Safety Within Floor Areas

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), each suite in other than business and personal services occupancies shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(3)Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the occupancies are

• (a) suites of business and personal services occupancy,
• (b) fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,
• (c) suites of mercantile occupancy, or
• (d) any combination of these occupancies.

(1)Except as provided in Subsections 3.3.5. and 3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of the hazardous substances shall be in conformance with

• (a) the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or
• (b) the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada," in the absence of regulations referred to in Clause (a).

(2)Systems for the ventilation of cooking equipment that is not within a dwelling unit and is used in processes producing grease-laden vapours shall be designed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.6.3.5., 6.3.1.6. and 6.9.1.3.

(3)A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.

(1)Access to exit within floor areas shall conform to Subsections 3.3.2. to 3.3.5., in addition to the requirements of this Subsection.

(2)If a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1) for rooms and suites.

(3)Means of egress shall be provided from every roof that is intended for occupancy, and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space.

(4)At least two separate means of egress shall be provided from a roof, used or intended for an occupant load more than 60, to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements regarding exit stairs stated in Section 3.4.

(5)A rooftop enclosure shall be provided with an access to exit that leads to an exit

• (a) at the roof level, or
• (b) on the storey immediately below the roof.

(6)A rooftop enclosure which is more than 200 m2 in area shall be provided with at least 2 means of egress.

(7)Two points of egress shall be provided for a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if

• (a) the area is more than 200 m2, or
• (b) the travel distance measured from any point in the service space to a point of egress is more than 25 m.

(8)Except as required by Sentence 3.3.4.4.(8) and permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.4.(5) and (6), each suite in a floor area that contains more than one suite shall have

• (a) an exterior exit doorway, or
• (b) a doorway, (i) into a public corridor, or (ii) to an exterior passageway.

(9)Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to in Sentence (8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exits.

(10)Means of egress from a roof for personnel servicing roof top equipment or for a below ground service room that is not normally occupied, is permitted to be provided by stairways or fixed ladders.

(1)Except as otherwise required by this Part or as permitted by Sentence (4), a public corridor shall be separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and Clauses (4)(a) and (b), the fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.

(3)If a storey is sprinklered throughout, no fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey, provided the corridor does not serve a care, care and treatment, detention or residential occupancy.

(4)No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and

• (a) except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.5.(9) and 3.3.4.2.(1) and notwithstanding Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2), the remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more than 45 m.,
• (b) a room or suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence 3.3.1.9.(4) and Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or
• (c) a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Subsection 3.7.4. provided the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.

(1)Except for dwelling units, a minimum of 2 egress doorways located so that one doorway could provide egress from the room or suite as required by Article 3.3.1.3. if the other doorway becomes inaccessible to the occupants due to a fire that originates in the room or suite, shall be provided for every room and every suite

• (a) whose area is more than 15 m2 and is used for (i) a high-hazard industrial occupancy, or (ii) a hazardous room,
• (b) intended for an occupant load more than 60,
• (c) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout and (i) the area of a room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.-A, or (ii) the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway, is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.-A,
• (d) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout and does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy and (i) the travel distance to an egress doorway is more than 25 m, or (ii) the area of the room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.-B, or
• (e) where the area of the room is more than 100 m2 and it is a hazardous classroom in elementary or secondary school.

(2)Where 2 egress doorways are required by Sentence (1), they shall be placed at a distance from one another equal to or greater than one third of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area to be served, measured as the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the nearest required egress doors.

(3)Every room containing an assembly occupancy serving a hotel, and located in the building containing the hotel, shall be provided with no fewer than

• (a) three separate egress doorways from the room where the occupant load is more than 600 persons, and
• (b) four separate egress doorways from the room where the occupant load is more than 1 000 persons

(4)Each egress doorway in Sentence (3) shall be considered as contributing not more than,

• (a) one-third of the required width where three egress doorways are required, and
• (b) one-fourth of the required width where four egress doorways are required.

(1)If more than one egress doorway is required from a room or suite referred to in Article 3.3.1.5., the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway shall not exceed the maximum travel distances specified in Clauses 3.4.2.5.(1)(a), (b), (c) and (f) for exits.

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (1.1) and (1.2), every floor area above or below the first storey that has a barrier-free path of travel shall

• (a) be served by an elevator (i) conforming to Sentences 3.2.6.5.(4) to (6), (ii) protected against fire in conformance with Clause 3.2.6.5.(3)(b) or (c), and (iii) in a building over 3 storeys in building height, protected against smoke movement so that the hoistway will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from a fire floor during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, 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," or
• (b) be divided into at least 2 zones by fire separations conforming to Sentences (2) and (3) and 3.1.8.5.(6) so that, (i) persons with physical disabilities can be accommodated in each zone, (ii) the travel distance from any point in one zone to a doorway leading to another zone shall be not more than the value for travel distance permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.5.(1) for the occupancy classification of the zone, and (iii) a barrier-free path of travel is provided to an exit.

(2)In residential occupancies, the requirements of Sentence (1) are waived if a balcony conforming to Sentence (4) is provided for each suite, except for suites on the storey containing the barrier-free entrance described in Article 3.8.1.2.

(3)The requirements of Sentences (1) and (1.1) are waived when the building is sprinklered throughout.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the fire separations referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(5)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separations referred to in Clause (1)(b) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(6)A balcony required by Sentence (1.1) shall

• (a) be provided with a doorway having a clear width of not less that 800 mm when the door is in the open position,
• (b) have no projection above the walking surface more than 13 mm,
• (c) be not less than 1.5 m deep from the outside face of the exterior wall to the inside edge of the balcony, and
• (d) provide not less than 0.5 m2 for each occupant of the suite.

(1)Except within the floor area of a storage garage, the minimum headroom clearance in every access to exit shall conform to the requirements of Article 3.4.3.4. for exits.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and except for paths of travel in service rooms and dwelling units, protruding building elements located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project more than 100 mm horizontally into paths of travel in a manner that would create a hazard.

(3)The horizontal projection of a protruding building element referred to in Sentence (2) is permitted to be more than 100 mm, provided the clearance between the protruding element and the floor is less than 680 mm.

(1)The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1 100 mm.

