Fire alarm, firefighting, emergency lighting and floor openings (3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.7 to 3.2.9) (Complex Buildings)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

occupant load needing a fire alarm, unsprinklered: 300 persons; occupant load needing a fire alarm, unsprinklered
min time before an alarm signal may auto-silence: 20 min; min time before an alarm signal may auto-silence
min depth of a draft stop around a floor opening: 500 mm; min depth of a draft stop around a floor opening
exhaust rate for an interconnected floor space: 4 ACH; exhaust rate for an interconnected floor space

This chapter covers alarms, firefighting access and water, lighting and emergency power, and openings between floors. The key topic is the interconnected floor space (Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8.).

Fire alarm and detection systems

When required. A sprinklered building needs a fire alarm system, unless it uses NFPA 13D sprinklers or has fewer than 9 sprinklers (which may then be fed from the domestic water system) (3.2.4.1.). A building not sprinklered throughout needs one when it has any of these, among others:

Feature	Threshold
Storeys, including those below the first storey	more than 3
Total occupant load	more than 300
Occupant load above or below the first storey	more than 150
School, college or child care facility	more than 40
Residential sleeping accommodation	more than 10 persons
Care, or care and treatment	more than 10 persons receiving care or treatment
High-hazard industrial	more than 25
Contained use area or impeded egress zone	any

Once required anywhere, one system serves the whole building and all its occupancies (3.2.4.2.). The exception is a portion of up to 3 storeys cut off by a 1 h vertical fire separation with no openings. That exception never covers service rooms or storage rooms.

Single or two stage. Group F, Division 1 and elementary and secondary schools get single-stage systems. Group B gets 2-stage, except a Group B, Division 3 building of 3 storeys or less may use either (3.2.4.3.). In a 2-stage system an unacknowledged alert becomes an alarm after 5 min, except in Group B, Division 2 (3.2.4.4.). An alarm cannot auto-silence for 20 min, or 5 min where no annunciator is needed. In care and treatment an alert may auto-silence after 1 min (3.2.4.6.).

Annunciator and zones. The annunciator sits near the entrance facing a street or fire access route (3.2.4.8.). Zones are one storey each, and in an unsprinklered building no more than 2,000 m². Each contained use area, impeded egress zone and required care fire compartment gets its own zone. A long-term care home needs a remote trouble signal at the main nursing station.

Detectors. Smoke detectors are required (3.2.4.11.) in:

Group B sleeping rooms and the corridors serving them;
contained use area rooms;
Group A, Division 1 corridors;
Group C public corridors;
exit stair shafts;
elevator machine rooms, where they recall the elevators;
near the draft stops of an interconnected floor space.

In care, care and treatment and detention sleeping rooms, detectors must signal staff and identify the room. Air-handling systems serving more than one storey or suite must stop smoke circulation on a duct detector signal (3.2.4.12.).

Voice. A one-way voice system is required where a 2-stage system serves an occupant load over 1,000. Group B, Division 1 and Group F, Division 1 are exempt (3.2.4.23.).

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Access routes, standpipes, sprinklers and fire department connections

Access routes are required for buildings over 3 storeys or over 600 m² in building area (3.2.5.4.). The principal entrance and access openings are 3 m to 15 m from the route. Without a fire department connection, hydrant to truck plus truck to building is at most 90 m, and the walk from truck to building at most 45 m (3.2.5.5.).
Route design (3.2.5.6.): at least 6 m clear width, 12 m centre line radius and 5 m overhead clearance. Gradient change is at most 1 in 12.5 over 15 m, and a dead end over 90 m needs a turnaround.
Standpipes are needed when the building is over 3 storeys, or over 14 m from grade to the top storey ceiling, or over the Table 3.2.5.8. area if unsprinklered (3.2.5.8.). Hose connections go in exits (3.2.5.10.). Floor areas not sprinklered throughout also get 38 mm hose stations within 5 m of exits (3.2.5.11.).
Fire department connections for standpipes and sprinklers are within 45 m of a hydrant, unobstructed (3.2.5.15.).
Sprinklers follow NFPA 13. NFPA 13R or 13D is allowed only in the listed cases (3.2.5.12.).

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Lighting and emergency power

Exits, public corridors and corridors serving Group B, Division 2 or 3 patients or residents get an average of 50 lx, minimum 10 lx (3.2.7.1.). Emergency lighting averages 10 lx, minimum 1 lx, in exits, public corridors, corridors serving Group B, Division 2 or 3 sleeping rooms, and other listed places (3.2.7.3.).

Building	Emergency lighting (3.2.7.4.)	Fire alarm full load after 24 h supervisory (3.2.7.8.)
Within 3.2.6.	2 h	2 h
Group B, not 3.2.6.	1 h	1 h
Retirement home, not 3.2.6.	1 h	1 h
No annunciator required	30 min	5 min
Any other	30 min	30 min

Hospital emergency power follows CSA Z32 (3.2.7.6.). The 2 h generator supply in 3.2.7.9. also covers fans that keep air quality in Group B areas of refuge under 3.3.3.6. Conductors for those areas of refuge need 2 h protection, not 1 h (3.2.7.10.).

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Mezzanines and interconnected floor spaces

An interconnected floor space is a set of stacked floor areas whose required fire-separation floors are pierced by openings without closures (definition). Under 3.2.8.1., a floor area or mezzanine edge that does not end at an exterior wall, firewall or shaft must either end at a vertical fire separation rated like the floor, or meet Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. Sleeping room floors in a Group B, Division 2 building may never be part of one.

