Code structure, objectives and farm buildings (Fire Protection)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

floor area per person for a Group G farm space: 40 m²; floor area per person for a Group G farm space
G2 or G3 occupant load that triggers an alarm: 150 persons; G2 or G3 occupant load that triggers an alarm
max travel to an exit, unsprinklered G2 or G3: 60 m; max travel to an exit, unsprinklered G2 or G3
farm service room separation, unsprinklered: 45 min; farm service room separation, unsprinklered

The Fire Protection exam opens with the frame of the code: what the Building Code applies to, how compliance is shown, which Part of Division B governs a given building, and how the objectives and functional statements tie the rules together. It then jumps to a topic many candidates skip: fire protection and egress in large farm buildings under Division B Part 2. Expect a few direct lookups here and at least one farm question that rewards knowing where Section 2.2. sits.

Application, compliance and definitions

The code applies to construction, demolition, change of use and occupancy of buildings, whether site-built or factory-built (OBC Div. A 1.1.1.1.). Compliance is achieved either by meeting the acceptable solutions in Division B or by an alternative solution that reaches at least the same level of performance for the objectives and functional statements attributed to the acceptable solution in Supplementary Standard SA-1 (OBC Div. A 1.2.1.1.).

Which Part of Division B applies is decided by size and occupancy:

Building	Governing Part
Group A, B or F1, any size; post-disaster buildings	Part 3 (1.3.3.2.)
Group C, D, E, F2, F3 over 600 m² or over 3 storeys	Part 3
Group C (not retirement homes), D, E, F2, F3 up to 3 storeys and 600 m²	Part 9 (1.3.3.3.)
Existing building or part at least five years old, being renovated	Part 11 (1.3.3.3B.)

Firewalls and building size. Where a firewall divides a building, each portion is treated as a separate building, with three exceptions: gross area under Div. C Section 1.2. (the rules on design and general review by architects and engineers), the fire alarm requirement in 3.2.4.2.(1) or 9.10.18.1., and plumbing interconnected through the firewall (OBC Div. A 1.3.3.4.). Sentence (2) of that Article also lets residential portions up to 3 storeys, split by a vertical 1 h fire separation through all storeys, be treated as separate buildings for building height, if a firefighter can reach an entrance of each portion within 45 m of the street.

Definitions live in OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2. and are italicized in the code text. For this exam, know the fire terms cold: a fire separation is any assembly acting as a barrier to fire spread; a firewall is a noncombustible fire separation that stays structurally stable for its rated time; a closure is the door, shutter, damper or glazing protecting an opening, including its hardware and frame; sprinklered means equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.

Practice this topic

Objectives and functional statements

Division A Part 2 lists the objectives; Part 3 lists the functional statements (OBC Div. A 2.2.1.1., OBC Div. A 3.2.1.1.). The fire-related ones repeat in two families: OS1 (fire safety of persons) and OP1 (fire protection of the building), each split into sub-objectives with the same endings. OS1.4 and OP1.4 both describe fire safety systems failing to function as expected; the letter tells you whether it is about injury (OS) or damage (OP). OS1.5 is unique: people delayed or impeded from reaching a safe place during a fire. OP3 deals with fire spreading to adjacent buildings.

Functional statement	Our summary
F02	limit severity and effects of fire
F03	retard fire spread beyond point of origin
F05	protect egress facilities from fire
F06	protect notification, suppression and emergency response facilities
F11	notify occupants in time
F12	facilitate emergency response
F13	notify emergency responders in time

Common traps: mixing F11 (occupants) with F13 (responders), and assuming OS and OP numbers mean different things when the endings match.

Practice this topic

Farm buildings: fire protection and exits

Part 2 of Division B applies to farm buildings over 600 m² or over 3 storeys with Group G, Divisions 1 to 3, and to all Group G, Division 4 buildings (no human occupants) (OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1.). An agricultural space is Group G only while its occupant load is not more than one person per 40 m²; above that it is classified under Table 3.1.2.1. like any other building (OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2.). The Divisions are G1 high-hazard, G2 general, G3 greenhouse, G4 no human occupants (OBC Div. B 2.1.4.1.).

Occupancy combinations. G1 and G4 buildings may not contain Group A, B or C; G2 and G3 may not contain A1, A3 or Group B (OBC Div. B 2.2.1.2.). A firewall next to G1, or between Group G and a prohibited occupancy, is 4 h noncombustible (OBC Div. B 2.2.1.7.).

