Code structure, objectives and farm building systems (Detection, Lighting and Power)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

min exterior alarm signal on a farm building: 110 dBA; min exterior alarm signal on a farm building
min time before farm alarms may auto-silence: 20 min; min time before farm alarms may auto-silence
farm emergency lighting power duration: 30 min; farm emergency lighting power duration
floor area per person for low human occupancy: 40 m²; floor area per person for low human occupancy

This section covers how the Code is organized, how you prove compliance, the defined terms that detection and lighting questions depend on, and the small set of farm building rules for fire alarms, firefighting and emergency lighting in Part 2. Expect a few quick definition questions and one or two farm building trigger questions.

Application, compliance and definitions

The Code applies to the construction, demolition, change of use and occupancy of buildings, whether site-built or factory-built OBC Div. A 1.1.1.1..

You comply in one of two ways OBC Div. A 1.2.1.1.:

meet the acceptable solutions in Division B, or
use an alternative solution that reaches at least the same level of performance. Performance is judged against the objectives and functional statements attributed to the acceptable solution in Supplementary Standard SA-1.

The standards the Code references (CAN/ULC-S524 for fire alarm installation, CSA C282 for emergency power, and so on) apply only as far as they relate to buildings and to the attributed objectives OBC Div. A 1.5.1.1.. If a referenced standard conflicts with the Code, the Code governs OBC Div. A 1.5.1.2..

Firewalls and fire alarms. A firewall normally splits a building into separate buildings. Division A lists three purposes where it does not: gross area under Division C, fire alarm and detection systems (3.2.4.2.(1) and 9.10.18.1.), and plumbing connected through the firewall OBC Div. A 1.3.3.4.. So you cannot use a firewall with openings in it to escape a fire alarm requirement.

Key terms for this exam

Term	Plain meaning
Alarm signal	Audible signal to all occupants of a zone or building (Div. A)
Alert signal	Audible signal to designated persons only, the first stage of a 2-stage system (Div. A)
Fire detector	Device that senses fire and starts a signal; includes heat and smoke detectors (Div. A)
Heat detector	Operates at a set temperature or rate of rise (Div. A)
Smoke detector	Operates on airborne combustion products; part of a system (Div. A)
Smoke alarm	Smoke detector plus sounder in one unit, sounding only in its room or suite (Div. A)
Carbon monoxide alarm	CO detection device with its own sounder (Div. A)
Hotel	Four or more suites of sleeping accommodation for travellers or recreation (Div. A)
Public corridor	Corridor giving access to exit from more than one suite (Div. A)

The smoke alarm versus smoke detector distinction is the most tested pair. A smoke detector reports to a fire alarm control unit. A smoke alarm is self-contained.

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Objectives and functional statements

Division A, Part 2 lists the objectives. Part 3 lists the functional statements that acceptable solutions are meant to perform OBC Div. A 2.2.1.1., OBC Div. A 3.2.1.1.. The ones that matter most for detection and lighting:

Code	What it is about
OS1.4	Fire safety systems failing to work as expected
OS3.5	Exposure to high sound levels from fire alarms (under OS3 Safety in Use)
F10	Timely movement of people to a safe place
F11	Timely notice to occupants that they need to act
F12	Facilitating emergency response
F13	Timely notice to emergency responders
F33	Limiting the sound level of a fire alarm system

Watch the numbers: F11 is people inside, F13 is the fire department. F33 pairs with the upper sound limits in 3.2.4.18.

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Farm buildings: fire alarm, firefighting and emergency lighting

Part 2 applies to larger farm buildings: more than 600 m² in building area or more than 3 storeys for Group G, Divisions 1 to 3, and Group G, Division 4 buildings with no human occupants OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1.. A farm occupancy is classified as Group G only if its occupant load is not more than one person per 40 m² (low human occupancy). Denser use is classified under Table 3.1.2.1. instead OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2..

