Special buildings and existing buildings (Fire Protection)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

portable spacing that waives the alarm extension: 6 m; portable spacing that waives the alarm extension
minimum access route width at self-storage: 9 m; minimum access route width at self-storage
lighting in pool dressing rooms and washrooms: 200 lx; lighting in pool dressing rooms and washrooms
standby blower power for large air structures: 4 h; standby blower power for large air structures

Sections 3.9. to 3.18. hold rules for special building types. Each one starts by saying the rest of Division B applies "except as provided", then modifies particular fire protection items. For this exam, learn what each special Section changes about fire alarm, firefighting access, sprinklers, egress and emergency power. The syllabus excludes the spatial separation Articles 3.10.3.2. and 3.10.4.3.

Portable classrooms and self-service storage

Portable classrooms (OBC Div. B 3.9.1.1.) normally get the main school's fire alarm extended to them with a separate annunciator zone (3.9.3.3.). The extension is not needed if portables are 6 m or more apart, or for up to 12 portables that are either spatially separated under 3.2.3. or grouped (max 6 per group, 45 min facing walls, 12 m between groups). The same spacing options waive street-facing and 3.2.5.1. to 3.2.5.7. firefighting access for up to 12 portables (3.9.3.4.). Each portable gets a fire extinguisher (3.9.3.5.).

Self-service storage buildings follow the F2 rules, may not contain F1, and occupant-load-based rules do not apply (3.10.2.1., 3.10.2.2.). The code splits them in two:

Item	Multi-storey, or with basement or mezzanine (3.10.3.)	1 storey, no basement or mezzanine (3.10.4.)
Fire alarm	required (3.10.3.3.); first storey pull stations only in corridors	3.2.4. does not apply, except smoke alarms in a dwelling unit (3.10.4.4.)
Access routes	at least 9 m wide (3.10.3.4.)	at least 9 m wide, designed to 3.2.5.6. (3.10.4.5.)
Hydrants	pumper next to hydrant; 45 m to the connection or to every opening	same locations as 3.10.3.4.(3)
Standpipes	3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11., no hose stations on the first storey (3.10.3.5.)	not required

For 1-storey complexes, building area may be taken per building, for all buildings together, or per group (3.10.4.2.).

Practice this topic

Public pools and spas

Every public pool is Class A or Class B (OBC Div. B 3.11.2.1.). Class A admits the general public or serves publicly funded institutions and camps. Class B serves six or more dwelling units or suites, mobile home parks, hotels, campgrounds, clubs, or Group B institutions.

Lighting and emergency items (3.11.10.1.):

Item	Value
Dressing, locker, shower rooms, washrooms	200 lx
Deck and water surface after dark	200 lx indoor, 100 lx outdoor
Independent emergency lighting	at least 10 lx on deck, water and egress
Class A emergency telephone	adjacent to the deck
Class B telephone	within 30 m
Recirculating pump emergency stop	beside the Class A phone, on the Class B deck

A chlorine gas room is at or above ground, 1 h substantially gas-tight, with an outside door, low and high screened openings, and emergency ventilation of 30 air changes per hour (3.11.11.1.). Public spas (3.12.1.1.) follow the pool lighting rules, have an emergency phone within 30 m and a separate emergency pump stop within 15 m (3.12.5.1.), and use the pool service room rules (3.12.6.1.).

Practice this topic

Rapid transit stations

A station is a building used to load and unload passengers of an electrified guided transit system, not a street-level open shelter (3.13.1.2.). Key fire items:

Exit separation rules of 3.4.4. do not apply; leased areas are sprinklered and separated (3.13.3.1., 3.13.3.4.).
Access to an adjacent building is through a vestibule with a 2 h separation between station and building (3.13.3.6.).
Emergency lighting 10 lx in public areas for 30 min (3.13.3.7.).
At least two remote means of egress per platform, 4 min travel time to a protected route (3.13.4.3.).
A fire alarm system without manual stations or audible appliances, fire detectors in unsprinklered service rooms, booths and kiosks, monitoring by a central supervising station to CAN/ULC-S561 (3.13.5.1. to 3.13.5.4.).
Standpipes with 38 mm and 65 mm connections at each hose station (3.13.5.11.).
Emergency ventilation to NFPA 130 (3.13.7.1.); manual elevator recall (3.13.8.4.).

