Special buildings and existing buildings (Building Services)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

emergency exhaust in a pool chlorine gas room: 30 ACH; emergency exhaust in a pool chlorine gas room
min lighting in pool change rooms and showers: 200 lx; min lighting in pool change rooms and showers
portable spacing that ends the alarm extension: 6 m; portable spacing that ends the alarm extension
generator run time for an air-supported blower: 4 h; generator run time for an air-supported blower

Sections 3.9 to 3.18 cover building types that do not fit the general Part 3 rules: portable classrooms, self-service storage, public pools and spas, rapid transit stations, tents and air-supported structures, signs, shelf and rack storage, and change of use in existing buildings. The Building Services syllabus takes only the service items from each: fire alarm, firefighting water, lighting, emergency power, recirculation and ventilation. Each Section is short, so open-book questions are mostly lookups of one number.

Portable classrooms and self-service storage

Portable classrooms. Heating systems follow Section 6.2 OBC Div. B 3.9.1.2.. The main school's fire alarm system is extended to the portables, with a separate zone indicator on the annunciator OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3.. The extension is not needed when the portables are 6 m or more apart, or when there are not more than 12 portables on the site and they are either treated under spatial separation rules or arranged in groups of not more than six with 45 min rated facing walls and at least 12 m between groups.

Fuel-fired appliances in portables OBC Div. B 3.9.3.7.:

Situation	Separation of the appliance
Only one egress door	At least 45 min
Portables 1.5 m or less apart	At least 1.5 h
Portables more than 1.5 m apart	At least 45 min
Portables 6 m or more apart, one appliance, 4.5 m from egress door	None
Sealed combustion, groups of not more than four, 4.5 m from egress door	None

Self-service storage buildings split into two Subsections. Subsection 3.10.3. covers every building except a one-storey building without a basement or mezzanine; Subsection 3.10.4. covers that one-storey case.

Item	Multi-storey (3.10.3.)	One storey, no basement (3.10.4.)
Fire alarm system	Required; manual stations on the first storey only in corridors	Subsection 3.2.4. does not apply; smoke alarms in a dwelling unit still required
Access route width	At least 9 m	At least 9 m
Standpipes	Required per 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11.; no hose stations needed in the first storey	Not required by default

See OBC Div. B 3.10.3.3., 3.10.3.4., 3.10.3.5., 3.10.4.4. and 3.10.4.5.. Hydrants sit in the access route so a pumper can park beside one with not more than 45 m of travel to the fire department connection.

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Public pools and spas: recirculation, emergency provisions and service rooms

Recirculation OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1.. Every public pool has a recirculation system, and its water is deemed non-potable, so air gaps or other devices keep it from flowing back into the potable supply.

Pool type	Daily turnover (times total pool volume)
Class A (not modified or wave)	6
Class B (not wave)	4
Modified pool	3
Wave action pool	6

Other recirculation numbers: suction fitting openings not more than 7 mm in one direction, flow through suction openings not more than 0.45 m/s, at least two suction outlets at least 1,200 mm apart on a full-size manifold, the pool able to drain in 12 h or less, and chlorine feed that shuts off automatically when recirculation stops. Pipe colour coding in the treatment room: yellow for chlorine, green for potable water.

Lighting and emergency provisions OBC Div. B 3.11.10.1.. Change rooms, showers and washrooms need at least 200 lx at floor level. Pool deck and water surface lighting is at least 200 lx indoors and 100 lx outdoors (for outdoor pools open after sundown). Indoor pools, and outdoor pools open after dark, need independent emergency lighting of at least 10 lx over the deck, water surface, change areas and means of egress. A Class A pool needs an emergency telephone beside the deck; a Class B pool needs a telephone within 30 m. Recirculating pumps stop from a labelled emergency stop button that sets off an audible and visual signal.

Service rooms OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1.. Compressed chlorine gas sits in a room at or above ground, 1 h fire-separated and substantially gas tight, with an exit door to the outdoors, emergency mechanical exhaust of at least 30 air changes per hour (suction not more than 900 mm above the floor, discharge at least 2,500 mm above ground) and a platform scale of at least 135 kg per cylinder in use.