When a fire alarm is required in an unsprinklered farm building OBC Div. B 2.2.3.1.:

Major occupancy	Trigger
Group G, Division 1 (high hazard)	Occupant load more than 25
Group G, Division 2 or 3	Occupant load more than 150, or more than 1 storey, or a basement used for more than service equipment

The system follows selected Part 3 Articles (continuity, system description, S524 installation and S537 verification, and signals). Division 1 must be single-stage; Divisions 2 and 3 may be single- or 2-stage OBC Div. B 2.2.3.2.. A duct-type smoke detector must stop smoke circulation in an air-handling system serving more than 1 storey, and a manual station is needed near every exit OBC Div. B 2.2.3.3..

Signals OBC Div. B 2.2.3.4.:

an exterior audible device of at least 110 dBA,
visible signals where ambient noise is over 87 dBA, ear protection is worn, or occupants are in sound-insulating enclosures,
in areas with animals, visible devices may replace the audible ones.

Automatic silencing is not allowed before 20 min in every farm system OBC Div. B 2.2.3.5.. Unlike Part 3, there is no 5 min option. Fire detectors are needed throughout, except in sprinklered floor areas OBC Div. B 2.2.3.7..

Firefighting. Each farm building needs fire department access by street, private roadway or yard OBC Div. B 2.2.4.1.. Where sprinklers are provided they follow 3.2.5.12. Their waterflow devices connect to the fire alarm, or to an audible device if there is no fire alarm OBC Div. B 2.2.4.2..

Emergency lighting. Where lighting is provided, emergency lighting must give an average of 10 lx (minimum 1 lx) in exits and in principal routes to exits in open floor areas and service rooms. The emergency power must carry the load automatically for 30 min OBC Div. B 2.2.5.1..

Worked example

A 2-storey unsprinklered barn (Group G, Division 2) holds 40 people at peak.

Occupant load 40 is under 150, but the building is more than 1 storey, so 2.2.3.1.(1)(b)(ii) requires a fire alarm.
Type: single- or 2-stage is allowed for Division 2.
Signals: an exterior sounder of at least 110 dBA. Where animals are housed, visible devices may replace audible ones.
Silencing: not before 20 min.
If lighting is installed, emergency lighting at 10 lx average runs for 30 min.

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Common traps

Using the Part 3 rule of 5 min silencing for buildings without an annunciator. Farm systems always use 20 min.
Confusing the farm trigger for Division 1 (more than 25) with Divisions 2 and 3 (more than 150, or height or basement).
Treating a basement that only houses service equipment as a trigger. It is not.
Thinking a referenced standard overrides the Code. The Code governs.
Swapping F11 (occupants) and F13 (responders).

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
Application, compliance and definitions	The Code applies to the construction, demolition, change of use and occupancy of buildings, whether site-built or factory-built.
Objectives and functional statements	Division A, Part 2 lists the objectives.
Farm buildings: fire alarm, firefighting and emergency lighting	Part 2 applies to larger farm buildings: more than 600 m² in building area or more than 3 storeys for Group G, Divisions 1 to 3, and Group G, Division 4 buildings with no human…

Application, compliance and definitions
The Code applies to the construction, demolition, change of use and occupancy of buildings, whether site-built or factory-built.
Objectives and functional statements
Division A, Part 2 lists the objectives.
Farm buildings: fire alarm, firefighting and emergency lighting
Part 2 applies to larger farm buildings: more than 600 m² in building area or more than 3 storeys for Group G, Divisions 1 to 3, and Group G, Division 4 buildings with no human…

Usual exam traps

Using the Part 3 rule of 5 min silencing for buildings without an annunciator. Farm systems always use 20 min.
Confusing the farm trigger for Division 1 (more than 25) with Divisions 2 and 3 (more than 150, or height or basement).
Treating a basement that only houses service equipment as a trigger. It is not.
Thinking a referenced standard overrides the Code. The Code governs.
Swapping F11 (occupants) and F13 (responders).

