Floor areas, exits, service rooms and barrier-free services (Building Services)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

electrical vault rating without auto extinguishing: 3 h; electrical vault rating without auto extinguishing
fire separation around an emergency generator room: 2 h; fire separation around an emergency generator room
barrier-free height of thermostats, manual stations: 1,200 mm; barrier-free height of thermostats, manual stations
max ambient temperature in an electrical vault: 40°C; max ambient temperature in an electrical vault

This chapter collects the services Articles scattered through Sections 3.3 to 3.8. Most questions are direct lookups: a fire-resistance rating, a mounting height, or the standard the code names.

Hazardous areas, exhaust and door hardware

Hazardous substances follow the Fire Code OBC Div. B 3.3.1.2.. Commercial cooking exhaust handling grease-laden vapours goes to Articles 3.6.3.5., 6.3.1.6. and 6.9.1.3. A fuel-fired appliance may not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.

Exhaust and explosion venting. Where contaminants could create a fire or explosion hazard, a Part 6 exhaust system is required OBC Div. B 3.3.1.21.. Laboratory fume hood ducts through rated separations are enclosed continuously to the outdoors at the highest rating penetrated, and in exchange need no fire or smoke dampers.

Door hardware in an access to exit OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13.:

Item	Rule in brief
Opening without keys	Required, no special knowledge needed
Hand and operations	One hand, one releasing operation (dwelling unit doors may add extra inside devices, but not in a retirement home)
Hardware height	900 mm to 1,100 mm above the finished floor
Contained use area or impeded egress zone	Locks permitted if released locally (key from both sides) or remotely by security staff
Electrically operated locks in those zones	Must run on emergency power and allow manual release

Electromagnetic locks in an access to exit are allowed only where they meet Sentence 3.4.6.16.(5), and never on a door in an elementary or secondary school or a door leading from a Group F, Division 1 occupancy.

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Care facilities, stages and garages

Theatrical stages OBC Div. B 3.3.2.14. and their ancillary spaces are sprinklered. The proscenium opening has a deluge system to NFPA 13 or a fire curtain (unframed up to 20 m wide, semi-rigid above). At least two smoke vents over the stage open on sprinkler actuation and total at least one-eighth of the stage area behind the proscenium.

Hospitals and long-term care homes OBC Div. B 3.3.3.5.: sleeping floor areas form at least two fire compartments of not more than 1,000 m² each. Separations around sleeping rooms may contain no grilles, louvres or other openings, which matters for return air design.

Special care rooms (operating rooms, intensive care) need 1 h separations and a mechanical air supply limiting contaminated air to 1% by volume for 2 h OBC Div. B 3.3.3.6..

Garages. A storage or repair garage needs natural or mechanical ventilation to Subsection 6.3.1. and Article 6.9.1.2. to control carbon monoxide and fumes, and every below-grade storey (except open-air storeys) is sprinklered OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4.. A garage vestibule must be at least 1.8 m long and ventilated naturally (0.1 m² per door, minimum 0.4 m²) or mechanically at 14 m²/h per m² of floor area OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7..

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Exit integrity, exit signs and door release

An exit's fire separation may only be pierced by the short list in OBC Div. B 3.4.4.4.: standpipe and sprinkler piping, wiring and noncombustible piping or raceways serving only the exit, openings required by 3.2.6., exit doors, permitted wired glass or glass block, and sprinkler-protected glazing. No fuel-fired appliance in an exit, no exit used as a plenum, and no service room opening directly into one.

Exit signs OBC Div. B 3.4.5.1. are required where the building is more than 2 storeys in building height, the occupant load exceeds 150, or a fire escape is part of the required egress. Internally lit signs are on continuously and built to CSA C22.2 No. 141; photoluminescent signs follow CAN/ULC-S572. A circuit feeding exit signs may serve only emergency lighting in that area and is connected to emergency power.

