Last updated
Values this chapter turns on
- separation for a fuel-fired appliance room
- 1 h
- separation for a fuel-fired appliance room
- separation for an incinerator room
- 2 h
- separation for an incinerator room
- mounting height of a manual pull station
- 1,200 mm
- mounting height of a manual pull station
- max chute intake opening of chute cross-section
- 60%
- max chute intake opening of chute cross-section
Section 3.6. keeps building services from becoming fire paths: service rooms, shafts and chutes, ceiling spaces and plenums. The syllabus excludes electrical equipment vaults (3.6.2.7.) and exhaust duct negative pressure (3.6.3.4.). It then adds three short items from 3.7. and 3.8.: health care electrical systems, barrier-free control heights, and assistive listening systems.
Service rooms
Section 3.6. covers horizontal and vertical service spaces, attics, ducts, crawl spaces, shafts, service rooms and penthouses (OBC Div. B 3.6.1.1.OBC Div. B 3.6.1.1. Scope(1) The provisions of this Section apply to horizontal service spaces, vertical service spaces, attic or roof spaces, ducts, crawl spaces, shaft spaces, service rooms, and mechanical penthouses, and facilities contained therein.). Separations around service rooms (3.6.2.1.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. Fire Separations Around Service Rooms(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (8), (9) and (10), fuel-fired appliances shall be installed in service rooms separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.6.2.1.(1)) (2) Except as required by Sentence (3), a fuel-fired…):
| Service room contents | Fire separation |
|---|---|
| Fuel-fired appliances | 1 h (none if the appliance serves one room or suite) |
| Incinerator | 2 h, no other fuel-fired appliance (3.6.2.4.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.4. Incinerator Rooms(1) A service room containing an incinerator shall not contain other fuel-fired appliances.) |
| Equipment using liquid with flash point below 93.3°C | 1 h |
| Electrical equipment required to be in a service room | 1 h |
| Other service equipment, unsprinklered storey | 1 h |
| Emergency generator | 2 h, generator equipment only (3.6.2.8.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. Emergency Power Installations(1) Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in a building, except where such building is used solely for the purpose of housing the generator and its ancillary equipment, it shall be located in a room that (a) is separated from the remainder of…) |
| Oxygen container storage (B2, B3, retirement homes) | 1 h, vapour tight (3.6.2.9.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.9. Storage of Oxygen Containers(1) In a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy or in a retirement home, a room for the storage of oxygen containers shall be (a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, (b) designed for the storage of oxygen containers only, (c) vapour tight…) |
| Refuse and recycling room | 1 h (45 min if floors allow) and sprinklered (3.6.2.5.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.5. Storage of Combustible Refuse and Recycling(1) Except as required by Sentence 3.6.3.3.(9), a room for the temporary storage of combustible refuse and materials for recycling shall be (a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating…) |
Small amounts of harmless equipment, fireplaces and rooftop appliances need no separation. A solid-fuel appliance near flammable vapours (garages) needs a 1 h room, outdoor combustion air and indirect heat delivery.
Equipment that could explode (boilers over 100 kPa gauge, some refrigeration machinery and transformers) may not sit directly under a required exit (3.6.2.2.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.2. Service Rooms Under Exits(1) A service room containing service equipment subject to possible explosion, such as boilers operating in excess of 100 kPa (gauge) and some types of refrigerating machinery and transformers, shall not be located directly under a required exit.). A heating, cooling or water heating room may also hold other service equipment such as electrical gear (3.6.2.3.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.3. Service Equipment(1) A service room containing space heating, space cooling and service water heating appliances is permitted to contain other service equipment such as electrical service equipment.).
Door swing. A swing door from a boiler or incinerator room opens outward, but inward when it opens onto a corridor or an assembly room (3.6.2.6.OBC Div. B 3.6.2.6. Door Swing for Service Rooms(1) A swing-type door from a service room containing a boiler or incinerator shall swing outward from the room, except that the door shall swing inward if the door opens onto a corridor or any room used for an assembly occupancy. (See also Sentence 3.4.4.4.(7))). The idea is that a door blown or held open must not block the corridor.