Practice this topic

Tents and air-supported structures

Tents are generally exempt from Division B except Subsection 3.14.1. (3.14.1.1.). Small tents (up to 225 m², no bleachers, no sidewalls) escape some Articles (3.14.1.2.). Tents follow Sections 3.3. and 3.4. for egress, with at least 3 m between stake lines used as egress (3.14.1.3.); fabrics are certified to CAN/ULC-S109 or NFPA 701 (3.14.1.6.); firefighting access is required (3.14.1.9.); electrical gear is out of public reach (3.14.1.10.). Air-supported structures use the same fabric standards (3.14.2.5.), and those for assembly use over 200 persons need a generator to run one blower for 4 h, or an engine-driven back-up blower (3.14.2.6.).

Practice this topic

Rack storage and existing buildings

A floor area with a shelf and rack storage system is sprinklered to NFPA 13 or the standard for the worst hazard, including under platforms and walkways, with supervision and fire department notification (3.16.1.6.). Platforms need 2 exits; travel on a platform to an exit is max 45 m; aisles are at least 760 mm (3.16.1.7.). Class I to IV racks over 18 m add a fire alarm and detection system and are limited to Class I to III (3.16.2.2.); plastics and tire racks are max 7 m high with solid platforms (3.16.3.2.).

Section 3.18. applies to changes of use in existing buildings: changes marked "Y" in Div. C Table 1.3.1.4., one Group C suite split into several, A2/A4 to gaming, farm to a major occupancy, to a post-disaster building or retirement home, or unknown previous use; and adding storeys to a combustible building that would exceed four storeys (3.18.1.1.). The building must then meet 3.2.6., 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. for the new use, and the performance level must not drop, using the Part 11 compensating construction rules (3.18.2.1., 3.18.2.2.).

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
Portable classrooms and self-service storage	Portable classrooms normally get the main school's fire alarm extended to them with a separate annunciator zone.
Public pools and spas	Every public pool is Class A or Class B. Class A admits the general public or serves publicly funded institutions and camps.
Rapid transit stations	A station is a building used to load and unload passengers of an electrified guided transit system, not a street-level open shelter.
Tents and air-supported structures	Tents are generally exempt from Division B except Subsection 3.14.1.. Small tents (up to 225 m², no bleachers, no sidewalls) escape some Articles.
Rack storage and existing buildings	A floor area with a shelf and rack storage system is sprinklered to NFPA 13 or the standard for the worst hazard, including under platforms and walkways, with supervision and fire…

Portable classrooms and self-service storage
Portable classrooms normally get the main school's fire alarm extended to them with a separate annunciator zone.
Public pools and spas
Every public pool is Class A or Class B. Class A admits the general public or serves publicly funded institutions and camps.
Rapid transit stations
A station is a building used to load and unload passengers of an electrified guided transit system, not a street-level open shelter.
Tents and air-supported structures
Tents are generally exempt from Division B except Subsection 3.14.1.. Small tents (up to 225 m², no bleachers, no sidewalls) escape some Articles.
Rack storage and existing buildings
A floor area with a shelf and rack storage system is sprinklered to NFPA 13 or the standard for the worst hazard, including under platforms and walkways, with supervision and fire…

Practice this chapter

Questions on Special buildings and existing 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. B 3.9.1.1. Application
(1)Except as provided in this Section, the requirements in this Division apply to portable classrooms.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the fire alarm system in the main school building shall be extended to the portable classrooms with a separate zone indicator on the annunciator.
(2)The requirements in Sentence (1) need not be provided where there are not more than 12 portables on a site and where
(a)the distance between portable classrooms is less than 6 m and the requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. are applied between the classrooms, or
(b)the portable classrooms are in groups where
(i)the distance between the classrooms is less than 6 m,
(ii)the number of classrooms in a group does not exceed six,
(iii)within a group of classrooms, the facing walls have a fire-resistance rating of 45 min, rated from inside the classroom, and
(iv)the distance between groups of classrooms is 12 m or more.
(3)The requirements in Sentence (1) need not be provided where the distance between portable classrooms is 6 m or more.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.4. Provisions for Firefighting
(1)The requirements in Articles 3.2.2.10. and 3.2.5.1. to 3.2.5.7. need not be provided where there are not more than 12 portable classrooms on a site and where
(a)the distance between portable classrooms is 6 m or more,
(b)the distance between portable classrooms is less than 6 m and the requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. are applied between the classrooms, or
(c)the portable classrooms are in groups conforming with either Clause 3.9.3.2.(2)(a) or (b).
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.5. Portable Fire Extinguishers
(1)A fire extinguisher, in accordance with Article 3.2.5.16., shall be installed in each portable classroom.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.2.1. Occupancy Classification
(1)A self-service storage building
(a)shall comply with the requirements for a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy, and
(b)shall not contain a Group F, Division 1 occupancy.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.2.2. Occupant Load
(1)The requirements based on occupant load shall not apply.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.2.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.3.3. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.4. shall apply.
(2)A fire alarm system shall be installed.
(3)Within the first storey, manual stations are required only in corridors.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.4.4. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.4. shall not apply.
(2)The requirements for smoke alarms in Article 3.2.4.20. shall apply to a dwelling unit.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.4.4. in the code viewer

