Safety within floor areas (3.3): Fire Protection Study Guide

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

fire separation between adjoining suites: 1 h; fire separation between adjoining suites
room occupant load needing 2 egress doorways: 60 persons; room occupant load needing 2 egress doorways
max care floor fire compartment area: 1,000 m²; max care floor fire compartment area
refuge space per patient in the next compartment: 2.5 m²; refuge space per patient in the next compartment

Section 3.3. protects people while they are still inside the floor area: fire separations around suites and corridors, enough doorways out of each room, safe doors and glazing, and extra rules for assembly, care, residential and industrial occupancies and for hazardous materials. The Fire Protection syllabus picks a list of Articles; this chapter follows that list.

All floor areas: separations, egress, corridors and travel distance

Suites. Suites (other than business and personal services) are separated from each other by 1 h fire separations, reduced to 45 min where the floor above (or below, if no floor above) may be less than 1 h (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.1.). In a sprinklered building, business, mercantile and take-out food suites on a wide "mall-style" public corridor need no separation at all.

Public corridors (3.3.1.4.):

Condition	Corridor separation
Unsprinklered storey	fire separation, 45 min
Sprinklered storey, not serving care, detention or residential	fire separation, no rating
Sprinklered floor area, travel to an exit max 45 m	none required

Means of egress (3.3.1.3.): every occupied roof needs egress, and a roof for more than 60 persons needs two separate means of egress to exit stairs. A rooftop enclosure over 200 m² needs 2 means of egress. Each suite in a multi-suite floor area opens to an exterior exit, a public corridor or an exterior passageway, and from that point you must be able to go two ways to two exits. A fuel-fired appliance may not sit in a corridor used as access to exit (3.3.1.2.).

Two egress doorways (3.3.1.5.) are needed from a room or suite (other than a dwelling unit) that is a high-hazard or hazardous room over 15 m², holds more than 60 persons, or exceeds the area or travel limits of Table 3.3.1.5.-A (unsprinklered) or 3.3.1.5.-B (sprinklered; travel over 25 m also triggers it). The two doors are at least one third of the room's maximum diagonal apart. Travel within the room then follows the exit travel limits (3.3.1.6.).

Barrier-free floors above or below the first storey need either a protected elevator or division into 2 zones by 1 h fire separations, unless the building is sprinklered throughout (3.3.1.7.).

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Doors and door hardware

Doors into a public corridor or other access to exit from a suite: 850 mm clear per leaf, not onto a step, threshold max 13 mm (3.3.1.13.). They open without keys or special knowledge, with one hand and one releasing operation; hardware sits 900 mm to 1,100 mm above the floor. Dwelling unit doors may have an extra lock released from inside (not in retirement homes). Contained use areas and impeded egress zones may be locked with local key or remote release on emergency power. Electromagnetic locks are allowed except in schools, from F1, and on doors needing assembly latch release.

Glass doors must be visibly marked and of safety glazing (CAN/CGSB-12.1) or wired glass (12.11-M) (3.3.1.20.). In residential buildings, a public-area window above the second storey that comes within 1,000 mm of the floor needs a barrier to 1,070 mm or must be fixed and designed for guard loads.

Hazardous dusts or vapours call for Part 6 exhaust and explosion relief (3.3.1.21.). Walk-in service spaces get illuminated egress direction signs (3.3.1.25.).

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Assembly occupancies

Rule	Value	Article
A1 seating area separation	1 h if seating occupant load over 200	3.3.2.2.
Space under arena seat tiers	45 min or sprinklered	3.3.2.2.
School hazardous classroom	1 h, or 30 min if sprinklered	3.3.2.2.
Public corridor in assembly	1 h, waived if sprinklered	3.3.2.6.
Latching doors from rooms over 100 persons	panic-type device per 3.4.6.16.(3)	3.3.2.7.
Stage	sprinklered; 1 h to ancillary spaces and seating	3.3.2.14.
Stage vents	at least 2, total one-eighth of stage area	3.3.2.14.

The proscenium opening is protected by a deluge system or a fire curtain (unframed up to 20 m wide, semi-rigid above). Flammable liquid storage rooms may not be above or below the first storey (3.3.2.16.).