Exceptions (3.2.8.2.):

Mezzanines serving Group A, Division 1, or Group A, Division 3 in a building of at most 2 storeys, or Group A, C, D, E or F mezzanines of 500 m² or less that meet the 3.2.1.1. size rules.
In Group B, Division 1, spaces linking no more than 2 adjacent storeys.
Escalator openings of 10 m² or less each, in a sprinklered building with closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops, containing only Group A, Divisions 1 to 3, D or E.
The first storey plus one storey above or below it, but not both. It must be sprinklered, or limited to stair and escalator openings when the building area is at most half the 3.2.2. limit. It may contain only Group A, Divisions 1 to 3, D, E, or F, Divisions 2 and 3.

The full package for any other interconnected floor space:

Article	Requirement
3.2.8.3.	whole building sprinklered; closely spaced sprinklers and draft stops at openings
3.2.8.4.	vestibule at each exit opening into the space: doors at least 1.8 m apart, unrated fire separation, stair kept to 1% contaminated air
3.2.8.5.	protected floor spaces, if used: separation rated like the floor, vestibules at openings, exit reachable without entering the space
3.2.8.6.	draft stop at each floor level around the opening, at least 500 mm deep
3.2.8.7.	mechanical exhaust at 4 air changes per hour, switch near the annunciator on the firefighter access storey
3.2.8.8.	where ceilings are over 8 m, combustible contents at most 16 g/m³ of the space volume

An elevator opening into both the space and storeys above it needs vestibules at one of those two sets of doors.

Exit width. Exit stairs serving the space must be sized cumulatively under 3.4.3.2.(6), unless:

the stairs give at least 0.3 m² of tread and landing area per occupant of the space; or
protected floor spaces on each level give at least 0.5 m² per occupant of that level.

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Integrated systems testing

Integrated fire protection and life safety systems are tested as a whole to CAN/ULC-S1001 (3.2.9.1.).

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Common traps

Applying the 2,000 m² zone limit to a sprinklered building. Sprinklered zones follow the storey and NFPA 13 limits.
Treating the escalator exception as open to any occupancy. It is limited to Group A, Divisions 1 to 3, D and E.
Using the first storey exception for three storeys (first plus above plus below). It allows one or the other.
Giving the IFS vestibule a fire-resistance rating. 3.2.8.4. says the separation need not be rated.
Forgetting cumulative exit stair width for an interconnected floor space.

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
Fire alarm and detection systems	Once required anywhere, one system serves the whole building and all its occupancies.
Lighting and emergency power	Exits, public corridors and corridors serving Group B, Division 2 or 3 patients or residents get an average of 50 lx, minimum 10 lx.
Mezzanines and interconnected floor spaces	An interconnected floor space is a set of stacked floor areas whose required fire-separation floors are pierced by openings without closures.
Integrated systems testing	Integrated fire protection and life safety systems are tested as a whole to CAN/ULC-S1001.

Fire alarm and detection systems
Once required anywhere, one system serves the whole building and all its occupancies.
Lighting and emergency power
Exits, public corridors and corridors serving Group B, Division 2 or 3 patients or residents get an average of 50 lx, minimum 10 lx.
Mezzanines and interconnected floor spaces
An interconnected floor space is a set of stacked floor areas whose required fire-separation floors are pierced by openings without closures.
Integrated systems testing
Integrated fire protection and life safety systems are tested as a whole to CAN/ULC-S1001.

Usual exam traps

Applying the 2,000 m² zone limit to a sprinklered building. Sprinklered zones follow the storey and NFPA 13 limits.
Treating the escalator exception as open to any occupancy. It is limited to Group A, Divisions 1 to 3, D and E.
Using the first storey exception for three storeys (first plus above plus below). It allows one or the other.
Giving the IFS vestibule a fire-resistance rating. 3.2.8.4. says the separation need not be rated.
Forgetting cumulative exit stair width for an interconnected floor space.