Electromagnetic locks on exit doors OBC Div. B 3.4.6.16. need a fire alarm system and must release on the alarm signal (single-stage) or alert signal (two-stage), on loss of power, on a circuit fault, on a manual switch near the main entrance, and on a manual station within 600 mm of the door. They are reset manually.

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Service rooms, electrical vaults and emergency power

A service room is a room containing equipment associated with building services definition.

Room or equipment	Minimum fire separation	Source
Fuel-fired appliances (general case)	1 h	3.6.2.1.(1)
Incinerator room	2 h	3.6.2.1.(4)
Equipment using liquid with flash point below 93.3°C	1 h	3.6.2.1.(5)
Other service equipment, storey not sprinklered	1 h	3.6.2.1.(7)
Electrical vault, no automatic extinguishing	3 h, masonry or concrete	3.6.2.7.(1)
Electrical vault with automatic extinguishing	2 h	3.6.2.7.(1)
Emergency generator room	2 h	3.6.2.8.(1)

Exemptions in OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1.: an appliance serving one room or suite, a fireplace, a rooftop appliance, and a room with limited equipment that is neither a fire hazard nor essential to fire safety systems.

Electrical equipment vaults OBC Div. B 3.6.2.7. need reinforced concrete roofs and floors at least 150 mm thick, a lock on each door, ventilation keeping the vault at not more than 40°C, and liquid containment of at least 100 mm (or a drain to a covered sump). A naturally ventilated vault needs inlet plus outlet area of 0.002 m² per kVA, minimum 0.093 m², with the fresh air inlet ending not more than 1,000 mm above the vault floor. A mechanical system must be separate from the rest of the building, thermostatically controlled, alarmed for high temperature and shut off on fire in the vault.

Emergency generators for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems sit in a 2 h room containing only the generator set and related equipment, unless the whole building is dedicated to the generator OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8..

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Chutes, exhaust ducts and plenums

Linen and refuse chutes OBC Div. B 3.6.3.3. are noncombustible, smooth and moisture proof, extend at least 1 m above the roof with a vent, and have sprinklers at the top, at alternate floors and in the discharge room. Intake rooms are 45 min fire-separated. Intake openings are at most 60% of the chute area. A refuse chute discharges into a 2 h room or bin; a linen chute discharge room needs 1 h.

Exhaust duct pressure. An exhaust duct in a vertical service space serving more than one fire compartment needs a fan at or near the outlet so the duct stays under negative pressure OBC Div. B 3.6.3.4..

Ceiling plenums OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3.: a concealed floor or roof space used as a plenum may skip the general combustibility rules if contents have a flame-spread rating of not more than 25 and smoke developed classification of not more than 50 (with listed cable and raceway exceptions), and the ceiling supports melt at not below 760°C. If the plenum ceiling is part of a rated assembly, every opening in the membrane gets a fire stop flap to CAN/ULC-S112.2 set about 30°C above the plenum's normal maximum temperature.

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Health care electrical and medical gas; barrier-free controls and elevating devices

Anaesthetizing locations use CSA Z32 for electrical systems OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1.; medical gas piping follows CSA Z7396.1 plus the Fire Code OBC Div. B 3.7.5.2.. Expect "which standard" questions only.

Barrier-free controls OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5.: thermostats and manual stations are mounted at 1,200 mm above the floor. Other occupant controls (switches, intercoms) go between 900 mm and 1,100 mm. All sit beside a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1,370 mm and work with a force of not more than 22.2 N.

Platform lifts and stair lifts used in a barrier-free path follow CSA B355, with a platform at least 1,500 mm by 1,000 mm and gates 850 mm clear on the short side or 1,000 mm on the long side OBC Div. B 3.8.3.5.. Passenger elevators follow Appendix E of ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 (3.5.2.2.).

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Common traps

Mixing up 3 h and 2 h for vaults. The 2 h figure needs automatic fire extinguishing in the vault.
Thinking the generator room may house other equipment. Only the generating set and related equipment.
Mounting a thermostat at 1,100 mm. Thermostats and manual stations sit at 1,200 mm.
Refuse versus linen chute discharge rooms: 2 h and 1 h.
Laboratory fume hood ducts are exempt from fire dampers only because they are continuously enclosed to the outdoors.