Show all 44 articles

OBC Div. B 3.10.3.4. Provisions for Firefighting
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.5. shall apply.
(2)Access routes for fire department vehicles shall be provided and shall be not less than 9 m wide.
(3)Hydrants shall be located in the access routes required in Sentence (2) so that
(a)for a building provided with a fire department connection for a standpipe system or a sprinkler system,
(i)a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to a hydrant, and
(ii)the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the fire department connection is not more than 45 m, and
(b)for a building that is not sprinklered throughout, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located in the access route so that the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter is not more than
(i)45 m from the hydrant to the vehicle, and
(ii)45 m from the vehicle to every opening in the building.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.4.5. Provisions for Firefighting
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (7), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.5. shall not apply.
(2)Access routes for fire department vehicles shall be provided and shall be not less than 9 m wide.
(3)Hydrants shall be located in the access routes required in Sentence (2) so that the locations conform to Sentence 3.10.3.4.(3).
(4)The access routes required in Sentence (2) shall conform to the requirements in Sentence 3.2.5.6.(1).
(5)An adequate water supply for firefighting shall be provided for every building.
(6)Where a sprinkler system is installed, the system shall conform to the requirements in Articles 3.2.5.12., 3.2.5.15. and 3.2.5.17.
(7)Where combustible sprinkler piping is installed, it shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.2.5.13.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.4.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.3.5. Standpipe Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements in Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. shall apply.
(2)Hose stations are not required in the first storey.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.4.2. Building Area
(1)For the purposes of Subsection 3.2.2., building area means
(a)the building area of each building,
(b)the total of the building areas of all buildings as a group, or
(c)the total of the building areas of any number or group of buildings.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.4.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.2.1. Pool Designations
(1)Every public pool shall be designated as being either a Class A pool or a Class B pool in accordance with Sentence (2) or (3).
(2)A Class A pool is a public pool to which the general public is admitted or that is
(a)operated in conjunction with or as a part of a program of an educational, instructional, physical fitness or athletic institution or association, supported in whole or in part by public funds or public subscription, or
(b)operated on the premises of a recreational camp, for use by campers and their visitors and camp personnel.
(3)A Class B pool is a public pool that is
(a)operated in conjunction with six or more dwelling units, suites, single family residences, or any combination of them for the use of occupants or residents and their visitors,
(b)operated in conjunction with a mobile home park for the use of residents or occupants and their visitors,
(c)operated on the premises of a hotel for the use of its guests and their visitors,
(d)operated on the premises of a campground for the use of its tenants and their visitors,
(e)operated in conjunction with a club for the use of its members and their visitors, or
(f)operated in conjunction with an establishment or institution classified in Table 3.1.2.1. as
(i)Group B, Division 1, major occupancy, or
(ii)Group B, Division 2 or 3, major occupancy, for the use of residents or occupants and their visitors.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.10.1. Lighting and Emergency Provisions
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), rooms and spaces used by the public in conjunction with a public pool shall be capable of illumination to levels in compliance with Subsection 3.2.7.
(2)Dressing rooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, washrooms and passageways shall have an illumination level of at least 200 lx at floor level.
(3)An indoor pool or an outdoor pool that is intended to be open for use after sundown shall be equipped with a lighting system
(a)that will maintain at any point on the pool deck and on the pool water surface an illumination level of at least
(i)200 lx in the case of an indoor pool, and
(ii)100 lx in the case of an outdoor pool, and
(b)that makes the underwater areas of the pool clearly visible from any point on the pool deck.
(4)An outdoor pool that is intended to be open for use after sundown and an indoor pool shall be equipped with an independent emergency lighting system that automatically operates whenever the normal electrical power supply to a public pool lighting system fails.
(5)The independent emergency lighting system required in Sentence (4) shall be capable of illuminating the pool deck, washroom, shower, locker areas, pool water surface and all means of egress to a level of at least 10 lx.
(6)An emergency power supply for the emergency lighting system required in Sentence (4) shall comply with Sentences 3.2.7.4.(1) and 3.2.7.7.(1) and Article 3.2.7.5.
(7)An emergency telephone directly connected to an emergency service or to the local telephone utility shall be installed adjacent to the pool deck of every Class A pool.
(8)A telephone accessible for emergency use shall be installed for every Class B pool within 30 m of the pool.
(9)Every wave action pool shall have a public address system that shall be clearly audible in all portions of the pool.