(2)Except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.3.(2) and (3), the minimum unobstructed width shall be 1 100 mm for every

• (a) corridor used by the public,
• (b) corridor serving classrooms, and
• (c) corridor in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy where the corridor (i) serves a service room, (ii) serves an administrative area, (iii) will not be used by non-ambulatory outpatients, or (iv) will not be used by non-ambulatory residents.

(3)If a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than its required width.

(4)If a public corridor conforming to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,

• (a) the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3 m at all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and
• (b) the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than 15% of the area of the public corridor.

(5)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.3.3.(1), a dead-end corridor shall conform to Sentences (6) to (12).

(6)A dead-end corridor is permitted in an assembly occupancy where there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.

(7)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(10) and except for corridors served by a single exit as described in Sentence 3.3.4.4.(6), a dead-end public corridor is permitted in a residential occupancy provided it is not more than 6 m long.

(8)Dead-end corridors in Sentence (7) shall contain no door openings to service rooms containing fuel-fired appliances or rooms that may be considered a hazard.

(9)A dead-end public corridor is permitted in a business and personal services occupancy where

• (a) the dead-end corridor (i) serves an occupant load of not more than 30 persons, (ii) is not more than 9 m long, and (iii) is provided with doors having self-closing devices, or
• (b) there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.

(10)A dead-end corridor is permitted in a mercantile occupancy where

• (a) the dead-end corridor (i) serves an occupant load of not more than 30 persons, (ii) is not more than 9 m long, and (iii) is provided with doors having self-closing devices, or
• (b) there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.

(11)A dead-end corridor is permitted in a low- or medium-hazard industrial occupancy where

• (a) the dead-end corridor (i) serves an occupant load of not more than 30 persons, (ii) is not more than 9 m long, and (iii) is provided with doors having self-closing devices, or
• (b) there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.

(12)A dead-end corridor is permitted in a high-hazard industrial occupancy where there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.

(1)Except as otherwise required by this Section, aisles shall be provided in conformance with the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (5) and Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite, shall swing on a vertical axis.

(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a room or suite shall swing in the direction of travel to the exit if the room or suite is used or intended for

• (a) an occupant load more than 60,
• (b) a high-hazard industrial occupancy, or
• (c) a hazardous classroom in an elementary or secondary school.

(3)Every door that divides a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit where the corridor provides access to exit for

• (a) an occupant load more than 60,
• (b) a high-hazard industrial occupancy,
• (c) a hazardous classroom in an elementary or secondary school,
• (d) a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, or
• (e) a retirement home.

(4)If a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall swing in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand side swinging in the direction of travel to the exit.

(5)Doors that serve individual storage spaces not more than 28 m2 in area in self-service storage buildings need not conform to Sentence (1).

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.3.1.11.(5), a sliding door provided in the locations described in Article 3.3.1.11. shall

• (a) be designed and installed to swing on the vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit when pressure is applied, and
• (b) be identified as a swinging door by means of a label or decal affixed to it.

(2)In a Group B, Division 1 occupancy, or in an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, sliding doors used in an access to exit need not conform to Sentence (1) and Article 3.3.1.11.

(3)Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence (1) and Sentences 3.3.1.11.(1) and (2) provided the partitions are not located in the only means of egress.

(1)Except as required by Article 3.3.3.4. and Sentences 3.3.4.11.(11), 3.8.3.3.(1) and (2), a door that opens into or is located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall

• (a) provide a clear opening of not less than 850 mm, if there is only one door leaf,
• (b) in a doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 850 mm,
• (c) not open onto a step, and
• (d) have a threshold not more than 13 mm higher than the floor surface, except where (i) the threshold is used to contain spillage, or (ii) the doorway provides access to an exterior balcony, other than a balcony required by Sentence 3.3.1.7.(2).

(2)Except as provided in Sentences (6) and (7), a door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), door release hardware shall be operable by one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation.

(4)Except in a retirement home, an egress door from an individual dwelling unit or from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be provided with additional devices that require a releasing operation additional to the main door release hardware, provided the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use of keys, special devices or specialized knowledge.

(5)Door release hardware shall be installed not more than 900 mm and 1 100 mm above the finished floor.

(6)An egress door in an access to exit serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be equipped with locking devices, provided they can be released either locally or remotely in conformance with Sentence (8) or (9).

(7)A door in an access to exit is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.16.(5), except that this permission does not apply to a door

• (a) in an elementary or secondary school,
• (b) a door leading from a Group F, Division 1 occupancy, or
• (c) except as provided in Sentence (11), requiring a latch release device by Article 3.3.2.6.

(8)Local locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.

(9)Controls for the remote release of door locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be located in an area readily available to security personnel.

(10)Locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) that are electrically operated shall be

• (a) designed to operate on emergency power, and
• (b) capable of manual release by security personnel.

(11)A door in an access to exit in a gaming premise is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device conforming to Sentences 3.4.6.16.(5) and (8).

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), Article 3.3.4.7. and Subsection 3.3.2., ramps and stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles 3.4.3.4., and 3.4.6.1. to 3.4.6.9.

(2)Ramps and stairways that serve service rooms, service spaces or industrial occupancies need not comply with Sentence (1), provided

• (a) they are intended only for occasional use for servicing equipment and machinery, and
• (b) they do not serve as exits.

(1)An exterior passageway leading to a required exit shall conform to the requirements of Section 3.4. for exterior exit passageways.

(1)Flights of stairs shall consist solely of

• (a) straight flights, or
• (b) curved flights complying with Sentence (2).

(2)Tapered treads in a curved flight that is not required as an exit shall have

• (a) a minimum run of 150 mm,
• (b) a run not less than 280 mm when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail at the narrow end of the tread, and
• (c) a riser conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.8.(2).

(3)Tapered treads shall have a consistent angle and uniform run and rise dimensions in accordance with the construction tolerances described in Article 3.4.6.8. when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail at the narrow end of the tread.

(4)All tapered treads within a flight shall turn in the same direction.

(1)The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served.

(2)In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than 1 in 8, doorways, and corridors shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm per person.

(3)In an access to exit the required width of a ramp with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be based on not less than 9.2 mm per person.

(4)In an access to exit from a floor area used or intended to be used for patients or residents in a Group B, Division 2 or Division 3 occupancy, the required width of corridors, doorways, and ramps shall be based on not less than 18.4 mm per person.