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Questions on Code structure, objectives and farm building systems, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

Practice this chapter Free Detection, Lighting and Power quiz

Code cited in this chapter

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

OBC Div. A 1.1.1.1. Application of this Code
(1)This Code applies to the construction, demolition, change of use and occupancy of buildings.
(2)This Code applies to both site-built and factory-constructed buildings. (See Note A-1.1.1.1.(2))
Open OBC Div. A 1.1.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.2.1.1. Compliance with this Code
(1)Compliance with this Code shall be achieved by
(a)complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (See Note A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a)), or
(b)using alternative solutions that will achieve at least the minimum level of performance required by the applicable acceptable solutions in respect of the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions in Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) Supplementary Standard SA-1, "Objectives and Functional Statements Attributed to the Acceptable Solutions." (See Note A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b))
(2)For the purposes of Clause (1)(b), the level of performance in respect of a functional statement refers to the performance of the functional statement as it relates to the objective with which it is associated in MMAH Supplementary Standard SA-1, "Objectives and Functional Statements Attributed to the Acceptable Solutions."
Open OBC Div. A 1.2.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.5.1.1. Application of Referenced Documents
(1)The provisions of documents referenced in this Code, and of any documents referenced within those documents, apply only to the extent that they relate to
(a)buildings, and
(b)the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B where the documents are referenced. (See Note A-1.5.1.1.(1))
Open OBC Div. A 1.5.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.5.1.2. Conflicting Requirements
(1)In case of conflict between the provisions of this Code and those of a referenced document, the provisions of this Code shall govern.
Open OBC Div. A 1.5.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.3.3.4. Building Size Determination
(1)Where a firewall divides a building, each portion of the building that is divided shall be considered as a separate building, except for the purposes of
(a)a determination of gross area in Section 1.2. of Division C,
(b)a fire alarm and detection system in Sentence 3.2.4.2.(1) of Division B or Article 9.10.18.1. of Division B, and
(c)a plumbing system interconnected through a firewall.
(2)Except as permitted in Sentence (3), where portions of a building are completely separated by a vertical fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h and extends through all storeys and service spaces of the separated portions, each separated portion is permitted to be considered as a separate building for the purpose of determining building height, provided
(a)each separated portion is not more than 3 storeys in building height and is used only for residential occupancies other than a retirement home, and
(b)the unobstructed path of travel for a firefighter from the nearest street to one entrance of each separated portion is not more than 45 m.
(See Note A-1.3.3.4.(2))
(3)The vertical fire separation referred to in Sentence (2) may terminate at the floor assembly immediately above a basement provided the basement conforms to Article 3.2.1.2. of Division B.
Open OBC Div. A 1.3.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Alarm signal
Alarm signal means an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones or throughout a building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Alert signal
Alert signal means an audible signal to advise designated persons of a fire emergency.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Fire detector
Fire detector means a device that detects a fire condition and automatically initiates an electrical signal to actuate an alert signal or alarm signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer

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OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Heat detector
Heat detector means a fire detector designed to operate at a predetermined temperature or rate of temperature rise.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Smoke detector
Smoke detector means a fire detector designed to operate when the concentration of airborne combustion products exceeds a predetermined level.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Smoke alarm
Smoke alarm means a combined smoke detector and audible alarm device designed to sound an alarm within the room or suite in which it is located upon the detection of smoke within that room or suite.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Carbon monoxide alarm
Carbon monoxide alarm means a carbon monoxide detection device with an integral audible alarm device designed to sound an alarm within the room, suite or space in which it is located when the concentration of airborne carbon monoxide exceeds a pre-determined level and duration.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Hotel
Hotel means floor areas, a floor area or part of a floor area that contains four or more suites and that provides sleeping accommodation for the travelling public or for recreational purposes.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Public corridor
Public corridor means a corridor that provides access to exit from more than one suite. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 2.2.1.1. Objectives
(1)The objectives of this Code are as follows: (See Note A-2.2.1.1.(1))
OS Safety
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in or adjacent to the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury.
OS1 Fire Safety
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in or adjacent to the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to fire. The risks of injury due to fire addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OS1.1 – fire or explosion occurring
OS1.2 – fire or explosion impacting areas beyond its point of origin
OS1.3 – collapse of physical elements due to a fire or explosion
OS1.4 – fire safety systems failing to function as expected
OS1.5 – persons being delayed in or impeded from moving to a safe place during a fire emergency
OS2 Structural Safety
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in or adjacent to the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to structural failure. The risks of injury due to structural failure addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OS2.1 – loads bearing on the building elements that exceed their loadbearing capacity
OS2.2 – loads bearing on the building that exceed the loadbearing properties of the supporting medium
OS2.3 – damage to or deterioration of building elements
OS2.4 – vibration or deflection of building elements
OS2.5 – instability of the building or part thereof
OS2.6 – collapse of the excavation
OS3 Safety in Use
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in or adjacent to the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to hazards. The risks of injury due to hazards addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OS3.1 – tripping, slipping, falling, contact, drowning or collision
OS3.2 – contact with hot surfaces or substances
OS3.3 – contact with energized equipment
OS3.4 – exposure to hazardous substances
OS3.5 – exposure to high levels of sound from fire alarm systems
OS3.6 – persons becoming trapped in confined spaces
OS3.7 – persons being delayed in or impeded from moving to a safe place during an emergency (See Note A-2.2.1.1.(1))
OS4 Resistance to Unwanted Entry
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to the building's low level of resistance to unwanted entry. The risks of injury due to unwanted entry addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OS4.1 – intruders being able to force their way through locked doors or windows
OS4.2 – occupants being unable to identify potential intruders as such
OH Health
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness.
OH1 Indoor Conditions
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness due to indoor conditions. The risks of illness due to indoor conditions addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OH1.1 – inadequate indoor air quality
OH1.2 – inadequate thermal comfort
OH1.3 – contact with moisture
OH2 Sanitation
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness due to unsanitary conditions. The risks of illness due to unsanitary conditions addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OH2.1 – exposure to human or domestic waste
OH2.2 – consumption of contaminated water
OH2.3 – inadequate facilities for personal hygiene
OH2.4 – contact with contaminated surfaces
OH2.5 – contact with vermin and insects
OH2.6 – unsanitary conditions caused by exposure to human or domestic waste
OH3 Noise Protection
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness due to high levels of sound originating in adjacent spaces in the building. The risks of illness due to high levels of sound addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OH3.1 – exposure to airborne sound transmitted through assemblies separating dwelling units from adjacent spaces in the building.
OH4 Vibration and Deflection Limitation
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness due to high levels of vibration or deflection of building elements.
OH5 Hazardous Substances Containment
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, the public will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness due to the release of hazardous substances from the building.
OH6 Privacy
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, a person in the building will be provided with an unacceptable level of privacy.
OH7 View to the Outdoors
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person in the building will be unable to experience a view to the outdoors.
OA Accessibility