Service rooms. Fuel-fired appliances go in a service room with a 45 min fire separation, or an unrated one if sprinklered. Incinerators need their own room (OBC Div. B 2.2.1.9.), and the heating appliance rule in Section 2.4. points back to the same Article (OBC Div. B 2.4.3.1.):

Incinerator room adjacent to	Unsprinklered	Sprinklered
G1	2 h	1 h
G2 or G3	1 h	30 min

Fire alarm. An unsprinklered farm building needs a fire alarm if it has G1 with more than 25 occupants, or G2/G3 with more than 150 occupants, more than 1 storey, or a basement used for more than service equipment (OBC Div. B 2.2.3.1.). G1 gets a single-stage system (2.2.3.2.). An exterior audible device of at least 110 dBA is required, and visible signals where noise exceeds 87 dBA (2.2.3.4.). Sprinklers, where provided, follow 3.2.5.12. and fire pumps 3.2.5.18. (2.2.4.2.).

Emergency lighting. Where lighting is provided: 10 lx average, 1 lx minimum, with power for 30 min (OBC Div. B 2.2.5.1.).

Exits. Every floor area normally has 2 exits. Single exits are allowed for small floor areas (OBC Div. B 2.2.7.3.), and travel distance depends on Division and sprinklers (2.2.7.5.):

Floor area	Single exit max area	Max travel to an exit
G1 (no liquid manure storage), unsprinklered	10 m²	30 m
G1 (no liquid manure storage), sprinklered	20 m²	30 m
G2 or G3, unsprinklered	200 m²	60 m
G2 or G3, sprinklered	300 m²	90 m

Common traps:

Using Part 3 numbers in a farm question. Part 2 has its own exit and alarm values.
Forgetting that 2.2.6. and 2.2.7. (egress and exits) do not apply to G4 (2.1.2.1.(2)).
Reading the incinerator table backwards: sprinklers lower the rating.

Practice this topic

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 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; Part 3 lists the functional statements.
Farm buildings: fire protection and exits	Part 2 of Division B applies to farm buildings over 600 m² or over 3 storeys with Group G, Divisions 1 to 3, and to all Group G, Division 4 buildings (no human occupants).

Application, compliance and definitions
The code applies to 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; Part 3 lists the functional statements.
Farm buildings: fire protection and exits
Part 2 of Division B applies to farm buildings over 600 m² or over 3 storeys with Group G, Divisions 1 to 3, and to all Group G, Division 4 buildings (no human occupants).

Practice this chapter

Questions on Code structure, objectives and farm buildings, 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 Fire Protection 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 1.3.3.2. Application of Parts 3, 4, 5 and 6
(1)Subject to Articles 1.3.3.1A., 1.3.3.3B., Parts 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Division B apply to all buildings described in Article 1.1.1.1. and
(a)classified as post-disaster buildings,
(b)used for major occupancies classified as
(i)Group A, assembly occupancies,
(ii)Group B, care, care and treatment or detention occupancies, or
(iii)Group F, Division 1, high-hazard industrial occupancies, or
(c)exceeding 600 m² in building area or exceeding 3 storeys in building height used for major occupancies classified as
(i)Group C, residential occupancies,
(ii)Group D, business and personal services occupancies,
(iii)Group E, mercantile occupancies, or
(iv)Group F, Divisions 2 and 3, medium- and low-hazard industrial occupancies.
(2)Subject to Articles 1.3.3.1A. and 1.3.3.3B., Part 4 of Division B applies to
(a)a retaining wall exceeding 1,000 mm in exposed height adjacent to
(i)public property,
(ii)access to a building, or
(iii)private property to which the public is admitted,
(b)a pedestrian bridge appurtenant to a building,
(c)a crane runway,
(d)an exterior storage tank and its supporting structure that is not regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000,
(e)signs regulated by Section 3.15. of Division B that are not structurally supported by a building,
(f)a structure that supports a wind turbine generator having a rated output of more than 3 kW,
(g)an outdoor pool that has a water depth greater than 3.5 m at any point, and
(h)a permanent solid nutrient storage facility with supporting walls exceeding 1,000 mm in exposed height.
(3)Section 3.11. of Division B applies to public pools.
(4)Section 3.12. of Division B applies to public spas.
(5)Section 3.15. of Division B applies to signs.
(6)Section 3.17. of Division B applies to demountable stages and demountable support structures.
Open OBC Div. A 1.3.3.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.3.3.3. Application of Part 9
(1)Subject to Article 1.3.3.3B., Part 9 of Division B applies to all buildings described in Article 1.1.1.1. of 3 storeys or less in building height, having a building area not exceeding 600 m², and used for major occupancies classified as
(a)reserved
(b)Group C, residential occupancies other than buildings used for retirement homes, (See Note A-9.1.1.1.(1) of Division B)
(c)Group D, business and personal services occupancies,
(d)Group E, mercantile occupancies, or
(e)Group F, Divisions 2 and 3, medium- and low-hazard industrial occupancies.
Open OBC Div. A 1.3.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.3.3.3B. Application of Part 11
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), Part 11 of Division B applies to the design and construction of existing buildings, or parts of existing buildings, that have been in existence for at least five years.
(2)If a building has been in existence for at least five years but includes an addition that has been in existence for less than five years, Part 11 of Division B applies to the entire building.
Open OBC Div. A 1.3.3.3B. 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) Firewall
Firewall means a type of fire separation of noncombustible construction that subdivides a building or separates adjoining buildings to resist the spread of fire and that has a fire-resistance rating as prescribed in this Code and has structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for the required fire-rated time.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Fire separation
Fire separation means a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer

Show all 26 articles

OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Closure
Closure means a device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation or an exterior wall, such as a door, a shutter, a damper, wired glass or glass block, and includes all components such as hardware, closing devices, frames and anchors.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Sprinklered
Sprinklered (as applying to a building or part thereof) means that the building or part thereof is equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.
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.
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.1.4.1. Classification
(1)Every farm building or part of a farm building shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the Divisions of Group G described in Table 2.1.4.1. (See Note A-2.1.4.1.(1)) (See also Note A-2.2.8.3.)
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.2.1.2. Prohibition of Occupancy Combinations
(1)Buildings classified as a Group G, Division 1 or 4 major occupancy shall not contain a Group A, B or C occupancy.
(2)Buildings classified as a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy shall not contain a Group A, Division 1 or 3, or Group B occupancy.
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.2.1.7. Firewalls
(1)A firewall that separates a building or buildings with floor areas containing a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy shall be constructed as a fire separation of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than 4 h.
(2)A firewall that separates a building or buildings with floor areas containing a Group G major occupancy and a major occupancy prohibited by Article 2.2.1.2. shall be constructed as a fire separation of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than 4 h.
(3)Firewalls shall conform to the requirements of Articles 3.1.10.1. and 3.1.10.3. to 3.1.10.7., and Sentence 3.1.10.2.(3).
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.1.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.2.1.9. Additional Fire Separations
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2) and required by Sentence (3), fuel-fired appliances shall be installed in service rooms separated from the remainder of the farm building by
(a)a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or
(b)a fire separation not required to have a fire-resistance rating in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout.
(2)A fuel-fired appliance that serves only one room is not required to be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the farm building.
(3)Incinerators shall be installed in service rooms that
(a)do not contain other fuel-fired appliances, and
(b)are separated from the remainder of the farm building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(i)2 h, where the service room is adjacent to a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout,
(ii)1 h, where the service room is adjacent to a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout,
(iii)1 h, where the service room is adjacent to a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or
(iv)30 min, where the service room is adjacent to a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout.
(4)A room containing a device that produces open flames, heat or sparks and used for crop drying shall be separated from the remainder of the farm building by
(a)a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or
(b)a fire separation not required to have a fire-resistance rating in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout.
(5)A room intended to be used for repairing farm machinery shall be separated from the remainder of the farm building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)1 h, in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or
(b)30 min, in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout.
(6)Storage areas for dangerous goods shall be separated from the remainder of the farm building in accordance with Sentences 3.3.6.2.(1) and (2).
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.1.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.4.3.1. Location of Appliances
(1)Fuel-fired heating appliances shall be located and separated from the remainder of the farm building in conformance with Article 2.2.1.9.
Open OBC Div. B 2.4.3.1. in the code viewer
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).
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.3.1. in the code viewer
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.
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.3.2. in the code viewer
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).
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.3.4. in the code viewer
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.
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.4.2. in the code viewer
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.
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.2.7.3. Minimum Number of Exits
(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2) and (3), every floor area shall be served by at least 2 exits.
(2)A floor area classified as a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy is permitted to be served by a single exit, provided the floor area is not more than
(a)10 m², where the floor area is not sprinklered throughout, or
(b)20 m², where the floor area is sprinklered throughout.
(3)A floor area classified as a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy is permitted to be served by a single exit, provided the floor area is not more than
(a)200 m², where the floor area is not sprinklered throughout, or
(b)300 m², where the floor area is sprinklered throughout.
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.7.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 2.2.7.5. Location of Exits
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the travel distance to at least one exit shall be not more than
(a)30 m, in a floor area that contains a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy, other than one housing livestock with a below-floor storage area for liquid manure,
(b)60 m, in a floor area that contains a Group G, Division 1 major occupancy housing livestock with a below-floor storage area for liquid manure,
(c)60 m, in a floor area that contains a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy and that is not sprinklered throughout, and
(d)90 m, in a floor area that contains a Group G, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy and that is sprinklered throughout.
(2)A floor area containing a Group G, Division 3 major occupancy need not comply with Sentence (1), provided
(a)exits are placed not more than 60 m apart along the perimeter of the floor area, and
(b)each main aisle in the floor area
(i)leads directly to an exit in at least two opposite directions, and
(ii)has a minimum width of 750 mm.
(3)Exits shall be located and arranged in conformance with Sentence 3.4.2.5.(3).
Open OBC Div. B 2.2.7.5. in the code viewer