in the building from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5.

(6)Electrical conductors for the operation of the elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall

(a) be installed in service spaces conforming to Section 3.6. that do not contain other combustible material, or
(b) conform to CAN/ULC-S139, "Standard for Fire Test for Circuit Integrity of Fire-Resistive Power, Instrumentation, Control and Data Cables," including the hose stream application, to provide a circuit integrity rating of not less than 1 h.

firefighter elevator platform area load capacity fire separation electrical conductors

3.2.6.6

Venting to Aid Firefighting

(1)Means of venting each floor area to the outdoors shall be provided by windows, wall panels, smoke shafts or, except as provided by Sentence (5), the building exhaust system.

(2)Fixed glass windows shall not be used for the venting required by Sentence (1) if the breaking of the windows could endanger pedestrians below.

(3)Openable windows used for the venting required by Sentence (1) shall be permanently marked so that they are easily identifiable.

(4)Elevator hoistways shall not be designed for the venting required by Sentence (1).

(5)In a building that is not sprinklered, venting of floor areas required in Sentence (1) shall not be provided by the building exhaust system.

venting firefighting windows smoke shafts exhaust system elevator hoistway

3.2.6.7

Central Alarm and Control Facility

(1)A central alarm and control facility shall be provided on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. in a location that

(a) is readily accessible to firefighters entering the building, and
(b) takes into account the effect of background noise likely to occur under fire emergency conditions, so that the facility can properly perform its required function under such conditions.

(2)The central alarm and control facility required in Sentence (1) shall include

(a) means to control the voice communication system required by Article 3.2.6.8., so that messages can be sent to (i) all loudspeakers simultaneously, (ii) individual floor areas, and (iii) exit stairwells,
(b) means to indicate audibly and visually alert signals and alarm signals and a switch to (i) silence the audible portion of these signals, and (ii) indicate visually that the audible portion has been silenced,
(c) means to indicate visually that elevators are on emergency recall,
(d) an annunciator conforming to Article 3.2.4.8.,
(e) means to transmit alert signals and alarm signals to the fire department in conformance with Article 3.2.4.7.,
(f) means to release hold-open devices on doors to vestibules,
(g) means to manually actuate alarm signals in the building selectively to any zone or zones,
(h) means to silence the alarm signals referred to in Clause (g) in conformance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) and (3),
(i) means, as appropriate to the measure for fire safety provided in the building, to (i) actuate auxiliary equipment identified in Articles 3.2.6.2., 3.2.6.3. and 3.2.6.6., or (ii) communicate with a continually staffed auxiliary equipment control centre,
(j) means for two-way communications with every elevator car,
(k) means to indicate visually, individual sprinkler system waterflow signals,
(l) means to indicate audibly and visually, sprinkler and standpipe system supervisory signals and trouble signals,
(m) a switch to silence the audible portion of a supervisory signal or a trouble signal, and
(n) visual indication that the audible portion of a supervisory signal or a trouble signal has been silenced.

central alarm control facility voice communication annunciator elevator sprinkler

3.2.6.8

Voice Communication System

(1)A voice communication system conforming to Article 3.2.4.22. shall be provided in a building if

(a) the floor of the top storey is more than 36 m above grade,
(b) a floor area or part of a floor area located above the third storey is designed or intended for use as a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, or
(c) a floor area or part of a floor area located more than 18 m above grade is designed or intended for use as a retirement home regulated under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 that is a Group C occupancy.

voice communication high building retirement home Group B Group C

3.2.6.9

Testing

(1)The systems for control of smoke movement and mechanical venting required by Articles 3.2.6.2. and 3.2.6.6. shall be tested to ensure satisfactory operation in accordance with the procedures described in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings."

testing smoke control mechanical venting MMAH standard

3.2.7

Lighting and Emergency Power Systems

3.2.7.1

Minimum Lighting Requirements

(1)An exit, a public corridor, a corridor providing access to exit for the public, a corridor serving patients or residents in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, a corridor serving classrooms, an electrical equipment room, a transformer vault and a hoistway pit shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.

(2)The minimum level of the illumination required by Sentence (1) shall be 10 lx.

(3)Rooms and spaces used by the public shall be equipped to provide illumination as described in Sentences (4) to (7) and Article 9.34.2.7.

(4)The minimum level of illumination over the entire length of escalators and moving walks shall be not less than 100 lx at the level of the treads and walking surfaces.

(5)Except as provided in Sentence (6) and except for light switches and internally illuminated controls, the minimum level of illumination at controls required by Article 3.8.1.5. shall be not less than 100 lx.