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Questions on Fire alarm, firefighting, emergency lighting and floor openings (3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.7 to 3.2.9), 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 3.2.4.1. Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a fire alarm system shall be installed in buildings in which an automatic sprinkler system is installed.
(2)Buildings in which a sprinkler system is installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," need not comply with Sentence (1).
(3)Buildings that contain fewer than 9 sprinklers conforming to Sentence 3.2.5.12.(4) need not comply with Sentence (1).
(4)Except as permitted by Sentences (5), (6) and 3.2.4.2.(4), a fire alarm system shall be installed in a building that is not sprinklered throughout and that contains
(a)a contained use area,
(b)an impeded egress zone,
(c)more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey,
(d)a total occupant load more than 300, other than in open air seating areas,
(e)an occupant load more than 150 above or below the first storey, other than in open air seating areas,
(f)a school, college or child care facility, including a day care facility, with an occupant load more than 40,
(g)a licensed beverage establishment or a licenced restaurant, with an occupant load more than 150,
(h)a low-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,
(i)a medium-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,
(j)a residential occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons,
(k)a high-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 25,
(l)an occupant load more than 300 below an open air seating area,
(m)a care and treatment occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care or treatment, or
(n)a care occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care.
(4.1)A fire alarm system is not required in a hotel 3 storeys or less in building height provided each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.
(5)A fire alarm system is not required in a residential occupancy that is not sprinklered, where
(a)not more than 4 suites share a common means of egress, or
(b)each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.
(6)A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92. that is contained in a building that is not sprinklered provided there are no other occupancies in the building.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.2. Continuity of Fire Alarm System
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), if there are openings through a firewall, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and totally enclosed noncombustible raceways, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply to the floor areas on both sides of the firewall as if they were in the same building.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if a building contains more than one major occupancy and a fire alarm system is required, a single system shall serve all occupancies.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if a fire alarm system is required in any portion of a building, it shall be installed throughout the building.
(4)Except as required by Sentence (5), the requirements in this Subsection are permitted to be applied to each portion of a building not more than 3 storeys in building height, in which a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h separates the portion from the remainder of the building as if it were a separate building, provided there are no openings through the fire separation, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and totally enclosed noncombustible raceways.
(5)The permission in Sentence (4) to consider separated portions of a building as separate buildings does not apply to service rooms and storage rooms.
(6)Buildings interconnected by walkways permitted in Articles 3.2.3.19. and 3.2.3.20. or by vestibules provided in conformance with Article 3.2.6.3. shall be treated as separate buildings for the purpose of fire alarm installation required by this Subsection.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.3. Types of Fire Alarm Systems
(1)A fire alarm system shall be
(a)a single-stage system in a Group F, Division 1 occupancy,
(b)except as permitted in Clause (c), a 2-stage system in a Group B occupancy,
(c)a single- or 2-stage system in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy where the building is 3 storeys or less in building height,
(d)a single-stage system in elementary and secondary schools, except for a special needs facility, and
(e)a single- or 2-stage system in all other cases.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.4. Description of Fire Alarm Systems
(1)A single-stage fire alarm system shall, upon the operation of any manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector, cause an alarm signal to sound on all audible signal devices in the system. (See Note A-3.2.4.4.(1))
(2)A 2-stage fire alarm system shall
(a)cause an alert signal to sound upon the operation of any manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector,
(b)except for a Group B, Division 2 occupancy, automatically cause an alarm signal to sound if the alert signal is not acknowledged within 5 min of its initiation,
(c)have manual stations, each of which is equipped so that the use of a key or other similar device causes an alarm signal to sound that continues to sound upon removal of the key or similar device from the manual station, and (See Note A-3.2.4.4.(2)(c))
(d)in a building containing a hotel,
(i)cause an alarm signal to sound in the initiating fire zone in the hotel, and
(ii)cause an alert signal to sound throughout the hotel and such parts of the building as is necessary to alert hotel staff. (See Note A-3.2.4.4.(2))
(3)A 2-stage fire alarm system is permitted to be zone coded so that, upon the operation of any manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector,
(a)a coded alert signal is sounded indicating the zone of alarm initiation,
(b)the coded alert signal is repeated in its entirety not less than 4 times, and
(c)a continuous alert signal is sounded upon completion of the coded signals referred to in Clause (b) and Sentence (4).
(4)If a second manual station, waterflow detecting device, or fire detector is operated in a fire alarm system with zone coding as permitted by Sentence (3), in a zone other than that for which the first alert signal was sounded, the coded alert signal for the first zone shall be completed before the coded alert signal for the second zone is repeated not less than 4 times.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.6. Silencing of Alarm Signals