Vertical and horizontal service spaces
Shafts are separated from each storey per Table 3.6.3.1., based on the floor assembly rating, and closed top and bottom with matching construction (OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1.OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1. Fire Separations for Vertical Service Spaces(1) Except as provided in Articles 3.6.3.3. and 3.6.3.5. and Section 3.5., a vertical service space shall be separated from all other portions of each adjacent storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to Table 3.6.3.1. for the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. for (a)…). Foamed plastic in shafts is protected per 3.1.5.15. (3.6.3.2.OBC Div. B 3.6.3.2. Foamed Plastic Protection(1) Foamed plastic insulation in a vertical service space shall be protected in conformance with Article 3.1.5.15.). Grease duct enclosures follow NFPA 96 and CAN/ULC-S144 (3.6.3.5.OBC Div. B 3.6.3.5. Grease Duct Enclosures(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), fire separations enclosing grease ducts for commercial cooking operations shall conform to NFPA 96, "Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations." (2) The fire-resistance rating of field-applied and factory-built grease duct enclosure…).
Linen and refuse chutes (3.6.3.3.OBC Div. B 3.6.3.3. Linen and Refuse Chutes(1) A linen chute or refuse chute shall (a) be impervious to moisture, (b) have a smooth internal surface, (c) be corrosion-resistant, (d) be constructed of noncombustible material, and (e) be located in a shaft in which there are no services other than noncombustible drain, waste and vent piping or noncombustible…):
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chute | noncombustible, smooth, corrosion-resistant, in a shaft with only noncombustible water or DWV piping |
| Shaft rating | at least 1 h with a fusible-link outlet closure, 2 h without |
| Top | 1 m above the roof, vented at full chute area |
| Intake openings | max 60% of chute area, self-closing and latching |
| Intake rooms | min 750 mm dimension, 45 min separation, not opening into an exit |
| Sprinklers | top of chute, alternate floors, discharge room |
| Discharge room | 1 h (linen), 2 h (refuse) |
Horizontal service spaces. A ceiling space above a vertical fire separation need not be divided if the ceiling below is a fire separation of equal rating (30 min where the wall is 45 min or less) (3.6.4.2.OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2. Fire Separations for Horizontal Service Spaces(1) Except as provided in Article 3.6.3.5., a horizontal service space that penetrates a required vertical fire separation shall be separated from the remainder of the building it serves in conformance with Sentence (2). (2) If a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical…). A concealed space used as a plenum in a floor or roof assembly needs materials with flame-spread 25 or less and smoke developed 50 or less, except pneumatic tubing and rated cables and raceways, and noncombustible ceiling supports melting above 760°C (3.6.4.3.OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements(1) A concealed space used as a plenum within a floor assembly or within a roof assembly need not conform to Sentence 3.1.5.18.(1) and Article 3.6.5.1. provided (a) all materials within the concealed space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25 and a smoke developed classification not more than 50, except for (i)…). If a return-air plenum's ceiling membrane is part of the rating, each opening has a fire stop flap to CAN/ULC-S112.2.
Health care electrical and barrier-free items
Anaesthetizing locations use CSA Z32 for electrical systems (OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1.OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. Electrical Systems(1) In anaesthetizing locations, electrical systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities."). The same standard governs health care emergency power in 3.2.7.6.
Controls in a barrier-free path of travel (3.8.1.5.OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. Controls(1) Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and…):
| Control | Mounting height | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Thermostat or fire alarm manual station | 1,200 mm | one hand, max 22.2 N |
| Other controls (switches, intercoms) | 900 mm to 1,100 mm | closed fist, max 22.2 N |
Each control is centred on an 810 mm by 1,370 mm clear floor space. A public signal for an access security system must be both audible and visual.