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Care, treatment and detention occupancies

Hospital and long-term care sleeping floors are split into at least 2 fire compartments of max 1,000 m² with 1 h separations; travel to the next compartment is max 45 m, and each compartment must hold the largest neighbour's occupants at 2.5 m² each (3.3.3.5.). Corridors: 2,400 mm for hospital patients, 1,650 mm for non-ambulatory residents, no dead ends (3.3.3.3.); bed doorways 1,050 mm (3.3.3.4.). Operating rooms and ICUs get 1 h separations and 2 h smoke-free air supply (3.3.3.6.). A contained use area has a 1 h separation and a sprinklered building, with a smoke-control alternative (3.3.3.7.). In B3, sleeping room walls are 1 h (45 min if the floor may be), unrated in small homes (3.3.3.2.).

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Residential, industrial and hazardous areas

Residential suites are separated by 1 h (45 min where the floor rating may be less) (3.3.4.2.). Floors inside a multi-level dwelling unit need not be fire separations if the unit spans not more than 6 m. Tenant storage rooms outside suites are sprinklered and separated by 1 h (3.3.4.3.). Multi-storey dwelling units need egress doors from top and bottom storeys, with balcony and travel alternatives (3.3.4.4.). Suite doors onto public corridors must not lock automatically, except in hotels (3.3.4.5.). Retirement homes for more than 10 residents need 2 compartments of max 1,000 m², 1.5 m² per resident refuge space, max 3 m dead ends, 850 mm doorways and a voice communication system (3.3.4.11.).

Industrial floor areas need extinguishing systems where the Fire Code requires them (3.3.5.2.); basements may not hold explosive vapours or dusts (3.3.5.3.). Access from a storage garage to A1, Group B or a retirement home is through a 1.8 m vestibule (3.3.5.7.).

Hazard (3.3.6.)	Separation
Oxidizers, organic peroxides, reactive materials	2 h (3.3.6.2.)
Flammable gas cylinder room	2 h gas-tight, exterior wall, 1 air change per hour (3.3.6.3.)
Up to 3 heavier-than-air cylinders, 100 kg	45 min gas-tight, at or above grade
Tires over 375 m²	2 h (3.3.6.5.)

Common traps: one third (doorways) versus one half (exits) of the diagonal; 2.5 m² (hospitals) versus 1.5 m² (retirement homes); 6 m residential dead ends versus 3 m in retirement homes.

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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
All floor areas: separations, egress, corridors and travel distance	Means of egress: every occupied roof needs egress, and a roof for more than 60 persons needs two separate means of egress to exit stairs.
Doors and door hardware	Doors into a public corridor or other access to exit from a suite: 850 mm clear per leaf, not onto a step, threshold max 13 mm.
Assembly occupancies	The proscenium opening is protected by a deluge system or a fire curtain (unframed up to 20 m wide, semi-rigid above).
Care, treatment and detention occupancies	Hospital and long-term care sleeping floors are split into at least 2 fire compartments of max 1,000 m² with 1 h separations; travel to the next compartment is max 45 m, and each…
Residential, industrial and hazardous areas	Residential suites are separated by 1 h (45 min where the floor rating may be less).

All floor areas: separations, egress, corridors and travel distance
Means of egress: every occupied roof needs egress, and a roof for more than 60 persons needs two separate means of egress to exit stairs.
Doors and door hardware
Doors into a public corridor or other access to exit from a suite: 850 mm clear per leaf, not onto a step, threshold max 13 mm.
Assembly occupancies
The proscenium opening is protected by a deluge system or a fire curtain (unframed up to 20 m wide, semi-rigid above).
Care, treatment and detention occupancies
Hospital and long-term care sleeping floors are split into at least 2 fire compartments of max 1,000 m² with 1 h separations; travel to the next compartment is max 45 m, and each…
Residential, industrial and hazardous areas
Residential suites are separated by 1 h (45 min where the floor rating may be less).

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Questions on Safety within floor areas (3.3), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