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a fire alarm system shall be designed so that when an alarm signal is actuated, it cannot be silenced automatically before a period of time has elapsed that is not less than
(a)5 min for a building not required to be equipped with an annunciator, and
(b)20 min for any other building.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.4.18.(8) and Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) and (3), a fire alarm system shall not incorporate manual silencing switches other than those installed inside the fire alarm control unit. (See Note A-3.2.4.6.(2))
(3)Except as provided by Clause 3.2.4.22.(3)(a), in a care and treatment occupancy an alert signal is permitted to be silenced automatically after 1 min.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.8. Annunciator and Zone Indication
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (3) to (5), an annunciator shall be installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1).
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), the annunciator required by Sentence (1) shall have separate zone indication of the actuation of the alarm initiating devices in each
(a)floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone in a building that is not sprinklered is not more than 2,000 m²,
(b)floor area so that the area of coverage for each zone is neither
(i)more than one storey, nor
(ii)more than the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,"
(c)shaft required to be equipped with fire detectors,
(d)air-handling system required to be equipped with smoke detectors,
(e)fire extinguishing system required by NFPA 96, "Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations,"
(f)contained use area,
(g)impeded egress zone, and
(h)fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2).(See Note A-3.2.4.8.(2))
(3)An annunciator need not be provided for a fire alarm system if not more than one zone indicator is required in Sentence (2).
(4)If an annunciator is not installed as part of a fire alarm system in conformance with Sentence (1), a visible and audible trouble signal device shall be provided inside the main entrance of the building.
(5)The requirements in Sentence (1) are waived in a building
(a)in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed,
(b)that has an aggregate area for all storeys of not more than 2,000 m², and
(c)that is not more than 3 storeys in building height.
(6)The area limits of Clause (2)(a) are waived for an interior undivided open space used as an arena, a rink or a swimming pool provided that other spaces in the building that are separated from the open space are individually zoned in accordance with the requirements of Sentence (2).
(7)A fire alarm control unit installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1), is deemed to satisfy the requirement for an annunciator provided all indicators required for an annunciator or trouble signal device are included on the control unit. (See Note A-3.2.4.8.(7))
(8)In a building containing a hotel in which a trouble signal sounding device has a silencing switch, a trouble light shall be installed in
(a)the main reception area serving the hotel, or
(b)another continually-supervised location.
(9)In a long-term care home, a remote audiovisual fire alarm trouble signal shall be located at the main nursing station.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.11. Smoke and Heat Detectors
(1)If a fire alarm system is installed, smoke detectors shall be installed in
(a)each sleeping room and each corridor serving as part of a means of egress from sleeping rooms in portions of a building classified as Group B major occupancy,
(b)each room in a contained use area and corridors serving those rooms,
(c)each corridor in portions of a building classified as Group A, Division 1 major occupancy,
(d)each public corridor in portions of a building classified as Group C major occupancy,
(e)each exit stair shaft, other than those serving only a Group A, Division 4 major occupancy or an open storage garage.
(f)the vicinity of draft stops required by Article 3.2.8.6.,
(g)each elevator machine room, and
(h)each corridor serving classrooms in elementary and secondary schools.(See Note A-3.2.4.11.(1))
(2)In a floor area containing a hotel, where a fire alarm system is installed and the floor area is not sprinklered, heat detectors shall be installed in every room in a suite and in every room not located in a suite other than washrooms within a suite, saunas, refrigerated areas and swimming pools.
(3)Smoke detectors required in sleeping rooms of a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy shall, upon actuation, provide an audible and visible signal to staff serving those rooms so that the room or location containing the smoke detector can be easily identified. (See Note A-3.2.4.11.(3))
(4)Smoke detectors required in Clause (1)(g) shall, upon actuation, recall the elevators served by the elevator machine room in which the smoke detector is installed.
(5)Except as permitted in Sentences (6) and (7), smoke detectors installed in buildings required to be equipped with a fire alarm system shall be located near the entrance to walkways described in Articles 3.2.3.19. and 3.2.3.20. or vestibules provided in conformance with Article 3.2.6.3.
(6)Smoke detectors installed at the entrance to the walkways in conformance with Article 3.1.8.14. shall be deemed to meet the requirements of Sentence (5).
(7)Smoke detectors required by Sentence (5) may be replaced with fire detectors in Group F occupancies where the smoke detectors may be subjected to false alarms due to the activities within the building.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.11. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.4.12. Prevention of Smoke Circulation
(1)If a fire alarm system is installed, an air-handling system shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a duct-type smoke detector if the air handling system
(a)serves more than one storey,
(b)serves more than one suite in a storey,
(c)serves more than one fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2), or
(d)is not provided with fire dampers as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.8.(4).
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.12. in the code viewer