Public spas OBC Div. B 3.12.4.1. and 3.12.5.1.: turnover is much faster (15 to 30 minutes depending on volume). Suction pipe velocity is capped at 1.8 m/s; pressure pipe velocity at 3.0 m/s for plastic and 1.8 m/s for copper. A spa heater has an independent high limit of 40°C. Jet pumps run on a timer that the user must leave the spa to reset. The emergency telephone is within 30 m, and the emergency stop button is within 15 m and in sight of the spa, separate from the timer.

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Rapid transit stations: fire safety and emergency ventilation

A rapid transit station has a fire alarm system to Subsection 3.2.4. OBC Div. B 3.13.5.1., but manual stations and audible signal appliances are not required (3.13.5.2.). Detectors go in service rooms, kiosks and leased spaces unless sprinklered. The station is monitored by a central supervising station to CAN/ULC-S561, and a public address system reaches the whole public area. Emergency reporting devices are placed so no point in the public area is more than 90 m from one. Standpipe hose stations have both 38 mm and 65 mm connections, with supply piping at least 100 mm.

Emergency lighting averages at least 10 lx at floor level in public areas with 30 min of emergency power OBC Div. B 3.13.3.7.. The emergency ventilation system follows NFPA 130 OBC Div. B 3.13.7.1.: the exam can ask which standard, not what it contains.

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Tents, signs, rack storage and existing buildings

Tents and air-supported structures. Electrical equipment in a tent, including fuses and switches, must be inaccessible to the public, and cables on the ground in public areas are trenched or covered OBC Div. B 3.14.1.10.. An air-supported structure for an assembly occupancy over 200 persons needs either an automatic generator able to run one blower for 4 h or a supplementary engine-driven blower OBC Div. B 3.14.2.6..

Signs. An exterior sign over a sidewalk clears it by at least 2,400 mm; a sign face within 600 mm of a vehicle lane or parking area clears grade by at least 4.25 m unless vehicle height is permanently restricted; and a sign near overhead conductors meets the clearances of Article 3.1.20.1. OBC Div. B 3.15.5.2..

Shelf and rack storage. Walkways and platforms are lit to an average of at least 50 lx, and emergency lighting meets the 3.2.7. levels and duration OBC Div. B 3.16.1.5.. The floor area is sprinklered to NFPA 13 or the NFPA standard for the most severe hazard, with sprinklers under every platform and walkway, noncombustible draft stops at least 450 mm deep at stair openings, electrical supervision, and a "notice" sign at the control valve giving commodity class and design criteria OBC Div. B 3.16.1.6..

Existing buildings and change of use. Section 3.18 applies to listed changes of use (a "Y" change in Division C Table 1.3.1.4., one residential suite becoming several, a change to a retirement home or post-disaster building, a farm building to a major occupancy, and others) and to adding storeys to a combustible building so it exceeds four storeys OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1.. For most of those changes, the building must then meet Subsection 3.2.6. (high buildings) and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. for the new major occupancy OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1..

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Common traps

Portables 6 m apart need no fire alarm extension; the "12 portables" exception needs the grouping conditions too.
Self-service storage: the one-storey building without basement is the lighter case.
Class A pool turnover is 6, not 4; modified pools are 3.
Rapid transit stations omit manual stations and audible signals, but still need a fire alarm system and monitoring.
Spa emergency stop is within 15 m; the spa emergency phone is within 30 m.

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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
Portable classrooms and self-service storage	Self-service storage buildings split into two Subsections.
Public pools and spas: recirculation, emergency provisions and service rooms	Other recirculation numbers: suction fitting openings not more than 7 mm in one direction, flow through suction openings not more than 0.45 m/s, at least two suction outlets at…
Rapid transit stations: fire safety and emergency ventilation	A rapid transit station has a fire alarm system to Subsection 3.2.4., but manual stations and audible signal appliances are not required (3.13.5.2.).
Tents, signs, rack storage and existing buildings	Tents and air-supported structures.

Portable classrooms and self-service storage
Self-service storage buildings split into two Subsections.
Public pools and spas: recirculation, emergency provisions and service rooms
Other recirculation numbers: suction fitting openings not more than 7 mm in one direction, flow through suction openings not more than 0.45 m/s, at least two suction outlets at…
Rapid transit stations: fire safety and emergency ventilation
A rapid transit station has a fire alarm system to Subsection 3.2.4., but manual stations and audible signal appliances are not required (3.13.5.2.).
Tents, signs, rack storage and existing buildings
Tents and air-supported structures.