Assistive listening systems are required in assembly buildings for classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres over 100 m², covering the whole seating area, and at one service counter where goods or services are provided (3.8.3.7.OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7. Assistive Listening Systems(1) In buildings of assembly occupancy, all classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres with an area of more than 100 m² shall be equipped with an assistive listening system encompassing the entire seating area. (See Note A-3.8.3.7.(1)) (2) In each location where information, goods or services are provided to…).
Common traps: 1 h versus 2 h (fuel-fired versus incinerator or generator rooms); linen versus refuse discharge rooms; manual stations at 1,200 mm, not in the 900 to 1,100 mm band.
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.
- Service rooms
Section 3.6. covers horizontal and vertical service spaces, attics, ducts, crawl spaces, shafts, service rooms and penthouses.
- Vertical and horizontal service spaces
Shafts are separated from each storey per Table 3.6.3.1., based on the floor assembly rating, and closed top and bottom with matching construction.
- Health care electrical and barrier-free items
Anaesthetizing locations use CSA Z32 for electrical systems.
Practice this chapter
Questions on Service facilities, health and barrier-free items, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.
Code cited in this chapter
Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.
© King's Printer for Ontario, 2024. Reproduced with permission.
OBC Div. B 3.6.1.1. Scope
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.1.1. in the code viewer(1)The provisions of this Section apply to horizontal service spaces, vertical service spaces, attic or roof spaces, ducts, crawl spaces, shaft spaces, service rooms, and mechanical penthouses, and facilities contained therein.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. Fire Separations Around Service Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (8), (9) and (10), fuel-fired appliances shall be installed in service rooms separated from the remainder of the building by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.6.2.1.(1))
(2)Except as required by Sentence (3), a fuel-fired appliance that serves only one room or suite is not required to be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building.
(3)A solid-fuel-burning appliance shall not be located in a repair garage, a storage garage, or any other location where it could be exposed to flammable vapours or gases unless
(a)it is enclosed in a service room that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b)it is supplied with combustion air directly from outside the building, and
(c)the heat that it generates is supplied indirectly to the space served by means of ducts or piping.
(4)A service room containing an incinerator shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(5)Equipment that uses a liquid having a flash point below 93.3°C shall be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(6)Electrical equipment that is required to be located in a service room by a regulation made under the Electricity Act, 1998, shall be installed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(7)Except as permitted by Sentence (8), in a storey that is not sprinklered throughout, a service room that contains service equipment other than that addressed by Sentences (1) to (6), shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(8)Where a service room contains a limited quantity of service equipment, and the service equipment neither constitutes a fire hazard nor is essential to the operation of fire safety systems in the building, the requirements for a fire separation shall not apply.
(9)A fire separation is not required between a fireplace and the space it serves.
(10)A fire separation is not required between a rooftop appliance and the building it serves.
(11)The fire separation provisions for a fuel-fired appliance in a portable classroom shall conform to Article 3.9.3.7.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.4. Incinerator Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.4. in the code viewer(1)A service room containing an incinerator shall not contain other fuel-fired appliances.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. Emergency Power Installations
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.8. in the code viewer(1)Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in a building, except where such building is used solely for the purpose of housing the generator and its ancillary equipment, it shall be located in a room that
(a)is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h, and
(b)contains only the generating set and equipment that is related to the emergency power supply system.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.9. Storage of Oxygen Containers
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.9. in the code viewer(1)In a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy or in a retirement home, a room for the storage of oxygen containers shall be
(a)separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b)designed for the storage of oxygen containers only,
(c)vapour tight,
(d)lined with noncombustible finish,
(e)separately exhausted to the exterior, and
(f)equipped with racks to store the containers.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.5. Storage of Combustible Refuse and Recycling
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.5. in the code viewer(1)Except as required by Sentence 3.6.3.3.(9), a room for the temporary storage of combustible refuse and materials for recycling shall be
(a)separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min is permitted where the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly is not required to exceed 45 min, and
(b)sprinklered. (See Note A-3.6.2.5.(1))
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.2. Service Rooms Under Exits
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.2. in the code viewer(1)A service room containing service equipment subject to possible explosion, such as boilers operating in excess of 100 kPa (gauge) and some types of refrigerating machinery and transformers, shall not be located directly under a required exit.