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OBC Div. B 3.2.4.23. One-Way Voice Communication Systems
(1)Except for Group B, Division 1 and Group F, Division 1 major occupancies, where a fire alarm system is required under Subsection 3.2.4., a one-way voice communication system shall be installed in buildings where a 2-stage fire alarm system is installed and whose occupant load exceeds 1,000.
(2)The one-way voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall consist of loudspeakers that are
(a)operated from the central alarm and control facility or, in the absence of a central alarm and control facility, from a designated area, and
(b)except in elevator cars, designed and located so that transmitted messages are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building. (See Note A-3.2.4.22.(1)(b))
(3)Where the facility is not equipped with staff trained to provide instructions over the loudspeakers, a pre-recorded message shall be provided.
(4)The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) to (4) and (6).
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.4.23. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4. Access Routes
(1)A building which is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m² in building area shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles
(a)to the building face having a principal entrance, and
(b)to each building face having access openings for firefighting as required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. (See Note A-3.2.5.4.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5. Location of Access Routes
(1)Access routes required by Article 3.2.5.4. shall be located so that the principal entrance and every access opening required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route required for fire department use, measured horizontally from the face of the building.
(2)Access routes shall be provided to a building so that
(a)for a building provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to the hydrants referred to in Article 3.2.5.15.,
(b)for a building not provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located so that the length of the access route from a hydrant to the vehicle plus the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 90 m, and
(c)the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 45 m.
(3)The unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter required by Sentence (2) from the vehicle to the building shall be measured from the vehicle to the fire department connection provided for the building, except that if no fire department connection is provided, the path of travel shall be measured to the principal entrance of the building.
(4)If a portion of a building is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, the access routes required by Sentence (2) shall be located so that the unobstructed path of travel from the vehicle to one entrance of each portion of the building is not more than 45 m.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.6. Access Route Design
(1)A portion of a roadway or yard provided as a required access route for fire department use shall
(a)have a clear width not less than 6 m, unless it can be shown that lesser widths are satisfactory,
(b)have a centre line radius not less than 12 m,
(c)have an overhead clearance not less than 5 m,
(d)have a change of gradient not more than 1 in 12.5 over a minimum distance of 15 m,
(e)be designed to support the expected loads imposed by firefighting equipment and be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or other material designed to permit accessibility under all climatic conditions,
(f)have turnaround facilities for any dead-end portion of the access route more than 90 m long, and
(g)be connected with a public thoroughfare. (See Note A-3.2.5.6.(1))
(2)For buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60., no portion of the access route described in Sentence 3.2.2.10.(3) shall be more than 20 m below the uppermost floor level.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8. Standpipe Systems
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a standpipe system shall be installed in a building that is
(a)more than 3 storeys in building height,
(b)more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey, or
(c)not more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey but has a building area exceeding the area shown in Table 3.2.5.8. for the applicable building height unless the building is sprinklered throughout.
(2)A standpipe system need not be installed in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92., provided the building is not more than 15 m high.
(3)A standpipe system is not required to be installed in a building classified as Group C major occupancy,
(a)that is not more than 4 storeys above grade,
(b)that does not contain a public corridor or other common areas,
(c)where each dwelling unit,
(i)is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building.
(ii)has direct access to its interior by means of an exterior doorway located not more than 1,500 mm above or below adjacent finished ground level, and
(d)that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.2.2.50. or Article 3.2.2.52.
Open OBC Div. B 3.2.5.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.2.5.10. Hose Connections
(1)Hose connections shall be located in exits, in accordance with NFPA 14, "Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems."
(2)Hose connections are not required within a floor area.
(3)Hose connections shall be provided with sufficient clearance to permit the use of a standard fire department hose key.
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), 64 mm diam hose connections shall be installed in a standpipe system.
(5)Hose connections for 64 mm diam hose are not required in a building that is not more than 25 m high, measured between grade and the ceiling level of the top storey and in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.5.11. Hose Stations
(1)Hose stations for 38 mm diam hose shall be installed for a standpipe system in a building that is not sprinklered throughout.
(2)Hose stations for a 38 mm diam hose shall be installed for a standpipe system within every floor area that is not sprinklered throughout. (See Note A-3.2.5.11.(2))
(3)Hose stations shall be located in the floor area within 5 m of exits and at other locations to provide coverage of the entire floor area.
(4)A hose station located on one side of a horizontal exit shall be considered to serve only the floor area on that side of the horizontal exit.
(5)A hose cabinet shall be located so that its door, when fully opened, will not obstruct the required width of a means of egress.
(6)Where a building or part thereof is used as a distillery and the building is sprinklered in conformance with Article 3.2.5.12., small hose (38 mm) stations are permitted to be supplied from interior sprinkler piping.
(7)Where a hose station is provided in grain handling and storage facilities in which combustible dusts are produced in quantities or concentrations that create an explosion or fire hazard, fog and fine spray nozzles shall be used instead of nozzles that discharge a solid stream of water to prevent combustible dusts from being raised into suspension.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.5.15. Fire Department Connections
(1)The fire department connection for a standpipe system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.
(2)The fire department connection for an automatic sprinkler system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.5.12. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2) to (4) and (9), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems." (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(1))
(2)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies," is permitted to be used for the design, construction, installation and testing of an automatic sprinkler system installed
(a)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that is not more than 4 storeys in building height and conforms to Article 3.2.2.47., 3.2.2.49., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.52. or 3.2.2.55.,
(b)in a building of Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than six occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency,
(c)in a building that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.55D., or
(d)in a building that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.55E., where the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2) on the storey immediately below the roof assembly is continuous to the underside of the roof deck. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(2))