(10)Every wave action pool shall have a communication system for the use of persons engaged in supervision or operation of the pool that shall be interconnected with each lifeguard control station, the first-aid room and the bather admission control centre.
(11)The public address system and the communication system described in Sentences (9) and (10) shall be interconnected.
(12)All recirculating pumps used in a public pool shall be capable of being deactivated by an emergency stop button clearly labelled and located at
(a)a Class A pool beside the telephone that is required in Sentence (7), and
(b)a Class B pool on the deck area.
(13)The emergency stop button in Sentence (12) shall, when used, activate an audible and a visual signal located by the emergency stop.
(14)An emergency sign containing the words in the event of an emergency push emergency stop button and use emergency phone, audible and visual signal will activate shall be in letters at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke and posted above the emergency stop button.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.10.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1. Service Rooms and Storage Facilities
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, service rooms shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.6.2.1.(5), 3.6.2.1.(7) and 3.6.2.1.(8) and Articles 3.5.3.3. and 3.6.2.2.
(2)Where compressed chlorine gas is used as a pool water disinfectant, the cylinders or containers of gas shall be located in a service room that
(a)except as provided in Sentences 3.1.9.4.(4), (5) and (7) to (9), is separated from the remainder of the building by a 1 h fire separation that is substantially gas tight,
(b)is designed for the sole purpose of containing all installed pressurized chlorine gas apparatus and piping and storing all chlorine gas containers or chlorine gas cylinders that are individually secured against toppling,
(c)is located at or above ground level,
(d)is provided with an exit door opening to the outdoors,
(e)has screened openings to the outdoors with at least one opening located within 150 mm from the floor and at least one opening located within 150 mm from the ceiling, each opening being 2% of the area of the floor,
(f)is equipped with emergency mechanical ventilation capable of producing at least 30 air changes per hour, taking suction at a maximum of 900 mm above the floor level and discharging at least 2,500 mm above ground level directly to the outdoors, and
(g)contains a platform weigh scale of at least 135 kg capacity for each chlorine cylinder in use.
(3)Storage facilities shall be provided for the safe storage of all chemicals required in pool operations.
(4)The storage facilities shall be ventilated and shall be equipped with a water hose connection and a floor drain.
(5)Service rooms and storage facilities, including rooms and facilities that contain electrical or mechanical equipment or chemicals or chemical feeders, shall be equipped with a secure locking device.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.11.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.12.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies to the design and construction of site-assembled public spas and factory-built public spas.
(2)If material alterations to a public spa or the equipment installed in a public spa affect the bottom slope, the water volume or the capacity of the water circulation system, the adversely affected portions shall comply with the requirements of this Division.
(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), if material alterations or repairs concern any pool fitting that passes water or air, or both, in or out of the pool tank, the affected fitting shall comply with Sentences 3.11.8.1.(20) and 3.12.4.1.(4) to (10).
(4)If the material alterations or repairs concern a fitting cover or grille, the affected fitting cover or grille shall comply with Sentences 3.12.4.1.(7) to (10).
(5)For the purposes of this Section, every reference to a public pool or a recirculation system in a definition in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A, or a Sentence or Clause in Section 3.11. that is made applicable to public spas by this Section, is deemed to be a reference to a public spa or water circulation system, respectively.
Open OBC Div. B 3.12.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.12.5.1. Lighting and Emergency Provisions
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, public spas shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.10.1.(1) to (6).
(2)An emergency telephone directly connected to an emergency service or to the local telephone utility shall be installed within 30 m of the public spa.
(3)All pumps used in a public spa shall be capable of being deactivated by an emergency stop button that is
(a)clearly labelled, and
(b)located at a point that is
(i)readily accessible to and within sight of persons using the public spa, and
(ii)within 15 m of the public spa.
(4)The emergency stop button required in Sentence (3) shall
(a)be a switch separate from the public spa's timing device,
(b)activate an audible and a visual signal when used, and
(c)have an emergency sign conforming to Sentence 3.11.10.1.(14).
(5)If a public spa and public pool are located in the same room or space, the emergency stop buttons required in Sentences (3) and 3.11.10.1.(12) shall deactivate all pumps serving the public spa and public pool.
Open OBC Div. B 3.12.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.12.6.1. Service Rooms and Storage Facilities
(1)Service rooms and storage facilities for all public spas shall comply with the requirements of Article 3.11.11.1.
Open OBC Div. B 3.12.6.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.1.2. Definitions
(1)In this Section:
Ancillary space means the rooms or spaces in the station used only by the transit agency to house or contain operating, maintenance or support equipment and functions, but does not include booths and kiosks used by the transit agency or service rooms.
Central supervising station means the operations centre where the transit agency controls and co-ordinates the system-wide movement of passengers and vehicles and from which communication is maintained with supervisory and operating personnel of the transit agency and with participating agencies when required.
Crush load means the total of the seating capacity and the standing capacity of a car where
(a)the seating capacity is the number of seats in a car, and
(b)the standing capacity is 0.2 m² per person for the standing area which is measured 300 mm in front of the seats.
Egress capacity means the number of people able to travel from or through a type of egress facility in a specified period of time.
Entraining load means the number of passengers boarding the train at a station.
Fare paid area means that portion of a rapid transit station to which access is gained by a pass or by paying a fare.
Fare-paid area control means the point where passengers enter or leave the fare paid area.
Link load means the number of passengers on board the train(s) travelling between two stations.
Maximum calculated train load means the crush load per car multiplied by the maximum number of cars per train in the peak period.
Peak direction means, for each route, the direction of train travel having the largest passenger flow volume based on the sum of the incoming link load plus the entraining load per peak hour.
Protected route means that portion of a means of egress that starts at the point where passengers would not be vulnerable to exposure from a train fire and that leads to the exterior of the station or through an exit to an adjacent building.
Public area means the public circulation areas in a rapid transit station providing pedestrian access to and from trains.
Rapid transit station means a building or part thereof used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers of a rapid transit system but does not include open air shelters at street level.
Rapid transit system means an electrified transportation system, utilizing guidance methods involving positive mechanical contact with the fixed way operating on a right-of-way for the mass movement of passengers.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.3.1. Application
(1)Except as provided in this Subsection and Subsection 3.13.4., the requirements in Subsections 3.3.1. and 3.6.2. apply to a rapid transit station.
(2)A door in a fire separation is permitted to be equipped with pivot hinges in conformance with NFPA 80, "Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives."
(3)The requirements in Subsection 3.4.4. for fire separation of exits do not apply in a rapid transit station.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), the requirements in Sentence 3.4.6.16.(1) for doors to be readily opened from the inside apply to required exit doors in a rapid transit station.
(5)Where a group of two or more doors serves as a single exit facility, only one door in the group is required to comply with Sentence 3.4.6.16.(1).
(6)A door that is required to be readily opened in Sentence (4) or (5) shall have a sign attached to it that
(a)displays the words emergency EXIT with the letters not less than 25 mm high, and
(b)is visible from the exit approach.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.3.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.3.4. Leased Areas
(1)All leased areas within a rapid transit station shall be
(a)sprinklered, and
(b)separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation of noncombustible construction that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating.
(2)A door acting as a closure in the fire separation in Clause (1)(b) is not required to be equipped with a self-closing device.
(3)Where leased areas are located on opposite sides of a means of egress, the width of the means of egress shall not be reduced to less than 5 m.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), where the leased area on any floor level exceeds 15% of the public area on that level, the public area shall be sprinklered.
(5)In a rapid transit station that is erected entirely above the adjoining finished ground level and is a stand-alone building, where the leased area on any floor level exceeds 20% of the public area on that level, the public area shall be sprinklered.
(6)In determining the leased area in Sentences (4) and (5), it is not necessary to include a leased area that is separated from the public area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)2 h where the leased area contains a mercantile or medium-hazard industrial occupancy, or
(b)1 h where the leased area contains any other occupancy.
(7)A leased area is permitted on a platform level provided it is
(a)located not less than 5 m from the platform edge,
(b)located not less than 5 m from an egress facility, and
(c)not located in a dead-end portion of the platform.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.3.6. Access to Adjacent Building
(1)Where an access is provided between a rapid transit station and an adjacent building, the station and the building shall be separated by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(2)The access in Sentence (1) shall be through a vestibule that is separated from the station and from the building
(a)by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, or
(b)by wired glass assemblies conforming to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings," with wired glass doors equipped with self-closing devices.
(3)The vestibule doors in Sentence (2)
(a)are not required to be equipped with latches, and
(b)shall swing in the direction of travel from the rapid transit station.
(4)Close spaced sprinkler protection shall be provided on each side of all vestibule doors.
(5)The vestibule