Chapter review

Chapter at a glance

One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.

Chapter at a glance: the key idea in each section
Section	Key idea
Hazardous areas, exhaust and door hardware	Hazardous substances follow the Fire Code.
Care facilities, stages and garages	Theatrical stages and their ancillary spaces are sprinklered.
Exit integrity, exit signs and door release	An exit's fire separation may only be pierced by the short list in: standpipe and sprinkler piping, wiring and noncombustible piping or raceways serving only the exit, openings…
Service rooms, electrical vaults and emergency power	A service room is a room containing equipment associated with building services.
Chutes, exhaust ducts and plenums	Linen and refuse chutes are noncombustible, smooth and moisture proof, extend at least 1 m above the roof with a vent, and have sprinklers at the top, at alternate floors and in…
Health care electrical and medical gas; barrier-free controls and elevating devices	Anaesthetizing locations use CSA Z32 for electrical systems; medical gas piping follows CSA Z7396.1 plus the Fire Code.

Hazardous areas, exhaust and door hardware
Hazardous substances follow the Fire Code.
Care facilities, stages and garages
Theatrical stages and their ancillary spaces are sprinklered.
Exit integrity, exit signs and door release
An exit's fire separation may only be pierced by the short list in: standpipe and sprinkler piping, wiring and noncombustible piping or raceways serving only the exit, openings…
Service rooms, electrical vaults and emergency power
A service room is a room containing equipment associated with building services.
Chutes, exhaust ducts and plenums
Linen and refuse chutes are noncombustible, smooth and moisture proof, extend at least 1 m above the roof with a vent, and have sprinklers at the top, at alternate floors and in…
Health care electrical and medical gas; barrier-free controls and elevating devices
Anaesthetizing locations use CSA Z32 for electrical systems; medical gas piping follows CSA Z7396.1 plus the Fire Code.

Usual exam traps

Mixing up 3 h and 2 h for vaults. The 2 h figure needs automatic fire extinguishing in the vault.
Thinking the generator room may house other equipment. Only the generating set and related equipment.
Mounting a thermostat at 1,100 mm. Thermostats and manual stations sit at 1,200 mm.
Refuse versus linen chute discharge rooms: 2 h and 1 h.
Laboratory fume hood ducts are exempt from fire dampers only because they are continuously enclosed to the outdoors.

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Questions on Floor areas, exits, service rooms and barrier-free services, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

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Code cited in this chapter

Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.

OBC Div. B 3.3.1.2. Hazardous Substances, Equipment and Processes
(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 boilerplate: - (b) the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada," in the absence of regulations referred to in Clause (a).
(See Note A-3.3.1.2.(1))
(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. (See Note A-3.3.1.2.(2))
(3)A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.21. Exhaust Ventilation and Explosion Venting
(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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.21. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13. Doors and Door Hardware (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(17))
(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. (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(4))
(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. (See Note A-3.3.1.13.(4))
(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). (See Note A-3.3.1.13.(6))
(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).
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.2.14. Stages for Theatrical Performances
(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.
(5)At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall be provided above a stage designed for theatrical performances and shall
(a)have an aggregate area not less than one-eighth of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening, and
(b)be arranged to open automatically upon actuation of the sprinkler system.
(6)The fire separation referred to in Sentence (3) is not required between a stage and a seating area in a floor area that is sprinklered, provided a sprinkler deluge system is installed at the boundary between the stage and the seating area.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.2.14. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.5. Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes
(1)Floor areas containing patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a hospital or long-term care home shall conform to Sentences (2) to (12). (See Note 3.3.3.5.(1))
(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. (See Note A-3.3.3.5.(10))
(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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.6. Protection for Special Care and Treatment Facilities
(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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4. Repair and Storage Garages
(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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7. Vestibules
(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 m²/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.
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7. in the code viewer