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.3. Service Equipment
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.3. in the code viewer(1)A service room containing space heating, space cooling and service water heating appliances is permitted to contain other service equipment such as electrical service equipment.
Show all 18 articles
OBC Div. B 3.6.2.6. Door Swing for Service Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.2.6. in the code viewer(1)A swing-type door from a service room containing a boiler or incinerator shall swing outward from the room, except that the door shall swing inward if the door opens onto a corridor or any room used for an assembly occupancy. (See also Sentence 3.4.4.4.(7))
OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1. Fire Separations for Vertical Service Spaces
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.3.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Articles 3.6.3.3. and 3.6.3.5. and Section 3.5., a vertical service space shall be separated from all other portions of each adjacent storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to Table 3.6.3.1. for the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. for
(a)the floor assembly above the storey, or
(b)the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above. (See Note A-3.6.3.1.(1))
(2)A vertical service space that does not extend through the roof of a building shall be enclosed at the top with construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(3)A vertical service space that does not extend to the bottom of a building shall be enclosed at the lowest level with construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(4)A vent from a vertical service space not extending to the roof shall be enclosed within the building with construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(5)Only openings that are necessary for the use of the vertical service space shall be permitted through a vertical service space enclosure.
OBC Div. B 3.6.3.2. Foamed Plastic Protection
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.3.2. in the code viewer(1)Foamed plastic insulation in a vertical service space shall be protected in conformance with Article 3.1.5.15.
OBC Div. B 3.6.3.5. Grease Duct Enclosures
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.3.5. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), fire separations enclosing grease ducts for commercial cooking operations shall conform to NFPA 96, "Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations."
(2)The fire-resistance rating of field-applied and factory-built grease duct enclosure assemblies shall be determined in conformance with CAN/ULC-S144, "Standard Method of Fire Resistance Test Grease Duct Assemblies."
OBC Div. B 3.6.3.3. Linen and Refuse Chutes
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.3.3. in the code viewer(1)A linen chute or refuse chute shall
(a)be impervious to moisture,
(b)have a smooth internal surface,
(c)be corrosion-resistant,
(d)be constructed of noncombustible material, and
(e)be located in a shaft in which there are no services other than noncombustible drain, waste and vent piping or noncombustible water piping.
(2)A shaft containing a linen chute or refuse chute shall have a fire-resistance rating conforming to Sentence 3.6.3.1.(1), but not less than
(a)1 h if the chute outlet for the discharge room is protected by an automatic, self-latching closure held open by a fusible link, or
(b)2 h if no closure is provided at the chute outlet into the discharge room.
(3)An interior linen chute or refuse chute shall extend not less than 1 m above the roof and shall be vented above the roof with a vent which
(a)has an unobstructed area not less than the cross-sectional area of the chute, and
(b)is equipped with a cover that will open automatically, or that can be opened manually, in the event of a fire in the
(4)Intake openings for a linen chute or a refuse chute shall
(a)have an area not more than 60% of the cross-sectional area of the chute, and
(b)be fitted with closures designed to close automatically and latch after use.
(5)Intake openings for a linen chute or a refuse chute shall be located in rooms or compartments that
(a)have no dimension less than 750 mm,
(b)are separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
(c)are designed for no other purpose, and
(d)do not open directly into an exit.
(6)Sprinklers shall be installed at the top of each linen chute or refuse chute, at alternate floor levels and in the room or bin into which the chute discharges.
(7)The room into which a linen chute discharges shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(8)A refuse chute shall be equipped at the top with spray equipment for washing-down purposes.