(a)shall not contain an occupancy, and
(b)shall be protected against the passage of smoke in accordance with Measure N of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings."
(6)Where an access is provided between a rapid transit station and an adjacent building that is regulated by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6. or 3.2.8., the requirements of this Article do not apply to the rapid transit station, except for the following:
(a)the access shall be through a vestibule that is separated from the station and from the building, and
(b)the vestibule shall comply with Sentence (5).
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.3.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.3.7. Emergency Lighting
(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided to average levels not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level in public areas in a rapid transit station.
(2)An emergency power supply conforming to Subsection 3.2.7. shall be provided to maintain the emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) for a period of 30 min after a power failure.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.3.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.4.3. Number and Location of Means of Egress
(1)Each platform in a rapid transit station shall be served by no fewer than two means of egress that are independent of and remote from each other from the platform to the exterior of the station.
(2)Where a continuous level walking surface is provided between two adjacent platforms, they may be considered as one platform for the purpose of conforming to this Subsection.
(3)At the platform level, the distance separating the egress facilities in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be the greater of one car length or 25 m.
(4)Except as required in Sentence (1), two or more means of egress are permitted to converge in conformance with Sentence 3.13.4.4.(6).
(5)Means of egress from platforms shall be located so that the travel time from the most remote point on a platform to a protected route does not exceed 4 min based on travel speeds of
(a)38 mm/min for horizontal travel, and
(b)21 mm/min for vertical rise.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.4.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.5.1. Fire Alarm System
(1)Except as provided in this Subsection, a fire alarm system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. shall be installed in a rapid transit station.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.5.4. Central Supervising Station
(1)Each rapid transit station shall be monitored by a central supervising station conforming to CAN/ULC-S561, "Standard for Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems."
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.5.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.5.11. Standpipe and Hose Systems
(1)A standpipe and hose system conforming to the requirements of Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. be installed in a rapid transit station, except as otherwise required or permitted in this Article.
(2)Where a rapid transit station includes more than one standpipe riser there shall be a cross-connection pipe having a diameter not less than 100 mm between each standpipe riser so that supplying of water through any fire department connection will furnish water throughout each riser.
(3)There shall be identification on a fire department connection for a standpipe system in a rapid transit station to indicate that the connection is part of the station system.
(4)Hose stations shall be located so that every portion of the rapid transit station can be reached by a hose stream and is within 3 m of a hose nozzle when the hose is extended.
(5)In addition to the requirements in Sentence (4), hose stations shall be located in each tunnel not more than 20 m from the end of the platform.
(6)Each hose station shall have a 38 mm hose connection and a 65 mm hose connection.
(7)All supply piping shall have a diameter not less than 100 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.5.11. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.7.1. Application
(1)Every rapid transit station shall be provided with an emergency ventilation system conforming to NFPA 130, "Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems."
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.7.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.13.8.4. Emergency Operation of Elevators
(1)Manual emergency recall operation shall be provided for all elevators.
(2)Key-operated switches for emergency recall described in Sentence (1) shall be provided and shall be located on the outside of each elevator shaft at the level of the fare-paid area control.
(3)In-car emergency service switches shall be provided in all elevator cars.
(4)Keys to operate the switches required in Sentences (2) and (3) shall be located at
(a)the annunciator required in Clause 3.13.5.5.(1)(a), and
(b)the collector's booth designated in Clause 3.13.5.5.(1)(b).
Open OBC Div. B 3.13.8.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.1.1. Application
(1)Except as provided in this Subsection, tents are exempt from complying with the requirements of this Division.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.1.2. General
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements of this Subsection shall apply to all tents.
(2)Articles 3.14.1.3., 3.14.1.7. and 3.14.1.8. do not apply to tents that
(a)do not exceed 225 m² in ground area,
(b)do not exceed 225 m² in aggregate ground area and are closer than 3 m apart,
(c)do not contain bleachers, and
(d)are not enclosed with sidewalls.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.1.3. Means of Egress
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), tents shall conform to Sections 3.3. and 3.4.
(2)A tent need not conform to Article 3.4.6.12. except where swing type doors are provided.