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OBC Div. B 3.4.4.4. Integrity of Exits
(1)A fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except for
(a)standpipe and sprinkler piping,
(b)electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit,
(c)openings required by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(d)exit doorways,
(e)wired glass and glass block permitted by Article 3.1.8.16., and
(f)a sprinkler protected glazed wall assembly conforming to Article 3.1.8.20.
(2)Exits within scissors stairs and other contiguous exit stairways shall be separated from each other by a smoke-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly through which they pass.
(3)Fire separations separating contiguous stairs described in Sentence (2) shall not be pierced by doorways, ductwork, piping or any other openings that affect the continuity of the separation.
(4)A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in an exit.
(5)An exit shall not be used as a plenum for a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system.
(6)An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit is permitted also to be designed to serve as an access to a floor area.
(7)A service room shall not open directly into an exit.
(8)Storage rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and similar ancillary rooms shall not open directly into an exit.
(9)Service spaces referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) shall not open directly into an exit.
(10)In elementary and secondary schools, an exit shall be designed so that it does not serve as an access from one portion of a floor area to another portion of the same floor area.
Open OBC Div. B 3.4.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.4.5.1. Exit Signage
(1)Except as provided by Sentences (8) and (9), every exit door shall have an exit sign providing visual information placed over or adjacent to it if the exit serves
(a)a building more than 2 storeys in building height,
(b)a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or
(c)a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.
(2)Except as provided by Sentence (7), every exit sign providing visual information shall
(a)be visible on approach to the exit,
(b)consist of a green and white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings," and
(c)conform to ISO 7010, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs," for the following symbols:
(i)emergency exit left,
(ii)emergency exit right,
(iii)90-degree directional arrow, and
(iv)45-degree directional arrow. (See Note A-3.4.5.1.(2)(c))
(3)Internally illuminated exit signs shall
(a)be continuously illuminated, and
(b)where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, be constructed in conformance with CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency Lighting Equipment."
(4)Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated by a light fixture supplied by an electrical circuit.
(4.1)Photoluminescent and self-luminous exit signs shall
(a)conform to CAN/ULC-S572, "Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Signs and Path Marking Systems,"
(b)be labelled in accordance with the time duration for which they have been tested and listed,
(c)be so installed that upon failure of the regular power they will continue to be illuminated for the applicable time duration specified in Clause 3.2.7.4.(1)(b), and
(d)be continuously illuminated if reliant on an external energy source to energize the reflective coating of the sign. (See Note A-3.4.5.1.(4.1))
(5)If illumination of an exit sign is provided from an electrical circuit, that circuit shall
(a)serve no equipment other than emergency lighting in the area where exit signs are installed, and
(b)be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentence 3.2.7.4.(1).
(6)Where no exit is visible from a public corridor, from a corridor used by the public in a Group A or B major occupancy or from principal routes serving an open floor area having an occupant load of more than 150, an exit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and (c) with an arrow or other indicator pointing at the direction of egress shall be provided.
(7)Except for egress doorways described in Sentence 3.3.2.4.(4), an exit sign conforming to Sentences (2) to (5) shall be placed over or adjacent to every egress doorway from rooms with an occupant load more than 60 in Group A, Division 1 occupancies, dance halls, licensed beverage establishments and other similar occupancies that, when occupied, have lighting levels below the level that would provide easy identification of the egress doorway.
(8)Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotel shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it.
(9)An exit sign is not required within a suite containing a Group B, Division 3 occupancy if the following requirements are met:
(a)the suite contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons, and
(b)not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.
Open OBC Div. B 3.4.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.4.6.16. Door Release Hardware
(1)Except for dwelling units, except for devices on doors serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone designed to be released in conformance with Article 3.3.1.13., and except as permitted by Sentence (5), locking, latching and other fastening devices on every exit door shall permit the door to be readily opened from the inside with not more than one releasing operation and without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism. (See Note A-3.4.6.16.(1))