Usual exam traps

Portables 6 m apart need no fire alarm extension; the "12 portables" exception needs the grouping conditions too.
Self-service storage: the one-storey building without basement is the lighter case.
Class A pool turnover is 6, not 4; modified pools are 3.
Rapid transit stations omit manual stations and audible signals, but still need a fire alarm system and monitoring.
Spa emergency stop is within 15 m; the spa emergency phone is within 30 m.

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Code cited in this chapter

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

OBC Div. B 3.9.1.2. Heating Systems
(1)Heating systems and equipment in a portable classroom shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 6.2.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the fire alarm system in the main school building shall be extended to the portable classrooms with a separate zone indicator on the annunciator.
(2)The requirements in Sentence (1) need not be provided where there are not more than 12 portables on a site and where
(a)the distance between portable classrooms is less than 6 m and the requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. are applied between the classrooms, or
(b)the portable classrooms are in groups where
(i)the distance between the classrooms is less than 6 m,
(ii)the number of classrooms in a group does not exceed six,
(iii)within a group of classrooms, the facing walls have a fire-resistance rating of 45 min, rated from inside the classroom, and
(iv)the distance between groups of classrooms is 12 m or more.
(3)The requirements in Sentence (1) need not be provided where the distance between portable classrooms is 6 m or more.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.7. Fuel-Fired Appliances
(1)Where there is only one egress door from a portable classroom, a fuel-fired appliance shall be separated from the remainder of the classroom by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), if a portable classroom contains a fuel-fired appliance, the appliance shall be separated from the remainder of the classroom by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)1.5 h where the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is 1.5 m or less, and
(b)45 min where the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is more than 1.5 m.
(3)If the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is 6 m or more, a fuel-fired appliance need not be separated from the remainder of the classroom by a fire separation provided
(a)there is not more than one appliance per portable classroom, and
(b)the appliance is located not less than 4.5 m from an egress doorway or an exit from the portable classroom.
(4)Fuel-fired appliances with sealed combustion located in a portable classroom are not required to be separated from the remainder of the classroom
(a)if there are not more than four portable classrooms in a group, and
(b)if the appliance is located not less than 4.5 m from an egress doorway or an exit from the portable classroom.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.3.3. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.4. shall apply.
(2)A fire alarm system shall be installed.
(3)Within the first storey, manual stations are required only in corridors.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.3.4. Provisions for Firefighting
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.5. shall apply.
(2)Access routes for fire department vehicles shall be provided and shall be not less than 9 m wide.
(3)Hydrants shall be located in the access routes required in Sentence (2) so that
(a)for a building provided with a fire department connection for a standpipe system or a sprinkler system,
(i)a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to a hydrant, and
(ii)the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the fire department connection is not more than 45 m, and
(b)for a building that is not sprinklered throughout, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located in the access route so that the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter is not more than
(i)45 m from the hydrant to the vehicle, and
(ii)45 m from the vehicle to every opening in the building.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.3.5. Standpipe Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements in Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. shall apply.
(2)Hose stations are not required in the first storey.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.4.4. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.4. shall not apply.
(2)The requirements for smoke alarms in Article 3.2.4.20. shall apply to a dwelling unit.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.4.5. Provisions for Firefighting
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (7), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.5. shall not apply.
(2)Access routes for fire department vehicles shall be provided and shall be not less than 9 m wide.
(3)Hydrants shall be located in the access routes required in Sentence (2) so that the locations conform to Sentence 3.10.3.4.(3).
(4)The access routes required in Sentence (2) shall conform to the requirements in Sentence 3.2.5.6.(1).
(5)An adequate water supply for firefighting shall be provided for every building.
(6)Where a sprinkler system is installed, the system shall conform to the requirements in Articles 3.2.5.12., 3.2.5.15. and 3.2.5.17.
(7)Where combustible sprinkler piping is installed, it shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.2.5.13.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.4.5. in the code viewer