(3)Where the area between adjacent tents or a tent and the property line is used as a means of egress, the minimum width between stake lines shall be the width necessary for means of egress, but not less than 3 m.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.1.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.1.6. Flame Resistance
(1)Every tent, and tarpaulins, decorative materials, fabrics and films used in connection with tents, shall be certified to CAN/ULC-S109, "Standard Method for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films," or NFPA 701, "Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films."
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.1.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.1.9. Provision for Firefighting
(1)Access shall be provided to all tents for the purpose of firefighting.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.1.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.1.10. Electrical Systems
(1)The electrical system and equipment in a tent, including electrical fuses and switches, shall be inaccessible to the public.
(2)Cables on the ground in areas used by the public in a tent shall be placed in trenches or protected by covers to prevent damage from traffic.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.1.10. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.2.5. Flame Resistance
(1)Air-supported structures shall be constructed of material conforming to CAN/ULC-S109, "Standard Method for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films," or NFPA 701, "Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films."
(2)Materials for fabrics used in connection with air-supported structures are exempt from compliance with the requirements for flame-spread ratings for interior finishes in Subsection 3.1.13.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.2.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.14.2.6. Emergency Air Supply
(1)An air-supported structure designed for an assembly occupancy with an occupant load of more than 200 persons shall have either an automatic emergency engine-generator set capable of powering one blower continuously for 4 h, or a supplementary blower powered by an automatic internal combustion engine.
Open OBC Div. B 3.14.2.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.16.1.6. Sprinkler System
(1)An automatic sprinkler system conforming to this Article shall be installed in a floor area containing a shelf and rack storage system.
(2)The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems" or the appropriate NFPA sprinkler standard for the most severe hazard to which the storage system is exposed.
(3)Sprinkler protection shall be provided under all platforms and walkways.
(4)Except where the platforms or walkways are of open construction, any openings for egress stairs shall be protected by noncombustible draft stops not less than 450 mm below the floors above.
(5)The automatic sprinkler system shall be electrically supervised to indicate a trouble signal on the building fire alarm system annunciator or where the building does not have a fire alarm system, to notify the person controlling the operation of the building for each of the situations listed in Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3).
(6)The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed to notify the fire department that a waterflow switch has been activated.
(7)The notification to the person controlling the building and the fire department referred to in Sentences (5) and (6) shall be provided in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
(8)A permanent sign shall be posted, at or near the sprinkler control valve, containing
(a)the word notice in contrasting letters,
(b)a description of the commodity class as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," and
(c)the sprinkler design criteria used for the shelf and rack storage system.
Open OBC Div. B 3.16.1.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.16.1.7. Exits and Means of Egress
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), every walkway or platform level shall be provided with no fewer than two exits conforming to Section 3.4.
(2)An access to exit from an elevated platform level may be provided by means of open unenclosed stairs serving
(a)not more than four platform levels, the highest of which shall be not more than 12 m above the main floor, where the shelf and rack storage system is intended for the storage of Class I, II, III and IV commodities, as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," and
(b)not more than two platform levels, where the shelf and rack storage system is intended for the storage of Group A, B and C plastics and rubber tires, as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
(3)Any single platform or walkway in a shelf and rack storage system may be served by a single unenclosed stair leading to the platform or walkway level immediately below provided
(a)the platform or walkway does not exceed 200 m² in area,
(b)the travel distance on the platform or walkway to the level below, including the travel distance along the single unenclosed egress stair, does not exceed 25 m, and
(c)the platform or walkway below is provided with two separate egress stairs or exits.
(4)The maximum travel distance on an elevated platform to the ground floor level, including the travel distance along unenclosed stairs, shall not exceed 45 m.
(5)The maximum travel distance on an elevated platform to an exit serving that platform shall not exceed 45 m.
(6)Except as permitted in Sentence (7), the maximum travel distance from the bottom of an unenclosed stair to an exit along a main aisle on the ground floor level shall not exceed 45 m.
(7)Where the travel distance in Sentence (6) exceeds 45 m