(5)The capacity of stairs in an access to exit shall conform to the requirements for stairs in Sentences 3.4.3.2.(1) to (3).

(6)In a building that is not sprinklered throughout in accordance with Sentence 3.2.5.12.(1), an access to exit that is part of the principal entrance serving a dance hall or a licensed beverage establishment with an occupant load more than 250 shall be at least one-half of the required exit width.

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (5) and (6) and Articles 3.3.2.9. and 3.3.4.7., a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided

• (a) around each roof to which access is provided for other than maintenance,
• (b) at openings into smoke shafts referred to in Subsection 3.2.6. that are less than 1 070 mm above the floor, and
• (c) at each raised floor, mezzanine, balcony, gallery, interior or exterior vehicular ramp, and at other locations where (See Note A-9.8.8.1.) (i) the difference in level is more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface, or (ii) the adjacent surface within 1.2 m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2, and
• (d) except as provided in Sentence (6), around each skylight located in a portion of a roof that is intended to be occupied.

(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) and 3.3.2.9.(4), openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard.

(2.1)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.3.5.10.(1), openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) and that is installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size which will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard.

(3)Openings through any guard that is not required by Sentence (1) and that serves a building of other than industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that

• (a) will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 mm, or
• (b) will permit the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed these limits do not represent a hazard.

(4)Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a hazard, a guard shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the level protected by the guard will facilitate climbing.

(5)Sentence (1) does not apply

• (a) to the front edges of stages,
• (b) to loading docks,
• (c) to floor pits in repair garages, or
• (d) where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.

(6)Clause (1)(d) does not apply to a skylight that

• (a) is designed to support the loads specified in Part 4, or
• (b) is provided with a skylight screen that (i) has openings not more than 100 mm wide, and (ii) can resist a concentrated load of 1.3 kN applied perpendicular at any point on the screen, without the deflection from this loading resulting in the breakage of the skylight glazing.

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), tactile attention indicators conforming to Article 3.8.3.18., shall be installed

• (a) at the top of flights of stairs that are unenclosed, and
• (b) at drop-off edges with a change in elevation greater than 300 mm that are unprotected by a guard.

(2)Sentence (1) does not apply to service spaces, bleachers addressed in Subsection 3.3.2., stages, loading docks, industrial occupancies, within dwelling units, and to stairs and drop-off edges serving not more than two dwelling units.

(1)Except for dwelling units and as permitted by Sentence (5), a glass or transparent door shall be designed and constructed so that the existence and position of the door is readily apparent, by attaching visually contrasting hardware, bars or other permanent fixtures to it.

(2)Fully glazed transparent doors, and fully glazed transparent sidelights and panels with widths greater than 300 mm, shall be marked in conformance with Sentence 3.8.3.3.(15).

(3)A glass door shall be constructed of

• (a) laminated or tempered safety glazing conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1, "Safety Glazing," or
• (b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, "Wired Safety Glass."

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), transparent panels used in an access to exit that, because of their physical configuration or design, could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings.

(5)Sliding glass partitions that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are open during normal working hours need not conform to Sentences (1) and (4), provided the partitions are suitably marked in conformance with Sentence (2) to indicate their existence and position.

(6)Glass in a vision panel in a door or in a transparent sidelight shall conform to Sentence 3.8.3.3.(14).

(7)Glass in doors and glass sidelights that could be mistaken for doors, within or at the entrances to dwelling units and in public areas, shall conform to the requirements of Article 9.6.1.4.

(8)A window in a public area that extends to less than 1 000 mm above the floor and is located above the second storey in a building of residential occupancy, shall be protected by a barrier or railing from the floor to not less than 1 070 mm above the floor, or the window shall be non-openable and designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony guards required by Article 4.1.5.14.

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), an exhaust ventilation system designed in conformance with the appropriate requirements of Part 6 shall be provided in a building or part of a building in which dust, fumes, gases, vapour or other impurities or contaminants have the potential to create a fire or explosion hazard. (See also Article 4.2.4.13.)

(2)Where a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating is penetrated by a ventilation system required by Sentence (1) for power-ventilated enclosures in laboratories, the ducts shall be

• (a) continuously enclosed from the first penetrated fire separation to any subsequent fire separations or concealed spaces and all the way through to the outdoors so that the highest fire-resistance rating of all the penetrated fire separations is maintained, and
• (b) exempted from the requirement to be equipped with a fire damper, smoke damper and combination smoke/fire damper as stated in Article 3.1.8.7.

(3)Explosion relief devices, vents or other protective measures conforming to Subsection 6.3.1. and Article 6.9.1.2. shall be provided for a space in which substances or conditions that have the potential to create an explosion hazard are present as a result of the principal use of a building.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial supplies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(3)The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the room or space is located is sprinklered throughout.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor area that is not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(3)The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the laundry room is located is sprinklered throughout.

(1)No obstruction shall be permitted in any occupancy that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress from any part of a floor area to less than 750 mm unless an alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to, accessible from, and plainly visible from the obstructed means of egress. (See Note A-3.3.1.24.(1))

(1)Illuminated signs conforming to Sentence 3.4.5.1.(2) and (6) shall be provided to indicate the direction to egress points in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8).

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), welding and cutting operations shall be carried out in a room

• (a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, or
• (b) protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system.

(2)Sentence (1) shall not apply to industrial occupancies where the welding and cutting operations do not present a fire or explosion hazard to adjacent areas.

(1)This Subsection applies to assembly occupancies and to outdoor places of assembly.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the seating area of a Group A, Division 1 occupancy shall be separated from adjacent occupancies in the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h if the occupant load in the seating area exceeds 200.

(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(3)If usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena-type buildings, a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min shall be provided between the space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered.

(4)Except as required in Sentences (5) to (7), in an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

• (a) 1 h where the building is not sprinklered, or
• (b) 30 min where the building is sprinklered throughout.

(5)Except as provided in Sentence (6), in an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom containing an auto repair shop shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

• (a) 2 h where the building is not sprinklered, or
• (b) 1 h where the building is sprinklered throughout.

(6)In an elementary or secondary school, if there is a group of hazardous classrooms or a group of hazardous classrooms and ancillary rooms of a complementary use, the fire separation required by Sentence (4) or (5) need not be provided within the group but the fire separation is required between the group and the remainder of the building.