Show all 23 articles

OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1. Recirculation Systems
(1)Every public pool shall be equipped with a recirculation system.
(2)For the purposes of this Subsection, the water in a public pool and its recirculation system is deemed not to be potable water.
(3)The water in a public pool and its recirculation system shall be separated from the potable water supply and from the sewer or drainage system into which it drains by air gaps or other devices that prevent
(a)the water in the pool or its recirculation system from flowing back into the potable water supply, and
(b)the water in the sewer or drainage system from flowing back into the pool or its recirculation system.
(4)The recirculation system of a public pool shall be designed, constructed and equipped to comply with Sentences (5) to (20).
(5)The recirculation system of a public pool shall be capable of filtering, disinfecting and passing through the pool each day a volume of water of at least
(a)in the case of a Class A pool, other than a modified pool or a wave action pool, six times the total water volume of the pool.
(b)in the case of a Class B pool, other than a wave action pool, four times the total water volume of the pool,
(c)in the case of a modified pool, three times the total water volume of the pool, and
(d)in the case of a wave action pool, six times the total water volume of the pool.
(6)A recirculation system shall be equipped with a flow meter registering the rate of water flow.
(7)All pools shall be provided with automatic make-up water devices and provided with water meters to register the volume of all make-up water added to a public pool or its recirculation system.
(8)Equipment shall be installed to continuously disinfect the water in a public pool by means of
(a)a chlorination or hypochlorination system provided with a chemical controller for regulating the dosage of chlorine and capable of providing not less than,
(i)in the case of an outdoor pool, other than a wave action pool, 300 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity,
(ii)in the case of an indoor pool, other than a wave action pool, 200 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity,
(iii)in the case of an outdoor wave action pool, 1,200 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity, and
(iv)in the case of an indoor wave action pool, 800 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity, or
(b)a bromination system capable of maintaining in the pool water a total bromine residual of 3 mg/L.
(9)Chlorination equipment for a public pool shall contain a mechanism whereby the chlorine feed shall automatically terminate whenever the recirculation system ceases to supply clean water to the pool.
(10)All exposed potable water piping and chlorine piping within a public pool water treatment service room shall be colour coded by means of
(a)painting the entire outer surface of the piping, or
(b)coloured bands at least 25 mm in width that are spaced along the piping at intervals of not more than 1,200 mm.
(11)The colour coding referred to in Sentence (10) shall be yellow for chlorine and green for potable water.
(12)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, a public pool shall be equipped with overflow gutters or surface skimmers connected to the recirculation system that are capable of removing surface film from the surface of the water and withdrawing each day and discharging to the waste drains up to 15% of the total volume of pool water.
(13)A public pool shall be equipped with clean water inlets arranged in conjunction with surface skimmers or overflow gutters to provide uniform distribution and circulation of clean water.
(14)Except as permitted in Sentence (19), all fittings at or below the water surface that allow water and/or air to be passed to or from the public pool shall
(a)have a maximum opening of 7 mm in one direction, and
(b)be securely held in place by corrosion resistance fastening that require a tool for removal and are galvanically compatible with the fittings and grilles or covers.
(15)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, all fittings below the water surface that provide suction or gravity flow in a public pool shall
(a)be provided with a minimum of two suction or gravity outlets interconnected to a full size manifold, and
(b)be separated by a clear distance of not less than 1,200 mm.
(16)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, water in all public pools shall be capable of being emptied through the pool drains in 12 hours or less.
(17)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, openings in suction or gravity fittings shall
(a)be such that the flow of water does not exceed 0.45 m/s and the velocity is calculated assuming all possible sources of suction flow are present at one time, and
(b)be such that every suction fitting located within 1,000 mm of the water surface, except for skimmers and gutter fittings, contain openings with a minimum aggregate area of 0.2 m².
(18)Except for skimmers and gutters, all submerged suction and gravity fittings shall be clearly and permanently marked with a 50 mm wide band in a contrasting colour.
(19)Fittings returning water and/or air to the pool tank that are located within 300 mm of the water surface are permitted to have openings with one dimension more than 7 mm but shall contain no openings more than 25 mm in diameter.
(20)Submerged skimmer equalizer fittings and vacuum fittings are not permitted in public pools.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.10.1. Lighting and Emergency Provisions
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), rooms and spaces used by the public in conjunction with a public pool shall be capable of illumination to levels in compliance with Subsection 3.2.7.