(3)Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Oneand Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," is permitted to be used for the design, construction and installation of an automatic sprinkler system installed
(a)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains not more than two dwelling units,
(b)reserved,
(c)in a building of residential occupancy throughout that contains more than two dwelling units, provided
(i)except for a secondary suite, no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit,
(ii)all suites are separated by a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h that provides continuous protection from the top of the footing to the underside of the roof deck, with any space between the top of the wall and the roof deck tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material,
(iii)each dwelling unit has its own sprinkler water supply provided in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,"
(iv)a passive purge sprinkler system design is used as described in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," and
(v)where the sprinkler system is taken into consideration for the reduction of limiting distance, all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that adjoin an exposing building face are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemption stated in NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes." (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(2))
(4)If a building contains fewer than 9 sprinklers, the water supply for these sprinklers is permitted to be supplied from the domestic water system for the building provided the required flow for the sprinklers can be met by the domestic system.
(5)If a water supply serves both an automatic sprinkler system and a system serving other equipment, control valves shall be provided so that either system can be shut off independently.
(6)Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, sprinklers shall not be omitted in any room or closet in the storey immediately below a roof assembly. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(6))
(7)Notwithstanding the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) regarding the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, in buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.48., 3.2.2.51., 3.2.2.57., 3.2.2.60. or 3.2.2.93., sprinklers shall be provided for all balconies and decks, other than,
(a)balconies or decks that are not more than 610 mm in depth measured perpendicular to the exterior wall of the building, or
(b)decks on the uppermost roof of the building. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(7))
(8)Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms shall have a temperature rating not less than that required for an intermediate temperature classification and shall be protected against physical damage. (See Note A-3.2.5.12.(8))
(9)Except as provided in Subsection 3.2.8., closely spaced sprinklers and associated draft stops need not be installed around floor openings in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
(10)The sprinkler system described in Sentence (3) shall be provided with a minimum 20 min water supply when installed in a retirement home.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.1. Minimum Lighting Requirements
(1)An exit, a public corridor, a corridor providing access to exit for the public, a corridor serving patients or residents in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, a corridor serving classrooms, an electrical equipment room, a transformer vault and a hoistway pit shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.
(2)The minimum level of the illumination required by Sentence (1) shall be 10 lx.
(3)Rooms and spaces used by the public shall be equipped to provide illumination as described in Sentences (4) to (7) and Article 9.34.2.7.
(4)The minimum level of illumination over the entire length of escalators and moving walks shall be not less than 100 lx at the level of the treads and walking surfaces.
(5)Except as provided in Sentence (6) and except for light switches and internally illuminated controls, the minimum level of illumination at controls required by Article 3.8.1.5. shall be not less than 100 lx.
(6)Where visual information is provided at controls referred to in Sentence (5), the minimum level of illumination at the controls shall be not less than 200 lx, except where the visual information is internally illuminated.
(7)Except for internally illuminated signs, the minimum level of illumination at signs displaying visual information required by Clauses 3.4.6.10.(5)(b) and 3.4.6.16.(5)(g), Sentence 3.4.6.18.(3), Clause 3.4.6.18.(4)(a) and Articles 3.4.6.19. and 3.8.3.1. shall be not less than 200 lx.
(8)Lighting outlets in a building of residential occupancy shall be provided in conformance with Subsection 9.34.2.
(9)Elevator machine rooms shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of not less than 100 lx at floor level.
(10)Every place of assembly intended for the viewing of motion pictures or the performing arts, shall be equipped to provide an average level of illumination at floor level in the aisles of not less than 2 lx during the viewing.
(11)Every area where food is intended to be processed, prepared or manufactured and where equipment or utensils are intended to be cleaned shall be equipped to provide illumination to a level of not less than 500 lx measured at the floor level.
(12)Every storage room, dressing room, sanitary facility, service area and corridor serving the areas in Sentence (11) shall be equipped to provide illumination to a level of not less than 300 lx measured at the floor level.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.3. Emergency Lighting
(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided to an average level of illumination not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level in
(a)exits,
(b)principal routes providing access to exit in open floor areas and in service rooms,
(c)corridors used by the public,
(d)corridors serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy,
(e)reserved
(f)corridors serving classrooms,
(g)underground walkways,
(h)public corridors,
(i)floor areas or parts of thereof where the public may congregate
(i)in Group A, Division 1 occupancies, or
(ii)in Group A, Divisions 2 and 3 occupancies having an occupant load of 60 or more,
(j)floor areas or parts of thereof in day care centres where persons are cared for,
(k)food preparation areas in commercial kitchens,
(l)washrooms with fixtures for public use,
(m)locations where doors are equipped with an electromagnetic lock as described in Clauses 3.4.6.16.(5)(k),
(n)universal washrooms required by Article 3.8.3.12. and universal shower rooms required by Article 3.8.3.13.,
(o)principal routes providing access to exit in a floor area that is not subdivided into rooms or suites of rooms served by corridors in a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy, and
(p)internal corridors or aisles serving as principal routes to exits in a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy that is subdivided into rooms or suites of rooms, and is not served by a public corridor.
(2)Emergency lighting to provide an average level of illumination of not less than 10 lx at floor or catwalk level shall be included
(a)in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8), and
(b)on a shelf and rack storage system, in locations described in Sentence 3.16.1.5.(2).
(3)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentences (1) and (2) shall not be less than 1 lx.
(4)In addition to the requirements of Sentences (1) to (3), the installation of battery-operated emergency lighting in health care facilities shall conform to the appropriate requirements of CSA Z32, "Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in health care facilities."
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.4. Emergency Power for Lighting
(1)An emergency power supply shall be
(a)provided to maintain the emergency lighting required by this Subsection from a power source such as batteries or generators that will continue to supply power in the event that the regular power supply to the building is interrupted, and
(b)so designed and installed that upon failure of the regular power it will assume the electrical load automatically for a period of
(i)2 h for a building within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(ii)1 h for a building of Group B major occupancy classification that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(iii)(ii.1) 1 h for a building that contains a Group C major occupancy retirement home and that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(iv)1 h for a building within the scope of Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60, and