(2)If a door is equipped with a latching mechanism, a device complying with Sentence (3) shall be installed on
(a)every exit door from a floor area containing an assembly occupancy having an occupant load more than 100,
(b)every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft, and every exterior door leading from an exit stair shaft in a building having an occupant load more than 100, and
(c)every exit door from a floor area containing a high-hazard industrial occupancy.
(3)The device required in Sentence (2) shall
(a)extend across not less than one-half of the width of the door,
(b)release the latch, and
(c)allow the door to swing wide open when a force not more than that specified in Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7) is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit.
(4)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7), every exit door shall be designed and installed so that, when the latch is released, the door will open under a force of not more than 90 N, applied at the knob or other latch releasing device.
(5)Except as permitted by Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6), electromagnetic locks that do not incorporate latches, pins or other similar devices to keep the door in the closed position are permitted to be installed on exit doors other than doors described in Sentence (6) provided
(a)the building is equipped with a fire alarm system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4.,
(b)the locking device, and all similar devices in the access to exit leading to the exit door, are installed as ancillary devices to the fire alarm system and release immediately upon activation of
(i)the alarm signal where a single-stage fire alarm system is installed,
(ii)except as provided in Subclause (iii), the alert signal where a 2-stage fire alarm system is installed, or
(iii)the alarm signal of a 2-stage fire alarm system installed in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy or in a retirement home,
(c)the locking device releases immediately upon loss of power controlling the electromagnetic locking mechanism and its associated auxiliary controls,
(d)the locking device releases immediately upon actuation of a manually operated switch readily accessible only to authorized personnel and located near the main entrance of the building or in the central alarm and control facility of Sentence 3.2.6.7.(1),
(e)the locking device releases immediately upon a fault being detected in the electrical circuit between the fire alarm control panel and the controller of the locking device,
(f)the locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual station for the fire alarm system located on the wall not more than 600 mm from the door,
(g)a visual information sign complying with Article 3.8.3.1. that displays the words emergency exit unlocked by fire alarm is permanently mounted on the door,
(h)a tactile information sign complying with Article 3.8.3.1. that displays the words emergency exit unlocked by fire alarm is permanently mounted near the door,
(i)upon release, the locking device must be reset manually by the actuation of the switch referred to in Clause (d),
(j)the operation of any by-pass switch, where provided for testing of the fire alarm system, causes an audible signal and a visual signal to be indicated at the fire alarm annunciator panel and at the monitoring station referred to in Sentence 3.2.4.8.(4),
(k)emergency lighting conforming to 3.2.7.3.(1) is provided, and
(l)where they are installed on doors providing emergency crossover access to floor areas from exit stairs in accordance with Article 3.4.6.18.,
(i)the locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual station for the fire alarm system located on the wall on the exit stair side not more than 600 mm from the door,
(ii)a visual information sign displaying the words re-entry door unlocked by fire alarm that complies with Article 3.8.3.1. is permanently mounted on the door on the exit stair side, and
(iii)a tactile information sign displaying the words re-entry door unlocked by fire alarm that complies with Article 3.8.3.1. is permanently mounted near the door on the exit stair side. (See Note A-3.4.6.16.(5))
(6)Reserved.
(7)Door release hardware for the operation of the doors referred to in this Section shall be installed between 900 mm and 1,100 mm above the finished floor.
(8)Except as permitted by Sentences (9) and (10), electromagnetic locks are not permitted to be installed on exit doors
(a)described in Clause (2)(a),
(b)or
(c)
(b) serving an elementary or secondary school, or
(c) leading directly from a high-hazard industrial occupancy.
(9)Electromagnetic locks are permitted to be installed on an exterior door leading from an exit stairway in a building containing only a Group B, Division 2 major occupancy, a Group B, Division 3 major occupancy or a retirement home.
(10)Electromagnetic locks are permitted to be installed on an exit door that serves only a gaming premises if
(a)the gaming premises is located within a sprinklered floor area,
(b)smoke detectors are installed in each room and each corridor accessible to the public,
(c)a force of not more than 90 N applied to the door opening hardware initiates an irreversible process that will release the locking device within 15 s and not relock until the door has been opened, and