(7)In an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom containing a spray painting operation shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

• (a) 2 h, or
• (b) 1 h where the spray painting operation is separated from the classroom by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(8)Except as required in Sentence (9), in an elementary or secondary school, where the occupant load of a room exceeds 200 persons, the room and any ancillary rooms of a complementary use shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

• (a) 1 h where the building is not sprinklered, or
• (b) 30 min where the building is sprinklered throughout.

(9)A kitchen shall not be located within the fire compartment required in Sentence (8).

(1)Except for the requirements of Article 3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by Sentence (2) and Articles 3.3.2.11. and 3.3.2.12., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be

• (a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser,
• (b) provided with arms and back, and
• (c) arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage not less than 400 mm wide measured horizontally between plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the seats in the next row in the unoccupied position.

(2)For fixed seats with backs and with folding tablet arms, the value of 400 mm required by Clause (1)(c) shall be measured when the tablet arms are in the use position, but is permitted to be measured in the stored position provided

• (a) there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle,
• (b) the seats are located in a lecture hall or an auditorium used for instructional purposes, and
• (c) the tablet arm, when raised manually to a vertical position, falls by the force of gravity to the stored position.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentences (4) and (5), aisles shall be located so that there are not more than 7 seats with backs or 20 seats without backs between any seat and the nearest aisle.

(4)The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if

• (a) egress doorways are provided to serve both ends of rows of seats,
• (b) each doorway referred to in Clause (a) serves not more than 3 rows of seats, and
• (c) each row contains not more than 100 seats.

(5)The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if

• (a) there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, where the seats are served by a single aisle,
• (b) there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, where the seats are served by two aisles,
• (c) each row has an unobstructed passage with minimum width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above 16 seats in the row, and
• (d) the travel distance is not more than 45 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit or to an egress doorway.

(6)Seating arrangements that do not conform to the requirements of Sentences (3) to (5) are permitted provided the standard of safety is not reduced and the time required for egress is not increased.

(1)Except as required by Articles, 3.3.2.11. and 3.3.2.12., aisles leading to egress doors or exits shall be provided in conformance with Sentences (2) to (27) in places of assembly that contain fixed seats.

(2)In this Subsection, a converging aisle is an aisle into which the occupants of two or more aisles converge in travelling to an exit.

(3)An aisle shall terminate at

• (a) a converging aisle,
• (b) an egress doorway from the seating area, or
• (c) an exit from the seating area.

(4)A converging aisle shall terminate at

• (a) an egress doorway from the seating area, or
• (b) an exit from the seating area.

(5)The minimum clear width of aisles shall be not less than 1 100 mm, except that the width is permitted to be reduced to not less than

• (a) 750 mm if serving not more than 60 seats, and
• (b) 900 mm if serving seats on one side only.

(6)The minimum clear width of each aisle shall be measured at the point in the aisle furthest from

• (a) an egress doorway referred to in Clause (15)(a),
• (b) an exit referred to in Clause (15)(b), or
• (c) an exit referred to in Sentence (16).

(7)Except for an aisle serving bleacher seats, where rows of seats discharge into an aisle, the minimum clear width required by Sentence (5) shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of length of the aisle measured in the direction towards an exit.

(8)The width of a converging aisle shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.

(9)If rows of seats discharge directly into the converging aisle, the width required by Sentence (8) shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of length of the aisle where the rows of seats discharge into the aisle.

(10)The width of an egress doorway or an exit leading directly from the seating area shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle or converging aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles and converging aisles that it serves.

(11)The requirements in Sentences (5) to (10) and (17) do not apply if

• (a) the minimum clear width of an aisle is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but is not less than 900 mm if serving seats on one side only,
• (b) the minimum clear width of an aisle is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but is not less than 1 200 mm if serving seats on both sides,
• (c) the minimum clear width of a converging aisle is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but not less than the width of the widest aisle leading to the converging aisle,
• (d) the minimum clear width of an exit leading directly from the seating area is in accordance with Article 3.4.3.2.,
• (e) except as provided in Clause (f), the minimum clear width of an egress doorway leading directly from the seating area is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but not less than the required width of the aisle or the converging aisle leading to the doorway, and
• (f) if more than one vomitory is provided (i) the minimum total clear width of the egress doorways leading from one vomitory is not less than the required width of the aisle or the converging aisle leading to the doorways, and (ii) the minimum clear width of egress doorways from additional vomitories is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17.

(12)Except as provided in Sentences (13) and (14), dead-end aisles shall be not more than 6 m long.

(13)Dead-end aisles are permitted to be more than 6 m long, but not more than 10 m long if

• (a) the seating area is separated from other seating areas and adjacent occupancies, including a corridor serving any seating area, by a fire separation in accordance with Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2),
• (b) the travel distance is not more than 25 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit, to an egress doorway or to an opening into a vomitory,
• (c) at least one means of egress, comprising not less than 30 percent of the required exit capacity, is through an exterior exit, an exit stairway or a corridor not containing an occupancy,
• (d) each row served by the dead-end aisle has a minimum unobstructed width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above seven seats in a row, but not more than 550 mm,
• (e) the minimum ceiling height above the seating area is 3 m,
• (f) the activation of a fire detector or a sprinkler head in the seating area will (i) cause the shutdown of the projection system serving the seating area, and (ii) turn on the normal lighting in the seating area, and
• (g) the floor area is sprinklered.

(14)Dead-end aisles are permitted to be more than 10 m long, but not more than 13 m long if

• (a) the seating area is separated from other seating areas and adjacent occupancies, including a corridor serving any seating area, by a fire separation in accordance with Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2),
• (b) the travel distance is not more than 25 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit, to an egress doorway or to an opening into a vomitory,
• (c) at least one means of egress, comprising not less than 30 percent of the required exit capacity, is through an exterior exit, an exit stairway or a corridor not containing an occupancy,
• (d) each row served by a dead-end aisle has a minimum unobstructed width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above seven seats in a row, but not more than 550 mm,
• (e) the activation of a fire detector or a sprinkler head in the seating area will (i) cause the shutdown of the projection system serving the seating area, and (ii) turn on the normal lighting in the seating area,
• (f) a voice communication system is installed in conformance with Article 3.2.4.22.,
• (g) a smoke control system is installed to control movement of smoke in the seating area or a smoke exhaust system is provided so that, in the event of detection of smoke by a smoke detector in the seating area, air handling equipment is activated to extract air directly from the seating area at the rate of at least six air changes per hour, and
• (h) the floor area is sprinklered.