(v)30 min for a building of any other occupancy. (See Note A-3.2.7.4.(1))
(2)If self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency lighting equipment."
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.8. Emergency Power for Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Fire alarm systems, including those incorporating a voice communication system, shall be provided with an emergency power supply conforming to Sentences (2) to (4).
(2)The emergency power supply required by Sentence (1) shall be supplied from
(a)a generator,
(b)batteries, or
(c)a combination thereof.
(3)The emergency power supply required by Sentence (1) shall be capable of providing
(a)supervisory power for not less than 24 h, and
(b)immediately following that period, emergency power under full load for not less than
(i)2 h for a building within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(ii)1 h for a building classified as Group B major occupancy that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(iii)(ii.1) 1 h for a building that contains a Group C major occupancy retirement home and that is not within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6.,
(iv)1 h for a building within the scope of Article 3.2.2.51. or 3.2.2.60.,
(v)5 min for a building not required to be equipped with an annunciator, and
(vi)30 min for any other building. (See Note A-3.2.7.8.(3))
(4)The emergency power supply required by Sentence (1) shall be designed so that, in the event of a failure of the normal power source, there is an immediate automatic transfer to emergency power with no loss of information.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.6. Emergency Power for Hospitals
(1)Except as required by Article 3.2.7.7., an emergency electrical power supply system for emergency equipment required by this Part for health care facilities shall be installed in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical safety and essential electrical systems in health care facilities." (See Note A-3.2.7.6.(1))
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.9. Emergency Power for Building Services
(1)An emergency power supply capable of operating under a full load for not less than 2 h shall be provided by an emergency generator for
(a)every elevator serving storeys above the first storey in a building that is more than 36 m high measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey and every elevator for firefighters in conformance with Sentence (2),
(b)except as provided in Sentence (4), equipment that supplies water for fire suppression as required by Articles 3.2.5.7. and 3.2.5.8. and Sentences 3.2.5.12.(1) and (2) and 3.2.5.18.(1), if the supply depends solely on electrical power supplied to the building,
(c)fans and other electrical equipment that are installed to maintain the air quality specified in Articles 3.2.6.2. and 3.3.3.6.,
(d)fans required for venting by Article 3.2.6.6., and
(e)fans required by Clause 3.2.8.4.(1)(c) and Article 3.2.8.7. in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. (See Note A-3.2.7.9.(1))
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the emergency power supply for elevators required by Clause (1)(a) shall be capable of operating all elevators for firefighters plus one additional elevator simultaneously.
(3)Sentence (2) does not apply if the time to recall all elevators under emergency power supply is not more than 5 min, each from its most remote storey to
(a)the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4 and 3.2.5.5., or
(b)to a transfer lobby.
(4)The emergency power supply required by Clause (1)(b) for the equipment that supplies water for fire suppression need not be provided for sprinkler systems conforming to NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes."
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OBC Div. B 3.2.7.10. Protection of Electrical Conductors
(1)The protection of electrical and emergency conductors referred to in Clauses (a) to (c) shall conform to the requirements stated in Sentences (2) to (11):
(a)electrical conductors located within buildings identified in Article 3.2.6.1. serving
(i)fire alarms,
(ii)emergency lighting, or
(iii)emergency equipment within the scope of Articles 3.2.6.2. to 3.2.6.8.,
(b)emergency conductors serving fire pumps required to be installed under Article 3.2.5.18., and
(c)emergency conductors serving mechanical systems serving
(i)areas of refuge identified in Clause 3.3.3.6.(1)(b), or
(ii)contained use areas referred to in Clauses 3.3.3.7.(4)(a) and (b).
(2)Except as otherwise required by Sentence (3) and permitted by this Article, electrical conductors that are used in conjunction with systems identified in Sentence (1) shall
(a)conform to CAN/ULC-S139, "Standard for Fire Test for Circuit Integrity of Fire-Resistive Power, Instrumentation, Control and Data Cables," including the hose stream application, to provide a circuit integrity rating of not less than 1 h, or (See Note A-3.2.7.10.(2)(a) and (3)(a)) (See also Clause 3.2.6.5.(6)(b))
(b)be located in a service space that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
(3)Electrical conductors identified in Clause (1)(c) shall
(a)conform to CAN/ULC-S139, "Standard for Fire Test for Circuit Integrity of Fire-Resistive Power, Instrumentation, Control and Data Cables," including the hose stream application, to provide a circuit integrity rating of not less than 2 h, or (See Note A-3.2.7.10.(2)(a) and (3)(a))
(b)be located in a service space that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
(4)The service spaces referred to in Clause (2)(b) and (3)(b) shall not contain any combustible materials other than the electrical conductors being protected.
(5)Except as permitted by Sentences (7) and (9), the electrical conductors referred to in Sentence (1) are those that extend from the source of emergency power to
(a)the equipment served, or
(b)the distribution equipment supplying power to the equipment served, if both are in the same room. (See Note A-3.2.7.10.(5)(b))
(6)If a fire alarm transponder or annunciator located in one fire compartment is connected to a central processing unit or another transponder or annunciator located in a different fire compartment, the electrical conductors connecting them shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (2).
(7)Fire alarm system branch circuits within a storey that connect transponders and individual devices need not conform to Sentence (2). (See Note A-3.2.7.10.(7))
(8)Except as permitted in Sentence (9), if a distribution panel supplies power to emergency lighting, the power supply conductors leading up to the distribution panel shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (2).
(9)Conductors leading from a distribution panel referred to in Sentence (8) to emergency lighting units in the same storey need not conform to Sentence (2).
(10)Distribution panels serving emergency lighting units located on other storeys shall be installed in a service room separated from the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h.
(11)Conductors leading from a distribution panel to emergency lighting units located on other storeys shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (2) between the distribution panel and the floor area where the emergency lighting units are located.
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OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Interconnected floor space
Interconnected floor space means superimposed floor areas or parts of floor areas in which floor assemblies that are required to be fire separations are penetrated by openings that are not provided with closures.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.1. Application
(1)Except as permitted by Article 3.2.8.2. and Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the portions of a floor area or a mezzanine that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a firewall or a vertical shaft shall
(a)terminate at a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly and extending from the floor assembly to the underside of the floor or roof assembly above, or
(b)be protected in conformance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8.
(2)The penetration of a floor assembly by an exit or a vertical service space shall conform to the requirements of Sections 3.4., 3.5. and 3.6.