(d)a legible sign conforming with Clauses (5)(g) and(h) is permanently mounted on the exit door to indicate that the locking device will release within 15 s of applying pressure to the door release hardware.
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OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Service room
Service room means a room provided in a building to contain equipment associated with building services. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
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OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. Fire Separations Around Service Rooms
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (8), (9) and (10), fuel-fired appliances shall be installed in service rooms separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.6.2.1.(1))
(2)Except as required by Sentence (3), a fuel-fired appliance that serves only one room or suite is not required to be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building.
(3)A solid-fuel-burning appliance shall not be located in a repair garage, a storage garage, or any other location where it could be exposed to flammable vapours or gases unless
(a)it is enclosed in a service room that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b)it is supplied with combustion air directly from outside the building, and
(c)the heat that it generates is supplied indirectly to the space served by means of ducts or piping.
(4)A service room containing an incinerator shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(5)Equipment that uses a liquid having a flash point below 93.3°C shall be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(6)Electrical equipment that is required to be located in a service room by a regulation made under the Electricity Act, 1998, shall be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(7)Except as permitted by Sentence (8), in a storey that is not sprinklered throughout, a service room that contains service equipment other than that addressed by Sentences (1) to (6), shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(8)Where a service room contains a limited quantity of service equipment, and the service equipment neither constitutes a fire hazard nor is essential to the operation of fire safety systems in the building, the requirements for a fire separation shall not apply.
(9)A fire separation is not required between a fireplace and the space it serves.
(10)A fire separation is not required between a rooftop appliance and the building it serves.
(11)The fire separation provisions for a fuel-fired appliance in a portable classroom shall conform to Article 3.9.3.7.
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OBC Div. B 3.6.2.7. Electrical Equipment Vaults
(1)Where an electrical equipment vault is required by the Electrical Safety Code adopted under Ontario Regulation 164/99 (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998, the electrical equipment vault shall be totally enclosed by a fire separation of solid masonry or concrete construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 h if the vault is not provided with an automatic fire extinguishing system and not less than 2 h if the vault is so protected.
(2)Where a building is required to be sprinklered throughout, the electrical equipment vault described in Sentence (1) need not be sprinklered provided
(a)the vault is designed for no purpose other than to contain the electrical equipment, and
(b)a smoke detector is provided in the vault that will actuate the building fire alarm system in the event of a fire in the vault.
(3)A vault, that is part of a building and houses electrical equipment indoors, shall have
(a)roofs or ceilings consisting of reinforced concrete of adequate strength for the conditions and not less than 150 mm thick, and
(b)floors consisting of reinforced concrete of adequate strength for the conditions and not less than 150 mm thick, except that floors that are at excavation level are permitted to be of reinforced concrete not less than 100 mm thick.
(4)Walls, roofs or ceilings, and floors shall be adequately anchored together in a manner designed to resist dislodgement by explosion.
(5)Only pipes or ducts necessary for fire protection or the proper operation of the electrical installation shall penetrate the fire separations surrounding the electrical equipment vault.
(6)A ventilation duct or opening, that penetrates the fire separation to the outdoors, need not be protected by a closure at the penetration.
(7)Each door to an electrical equipment vault shall be provided with a substantial lock or padlock.
(8)Explosion-relief devices and vents or other protective measures shall be provided for every electrical equipment vault containing dielectric liquid-filled electrical equipment in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.21.(3). (See Note A-3.6.2.7.(8))
(9)Every electrical equipment vault shall be provided with a ventilation system designed in conformance with Part 6 to prevent the ambient temperature in the vault from exceeding 40 ° C.
(10)Where the vault ventilation system in Sentence (9) is directly from an outdoor area by natural ventilation without the use of ducts, and where the electrical equipment is the principal source of heat, the combined net area of inlet and outlet openings shall be not less than 0.002 m² / kVa of electrical equipment capacity with a minimum of 0.093 m² , except that