(15)Where a seating area is separated as required by Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2) or 3.3.2.2.(8), the length of travel by any aisle shall be not more than 45 m measured from the most remote point of the aisle to

• (a) an egress doorway in the required separation, or
• (b) an exit leading directly from the seating area.

(16)Where a seating area is not required to be separated by Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2) or 3.3.2.2.(8), the travel distance shall be not more than 45 m measured from the most remote point of the aisle to an exit.

(17)Side aisles shall be not less than 1 100 mm wide if seating is provided in conformance with Sentence 3.3.2.3.(4).

(18)An aisle that has a slope not more than 1 in 8 shall not be stepped.

(19)An aisle that slopes more than 1 in 8 shall be stepped.

(20)The passageway between rows of seats served by a stepped aisle shall be level at right angles to the line of travel.

(21)The riser of a step in an aisle shall be

• (a) not less than 110 mm high, and
• (b) not more than 200 mm high.

(22)Variations are permitted in riser height provided

• (a) the height of adjacent risers does not vary by more than 6 mm, and
• (b) the depth of a tread or a platform in the direction of travel is not less than 430 mm.

(23)Steps in an aisle shall

• (a) have a run not less than 230 mm exclusive of nosings,
• (b) have a tread depth not less than 250 mm,
• (c) extend to the adjacent rows of seats in a manner that will not create a hazard from tripping, and
• (d) have a finish on the treads conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

(24)The location of every riser in an aisle shall be made apparent from both directions of travel by strategically placed lighting or contrasting marking stripes.

(25)A platform in an aisle shall be level, except that a slope not more than 1 in 50 is permitted for a platform that is not less than 430 mm deep in the direction of exit travel.

(26)If a step is used at the entry to a row of seats from a stepped aisle, an unobstructed platform not less than 800 mm square shall be provided adjacent to the aisle.

(27)The finish of the surface of a platform in or adjacent to a stepped aisle shall conform to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy as an access to exit shall be separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(3)The fire-resistance rating required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the floor area in which the corridor is located is sprinklered throughout.

(4)The requirement for a fire separation stated in Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit does not exceed the travel distance permitted by Article 3.4.2.5.

(1)A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of assembly occupancy containing an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that complies with Sentence 3.4.6.16.(3).

(1)If fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the seat width per person shall be assumed to be 450 mm.

(2)The centre-to-centre spacing between rows of bench-type seats shall be not less than 760 mm if back rests are provided, and not less than 550 mm if back rests are not provided.

(3)A clear space of not less than 300 mm shall be provided between the back of each seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it.

(1)Except as required by Sentences (2) to (4) for bleacher seats, guards shall be installed in outdoor and indoor places of assembly with fixed seats so that

• (a) at the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the edge, the height of guards is not less than (i) 760 mm in front of the seats, and (ii) 920 mm if located at the end of aisles or at the foot of steps,
• (b) the height of guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery is not less than 660 mm, except that guards need not be provided if the backs of the seats along the front side of the aisle are not less than 600 mm above the floor of the aisle, and
• (c) where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise between platforms is more than 450 mm, the height of guards is not less than 660 mm along the entire row of seats at the edge of the platform.

(2)The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1 200 mm above the ground or floor that are not adjacent to a wall shall be protected with a guard

• (a) not less than 1 070 mm high above an adjacent aisle surface or foot rest, and
• (b) not less than 920 mm high above the centre of an adjacent seat board.

(3)If the front of a bleacher is more than 600 mm above the ground or floor, it shall be protected with a guard not less than 840 mm high above the front foot rest.

(4)The size of any opening in a guard required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall not allow the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 300 mm.

(1)Handrails shall be provided in aisles with steps in conformance with Table 3.3.2.10.

(2)Handrails installed along aisle centre lines as required by Table 3.3.2.10. shall

• (a) comply with Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5) to (7) and (14),
• (b) have gaps not less than 560 mm and not more than 915 mm wide, measured horizontally, at intervals not exceeding five rows,
• (c) comply with Sentence 3.4.6.5.(11) at terminations and required gaps, and
• (d) have an intermediate rail located 305 mm below the principal handrail.

(1)A Group A, Division 4 occupancy and each tier or balcony that has a capacity of more than

• (a) 1 000 persons shall have no fewer than three separate exits, or
• (b) 4 000 persons shall have no fewer than four separate exits.

(2)In a Group A, Division 4 occupancy, every seat shall be located so that the travel distance is not more than 45 m measured along the path of travel from the seat to

• (a) the ground,
• (b) an exit,
• (c) an opening to a passageway leading from the seating area, or
• (d) a portal, a vomitory or any other opening through the seating deck structure.

(3)Exits from outdoor stadia or grandstands shall be located not more than 25 m apart.

(4)The capacity of a means of egress for a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.4.3.2.(3).

(5)Aisles in a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall

• (a) be located so that there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, and
• (b) be not less than 1 200 mm wide, except that an aisle serving less than 60 persons is permitted to be 750 mm wide.

(1)Steps provided in aisles of bleachers of the telescopic type shall

• (a) have risers not more than 250 mm high, and
• (b) have treads with a run not less than 280 mm.

(2)If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 280 mm, an intermediate step shall be provided the full width of the aisle and proportioned to provide 2 equal risers between platforms.

(3)If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 450 mm, 2 intermediate steps shall be provided the full width of the aisle so that there are 3 equal risers between platforms.

(4)If the passageway between rows of seats is not a closed deck, footboards shall be provided so that

• (a) the total width of the footboards shall be not less than three-quarters of the centre-to-centre spacing between rows of seats, and
• (b) the spacing between footboard members shall be not more than 25 mm.

(5)Openings above footboards and below the seats in rows of bleacher seats shall be provided with intermediate construction so that there is no opening that would permit the passage of a sphere of more than 100 mm in diameter.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a library book storage room that is not normally accessible to the public shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h if it

• (a) is more than 250 m2 in area, or
• (b) contains book stacks that (i) are more than 10 m high, or (ii) penetrate more than one floor assembly.

(2)The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required if the book storage room is sprinklered.