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person with a physical or sensory limitation will be unacceptably impeded from accessing or using the building or its facilities.
OA1 Barrier-Free Path of Travel
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person with a physical or sensory limitation will be unacceptably impeded from accessing the building or circulating within it.
OA2 Barrier-Free Facilities
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, a person with a physical or sensory limitation will be unacceptably impeded from using the building's facilities.
OP Fire, Structural, Water and Sewage Protection of Buildings
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, the building or adjacent buildings will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of damage due to fire or structural insufficiency, or the building or part thereof will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of loss of use also due to structural insufficiency.
OP1 Fire Protection of the Building
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of its design or construction, the building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of damage due to fire. The risks of damage due to fire addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OP1.1 – fire or explosion occurring
OP1.2 – fire or explosion impacting areas beyond its point of origin
OP1.3 – collapse of physical elements due to a fire or explosion
OP1.4 – fire safety systems failing to function as expected
OP2 Structural Sufficiency of the Building
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of its design or construction, the building or part thereof will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of damage or loss of use due to structural failure or lack of structural serviceability. The risks of damage and of loss of use due to structural failure or lack of structural serviceability addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OP2.1 – loads bearing on the building elements that exceed their loadbearing capacity
OP2.2 – loads bearing on the building that exceed the loadbearing properties of the supporting medium
OP2.3 – damage to or deterioration of building elements
OP2.4 – vibration or deflection of building elements
OP2.5 – instability of the building or part thereof
OP2.6 – instability or movement of the supporting medium
OP3 Protection of Adjacent Buildings from Fire
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, adjacent buildings will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of damage due to fire. The risks of damage to adjacent buildings due to fire addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OP3.1 – fire or explosion impacting areas beyond the building of origin
OP4 Protection of Adjacent Buildings from Structural Damage
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of the building, adjacent buildings will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of structural damage. The risks of structural damage to adjacent buildings addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OP4.1 – settlement of the medium supporting adjacent buildings
OP4.2 – collapse of the building or portion thereof onto adjacent buildings
OP4.3 – impact of the building on adjacent buildings
OP4.4 – collapse of the excavation
OP5 Water and Sewage Protection of Buildings and Facilities
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, a building will be exposed to unacceptable risk of damage due to leakage of service water or sewage.
OR Resource Conservation
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, a resource will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of depletion or the capacity of the infrastructure supporting the use, treatment or disposal of the resource will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of being exceeded.
OR1 Water and Energy Conservation
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, a resource will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of depletion. The risks of resource depletion addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OR1.1 – the consumption of water
OR1.2 – the consumption of energy
OR2 Infrastructure Capacity
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, the capacity of the infrastructure supporting the use, treatment or disposal of a resource will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of being exceeded. The risks of exceeding capacity addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OR2.1 – excessive demand on the infrastructure
OE Environmental Integrity
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction or operation of the building, the natural environment will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of degradation.
OE1 Air Quality
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, the natural environment will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of degradation due to emissions of greenhouse gases into the air. The risks of degradation addressed in this Code are those caused by—
OE1.1 – emissions of greenhouse gases into the air
OE1.2 – the release of contaminants, other than greenhouse gases, into the air
OE2 Water and Soil Quality
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the design or construction of a building, the natural environment will be exposed to an unacceptable risk of degradation due to excessive release of contaminants into water or soil.
OC Conservation of Buildings
An objective of this Code is to limit the probability that, as a result of the extension, material alteration or repair of an existing building or a change in use of an existing building, the existing building cannot be acceptably conserved.
Open OBC Div. A 2.2.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 3.2.1.1. Functional Statements
(1)The objectives of this Code are achieved by measures, such as those described in the acceptable solutions in Division B, that are intended to allow the building or its elements to perform the following functions: (See Note A-3.2.1.1.(1))