(6)Where visual information is provided at controls referred to in Sentence (5), the minimum level of illumination at the controls shall be not less than 200 lx, except where the visual information is internally illuminated.

(7)Except for internally illuminated signs, the minimum level of illumination at signs displaying visual information required by Clauses 3.4.6.10.(5)(b) and 3.4.6.16.(5)(g), Sentence 3.4.6.18.(3), Clause 3.4.6.18.(4)(a) and Articles 3.4.6.19. and 3.8.3.1. shall be not less than 200 lx.

(8)Lighting outlets in a building of residential occupancy shall be provided in conformance with Subsection 9.34.2.

(9)Elevator machine rooms shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of not less than 100 lx at floor level.

(10)Every place of assembly intended for the viewing of motion pictures or the performing arts, shall be equipped to provide an average level of illumination at floor level in the aisles of not less than 2 lx during the viewing.

(11)Every area where food is intended to be processed, prepared or manufactured and where equipment or utensils are intended to be cleaned shall be equipped to provide illumination to a level of not less than 500 lx measured at the floor level.

(12)Every storage room, dressing room, sanitary facility, service area and corridor serving the areas in Sentence (11) shall be equipped to provide illumination to a level of not less than 300 lx measured at the floor level.

lighting illumination lux exit corridor escalator elevator food processing

3.2.7.2

Recessed Lighting Fixtures

(1)A recessed lighting fixture shall not be located in an insulated ceiling unless the fixture is designed for this type of installation.

recessed lighting insulated ceiling fixture installation

3.2.7.3

Emergency Lighting

(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided to an average level of illumination not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level in

(a) exits,
(b) principal routes providing access to exit in open floor areas and in service rooms,
(c) corridors used by the public,
(d) corridors serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy,
(e) reserved,
(f) corridors serving classrooms,
(g) underground walkways,
(h) public corridors,
(i) floor areas or parts of thereof where the public may congregate (i) in Group A, Division 1 occupancies, or (ii) in Group A, Divisions 2 and 3 occupancies having an occupant load of 60 or more,
(j) floor areas or parts of thereof in day care centres where persons are cared for,
(k) food preparation areas in commercial kitchens,
(l) washrooms with fixtures for public use,
(m) locations where doors are equipped with an electromagnetic lock as described in Clauses 3.4.6.16.(5)(k),
(n) universal washrooms required by Article 3.8.3.12. and universal shower rooms required by Article 3.8.3.13.,
(o) principal routes providing access to exit in a floor area that is not subdivided into rooms or suites of rooms served by corridors in a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy, and
(p) internal corridors or aisles serving as principal routes to exits in a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy that is subdivided into rooms or suites of rooms, and is not served by a public corridor.

(2)Emergency lighting to provide an average level of illumination of not less than 10 lx at floor or catwalk level shall be included

(a) in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8), and
(b) on a shelf and rack storage system, in locations described in Sentence 3.16.1.5.(2).

(3)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentences (1) and (2) shall not be less than 1 lx.

(4)In addition to the requirements of Sentences (1) to (3), the installation of battery-operated emergency lighting in health care facilities shall conform to the appropriate requirements of CSA Z32, "Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in health care facilities."

emergency lighting exits corridors washrooms day care health care commercial kitchen

3.2.7.4

Emergency Power for Lighting

(1)An emergency power supply shall be

(a) provided to maintain the emergency lighting required by this Subsection from a power source such as batteries or generators that will continue to supply power in the event that the regular power supply to the building is interrupted, and
(b) so designed and installed that upon failure of the regular power it will assume the electrical load automatically for a period of (i) 2 h for a building within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., (ii) 1 h for a building of Group B major occupancy classification that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., (ii.1) 1 h for a building that contains a Group C major occupancy retirement home and that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., (iii) 1 h for a building within the scope of Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60, and (iv) 30 min for a building of any other occupancy.

(2)If self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency lighting equipment."

emergency power lighting battery generator Group B Group C retirement home

3.2.7.5

Emergency Power Supply Installation

(1)Except as required by Articles 3.2.7.6. and 3.2.7.7., an emergency electrical power supply system shall be installed in conformance with CSA C282, "Emergency electrical power supply for buildings."

(2)Every emergency power supply shall be equipped with an emergency audible and visual trouble indication.

emergency power supply installation CSA C282 trouble indication

3.2.7.6

Emergency Power for Hospitals

(1)Except as required by Article 3.2.7.7., an emergency electrical power supply system for emergency equipment required by this Part for health care facilities shall be installed in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in health care facilities."

emergency power hospital health care CSA Z32

3.2.7.7

Fuel Supply Shut-Off Valves and Exhaust Pipes

(1)If a liquid or gas fuel-fired engine or turbine for an emergency electric power supply is dependent on a fuel supply from outside the building, the fuel supply shall be provided with a suitably-identified separate shut-off valve outside the building.