(2)Dressing rooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, washrooms and passageways shall have an illumination level of at least 200 lx at floor level.
(3)An indoor pool or an outdoor pool that is intended to be open for use after sundown shall be equipped with a lighting system
(a)that will maintain at any point on the pool deck and on the pool water surface an illumination level of at least
(i)200 lx in the case of an indoor pool, and
(ii)100 lx in the case of an outdoor pool, and
(b)that makes the underwater areas of the pool clearly visible from any point on the pool deck.
(4)An outdoor pool that is intended to be open for use after sundown and an indoor pool shall be equipped with an independent emergency lighting system that automatically operates whenever the normal electrical power supply to a public pool lighting system fails.
(5)The independent emergency lighting system required in Sentence (4) shall be capable of illuminating the pool deck, washroom, shower, locker areas, pool water surface and all means of egress to a level of at least 10 lx.
(6)An emergency power supply for the emergency lighting system required in Sentence (4) shall comply with Sentences 3.2.7.4.(1) and 3.2.7.7.(1) and Article 3.2.7.5.
(7)An emergency telephone directly connected to an emergency service or to the local telephone utility shall be installed adjacent to the pool deck of every Class A pool.
(8)A telephone accessible for emergency use shall be installed for every Class B pool within 30 m of the pool.
(9)Every wave action pool shall have a public address system that shall be clearly audible in all portions of the pool.
(10)Every wave action pool shall have a communication system for the use of persons engaged in supervision or operation of the pool that shall be interconnected with each lifeguard control station, the first-aid room and the bather admission control centre.
(11)The public address system and the communication system described in Sentences (9) and (10) shall be interconnected.
(12)All recirculating pumps used in a public pool shall be capable of being deactivated by an emergency stop button clearly labelled and located at
(a)a Class A pool beside the telephone that is required in Sentence (7), and
(b)a Class B pool on the deck area.
(13)The emergency stop button in Sentence (12) shall, when used, activate an audible and a visual signal located by the emergency stop.
(14)An emergency sign containing the words in the event of an emergency push emergency stop button and use emergency phone, audible and visual signal will activate shall be in letters at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke and posted above the emergency stop button.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.10.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1. Service Rooms and Storage Facilities
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, service rooms shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.6.2.1.(5), 3.6.2.1.(7) and 3.6.2.1.(8) and Articles 3.5.3.3. and 3.6.2.2.
(2)Where compressed chlorine gas is used as a pool water disinfectant, the cylinders or containers of gas shall be located in a service room that
(a)except as provided in Sentences 3.1.9.4.(4), (5) and (7) to (9), is separated from the remainder of the building by a 1 h fire separation that is substantially gas tight,
(b)is designed for the sole purpose of containing all installed pressurized chlorine gas apparatus and piping and storing all chlorine gas containers or chlorine gas cylinders that are individually secured against toppling,
(c)is located at or above ground level,
(d)is provided with an exit door opening to the outdoors,
(e)has screened openings to the outdoors with at least one opening located within 150 mm from the floor and at least one opening located within 150 mm from the ceiling, each opening being 2% of the area of the floor,
(f)is equipped with emergency mechanical ventilation capable of producing at least 30 air changes per hour, taking suction at a maximum of 900 mm above the floor level and discharging at least 2,500 mm above ground level directly to the outdoors, and
(g)contains a platform weigh scale of at least 135 kg capacity for each chlorine cylinder in use.
(3)Storage facilities shall be provided for the safe storage of all chemicals required in pool operations.
(4)The storage facilities shall be ventilated and shall be equipped with a water hose connection and a floor drain.
(5)Service rooms and storage facilities, including rooms and facilities that contain electrical or mechanical equipment or chemicals or chemical feeders, shall be equipped with a secure locking device.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.12.4.1. Water Circulation Systems
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, the water circulation system of a public spa shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.8.1.(2), (3), (6), (7), (9), (10), (11), (13) and (20).
(2)A public spa shall be equipped with a water circulation system that is capable of filtering, disinfecting and passing the public spa water through the public spa with a turnover period of not more than
(a)30 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that exceeds 6 m²,
(b)20 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that exceeds 4 m² but does not exceed 6 m², or
(c)15 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that does not exceed 4 m².
(3)If cartridge-type filters are used for a public spa, the filters shall be a surface-type that is designed for a maximum flow rate of 0.27 L/s/m² effective filter area.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (6), every circulation system in a public spa shall be served by a minimum of two suction or gravity outlets
(a)that are interconnected to a full-size manifold, and