F01 To minimize the risk of accidental ignition.
F02 To limit the severity and effects of fire or explosions.
F03 To retard the effects of fire on areas beyond its point of origin.
F04 To retard failure or collapse due to the effects of fire.
F05 To retard the effects of fire on emergency egress facilities.
F06 To retard the effects of fire on facilities for notification, suppression and emergency response.
F10 To facilitate the timely movement of persons to a safe place in an emergency.
F11 To notify persons, in a timely manner, of the need to take action in an emergency.
F12 To facilitate emergency response.
F13 To notify emergency responders, in a timely manner, of the need to take action in an emergency.
F20 To support and withstand expected loads and forces.
F21 To limit or accommodate dimensional change.
F22 To limit movement under expected loads and forces.
F23 To maintain equipment in place during structural movement.
F30 To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of tripping, slipping, falling, contact, drowning or collision.
F31 To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of contact with hot surfaces or substances.
F32 To minimize the risk of injury to persons as a result of contact with energized equipment.
F33 To limit the level of sound of a fire alarm system.
F34 To resist or discourage unwanted access or entry.
F35 To facilitate the identification of potential intruders.
F36 To minimize the risk that persons will be trapped in confined spaces.
F40 To limit the level of contaminants.
F41 To minimize the risk of generation of contaminants.
F42 To resist the entry of vermin and insects.
F43 To minimize the risk of release of hazardous substances.
F44 To limit the spread of hazardous substances beyond their point of release.
F45 To minimize the risk of the spread of diseases through communal shower facilities.
F46 To minimize the risk of contamination of potable water.
F50 To provide air suitable for breathing.
F51 To maintain appropriate air and surface temperatures.
F52 To maintain appropriate relative humidity.
F53 To maintain appropriate indoor/outdoor air pressure differences.
F54 To limit drafts.
F55 To resist the transfer of air through environmental separators.
F56 To limit the transmission of airborne sound into a dwelling unit from spaces elsewhere in the building.
F60 To control the accumulation and pressure of water on and in the ground.
F61 To resist the ingress of precipitation, water or moisture from the exterior or from the ground.
F62 To facilitate the dissipation of water and moisture from the building.
F63 To limit moisture condensation.
F70 To provide potable water.
F71 To provide facilities for personal hygiene.
F72 To provide facilities for the sanitary disposal of human and domestic wastes.
F73 To facilitate access to and circulation in the building and its facilities by persons with physical or sensory limitations.
F74 To facilitate the use of the building's facilities by persons with physical or sensory limitations.
F80 To resist deterioration resulting from expected service conditions.
F81 To minimize the risk of malfunction, interference, damage, tampering, lack of use or misuse.
F82 To minimize the risk of inadequate performance due to improper maintenance or lack of maintenance.
F101 To limit unwanted visual exposure.
F102 To provide a view to the outdoors in buildings.
F110 To control the release of contaminants into soil, groundwater, surface water, and air.
F111 To minimize the risk of malfunction, damage or failure of a sewage system.
F112 To provide adequate treatment of sanitary sewage and effluent.
F113 To minimize the risk of injury as a result of contact with sanitary sewage or partially treated effluent.
F120 To minimize the risk of injury to persons entering or exiting the pool, as a result of unfamiliarity with the pool.
F121 To minimize the risk of injury to persons using the pool, as a result of unfamiliarity with the pool.
F122 To minimize the risk of contamination of pool water.
F123 To facilitate timely response to incapacitated pool users.
F124 To minimize the risk of entrapment or injury to a person within the pool, as a result of water, air or vacuum action.
F130 To limit excessive water consumption.
F131 To limit excessive energy consumption.
F132 To limit excessive demand on the infrastructure.
F133 To limit excessive peak demand on the infrastructure.
F140 To facilitate the reuse and material alteration and repair of existing buildings.
F150 To limit excessive emissions of greenhouse gases into the air.
F151 To limit the excessive release of contaminants, other than greenhouse gases, into the air.
Open OBC Div. A 3.2.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1. Application
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), this Part applies to all farm buildings
(a)that are
(i)more than 600 m² in building area or more than 3 storeys in building height used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 1, 2 or 3 agricultural occupancies, or
(ii)used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 4, with no human occupantsagricultural occupancies, and
(b)described in Sentence 2.1.2.2.(1).
(2)Subsections 2.2.6. and 2.2.7. do not apply to Group G, Division 4 major occupancies.
(3)farm buildings not described in Sentence (1) shall conform to the requirements of Article 2.1.2.3.
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2. Classification of Buildings Containing agricultural occupancies
(1)Buildings or parts of buildings containing an agricultural occupancy that has an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² shall be classified according to their major occupancy as belonging to Group G, Division 1, 2, 3 or 4.
(2)Buildings or parts of buildings containing an agricultural occupancy that has an occupant load of more than one person per 40 m² shall be classified according to their major occupancy as belonging to one of the Groups and Divisions listed in Table 3.1.2.1. of Division B.