(2)Where pipes for exhaust gases from emergency power systems penetrate required fire separations, they shall be enclosed in a separate service space having a fire-resistance rating equal to that of the penetrated floor assembly, but not less than 45 min.

fuel supply shut-off valve exhaust pipe fire separation emergency power

3.2.7.8

Emergency Power for Fire Alarm Systems

(1)Fire alarm systems, including those incorporating a voice communication system, shall be provided with an emergency power supply conforming to Sentences (2) to (4).

(2)The emergency power supply required by Sentence (1) shall be supplied from

(a) a generator,
(b) batteries, or
(c) a combination thereof.

(3)The emergency power supply required by Sentence (1) shall be capable of providing

(a) supervisory power for not less than 24 h, and
(b) immediately following that period, emergency power under full load for not less than (i) 2 h for a building within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., (ii) 1 h for a building classified as Group B major occupancy that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., (ii.1) 1 h for a building that contains a Group C major occupancy retirement home and that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6., (iii) 1 h for a building within the scope of Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60., (iv) 5 min for a building not required to be equipped with an annunciator, and (v) 30 min for any other building.

(4)The emergency power supply required by Sentence (1) shall be designed so that, in the event of a failure of the normal power source, there is an immediate automatic transfer to emergency power with no loss of information.

fire alarm emergency power voice communication generator battery supervisory power

3.2.7.9

Emergency Power for Building Services

(1)An emergency power supply capable of operating under a full load for not less than 2 h shall be provided by an emergency generator for

(a) every elevator serving storeys above the first storey in a building that is more than 36 m high measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey and every elevator for firefighters in conformance with Sentence (2),
(b) except as provided in Sentence (4), equipment that supplies water for fire suppression as required by Articles 3.2.5.7. and 3.2.5.8. and Sentences 3.2.5.12.(1) and (2) and 3.2.5.18.(1), if the supply depends solely on electrical power supplied to the building,
(c) fans and other electrical equipment that are installed to maintain the air quality specified in Articles 3.2.6.2. and 3.3.3.6.,
(d) fans required for venting by Article 3.2.6.6., and
(e) fans required by Clause 3.2.8.4.(1)(c) and Article 3.2.8.7. in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the emergency power supply for elevators required by Clause (1)(a) shall be capable of operating all elevators for firefighters plus one additional elevator simultaneously.

(3)Sentence (2) does not apply if the time to recall all elevators under emergency power supply is not more than 5 min, each from its most remote storey to

(a) the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4 and 3.2.5.5., or
(b) to a transfer lobby.

(4)The emergency power supply required by Clause (1)(b) for the equipment that supplies water for fire suppression need not be provided for sprinkler systems conforming to NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes."

emergency power building services elevator fire suppression fans air quality

3.2.7.10

Protection of Electrical Conductors

(1)The protection of electrical and emergency conductors referred to in Clauses (a) to (c) shall conform to the requirements stated in Sentences (2) to (11):

(a) electrical conductors located within buildings identified in Article 3.2.6.1. serving (i) fire alarms, (ii) emergency lighting, or (ii) emergency equipment within the scope of Articles 3.2.6.2. to 3.2.6.8.,
(b) emergency conductors serving fire pumps required to be installed under Article 3.2.5.18., and
(c) emergency conductors serving mechanical systems serving (i) areas of refuge identified in Clause 3.3.3.6.(1)(b), or (ii) contained use areas referred to in Clauses 3.3.3.7.(4)(a) and (b).

(2)Except as otherwise required by Sentence (3) and permitted by this Article, electrical conductors that are used in conjunction with systems identified in Sentence (1) shall

(a) conform to CAN/ULC-S139, "Standard for Fire Test for Circuit Integrity of Fire-Resistive Power, Instrumentation, Control and Data Cables," including the hose stream application, to provide a circuit integrity rating of not less than 1 h, or
(b) be located in a service space that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.

(3)Electrical conductors identified in Clause (1)(c) shall

(a) conform to CAN/ULC-S139, "Standard for Fire Test for Circuit Integrity of Fire-Resistive Power, Instrumentation, Control and Data Cables," including the hose stream application, to provide a circuit integrity rating of not less than 2 h, or
(b) be located in a service space that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(4)The service spaces referred to in Clause (2)(b) and (3)(b) shall not contain any combustible materials other than the electrical conductors being protected.

(5)Except as permitted by Sentences (7) and (9), the electrical conductors referred to in Sentence (1) are those that extend from the source of emergency power to

(a) the equipment served, or
(b) the distribution equipment supplying power to the equipment served, if both are in the same room.