(9)A refuse chute shall discharge only into a room or bin separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(10)The room or bin into which a refuse chute discharges shall be of sufficient size to contain the refuse between normal intervals of emptying, be impervious to moisture and be equipped with a water connection and floor drain for washing-down purposes.
(11)A room into which a refuse chute discharges shall contain no service equipment that is not related to refuse handling and disposal.
OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2. Fire Separations for Horizontal Service Spaces
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.4.2. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Article 3.6.3.5., a horizontal service space that penetrates a required vertical fire separation shall be separated from the remainder of the building it serves in conformance with Sentence (2).
(2)If a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical fire separation other than a vertical shaft, this space need not be divided at the fire separation as required by Article 3.1.8.3. provided the construction between this space and the space below is a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating equivalent to that required for the vertical fire separation, except that the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be not less than 30 min if the vertical fire separation is not required to have a fire-resistance rating more than 45 min. (See Note A-3.6.4.2.(2))
OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements
Open OBC Div. B 3.6.4.3. in the code viewer(1)A concealed space used as a plenum within a floor assembly or within a roof assembly need not conform to Sentence 3.1.5.18.(1) and Article 3.6.5.1. provided
(a)all materials within the concealed space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25 and a smoke developed classification not more than 50, except for
(i)tubing for pneumatic controls,
(ii)optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data and conform to Sentences 3.1.4.3.(2) and 3.1.5.21.(2),
(iii)totally enclosed non-metallic raceways with an FT6 rating, when tested in accordance with Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a), in buildings required to be of noncombustible construction or in buildings or parts of buildings permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, and
(iv)totally enclosed non-metallic raceways with an FT4 rating, when tested in accordance with Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a), in buildings permitted to be of combustible construction, and,
(b)the supports for the ceiling membrane are of noncombustible material having a melting point not below 760°C.
(2)If a concealed space referred to in Sentence (1) is used as a return-air plenum and incorporates a ceiling membrane that forms part of the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly, every opening through the membrane shall be protected by a fire stop flap that
(a)stops the flow of air into the concealed space in the event of a fire,
(b)is supported in a manner that will maintain the integrity of the ceiling membrane for the duration of time required to provide the required fire-resistance rating,
(c)conforms to CAN/ULC-S112.2, "Standard Method Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies," and
(d)activates at a temperature approximately 30°C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the return-air plenum, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down.
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. Electrical Systems
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.1. in the code viewer(1)In anaesthetizing locations, electrical systems shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with CSA Z32, "Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical Systems in Health Care Facilities."
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. Controls
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.5. in the code viewer(1)Except as required by Sentences 3.5.2.2.(1) and 3.8.3.5.(1) for elevators and Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located in a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)be mounted
(i)1,200 mm above the finished floor, in the case of a thermostat or a manual station, and
(ii)not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor, in the case of all other controls, and
(b)be located so as to be adjacent to and centred on either the length or the width of a clear floor space of 810 mm by 1,370 mm, and
(c)be operable
(i)using one hand, without requiring tight grasping, pinching with fingers or twisting of the wrist, and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of a manual station, and
(ii)using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, in the case of all other controls. (See Note A-3.8.1.5.(1))
(2)A signal intended for the public to indicate the operation of a building security system that controls access to a building shall consist of an audible and visual signal.
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7. Assistive Listening Systems
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.7. in the code viewer(1)In buildings of assembly occupancy, all classrooms, auditoria, meeting rooms and theatres with an area of more than 100 m² shall be equipped with an assistive listening system encompassing the entire seating area. (See Note A-3.8.3.7.(1))
(2)In each location where information, goods or services are provided to the public at service counters in buildings of assembly occupancy, at least one of the service counters shall be equipped with:
(a)an assistive listening system or adaptive technology, and
(b)an amplification system, where there is a barrier to communication, such as a glass screen. (See Note A-3.8.3.7.(2))
(3)Assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies required by Sentence (2) shall provide for the clear communication required for the exchange of information, goods, and services.