(a)where equipment in the power class as described in CAN/CSA-C88-M, "Power Transformers and Reactors" is installed, ventilation requirements are permitted to be based on the actual full-load losses, or
(b)where the equipment is installed for emergency purposes only and is not normally energized, it need not be considered in determining the ventilation requirements.
(11)In the vault ventilation system in Sentence (10), the inlet for fresh air shall lead from an outdoor area and shall terminate at a point not more than 1,000 mm above the floor level of the vault.
(12)Where the vault ventilation system in Sentence (9) is a mechanical system, it shall be separate from the system for the remainder of the building and shall be designed so that
(a)the vault temperature is thermostatically controlled,
(b)the fan is located so that it may be serviced without danger to personnel,
(c)a high temperature alarm is provided in the vault,
(d)the system is automatically shut off in the event of a fire in the vault, and
(e)a filter is provided in the air inlet if there is a possibility of dirt being drawn in.
(13)All ventilation openings shall be protected in conformance with Sentences 6.3.2.9.(4) and (5) and the protection shall be installed in such a manner that it cannot be removed from the outside by the use of common tools and it is tamperproof.
(14)Except as permitted in Sentence (15), the floor of an electrical equipment vault referred to in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be liquid tight and surrounded by liquid tight walls and sills of sufficient height to confine within the vault all of the liquid from the largest item of electrical equipment, but to a height of not less than 100 mm.
(15)The floor of the electrical equipment vault described in Sentences (1) and (2) may be provided with a floor drain connected to a covered sump capable of holding all of the liquid from the largest item of electrical equipment, and the connection shall have a noncombustible trap to prevent the spread of fire from the vault to the sump.
(16)Where the electrical equipment vault is located in a hazardous location classified as Class II, Division 1 in accordance with the Electrical Safety Code adopted under Ontario Regulation 164/99 (Electrical Safety Code) made under the Electricity Act, 1998, it shall have
(a)no vent opening except to the exterior of the building, and
(b)suitable pressure-relief openings communicating only with the air outside the building.
(17)Where doors are provided between the vault described in Sentence (16) and the rest of the building, they shall have suitable seals such as weatherstripping to minimize the entrance of dust into the vault.
(18)Every electrical equipment vault shall be provided with
(a)adequate lighting, controlled by one or more switches located near the entrance,
(b)luminaires located so that they may be relamped without danger to personnel, and
(c)a grounded receptacle located in a convenient location inside the vault, near the entrance.
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OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. Emergency Power Installations
(1)Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in a building, except where such building is used solely for the purpose of housing the generator and its ancillary equipment, it shall be located in a room that
(a)is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h, and
(b)contains only the generating set and equipment that is related to the emergency power supply system.
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OBC Div. B 3.6.3.3. Linen and Refuse Chutes
(1)A linen chute or refuse chute shall
(a)be impervious to moisture,
(b)have a smooth internal surface,
(c)be corrosion-resistant,
(d)be constructed of noncombustible material, and
(e)be located in a shaft in which there are no services other than noncombustible drain, waste and vent piping or noncombustible water piping.
(2)A shaft containing a linen chute or refuse chute shall have a fire-resistance rating conforming to Sentence 3.6.3.1.(1), but not less than
(a)1 h if the chute outlet for the discharge room is protected by an automatic, self-latching closure held open by a fusible link, or
(b)2 h if no closure is provided at the chute outlet into the discharge room.
(3)An interior linen chute or refuse chute shall extend not less than 1 m above the roof and shall be vented above the roof with a vent which
(a)has an unobstructed area not less than the cross-sectional area of the chute, and
(b)is equipped with a cover that will open automatically, or that can be opened manually, in the event of a fire in the
(4)Intake openings for a linen chute or a refuse chute shall
(a)have an area not more than 60% of the cross-sectional area of the chute, and
(b)be fitted with closures designed to close automatically and latch after use.
(5)Intake openings for a linen chute or a refuse chute shall be located in rooms or compartments that
(a)have no dimension less than 750 mm,
(b)are separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c)are designed for no other purpose, and
(d)do not open directly into an exit.
(6)Sprinklers shall be installed at the top of each linen chute or refuse chute, at alternate floor levels and in the room or bin into which the chute discharges.
(7)The room into which a linen chute discharges shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(8)A refuse chute shall be equipped at the top with spray equipment for washing-down purposes.