(6)If a fire alarm transponder or annunciator located in one fire compartment is connected to a central processing unit or another transponder or annunciator located in a different fire compartment, the electrical conductors connecting them shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (2).

(7)Fire alarm system branch circuits within a storey that connect transponders and individual devices need not conform to Sentence (2).

(8)Except as permitted in Sentence (9), if a distribution panel supplies power to emergency lighting, the power supply conductors leading up to the distribution panel shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (2).

(9)Conductors leading from a distribution panel referred to in Sentence (8) to emergency lighting units in the same storey need not conform to Sentence (2).

(10)Distribution panels serving emergency lighting units located on other storeys shall be installed in a service room separated from the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h.

(11)Conductors leading from a distribution panel to emergency lighting units located on other storeys shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (2) between the distribution panel and the floor area where the emergency lighting units are located.

electrical conductors fire protection circuit integrity service space fire alarm emergency lighting

3.2.8

Mezzanines and Openings Through Floor Assemblies

3.2.8.1

Application

(1)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.8.2. and Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the portions of a floor area or a mezzanine that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a firewall or a vertical shaft shall

(a) terminate at a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly and extending from the floor assembly to the underside of the floor or roof assembly above, or
(b) be protected in conformance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8.

(2)The penetration of a floor assembly by an exit or a vertical service space shall conform to the requirements of Sections 3.4., 3.5. and 3.6.

(3)A floor area containing sleeping rooms in a building of Group B, Division 2 major occupancy shall not be constructed as part of an interconnected floor space.

mezzanine floor assembly fire separation vertical shaft sleeping rooms interconnected floor space

3.2.8.2

Exceptions to Special Protection

(1)A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation nor be protected in conformance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. provided the mezzanine

(a) serves a Group A, Division 1 major occupancy,
(b) serves a Group A, Division 3 major occupancy in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, or

mezzanine Group A fire separation building height special protection

3.2.8.3

Sprinklers

(1)A building containing an interconnected floor space shall be sprinklered throughout.

(2)Except for large floor openings as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," closely spaced sprinklers and associated draft stops shall be installed around floor openings in conformance with NFPA 13.

sprinkler fire protection floor opening draft stop

3.2.8.4

Vestibules

(1)An exit opening into an interconnected floor space shall be protected at each opening into the interconnected floor space by a vestibule

(a) with doorways that are not less than 1.8 m apart,
(b) that is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, and
(c) that is designed to limit the passage of smoke so that the exit stair shaft does not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire floor, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data."

(2)An exit opening into an interconnected floor space shall conform to Sentence 3.4.3.2.(6).

(3)If an elevator hoistway opens into an interconnected floor space and into storeys above the interconnected floor space, either the elevator doors opening into the interconnected floor space or the elevator doors opening into the storeys above the interconnected floor space shall be protected by vestibules conforming to Sentence (1).

vestibule smoke control exit elevator

3.2.8.5

Protected Floor Space

(1)A protected floor space used to satisfy the requirements of Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(b) shall

(a) be separated from the interconnected floor space by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly of the storey in which it is located,
(b) have all openings in the vertical fire separation between a protected floor space and the adjacent interconnected floor space protected by vestibules conforming to Sentence 3.2.8.4.(1), and
(c) be designed so that it is not necessary to enter the interconnected floor space to reach an exit.

protected floor space fire separation exit

3.2.8.6

Draft Stops

(1)A draft stop shall be provided at each floor level within an interconnected floor space, immediately adjacent to and surrounding the opening, and shall be not less than 500 mm deep measured from ceiling level down to the underside of the draft stop.

draft stop fire protection ceiling

3.2.8.7

Mechanical Exhaust System

(1)A mechanical exhaust system shall be provided to remove air from an interconnected floor space at a rate of 4 air changes per hour.

(2)The mechanical exhaust system required by Sentence (1) shall be actuated by a switch located on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. near the annunciator for the fire alarm system.

exhaust system ventilation firefighter access fire alarm

3.2.8.8

Combustible Content Limits

(1)An interconnected floor space shall be designed so that the combustible contents, excluding interior finishes, in those parts of a floor area in which the ceiling is more than 8 m above the floor, are limited to not more than 16 g of combustible material for each cubic metre of volume of the interconnected floor space.

combustible content fire load interior finishes

3.2.9

Testing of Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

3.2.9.1

Testing

(1)Where fire protection and life safety systems, and systems with fire protection and life safety functions, are integrated with each other, the systems shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, "Standard for Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems", to verify that they have been properly integrated.

testing fire protection life safety integrated systems