(3)Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor in a library building provided the height of the shelves is not more than 2.1 m but not more than 75% of the floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or below the mezzanine floor assembly.

(1)A stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be sprinklered.

(2)A fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be separated from the seating area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except for a proscenium opening protected with

• (a) a sprinkler deluge system conforming to the requirements of NFPA 13 "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,"
• (b) an unframed fire curtain if the opening is not more than 20 m wide, or
• (c) a semi-rigid fire curtain if the opening is more than 20 m wide.

(4)A fire curtain required by Sentence (3) shall be of a type acceptable to the principal authority and designed to close

• (a) automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler system,
• (b) automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, and
• (c) manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage.

(1)In a Group A, Division 2 occupancy used for the serving of food and beverages, an interior flight of stairs with fewer than 3 risers is permitted provided it

• (a) is not less than 900 mm wide,
• (b) is illuminated at all times that occupants are on the premises, and
• (c) has a handrail on each side.

(1)A room intended for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 shall not be located above or below the first storey of the building.

(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (3), glazing in all fixed and operable panels of doors shall conform to Class A of CAN/CGSB-12.1, "Safety Glazing."

(2)Except as permitted in Sentence (4), glazing in all fixed and operable panels of windows shall conform to Class A of CAN/CGSB-12.1, "Safety Glazing."

(3)Glazing in individual fixed or operable panels of a door need not comply with Sentence (1), where

• (a) the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is located more than 1 525 mm above the walking surface on each side of the door, or
• (b) the glazed opening in the door does not permit the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 75 mm.

(4)Glazing in individual fixed or operable panels of a window need not comply with Sentence (2), where

• (a) the bottom exposed edge of the glazing is located more than 1 525 mm above the walking surface on each side of the window, or
• (b) the glazing is located more than 915 mm away from the walking surface on each side of the window measured perpendicular to the plane of the glazing.

(1)This Subsection applies to care occupancies, care and treatment occupancies and detention occupancies.

(1)The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.5.(1) between a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy and a repair garage shall have no openings.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls between sleeping rooms and adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that the fire-resistance rating need not be more than 45 min where the floor assembly is not required to be more than 45 min.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls separating corridors serving sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that the fire-resistance rating need not be more than 45 min where the floor assembly is not required to be more than 45 min.

(4)The walls separating sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms and corridors in those parts of a floor area classified as a Group B, Division 3 occupancy shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating if

• (a) those parts of the floor area contain sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons, and
• (b) not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.

(5)The door in the fire-separation required in Sentence (4) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch and need not be provided with a self-closing device.

(1)A corridor used by the public or serving patients or residents shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress.

(2)A corridor serving patients in a hospital shall be not less than 2 400 mm wide.

(3)Except as permitted in Sentence (5), a corridor serving residents who are not ambulatory in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall be not less than 1 650 mm wide.

(4)Paired doors in a corridor serving patients or residents shall

• (a) swing in opposite directions, the right hand door swinging in the direction of travel, and
• (b) be not less than 1 100 mm wide.

(5)A corridor in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency need not comply with Sentence (3).

(1)In a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, the minimum clear width of doorways through which it is necessary to move a patient or resident in a bed shall be 1 050 mm.

(1)Floor areas containing patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a hospital or long-term care home shall conform to Sentences (2) to (12).

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area containing patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a hospital or long-term care home shall be divided into no fewer than two fire compartments, each not more than 1 000 m2 in area.

(3)The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered as a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence (2) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(5)The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence (4) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(6)Reserved.

(7)The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) to a door to an adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than 45 m.

(8)Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 2.5 m2 per patient or resident in the adjacent fire compartment.

(9)Except as permitted by Sentences (10) and (11), walls between patients' or residents' sleeping rooms and the remainder of the floor area shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating unless a fire-resistance rating is required by other provisions in this Part.

(10)The fire separation requirements of Sentence (9) do not apply to walls within a group of intercommunicating patients' or residents' rooms, provided the group of rooms does not

• (a) contain more than 5 patients or residents, or
• (b) include storage, bathing or toilet facilities serving persons not occupying the group of rooms.

(11)A door in a fire separation required by Sentence (9) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch.

(12)A fire separation required by Sentence (9) shall not contain any grilles, louvres or other openings.

(1)Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, delivery rooms, intensive care units and critical care units, from which it is impracticable to move patients in an emergency, shall be

• (a) separated from adjacent spaces by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
• (b) provided with a mechanical air supply so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another space, the compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire area.

(1)A contained use area shall conform to Sentences (2) to (5).

(2)A contained use area shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a building that includes a contained use area shall be sprinklered throughout.

(4)A contained use area, in a building for which Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. do not require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, is not required to be sprinklered as required by Sentence (3) provided

• (a) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in the contained use area, other fire compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the contained use area,
• (b) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another part of the building, the contained use area will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the other part of the building,
• (c) all doors are designed to be remotely released in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6), and
• (d) the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.

(5)A corridor serving a contained use area shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress.

(1)Corridors and ramps used by residents in a long-term care home shall be equipped with handrails on each side conforming to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5) to (7) and (11) to (13).

(1)This Subsection applies to residential occupancies.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.2.2.9.(2), suites of residential occupancy shall be separated from each other and the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(3)Floor assemblies within a dwelling unit need not be constructed as fire separations provided

• (a) the distance between the lowest floor level and the uppermost floor level within the dwelling unit is not more than 6 m, and
• (b) the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than (i) 1 h if the building is not sprinklered throughout, (ii) 45 min if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, or (iii) 1 h if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is more than 3 storeys in building height.

(4)Except in a retirement home, the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation located between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage need not conform to that required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) provided

• (0.a) the storage garage contains not more than five vehicles,
• (a) the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are sprinklered,
• (b) the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1) to (3),
• (c) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,
• (d) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and
• (e) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is (i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes, (ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and (iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

(5)Except in a retirement home, the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is not required between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage, serving that dwelling unit only, provided

• (a) the dwelling unit and its attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1) to (3),
• (b) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,
• (c) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and
• (d) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is (i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes, (ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and (iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

(1)Sprinklers shall be installed in a storage room provided for the use of tenants in a residential occupancy within a floor area but not contained within a suite.