(9)A refuse chute shall discharge only into a room or bin separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(10)The room or bin into which a refuse chute discharges shall be of sufficient size to contain the refuse between normal intervals of emptying, be impervious to moisture and be equipped with a water connection and floor drain for washing-down purposes.
(11)A room into which a refuse chute discharges shall contain no service equipment that is not related to refuse handling and disposal.
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OBC Div. B 3.6.3.4. Exhaust Duct Negative Pressure
(1)If a vertical service space contains an exhaust duct that serves more than one fire compartment, the duct shall have a fan located at or near the exhaust outlet to ensure that the duct is under negative pressure.
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OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements
(1)A concealed space used as a plenum within a floor assembly or within a roof assembly need not conform to Sentence 3.1.5.18.(1) and Article 3.6.5.1. provided
(a)all materials within the concealed space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25 and a smoke developed classification not more than 50, except for
(i)tubing for pneumatic controls,
(ii)optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data and conform to Sentences 3.1.4.3.(2) and 3.1.5.21.(2),
(iii)totally enclosed non-metallic raceways with an FT6 rating, when tested in accordance with Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a), in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction or in buildings or parts of buildings permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, and
(iv)totally enclosed non-metallic raceways with an FT4 rating, when tested in accordance with Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a), in buildings permitted to be of combustible construction, and,
(b)the supports for the ceiling membrane are of noncombustible material having a melting point not below 760°C.
(2)If a concealed space referred to in Sentence (1) is used as a return-air plenum and incorporates a ceiling membrane that forms part of the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly, every opening through the membrane shall be protected by a fire stop flap that
(a)stops the flow of air into the concealed space in the event of a fire,
(b)is supported in a manner that will maintain the integrity of the ceiling membrane for the duration of time required to provide the required fire-resistance rating,
(c)conforms to CAN/ULC-S112.2, "Standard Method Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies," and
(d)activates at a temperature approximately 30°C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the return-air plenum, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down.
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OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. Electrical Systems
(1)In anaesthetizing locations, electrical systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities."
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OBC Div. B 3.7.5.2. Medical Gas Piping
(1)All medical gas piping systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with
(a)CSA Z7396.1, "Medical gas piping systems – Part 1: Pipelines for medical gases, medical vacuum, medical support gases, and anaesthetic gas scavenging systems," and
(b)the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 or, in the absence of such provisions, Part 3 of Division B of the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada."
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OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. Controls
(1)Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located in a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)be mounted
(i)1,200 mm above the finished floor, in the case of a thermostat or a manual station, and
(ii)not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor, in the case of all other controls, and
(b)be located so as to be adjacent to and centred on either the length or the width of a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1,370 mm, and
(c)be operable
(i)using one hand, without requiring tight grasping, pinching with fingers or twisting of the wrist, and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of a manual station, and
(ii)using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of all other controls. (See Note A-3.8.1.5.(1))
(2)A signal intended for the public to indicate the operation of a building security system that controls access to a building shall consist of an audible and visual signal.
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OBC Div. B 3.8.3.5. Passenger Elevating Devices
(1)A passenger elevating device referred to in Article 3.8.2.1. located in a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)conform to CSA B355, "Platform lifts and stair lifts for barrier-free access,"
(b)have a clear floor space not less than 1,500 mm long by 1,000 mm wide, and
(c)have entry doors or gates
(i)providing a clear width not less than 850 mm in the open position if located on the short side of the passenger elevating device, or
(ii)providing a clear width not less than 1,000 mm in the open position if located at either end of the long side of the passenger-elevating device.
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