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Code cited in this chapter

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

OBC Div. B 3.3.1.1. Separation of Suites
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), each suite in other than business and personal services occupancies shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See also Subsection 3.3.3. for care, care and treatment or detention occupancies, Article 3.3.4.2. for residential occupancies, and Article 3.1.8.7. for fire dampers.)
(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(3)Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the occupancies are
(a)suites of business and personal services occupancy,
(b)fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,
(c)suites of mercantile occupancy, or
(d)any combination of these occupancies.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.4. Public Corridor Separations
(1)Except as otherwise required by this Part or as permitted by Sentence (4), a public corridor shall be separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and Clauses (4)(a) and (b), the fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(3)If a storey is sprinklered throughout, no fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey, provided the corridor does not serve a care, care and treatment, detention or residential occupancy. (See Note A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b))
(4)No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and
(a)except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.5.(9) and 3.3.4.2.(1) and notwithstanding Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2), the remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more than 45 m.,
(b)a room or suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence 3.3.1.9.(4) and Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or
(c)a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Subsection 3.7.4. provided the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.3. Means of Egress
(1)Access to exit within floor areas shall conform to Subsections 3.3.2. to 3.3.5., in addition to the requirements of this Subsection.
(2)If a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1) for rooms and suites.
(3)Means of egress shall be provided from every roof that is intended for occupancy, and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space.
(4)At least two separate means of egress shall be provided from a roof, used or intended for an occupant load more than 60, to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements regarding exit stairs stated in Section 3.4.
(5)A rooftop enclosure shall be provided with an access to exit that leads to an exit
(a)at the roof level, or
(b)on the storey immediately below the roof.
(6)A rooftop enclosure which is more than 200 m² in area shall be provided with at least 2 means of egress.
(7)Two points of egress shall be provided for a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if
(a)the area is more than 200 m² , or
(b)the travel distance measured from any point in the service space to a point of egress is more than 25 m.
(8)Except as required by Sentence 3.3.4.4.(8) and permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.4.(5) and (6), each suite in a floor area that contains more than one suite shall have
(a)an exterior exit doorway, or
(b)a doorway,
(i)into a public corridor, or
(ii)to an exterior passageway.
(9)Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to in Sentence (8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exits.
(10)Means of egress from a roof for personnel servicing roof top equipment or for a below ground service room that is not normally occupied, is permitted to be provided by stairways or fixed ladders.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.2. Hazardous Substances, Equipment and Processes
(1)Except as provided in Subsections 3.3.5. and 3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of the hazardous substances shall be in conformance with
(a)the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or boilerplate: - (b) the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada," in the absence of regulations referred to in Clause (a).
(See Note A-3.3.1.2.(1))
(2)Systems for the ventilation of cooking equipment that is not within a dwelling unit and is used in processes producing grease-laden vapours shall be designed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.6.3.5., 6.3.1.6. and 6.9.1.3. (See Note A-3.3.1.2.(2))
(3)A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.5. Egress Doorways
(1)Except for dwelling units, a minimum of 2 egress doorways located so that one doorway could provide egress from the room or suite as required by Article 3.3.1.3. if the other doorway becomes inaccessible to the occupants due to a fire that originates in the room or suite, shall be provided for every room and every suite
(a)whose area is more than 15 m² and is used for
(i)a high-hazard industrial occupancy, or
(ii)a hazardous room,
(b)intended for an occupant load more than 60,
(c)in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout and
(i)the area of a room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.-A, or
(ii)the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway, is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.-A,
(d)in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout and does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy and
(i)the travel distance to an egress doorway is more than 25 m, or
(ii)the area of the room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.-B, or
(e)where the area of the room is more than 100 m² and it is a hazardous classroom in elementary or secondary school.
(2)Where 2 egress doorways are required by Sentence (1), they shall be placed at a distance from one another equal to or greater than one third of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area to be served, measured as the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the nearest required egress doors.
(3)Every room containing an assembly occupancy serving a hotel, and located in the building containing the hotel, shall be provided with no fewer than
(a)three separate egress doorways from the room where the occupant load is more than 600 persons, and
(b)four separate egress doorways from the room where the occupant load is more than 1,000 persons
(4)Each egress doorway in Sentence (3) shall be considered as contributing not more than,
(a)one-third of the required width where three egress doorways are required, and
(b)one-fourth of the required width where four egress doorways are required.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.6. Travel Distance
(1)If more than one egress doorway is required from a room or suite referred to in Article 3.3.1.5., the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway shall not exceed the maximum travel distances specified in Clauses 3.4.2.5.(1)(a), (b), (c) and (f) for exits.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.7. Protection on Floor Areas with a Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (1.1) and (1.2), every floor area above or below the first storey that has a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)be served by an elevator