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a storage room referred to in Sentence (1) shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(3)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (2) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(4)Except where located within a dwelling unit, a room intended for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 shall not be located above or below the first storey of the building.

(1)Except as required by Sentence (8), single storey dwelling units in an apartment building need not lead to a public corridor or exterior passageway on the same storey provided the dwelling units are served by private stairways leading directly to a public access to exit on the storey

• (a) immediately above, and
• (b) immediately below.

(2)Except as required by Sentence (8) and as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), a dwelling unit containing more than one storey shall have an exit door or an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost storey and from the lowest storey of the dwelling unit so that each of these storeys is served by an exit or egress door located not more than 1.5 m above or below its floor level.

(3)A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level and

• (a) it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or
• (b) the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony not more than 6 m above adjacent ground level.

(4)An egress door from either the uppermost storey or the lowest storey in a dwelling unit, as required by Sentence (2), need not be provided

• (a) except as required by Sentence (8), if that storey is served by a stairway that (i) leads to a public access to exit, (ii) has no direct access to any other storey in the dwelling unit, and (iii) is separated from the other storeys in the dwelling unit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min,
• (b) on the uppermost storey in the dwelling unit if the dwelling unit has not more than 2 storeys above the first storey of the building,
• (c) if it is not necessary to travel either more than 18 m or more than 1 storey up or down within the dwelling unit to reach the egress door, or
• (d) if that storey is (i) provided with a balcony conforming to Sentence (7), (ii) not more than 2 storeys above or below the dwelling unit egress door, and (iii) in a building that is not more than 6 storeys in building height.

(5)In a building of residential occupancy not more than 3 storeys in building height, a doorway from a dwelling unit is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.

(6)If a dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress, one means of egress from a dwelling unit is permitted to pass through

• (a) an interior corridor served by a single exit,
• (b) an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, or
• (c) an exterior passageway served by a single exit stairway.

(7)Where a balcony is provided to meet the requirements of Sentence (3) or (4), the balcony shall have

• (a) a solid floor having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for a floor assembly between suites, and
• (b) an area providing not less than 1.5 m2 per suite occupant, based on occupant load, and a minimum dimension of 1 200 mm.

(8)Each dwelling unit in a building conforming to Subclause 3.2.2.50.(1)(a)(ii) shall be served by

• (a) a direct exit that is an exterior doorway located not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level, or
• (b) a stairway that (i) leads to an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level, (ii) has no access to another dwelling unit, and (iii) is separated from the remainder of the building with a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(1)Except for hotels, a door opening onto a public corridor that provides access to exit from a suite shall be designed not to lock automatically.

(1)Buildings containing dwelling units shall be constructed so that airborne noise is controlled in conformance with Section 5.8.

(1)Except as required in Article 3.3.4.8., stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and interior guards within a dwelling unit shall conform to the applicable requirements in Section 9.8.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), exterior stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards serving a single dwelling unit shall conform to the applicable requirements in Sentence 3.1.21.1.(1) and Section 9.8.

(3)Loads on exterior guards serving a single dwelling unit shall comply with Part 4.

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), openable windows in suites of residential occupancy shall be protected by

• (a) a guard with a minimum height of 1 070 mm constructed in accordance with Article 3.3.1.18., or
• (b) a mechanism that can only be released with the use of tools or special knowledge to control the free swinging or sliding operation of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally.

(2)Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (1) where

• (a) the only opening having greater dimensions than those allowed by Clause (1)(b) is located higher than 1 070 mm above the finished floor, or
• (b) the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.

(1)If wood wall studs or sheet steel wall studs enclose the main bathroom in a dwelling unit, reinforcement shall be installed to permit the future installation of the following:

• (a) for a water closet, a grab bar described in Clauses 3.8.3.8.(3)(a) and a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(3)(c),
• (b) for a shower, grab bars described in Clause 3.8.3.13.(2)(g), and
• (c) for a bathtub, grab bars described in Clause 3.8.3.13.(7)(e).

(1)Resistance to forced entry into dwelling units shall conform to the applicable requirements in Articles 9.7.5.2. and 9.7.5.3.

(1)Floor areas containing residents' sleeping rooms in a retirement home shall conform to Sentences (2) to (12).

(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area containing residents' sleeping rooms in a retirement home where sleeping accommodation is provided for more than 10 residents shall be divided into no fewer than 2 fire compartments, each not more than 1 000 m2 in area.

(3)The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered as a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article.

(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence (2) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

(5)The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence (4) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

• (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or
• (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

(6)A closure in a fire separation between fire compartments referred to in Sentence (2) shall be weather-stripped or otherwise designed and installed to retard the passage of smoke.

(7)The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) to a door to an adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than 45 m.

(8)Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 1.5 m2 per resident in the adjacent fire compartment.

(9)The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.5.(1) between a retirement home and a repair garage shall have no openings.

(10)In a retirement home, a dead-end public corridor is permitted provided it is not more than 3 m long.

(11)The minimum clear width of doorways serving residents in a retirement home shall be 850 mm.

(12)A voice communication system conforming to Article 3.2.4.22. shall be provided in a retirement home.

(1)This Subsection applies to industrial occupancies.

(1)In addition to other requirements in this Division for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor area to provide protection if required by

• (a) the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or
• (b) the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada," in the absence of provisions referred to in Clause (a).

(1)A basement shall not be used for the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile solids, liquids or gases that generate explosive air-vapour mixtures or for processes that involve explosive dusts.

(2)Entrances and exits to a basement and to rooms containing building services shall be separate from the remainder of the building in a building in which

• (a) the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile materials can generate explosive air-vapour mixtures, or
• (b) processes occur that produce explosive dusts.

(3)Basements and rooms referred to in Sentence (2) shall be separated from the remainder of the building with a vapour-tight separation.

(1)If access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator serving occupancies above the level of the storage garage, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence 3.3.5.7.(4).

(2)Treads and landings in interior stairs that extend to the roof of a storage garage shall be designed to be free of accumulations of ice and snow.

(3)A mechanical storage garage not more than 4 storeys in building height, in which no persons other than parking attendants are permitted above the street floor level, need not have a fire separation between the exits and the remainder of the building.

(4)A storage garage or repair garage shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with the requirements of Subsection 6.3.1. and Article 6.9.1.2. to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes or flammable and toxic vapours.