(3)For the purposes of Sentences (1) and (2), the occupant load shall be determined based on the floor area or the part of the floor area that contains the agricultural occupancy.
(4)A building intended for use by more than one major occupancy shall be classified according to all the major occupancies for which it is used or intended to be used.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.3.1. Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System
(1)A fire alarm system complying with Sentence (2) shall be installed in a building that is not sprinklered throughout and that
(a)contains a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy with an occupant load more than 25, or
(b)contains a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy
(i)with an occupant load more than 150,
(ii)in a building more than 1 storey in building height, or
(iii)in a building with a basement used for a purpose other than the housing of service equipment.
(2)Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the fire alarm system required by Sentence (1) shall comply with Articles 3.2.4.2., 3.2.4.4., 3.2.4.5. and 3.2.4.17. and Sentences 3.2.4.9.(1) and (4).
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OBC Div. B 2.2.3.2. Types of Fire Alarm Systems
(1)The fire alarm system required by Sentence 2.2.3.1.(1) shall be
(a)a single-stage system in a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy, and
(b)a single- or 2-stage system in a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.3.3. Design of Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Where a fire alarm system is required by Sentence 2.2.3.1.(1),
(a)the air-handling system, where provided, shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a duct-type smoke detector if the air-handling system serves more than 1 storey, and
(b)a manual station shall be installed in every floor area near every exit.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.3.4. Fire Alarm Signals
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the fire alarm system required by Sentence 2.2.3.1.(1) shall include
(a)audible signal devices conforming to Sentences 3.2.4.18.(1) to (4), (7) and (11),
(b)an audible alarm signal device with a sound pressure level not less than 110 dBA installed on the exterior of the farm building, and
(c)visible signal devices installed in any floor area in which
(i)the ambient noise level is more than 87 dBA,
(ii)the occupants use ear protection devices, or
(iii)the occupants are located in sound-insulating enclosures.
(2)The visible signal devices required by Clause (1)(c) shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the floor area or portion thereof in which they are installed. (See Note A-3.2.4.19.(3))
(3)The audible alarm signal devices referred to in Clauses (1)(a) and (b) need not be provided in areas where animals are present, provided that visible signal devices are installed in accordance with Sentence (2).
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OBC Div. B 2.2.3.5. Silencing of Alarm Signals
(1)The fire alarm system required by Sentence 2.2.3.1.(1) shall
(a)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 20 min, and
(b)not incorporate manual silencing switches other than those installed inside the fire alarm control unit.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.3.7. Fire Detectors
(1)Where a fire alarm system is required in a farm building in accordance with Sentence 2.2.3.1.(1), fire detectors shall be
(a)except as provided in Sentence (2), installed throughout the farm building, and
(b)connected to the fire alarm system.
(2)The fire detectors referred to in Sentence (1) need not be provided within floor areas that are sprinklered.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.4.1. Fire Department Access to Buildings
(1)Access for fire department equipment shall be provided to each farm building by means of a street, private roadway or yard.
(2)Where access to a farm building as required in Sentence (1) is provided by means of a roadway or yard, the design and location of such roadway or yard shall take into account connection with public thoroughfares, weight of firefighting equipment, width of roadway, radius of curves, overhead clearance, location of fire hydrants, location of fire department connections and vehicular parking.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.4.2. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
(1)Where an automatic sprinkler system is provided, it shall conform to Article 3.2.5.12.
(2)Where a fire pump is installed as part of the automatic sprinkler system referred to in Sentence (1), it shall conform to Article 3.2.5.18.
(3)The automatic sprinkler system referred to in Sentence (1) shall be equipped with waterflow-detecting devices that are
(a)installed in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.15.(1), and
(b)connected to
(i)the fire alarm system, where provided, so that, upon its actuation, an alert signal or an alarm signal is initiated, or
(ii)an audible signal device, where a fire alarm system is not provided.
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OBC Div. B 2.2.5.1. Minimum Lighting Requirements
(1)Where lighting is provided in a farm building, emergency lighting shall be provided to an average level of illumination not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level in
(a)exits, and
(b)principal routes providing access to exit in open floor areas and in service rooms.
(2)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (1) shall be 1 lx.
(3)An emergency power supply shall be
(a)provided to maintain the emergency lighting required by Sentence (1) 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 farm building is interrupted, and
(b)designed and installed such that, upon failure of the regular power, it will assume the electrical load automatically for a period of 30 min.
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