(i)conforming to Sentences 3.2.6.5.(4) to (6),
(ii)protected against fire in conformance with Clause 3.2.6.5.(3)(b) or (c), and
(iii)in a building over 3 storeys in building height, protected against smoke movement so that the hoistway will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from a fire floor during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, "Climatic and Seismic Data," or
(b)be divided into at least 2 zones by fire separations conforming to Sentences (2) and (3) and 3.1.8.5.(6) so that, (See Note A-3.3.1.7.(1)(b))
(i)persons with physical disabilities can be accommodated in each zone,
(ii)the travel distance from any point in one zone to a doorway leading to another zone shall be not more than the value for travel distance permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.5.(1) for the occupancy classification of the zone, and
(iii)a barrier-free path of travel is provided to an exit. (See Note A-3.3.1.7.(1))
(1.1)In residential occupancies, the requirements of Sentence (1) are waived if a balcony conforming to Sentence (4) is provided for each suite, except for suites on the storey containing the barrier-free entrance described in Article 3.8.1.2.
(1.2)The requirements of Sentences (1) and (1.1) are waived when the building is sprinklered throughout.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the fire separations referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(3)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separations referred to in Clause (1)(b) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(4)A balcony required by Sentence (1.1) shall
(a)be provided with a doorway having a clear width of not less that 800 mm when the door is in the open position,
(b)have no projection above the walking surface more than 13 mm,
(c)be not less than 1.5 m deep from the outside face of the exterior wall to the inside edge of the balcony, and
(d)provide not less than 0.5 m² for each occupant of the suite.
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OBC Div. B 3.4.2.3. Distance Between Exits
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the least distance between 2 required exits from a floor area shall be
(a)one-half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but need not be more than 9 m for a floor area having a public corridor, or
(b)one-half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9 m for all other floor areas. (See Note A-3.4.2.3.(1))
(2)Exits need not comply with Sentence (1) where
(a)the floor area is divided so that not less than one-third of the floor area is on each side of a fire separation, and
(b)it is necessary to pass through the fire separation to travel from one exit to another exit.
(3)The minimum distance between exits referred to in Sentence (1) shall be the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the exits, assuming that the smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.
(4)The distance between 2 exterior discharges leading from two or more exit stairs serving the same floor area shall be
(a)not less than 9 m, or
(b)not less than 6 m, where
(i)the building is sprinklered throughout, and
(ii)the 2 exterior discharges are located within 15 m of a street.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13. Doors and Door Hardware (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(17))
(1)Except as required by Article 3.3.3.4. and Sentences 3.3.4.11.(11), 3.8.3.3.(1) and (2), a door that opens into or is located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall
(a)provide a clear opening of not less than 850 mm, if there is only one door leaf,
(b)in a doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 850 mm,
(c)not open onto a step, and
(d)have a threshold not more than 13 mm higher than the floor surface, except where
(i)the threshold is used to contain spillage, or
(ii)the doorway provides access to an exterior balcony, other than a balcony required by Sentence 3.3.1.7.(2).
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (6) and (7), a door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), door release hardware shall be operable by one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation. (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(4))
(4)Except in a retirement home, an egress door from an individual dwelling unit or from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be provided with additional devices that require a releasing operation additional to the main door release hardware, provided the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use of keys, special devices or specialized knowledge. (See Note A-3.3.1.13.(4))
(5)Door release hardware shall be installed not more than 900 mm and 1,100 mm above the finished floor.
(6)An egress door in an access to exit serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be equipped with locking devices, provided they can be released either locally or remotely in conformance with Sentence (8) or (9). (See Note A-3.3.1.13.(6))
(7)A door in an access to exit is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.16.(5), except that this permission does not apply to a door
(a)in an elementary or secondary school,
(b)a door leading from a Group F, Division 1 occupancy, or
(c)except as provided in Sentence (11), requiring a latch release device by Article 3.3.2.6.
(8)Local locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.
(9)Controls for the remote release of door locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be located in an area readily available to security personnel.
(10)Locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) that are electrically operated shall be
(a)designed to operate on emergency power, and
(b)capable of manual release by security personnel.
(11)A door in an access to exit in a gaming premise is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device conforming to Sentences 3.4.6.16.(5) and (8).
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.20. Transparent Doors and Panels
(1)Except for dwelling units and as permitted by Sentence (5), a glass or transparent door shall be designed and constructed so that the existence and position of the door is readily apparent, by attaching visually contrasting hardware, bars or other permanent fixtures to it.
(2)Fully glazed transparent doors, and fully glazed transparent sidelights and panels with widths greater than 300 mm, shall be marked in conformance with Sentence 3.8.3.3.(15).
(3)A glass door shall be constructed of
(a)laminated or tempered safety glazing conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1, "Safety Glazing," or
(b)wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, "Wired Safety Glass."
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), transparent panels used in an access to exit that, because of their physical configuration or design, could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings.