(b)except as provided in Sentence (5), that are separated by a clear distance of not less than 900 mm.
(5)If compliance with Clause (4)(b) is impracticable because of dimensional restrictions at the bottom of the public spa, the outlets may be located on two different planes of the public spa if
(a)at least one of the outlets through which the public spa can be emptied to a full-size manifold is located on the bottom of the public spa, and
(b)the bottom of all outlets, other than skimmers, are not more than 75 mm from the floor of the public spa.
(6)A circulation system in a factory-built public spa may be served by a built-in suction or gravity outlet with multiple openings that are connected to a full-size manifold.
(7)All fittings at or below the water surface that allow water or air or both to be passed to or from the public spa shall be securely held in place by corrosion resistant fastening that requires a tool for removal and is galvanically compatible with the fittings and grilles or covers.
(8)Except as provided in Sentence (9), all suction or gravity fittings installed at or below the water line of a public spa shall
(a)have a maximum opening of 7 mm in one direction, and
(b)be designed so that the flow of water through the openings does not exceed 0.45 m/s.
(9)Sentence (8) does not apply to suction and gravity outlets that are equipped with anti-entrapment covers that comply with the requirements of ASME A112.19.8, "Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs."
(10)The calculation of water velocities for the purposes of Clause (8)(b) and Sentences (11) and (12) and the calculation of water flow rates for the purposes of Sentence (9) shall be based on the assumption that all possible sources of suction flow are present at the same time.
(11)The water velocity in a suction pipe shall not exceed 1.8 m/s.
(12)The water velocity in a pressure pipe shall not exceed
(a)3.0 m/s for plastic piping, and
(b)1.8 m/s for copper piping.
(13)Every suction system that serves a public spa shall be equipped with a vacuum relief mechanism that shall include
(a)a vacuum release system,
(b)a vacuum limit system, or
(c)other engineered systems that are designed, constructed and installed to conform to good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances.
(14)Equipment shall be installed to continuously disinfect the water in a public spa by means of a chlorination, hypochlorination or bromination system that is capable of regulating the dosage of chlorine or bromine.
(15)If a two-speed pump is utilized for a public spa, the filter and heater shall be sized to accommodate the maximum pump output, without exceeding the manufacturer's design flow rate of the filter element or heater and without by-passing the filter element.
(16)A public spa equipped with hydro-massage jet fittings shall be provided with a timing device
(a)that controls the period of operation of the jet pump, and
(b)that is placed in a location where the user must exit the public spa to reset the timer.
(17)A public spa water heater shall be equipped with an upper limit cut-off device,
(a)that is independent of the normal public spa water temperature thermostat, and
(b)that limits the maximum water temperature of the public spa to 40°C.
(18)A public spa shall be equipped with a water circulation system that is capable of both completely and partially draining and refilling the public spa water.
Open OBC Div. B 3.12.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.12.5.1. Lighting and Emergency Provisions
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, public spas shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.10.1.(1) to (6).
(2)An emergency telephone directly connected to an emergency service or to the local telephone utility shall be installed within 30 m of the public spa.
(3)All pumps used in a public spa shall be capable of being deactivated by an emergency stop button that is
(a)clearly labelled, and
(b)located at a point that is
(i)readily accessible to and within sight of persons using the public spa, and
(ii)within 15 m of the public spa.
(4)The emergency stop button required in Sentence (3) shall
(a)be a switch separate from the public spa's timing device,
(b)activate an audible and a visual signal when used, and
(c)have an emergency sign conforming to Sentence 3.11.10.1.(14).
(5)If a public spa and public pool are located in the same room or space, the emergency stop buttons required in Sentences (3) and 3.11.10.1.(12) shall deactivate all pumps serving the public spa and public pool.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.5.1. Fire Alarm System
(1)Except as provided in this Subsection, a fire alarm system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. shall be installed in a rapid transit station.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.3.7. Emergency Lighting
(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided to average levels not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level in public areas in a rapid transit station.
(2)An emergency power supply conforming to Subsection 3.2.7. shall be provided to maintain the emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) for a period of 30 min after a power failure.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.7.1. Application
(1)Every rapid transit station shall be provided with an emergency ventilation system conforming to NFPA 130, "Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems."
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OBC Div. B 3.14.1.10. Electrical Systems
(1)The electrical system and equipment in a tent, including electrical fuses and switches, shall be inaccessible to the public.
(2)Cables on the ground in areas used by the public in a tent shall be placed in trenches or protected by covers to prevent damage from traffic.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.2.6. Emergency Air Supply