(3)A floor area containing sleeping rooms in a building of Group B, Division 2 major occupancy shall not be constructed as part of an interconnected floor space.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.2. Exceptions to Special Protection
(1)A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation nor be protected in conformance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. provided the mezzanine
(a)serves a Group A, Division 1 major occupancy,
(b)serves a Group A, Division 3 major occupancy in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, or
(c)serves a Group A, C, D, E or F major occupancy and
(i)is 500 m² or less in area, and
(ii)conforms to Sentence 3.2.1.1.(3) or (4).
(2)Except for floors referred to in Sentence 3.1.10.3.(1) and Article 3.2.1.2., openings through a horizontal fire separation for vehicular ramps in a storage garage are not required to be protected with closures and need not conform to this Subsection.
(3)If a closure in an opening in a fire separation would disrupt the nature of a manufacturing process, such as a continuous flow of material from storey to storey, the closure for the opening is permitted to be omitted provided precautions are taken to offset the resulting hazard. (See Note A-3.2.8.2.(3))
(4)An interconnected floor space in a Group B, Division 1 occupancy need not conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. provided the interconnected floor space does not interconnect more than 2 adjacent storeys.
(5)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), openings for escalators and inclined moving walks need not conform to the requirements in Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. provided
(a)the opening for each escalator or walk does not exceed 10 m²,
(b)the building is sprinklered throughout,
(c)closely spaced sprinklers and associated draft stops are installed around the openings in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," and
(d)the interconnected floor space contains only Group A, Division 1, 2 or 3, Group D or Group E occupancies. (See Note A-3.2.8.2.(6)(c))
(6)An interconnected floor space need not conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. provided
(a)it consists of the first storey and the storey next above or below it, but not both,
(b)it is sprinklered throughout or, where the building area is not more than one-half of the area permitted by Subsection 3.2.2., the openings through the floor are used only for stairways, escalators or moving walks, and (See Note A-3.2.8.2.(6)(b))
(c)it contains only Group A, Division 1, 2 or 3, Group D, Group E, or Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancies. (See Note A-3.2.8.2.(6)(c))
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.3. Sprinklers
(1)A building containing an interconnected floor space shall be sprinklered throughout.
(2)Except for large floor openings as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," closely spaced sprinklers and associated draft stops shall be installed around floor openings in conformance with NFPA 13.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.4. Vestibules
(1)An exit opening into an interconnected floor space shall be protected at each opening into the interconnected floor space by a vestibule
(a)with doorways that are not less than 1.8 m apart,
(b)that is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, and (See Note A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b))
(c)that is designed to limit the passage of smoke so that the exit stair shaft does not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire floor, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data." (See Note A-3.2.8.4.(1)(c))
(2)An exit opening into an interconnected floor space shall conform to Sentence 3.4.3.2.(6).
(3)If an elevator hoistway opens into an interconnected floor space and into storeys above the interconnected floor space, either the elevator doors opening into the interconnected floor space or the elevator doors opening into the storeys above the interconnected floor space shall be protected by vestibules conforming to Sentence (1).
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.5. Protected Floor Space
(1)A protected floor space used to satisfy the requirements of Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(b) shall
(a)be separated from the interconnected floor space by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly of the storey in which it is located,
(b)have all openings in the vertical fire separation between a protected floor space and the adjacent interconnected floor space protected by vestibules conforming to Sentence 3.2.8.4.(1), and
(c)be designed so that it is not necessary to enter the interconnected floor space to reach an exit.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.6. Draft Stops
(1)A draft stop shall be provided at each floor level within an interconnected floor space, immediately adjacent to and surrounding the opening, and shall be not less than 500 mm deep measured from ceiling level down to the underside of the draft stop.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.7. Mechanical Exhaust System
(1)A mechanical exhaust system shall be provided to remove air from an interconnected floor space at a rate of 4 air changes per hour. (See Note A-3.2.8.7.(1))
(2)The mechanical exhaust system required by Sentence (1) shall be actuated by a switch located on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. near the annunciator for the fire alarm system.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.8.8. Combustible Content Limits
(1)An interconnected floor space shall be designed so that the combustible contents, excluding interior finishes, in those parts of a floor area in which the ceiling is more than 8 m above the floor, are limited to not more than 16 g of combustible material for each cubic metre of volume of the interconnected floor space.
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OBC Div. B 3.4.3.2. Exit Width
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the minimum aggregate required width of exits serving floor areas intended for assembly occupancies, residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies, mercantile occupancies, and industrial occupancies shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
(a)6.1 mm per person for ramps with a slope of not more than 1 in 8, doorways, corridors and passageways,
(b)8 mm per person for a stair consisting of steps whose rise is not more than 180 mm and whose run is not less than 280 mm, or
(c)9.2 mm per person for
(i)ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 8, or
(ii)stairs, other than stairs conforming to Clause (b).
(2)The minimum aggregate width of exits serving floor areas intended for a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by 18.4 mm per person.
(3)The minimum aggregate width of means of egress serving a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
(a)1.8 mm per person for
(i)aisles,
(ii)stairs other than exit stairs, and
(iii)ramps and passageways in vomitories and exits, and
(b)2.4 mm per person for exit stairs.
(4)Except as required by Sentences 3.4.3.2.(5) and (6), the required exit width need not be cumulative in an exit serving 2 or more floor areas located one above the other.
(5)The required exit width for an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serving more than one balcony level shall conform to Sentence (6).
(6)The required exit width for exit stairs that serve interconnected floor space designed in accordance with Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.8. shall be cumulative, unless
(a)the stairs provide not less than 0.3 m² of area of treads and landings for each occupant of the interconnected floor space, or (See Note A-3.4.3.2.(6)(a))
(b)protected floor spaces conforming to Article 3.2.8.5. are provided at each floor level and the protected floor space on a floor level has not less than 0.5 m² of space for each occupant of that floor level of the interconnected floor space. (See Note A-3.4.3.2.(6))
(7)If more than one exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not more than one-half of the required exit width.
(8)The minimum widths of exits shall conform to Tables 3.4.3.2.-A and 3.4.3.2.-B.
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OBC Div. B 3.2.9.1. Testing
(1)Where fire protection and life safety systems, and systems with fire protection and life safety functions, are integrated with each other, the systems shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, "Standard for Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems", to verify that they have been properly integrated. (See Note A-3.2.9.1.(1))
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