(5)Sliding glass partitions that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are open during normal working hours need not conform to Sentences (1) and (4), provided the partitions are suitably marked in conformance with Sentence (2) to indicate their existence and position.
(6)Glass in a vision panel in a door or in a transparent sidelight shall conform to Sentence 3.8.3.3.(14).
(7)Glass in doors and glass sidelights that could be mistaken for doors, within or at the entrances to dwelling units and in public areas, shall conform to the requirements of Article 9.6.1.4.
(8)A window in a public area that extends to less than 1,000 mm above the floor and is located above the second storey in a building of residential occupancy, shall be protected by a barrier or railing from the floor to not less than 1,070 mm above the floor, or the window shall be non-openable and designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony guards required by Article 4.1.5.14.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.21. Exhaust Ventilation and Explosion Venting
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), an exhaust ventilation system designed in conformance with the appropriate requirements of Part 6 shall be provided in a building or part of a building in which dust, fumes, gases, vapour or other impurities or contaminants have the potential to create a fire or explosion hazard. (See also Article 4.2.4.13.)
(2)Where a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating is penetrated by a ventilation system required by Sentence (1) for power-ventilated enclosures in laboratories, the ducts shall be
(a)continuously enclosed from the first penetrated fire separation to any subsequent fire separations or concealed spaces and all the way through to the outdoors so that the highest fire-resistance rating of all the penetrated fire separations is maintained, and
(b)exempted from the requirement to be equipped with a fire damper, smoke damper and combination smoke/fire damper as stated in Article 3.1.8.7.
(3)Explosion relief devices, vents or other protective measures conforming to Subsection 6.3.1. and Article 6.9.1.2. shall be provided for a space in which substances or conditions that have the potential to create an explosion hazard are present as a result of the principal use of a building.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.1.25. Signs in Service Spaces
(1)Illuminated signs conforming to Sentence 3.4.5.1.(2) and (6) shall be provided to indicate the direction to egress points in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8).
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OBC Div. B 3.3.2.2. Fire Separations
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the seating area of a Group A, Division 1 occupancy shall be separated from adjacent occupancies in the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h if the occupant load in the seating area exceeds 200.
(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(3)If usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena-type buildings, a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min shall be provided between the space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered.
(4)Except as required in Sentences (5) to (7), in an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)1 h where the building is not sprinklered, or
(b)30 min where the building is sprinklered throughout.
(5)Except as provided in Sentence (6), in an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom containing an auto repair shop shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)2 h where the building is not sprinklered, or
(b)1 h where the building is sprinklered throughout.
(6)In an elementary or secondary school, if there is a group of hazardous classrooms or a group of hazardous classrooms and ancillary rooms of a complementary use, the fire separation required by Sentence (4) or (5) need not be provided within the group but the fire separation is required between the group and the remainder of the building.
(7)In an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom containing a spray painting operation shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)2 h, or
(b)1 h where the spray painting operation is separated from the classroom by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(8)Except as required in Sentence (9), in an elementary or secondary school, where the occupant load of a room exceeds 200 persons, the room and any ancillary rooms of a complementary use shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)1 h where the building is not sprinklered, or
(b)30 min where the building is sprinklered throughout.
(9)A kitchen shall not be located within the fire compartment required in Sentence (8).
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OBC Div. B 3.3.2.6. Corridors
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy as an access to exit shall be separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(3)The fire-resistance rating required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the floor area in which the corridor is located is sprinklered throughout.
(4)The requirement for a fire separation stated in Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit does not exceed the travel distance permitted by Article 3.4.2.5.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.2.7. Doors
(1)A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of assembly occupancy containing an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that complies with Sentence 3.4.6.16.(3).
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OBC Div. B 3.3.2.14. Stages for Theatrical Performances
(1)A stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be sprinklered.
(2)A fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (6), a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be separated from the seating area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except for a proscenium opening protected with
(a)a sprinkler deluge system conforming to the requirements of NFPA 13 "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems,"
(b)an unframed fire curtain if the opening is not more than 20 m wide, or
(c)a semi-rigid fire curtain if the opening is more than 20 m wide.
(4)A fire curtain required by Sentence (3) shall be of a type acceptable to the principal authority and designed to close
(a)automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler system,
(b)automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, and
(c)manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage.
(5)At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall be provided above a stage designed for theatrical performances and shall
(a)have an aggregate area not less than one-eighth of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening, and
(b)be arranged to open automatically upon actuation of the sprinkler system.
(6)The fire separation referred to in Sentence (3) is not required between a stage and a seating area in a floor area that is sprinklered, provided a sprinkler deluge system is installed at the boundary between the stage and the seating area.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.2.16. Storage Rooms