(5)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.2.2.(2), the clear height in a storage garage shall be not less than 2 m.

(6)Where storage garage or repair garage floors or ramps are 600 mm or more above the adjacent ground or floor level, every opening through such floors and the perimeter of such floors and ramps shall be provided with

• (a) a continuous curb not less than 140 mm high, a guard not less than 1 070 mm high and a vehicle guardrail not less than 500 mm high conforming to Sentence (7), or
• (b) a full-height wall conforming to Sentence (7).

(7)Vehicle guardrails and full-height walls required in Sentence (6) shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values specified in Sentence 4.1.5.15.(1).

(8)Except for open-air storeys, every storey of a storage garage or repair garage located below grade shall be sprinklered.

(1)A repair garage and any ancillary spaces serving it, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage areas and supervisory office space, shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.

(1)Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.2.(4) and (5), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.

(1)If access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 1 or Group B occupancy or a retirement home, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (4).

(2)Reserved.

(3)In a building more than 3 storeys in building height, access through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 2, 3 or 4, or a Group C occupancy, shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (4).

(4)If access is provided through a vestibule, as required by Sentences (1), (3) and 3.3.5.4.(1), the vestibule shall

• (a) be not less than 1.8 m long,
• (b) be ventilated (i) naturally to outside air by a vent that has an unobstructed area of not less than 0.1 m2 for each door that opens into the vestibule but not less than 0.4 m², or (ii) mechanically at a rate of 14 m3/h for each square metre of vestibule floor surface area, and
• (c) have openings between the vestibule and an adjoining occupancy provided with self-closing doors with no hold-open devices.

(1)Reserved.

(1)Reserved.

(1)Except where they serve storage garages, guards in industrial occupancies are permitted to consist of

• (a) a top rail, and
• (b) one or more intermediate rails spaced such that the openings through the guard are of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is 535 mm.

(1)Where tools or other objects could fall from the floor of an upper level to a lower level in a room or space intended for use as a Group F occupancy, the edge of the floor at the upper level shall be provided with a toe-board extending from the floor surface to a height at least 125 mm above the floor surface.

(1)This Subsection applies to design and fire protection requirements for buildings or parts of buildings intended for the storage, handling, use and processing of

• (a) dangerous goods,
• (b) materials that involve a risk of explosion or high flammability, and
• (c) materials that are highly reactive.

(1)Solid and liquid dangerous goods classified as oxidizers or organic peroxides shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(2)Reactive materials shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(3)The design and construction of buildings or part of a building intended for the storage of dangerous goods classified as explosives shall conform to the Explosives Act (Canada) and the regulations made under that Act.

(1)Except as provided by Sentence (3), where required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, a room intended for the indoor storage of cylinders containing flammable compressed gases shall meet the following requirements:

• (a) it is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h,
• (b) it is located on an exterior wall of the building,
• (c) it can be entered from the exterior,
• (d) it is ventilated in conformance with Sentence (4),
• (e) it is constructed so that an exterior wall provides explosion venting (i) in the ratio of 0.2 m2 for each cubic metre of room volume, or (ii) in the ratio computed in accordance with NFPA 68, "Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting," but in no case less than 0.065 m2 of vent area for each cubic metre of room volume,
• (f) it is not intended to contain fuel-fired equipment or high temperature heating elements, and
• (g) it is not intended to be used for a purpose other than the storage of compressed gas.

(2)Where a closure is installed in the fire separation separating the room from the remainder of the building in accordance with Clause (1)(a), it shall be

• (a) equipped with a self-closing device that keeps the closure closed when not in use, and
• (b) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

(3)Where required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, a room intended for the storage of not more than three cylinders of flammable compressed gases that are heavier than air and that have an aggregate capacity not exceeding 100 kg shall be

• (a) separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min,
• (b) located at or above grade, and
• (c) ventilated in conformance with Sentence (4).

(1)A room intended for the storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating in conformance with the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.

(2)Except as provided by Sentences (3) and (4), a room intended for the storage or dispensing of Class IA or Class IB liquids in open containers shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in accordance with good engineering practice, such as that described in NFPA 68, "Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting."

(3)Sentence (2) does not apply to a room intended for the storage of distilled beverage alcohol.

(4)A room in an occupancy or facility covered by Regulation 851 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 Care and Residential Facilities), made under that Act, where Class IA liquids are intended to be stored in closed containers or Class I liquids are intended to be dispensed or stored in open containers, shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in accordance with good engineering practice, such as that described in NFPA 68, "Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting."

(5)A dispensing room in an occupancy or facility described in Sentence (4) which has an area greater than 15 m2 or in which the travel distance from any point to the nearest egress door is more than 4.5 m shall

• (a) be located in a floor area that has at least two exits, and
• (b) have at least two egress doors.

(6)An egress door serving a room described in Sentence (5) shall

• (a) be equipped with a self-closing device, and
• (b) swing on a vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit.

(7)The minimum distance between the egress doors described in Clause (5)(b) shall be not less than three-quarters of the maximum diagonal dimension of the room.

(8)The travel distance within the room to the nearest egress door described in Clause (5)(b) shall be not more than 23 m.

(1)A tire storage area intended for the storage of more than 375 m3 of tires shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(1)Where the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 applies due to the quantity and nature of the stored product, a building intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall

• (a) be not more than one storey in building height,
• (b) not contain a basement or a crawl space,
• (c) not contain open floor drains, tunnels, elevator pits or other pockets that might trap molten ammonium nitrate,
• (d) have noncombustible flooring materials in storage areas,
• (e) be designed to prevent the ammonium nitrate from coming into contact with building materials that (i) will cause the ammonium nitrate to become unstable, (ii) may corrode or deteriorate by reason of contact with the ammonium nitrate, or (iii) will become impregnated with the ammonium nitrate, and
• (f) have not less than 0.007 m2 of vent area for each square metre of storage area, unless mechanical ventilation is provided.

(1)Floors in areas where dangerous goods are stored shall be constructed of impermeable materials to prevent the absorption of chemicals.

(1)In process plants, areas where unstable liquids are handled or where small-scale unit chemical processes occur shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(1)Process plants where Class I and II flammable liquids and combustible liquids are handled shall not be constructed with basements or covered pits.