(1)An air-supported structure designed for an assembly occupancy with an occupant load of more than 200 persons shall have either an automatic emergency engine-generator set capable of powering one blower continuously for 4 h, or a supplementary blower powered by an automatic internal combustion engine.
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OBC Div. B 3.15.5.2. Clearance for Exterior Signs
(1)An exterior sign shall not be located so as to overhang a sidewalk or other pedestrian walkway unless the vertical distance, measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the sidewalk, is at least 2,400 mm.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), a sign face shall not be located within 600 mm of the vehicular travelled portion of a private lane or roadway, or of a motor vehicle parking area, unless the minimum vertical distance between grade and the bottom of the overhanging sign face is at least 4.25 m.
(3)Where the height of all vehicles using any private road or parking area is permanently restricted, the vertical distance in Sentence (2) may be reduced to the amount of the actual height restriction, for as long as the said height restriction is in existence on the premises.
(4)A sign shall not be located in proximity to existing above ground electrical conductors, unless the sign meets the clearance requirements of Article 3.1.20.1.
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OBC Div. B 3.16.1.5. Lighting
(1)Walkways and platforms shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.
(2)Emergency lighting on walkways, platforms, unenclosed egress stairs and exits providing means of egress shall conform to not less than
(a)the illumination level in Sentences 3.2.7.3.(2) and (3), and
(b)the duration in Sentence 3.2.7.4.(1).
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OBC Div. B 3.16.1.6. Sprinkler System
(1)An automatic sprinkler system conforming to this Article shall be installed in a floor area containing a shelf and rack storage system.
(2)The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems" or the appropriate NFPA sprinkler standard for the most severe hazard to which the storage system is exposed.
(3)Sprinkler protection shall be provided under all platforms and walkways.
(4)Except where the platforms or walkways are of open construction, any openings for egress stairs shall be protected by noncombustible draft stops not less than 450 mm below the floors above.
(5)The automatic sprinkler system shall be electrically supervised to indicate a trouble signal on the building fire alarm system annunciator or where the building does not have a fire alarm system, to notify the person controlling the operation of the building for each of the situations listed in Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3).
(6)The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed to notify the fire department that a waterflow switch has been activated.
(7)The notification to the person controlling the building and the fire department referred to in Sentences (5) and (6) shall be provided in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
(8)A permanent sign shall be posted, at or near the sprinkler control valve, containing
(a)the word notice in contrasting letters,
(b)a description of the commodity class as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," and
(c)the sprinkler design criteria used for the shelf and rack storage system.
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OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies where proposed construction
(a)in respect of an existing building will result in any of the following changes of use of all or part of the building:
(i)a change of the major occupancy of all or part of a building that is designated with a "Y" in Table 1.3.1.4. of Division C,
(ii)a suite of a Group C major occupancy is converted into more than one suite of a Group C major occupancy,
(iii)a suite or part of a suite of a Group A, Division 2 or a Group A, Division 4 major occupancy is converted to a gaming premises,
(iv)a farm building or part of a farm building is changed to a major occupancy,
(v)a building or part of a building is changed to a post-disaster building,
(vi)a building or part of a building is changed to a retirement home, or
(vii)the use of a building or part of a building is changed and the previous major occupancy of the building or part of the building cannot be determined, or
(b)in respect of an existing building of combustible construction will extend the building by adding a storey or storeys such that the extended building will be more than four storeys in building height.
(2)For the purposes of this Section and Sentences 11.4.2.1.(1) and 11.4.2.5.(4), the changes of use set out in Subclauses (1)(a)(ii) to (iv) and (vi) shall also be deemed to constitute a change in major occupancy.
(3)The requirements of this Section are in addition to the requirements of other Parts of this Division as they apply to the proposed construction.
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OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1. Change of Use and Compensating Construction
(1)Where proposed construction will result in a change of use described in Subclauses 3.18.1.1.(1)(a)(i) to (iv) and (vi), additional construction shall be required in order that the building or part of a building subject to the change of use conforms to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. as they apply to the new major occupancy that the building or part of a building is to support.
(2)For the purposes of this Article, existing buildings shall be classified as to their construction and occupancy as provided for in Sentence 11.2.1.1.(1).
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