(1)A room intended for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 shall not be located above or below the first storey of the building.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.3.5. Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes
(1)Floor areas containing patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a hospital or long-term care home shall conform to Sentences (2) to (12). (See Note 3.3.3.5.(1))
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area containing patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a hospital or long-term care home shall be divided into no fewer than two fire compartments, each not more than 1,000 m² in area.
(3)The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered as a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article.
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence (2) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(5)The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence (4) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(6)Reserved.
(7)The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) to a door to an adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than 45 m.
(8)Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 2.5 m² per patient or resident in the adjacent fire compartment.
(9)Except as permitted by Sentences (10) and (11), walls between patients' or residents' sleeping rooms and the remainder of the floor area shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating unless a fire-resistance rating is required by other provisions in this Part.
(10)The fire separation requirements of Sentence (9) do not apply to walls within a group of intercommunicating patients' or residents' rooms, provided the group of rooms does not
(a)contain more than 5 patients or residents, or
(b)include storage, bathing or toilet facilities serving persons not occupying the group of rooms. (See Note A-3.3.3.5.(10))
(11)A door in a fire separation required by Sentence (9) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch.
(12)A fire separation required by Sentence (9) shall not contain any grilles, louvres or other openings.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.3.3. Corridors
(1)A corridor used by the public or serving patients or residents shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress.
(2)A corridor serving patients in a hospital shall be not less than 2,400 mm wide.
(3)Except as permitted in Sentence (5), a corridor serving residents who are not ambulatory in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall be not less than 1,650 mm wide.
(4)Paired doors in a corridor serving patients or residents shall
(a)swing in opposite directions, the right hand door swinging in the direction of travel, and
(b)be not less than 1,100 mm wide.
(5)A corridor in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency need not comply with Sentence (3).
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OBC Div. B 3.3.3.4. Doorway Width
(1)In a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, the minimum clear width of doorways through which it is necessary to move a patient or resident in a bed shall be 1,050 mm. (See Note A-3.3.3.4.(1))
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OBC Div. B 3.3.3.6. Protection for Special Care and Treatment Facilities
(1)Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, delivery rooms, intensive care units and critical care units, from which it is impracticable to move patients in an emergency, shall be
(a)separated from adjacent spaces by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(b)provided with a mechanical air supply so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another space, the compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire area.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.3.7. Contained Use Areas
(1)A contained use area shall conform to Sentences (2) to (5).
(2)A contained use area shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a building that includes a contained use area shall be sprinklered throughout.
(4)A contained use area, in a building for which Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93. do not require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, is not required to be sprinklered as required by Sentence (3) provided
(a)the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in the contained use area, other fire compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the contained use area,
(b)the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another part of the building, the contained use area will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the other part of the building,
(c)all doors are designed to be remotely released in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6), and
(d)the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.
(5)A corridor serving a contained use area shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.3.2. Fire Separations
(1)The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.5.(1) between a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy and a repair garage shall have no openings.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls between sleeping rooms and adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that the fire-resistance rating need not be more than 45 min where the floor assembly is not required to be more than 45 min.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (4), in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls separating corridors serving sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that the fire-resistance rating need not be more than 45 min where the floor assembly is not required to be more than 45 min.
(4)The walls separating sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms and corridors in those parts of a floor area classified as a Group B, Division 3 occupancy shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating if
(a)those parts of the floor area contain sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons, and
(b)not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.
(5)The door in the fire-separation required in Sentence (4) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch and need not be provided with a self-closing device.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.4.2. Fire Separations
(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.2.2.9.(2), suites of residential occupancy shall be separated from each other and the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(2)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(3)Floor assemblies within a dwelling unit need not be constructed as fire separations provided
(a)the distance between the lowest floor level and the uppermost floor level within the dwelling unit is not more than 6 m, and
(b)the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(i)1 h if the building is not sprinklered throughout,
(ii)45 min if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, or
(iii)1 h if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is more than 3 storeys in building height.
(4)Except in a retirement home, the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation located between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage need not conform to that required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) provided (0.a) the storage garage contains not more than five vehicles,
(a)the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are sprinklered,
(b)the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1) to (3),
(c)there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,
(d)the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and
(e)every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is
(i)tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes,
(ii)fitted with a self-closing device, and
(iii)not located in a room intended for sleeping.
(5)Except in a retirement home, the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is not required between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage, serving that dwelling unit only, provided
(a)the dwelling unit and its attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1) to (3),
(b)there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,
(c)the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and
(d)every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is
(i)tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes,
(ii)fitted with a self-closing device, and
(iii)not located in a room intended for sleeping.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.4.3. Storage Rooms
(1)Sprinklers shall be installed in a storage room provided for the use of tenants in a residential occupancy within a floor area but not contained within a suite.
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a storage room referred to in Sentence (1) shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(3)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (2) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(4)Except where located within a dwelling unit, a room intended for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 shall not be located above or below the first storey of the building.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.4.4. Egress from Dwelling Units
(1)Except as required by Sentence (8), single storey dwelling units in an apartment building need not lead to a public corridor or exterior passageway on the same storey provided the dwelling units are served by private stairways leading directly to a public access to exit on the storey
(a)immediately above, and
(b)immediately below. (See Note A-3.3.4.4.(1))
(2)Except as required by Sentence (8) and as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), a dwelling unit containing more than one storey shall have an exit door or an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost storey and from the lowest storey of the dwelling unit so that each of these storeys is served by an exit or egress door located not more than 1.5 m above or below its floor level.
(3)A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level and
(a)it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or
(b)the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony not more than 6 m above adjacent ground level.
(4)An egress door from either the uppermost storey or the lowest storey in a dwelling unit, as required by Sentence (2), need not be provided
(a)except as required by Sentence (8), if that storey is served by a stairway that
(i)leads to a public access to exit,
(ii)has no direct access to any other storey in the dwelling unit, and
(iii)is separated from the other storeys in the dwelling unit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min,
(b)on the uppermost storey in the dwelling unit if the dwelling unit has not more than 2 storeys above the first storey of the building,
(c)if it is not necessary to travel either more than 18 m or more than 1 storey up or down within the dwelling unit to reach the egress door, or
(d)if that storey is
(i)provided with a balcony conforming to Sentence (7),
(ii)not more than 2 storeys above or below the dwelling unit egress door, and
(iii)in a building that is not more than 6 storeys in building height.
(5)In a building of residential occupancy not more than 3 storeys in building height, a doorway from a dwelling unit is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.
(6)If a dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress, one means of egress from a dwelling unit is permitted to pass through
(a)an interior corridor served by a single exit,
(b)an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, or
(c)an exterior passageway served by a single exit stairway.
(7)Where a balcony is provided to meet the requirements of Sentence (3) or (4), the balcony shall have
(a)a solid floor having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for a floor assembly between suites, and
(b)an area providing not less than 1.5 m² per suite occupant, based on occupant load, and a minimum dimension of 1,200 mm.
(8)Each dwelling unit in a building conforming to Subclause 3.2.2.50.(1)(a)(ii) shall be served by
(a)a direct exit that is an exterior doorway located not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level, or
(b)a stairway that
(i)leads to an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level,
(ii)has no access to another dwelling unit, and
(iii)is separated from the remainder of the building with a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.4.5. Automatic Locking Prohibition
(1)Except for hotels, a door opening onto a public corridor that provides access to exit from a suite shall be designed not to lock automatically. (See Note A-3.3.4.5.(1))
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OBC Div. B 3.3.4.11. Retirement Homes
(1)Floor areas containing residents' sleeping rooms in a retirement home shall conform to Sentences (2) to (12).
(2)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area containing residents' sleeping rooms in a retirement home where sleeping accommodation is provided for more than 10 residents shall be divided into no fewer than 2 fire compartments, each not more than 1,000 m² in area.
(3)The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered as a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article.
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence (2) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(5)The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence (4) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for
(a)the floor assembly above the floor area, or
(b)the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
(6)A closure in a fire separation between fire compartments referred to in Sentence (2) shall be weather-stripped or otherwise designed and installed to retard the passage of smoke.
(7)The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) to a door to an adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than 45 m.
(8)Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 1.5 m² per resident in the adjacent fire compartment.
(9)The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.5.(1) between a retirement home and a repair garage shall have no openings.
(10)In a retirement home, a dead-end public corridor is permitted provided it is not more than 3 m long.
(11)The minimum clear width of doorways serving residents in a retirement home shall be 850 mm.
(12)A voice communication system conforming to Article 3.2.4.22. shall be provided in a retirement home.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.5.2. Fire Extinguishing Systems
(1)In addition to other requirements in this Division for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor area to provide protection if required by
(a)the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, or boilerplate: - (b) the CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56437E, "National Fire Code of Canada," in the absence of provisions referred to in Clause (a).
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OBC Div. B 3.3.5.3. Basements
(1)A basement shall not be used for the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile solids, liquids or gases that generate explosive air-vapour mixtures or for processes that involve explosive dusts.
(2)Entrances and exits to a basement and to rooms containing building services shall be separate from the remainder of the building in a building in which
(a)the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile materials can generate explosive air-vapour mixtures, or
(b)processes occur that produce explosive dusts.
(3)Basements and rooms referred to in Sentence (2) shall be separated from the remainder of the building with a vapour-tight separation.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7. Vestibules
(1)If access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 1 or Group B occupancy or a retirement home, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (4).
(2)Reserved.
(3)In a building more than 3 storeys in building height, access through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 2, 3 or 4, or a Group C occupancy, shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (4).
(4)If access is provided through a vestibule, as required by Sentences (1), (3) and 3.3.5.4.(1), the vestibule shall
(a)be not less than 1.8 m long,
(b)be ventilated
(i)naturally to outside air by a vent that has an unobstructed area of not less than 0.1 m² for each door that opens into the vestibule but not less than 0.4 m², or
(ii)mechanically at a rate of 14 m²/h for each square metre of vestibule floor surface area, and
(c)have openings between the vestibule and an adjoining occupancy provided with self-closing doors with no hold-open devices.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.6.2. Storage of Dangerous Goods
(1)Solid and liquid dangerous goods classified as oxidizers or organic peroxides shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
(2)Reactive materials shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h. (See Note A-3.3.6.2.(2))
(3)The design and construction of buildings or part of a building intended for the storage of dangerous goods classified as explosives shall conform to the Explosives Act (Canada) and the regulations made under that Act.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.6.3. Indoor Storage of Compressed Gases
(1)Except as provided by Sentence (3), where required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, a room intended for the indoor storage of cylinders containing flammable compressed gases shall meet the following requirements:
(a)it is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h,
(b)it is located on an exterior wall of the building,
(c)it can be entered from the exterior,
(d)it is ventilated in conformance with Sentence (4),
(e)it is constructed so that an exterior wall provides explosion venting
(i)in the ratio of 0.2 m² for each cubic metre of room volume, or
(ii)in the ratio computed in accordance with NFPA 68, "Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting," but in no case less than 0.065 m² of vent area for each cubic metre of room volume,
(f)it is not intended to contain fuel-fired equipment or high temperature heating elements, and
(g)it is not intended to be used for a purpose other than the storage of compressed gas.
(2)Where a closure is installed in the fire separation separating the room from the remainder of the building in accordance with Clause (1)(a), it shall be
(a)equipped with a self-closing device that keeps the closure closed when not in use, and
(b)constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.
(3)Where required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, a room intended for the storage of not more than three cylinders of flammable compressed gases that are heavier than air and that have an aggregate capacity not exceeding 100 kg shall be
(a)separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min,
(b)located at or above grade, and
(c)ventilated in conformance with Sentence (4).
(4)A room described in Sentence (1) or (3) shall be
(a)mechanically vented to the outside so as to ensure at least one air change per hour, or
(b)naturally vented to the outside so as to ensure cross ventilation through non-closable louvered openings with
(i)at least one opening having an aggregate free opening area of at least 0.2 m² per 100 m² of the floor area located not more than 300 mm from the ceiling, and
(ii)at least one opening having an aggregate free opening area of at least 0.2 m² per 100 m² of the floor area located not more than 300 mm from the floor.
(5)Except as permitted by Sentences (6) and (7), where required by the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, an area intended for the storage of cylinders containing compressed gases that may react with one another shall be divided into separate fire compartments having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
(6)Separate fire compartments required by Sentence (5) need not be provided, if the area intended for the storage of cylinders containing compressed gases that are lighter than air is separated by a concrete or masonry wall having a height of at least 2.0 m and projecting at least 1.0 m, measured horizontally, beyond the cylinders.
(7)Separate fire compartments required by Sentence (5) need not be provided, if the area intended for the storage of cylinders containing compressed gases that are heavier than air is separated by a concrete or masonry wall having a height of at least 1.5 m and projecting such that the minimum distance that vapour can travel between two cylinders of gas that may react with each other is not less than 15 m, measured horizontally.
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OBC Div. B 3.3.6.5. Tire Storage
(1)A tire storage area intended for the storage of more than 375 m² of tires shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h. (See Note A-3.3.6.5.(1))
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