(a)an egress system serving the shelf and rack storage system shall be designed on the basis of a time-based egress analysis using the following criteria:
(i)occupant egress speed of 1 m/sec shall be used for horizontal egress routes within the shelf and rack storage system,
(ii)occupant egress speed of 0.6 m/sec shall be used for vertical egress routes within the shelf and rack storage system, measured on the diagonal along the nosing of the stairs,
(iii)occupant egress speed of 1.3 m/sec shall be used for horizontal egress routes along a main aisle on the ground floor level,
(iv)each lift-gate shall be accorded an egress time of 10 seconds,
(v)each at-level conveyor cross-over shall be accorded a time of 5 seconds, and
(vi)a safety factor of 1.5 shall be used in calculating the total egress time,
(b)the total egress time shall be calculated using the following formula:
Total Egress Time = ( H_p + V_p / 0.6 + H_m / 1.3 + 10N_lg + 5N_lc ) · 1.5 (in seconds)
where:
H_p = horizontal travel distance on the shelf and rack storage system, in metres,
V_p = vertical travel distance on the shelf and rack storage system, in metres,
H_m = horizontal travel distance on the main floor, in metres,
N_lg = number of lift gates in the means of egress,
N_lc = number of at-level cross overs in the means of egress,
(c)the total egress time from any point in the shelf and rack storage system shall be a maximum of 4 minutes,
(d)a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. shall be installed in the building,
(e)smoke detectors shall be provided under all solid decking and walkways,
(f)clearly identified and easily accessible pull stations shall be provided at egress stairs, conveyor cross-overs or lift-gates located along egress paths, and
(g)the occupant load on each level of the shelf and rack storage system shall not exceed 10 persons per egress stair. (See Note A-3.16.1.7.(7))
(8)A dead-end aisle shall not exceed 9 m where the platform or walkway is provided with two or more egress facilities.
(9)An aisle serving a shelf and rack storage system shall have a clear-aisle width of not less than 760 mm.
(10)Conveyors, trolleys, tracks or any other similar mode of product transportation within the aisle or walkway shall not reduce the clear-aisle width required in Sentence (9).
(11)Where exits are provided to comply with Sentence 3.4.2.5.(2), main aisles serving the shelf and rack storage system on the ground floor, leading from egress stairs directly to an exit, shall be clearly demarcated and have a minimum unobstructed, clear-aisle width of 2.4 m.
(12)Where a lift-gate is incorporated along an egress route,
(a)a maximum of two lift-gates may be within a single egress route,
(b)each lift-gate shall be equipped with a positive lock when open, and
(c)it shall be designed to automatically stop the conveyor belt that it serves when the lift-gate is open.
(13)Where an at-level conveyor cross-over is incorporated along an egress route,
(a)not more than two at-level conveyor cross-overs shall be within a single egress route,
(b)handrails spaced not more than 1 m apart and parallel to the direction of egress shall be provided on both sides of the at-level cross-over,
(c)flat, metal inserts shall be placed between each roller over the required egress width at each at-level conveyor cross-over to provide a walking surface,
(d)at least two inserts not less than 100 mm wide shall be arranged symmetrically between the handrails serving the at-level cross-over,
(e)inserts shall be sized to support loads specified in Part 4,
(f)a clearly identified and easily accessible switch that will stop the conveyor shall be located at each at-level cross-over, and
(g)stairs approaching at-level conveyor cross-overs shall be marked to indicate that they are readily identifiable as part of the egress route.
Open OBC Div. B 3.16.1.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.16.2.2. Construction
(1)Where the height of a shelf and rack storage system, measured from the floor supporting the system to the topmost portion of the shelf, exceeds 18 m,
(a)a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. shall be installed with
(i)manual stations located at all exit doors including exit doors serving elevated decks and walkways, and
(ii)smoke detectors located, at the ceiling of all rooms and areas containing the shelf and rack storage system, within exit stair enclosures at the top, and at every third level of elevated deck or walkway, and
(b)the fire alarm and detection system required by Clause (a), shall be designed to notify the fire department upon activation, and
(c)the shelf and rack storage system shall be designed only for the storage of Class I, II and III commodities as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
Open OBC Div. B 3.16.2.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.16.3.2. Construction
(1)A shelf and rack storage system intended for the storage of rubber tires shall conform to
(a)Article 3.3.6.5., and
(b)the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
(2)Platform and walkway levels shall not be of open construction.
(3)A shelf and rack storage system shall not exceed 7 m in height.
Open OBC Div. B 3.16.3.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies where proposed construction
(a)in respect of an existing building will result in any of the following changes of use of all or part of the building:
(i)a change of the major occupancy of all or part of a building that is designated with a "Y" in Table 1.3.1.4. of Division C,
(ii)a suite of a Group C major occupancy is converted into more than one suite of a Group C major occupancy,
(iii)a suite or part of a suite of a Group A, Division 2 or a Group A, Division 4 major occupancy is converted to a gaming premises,
(iv)a farm building or part of a farm building is changed to a major occupancy,
(v)a building or part of a building is changed to a post-disaster building,
(vi)a building or part of a building is changed to a retirement home, or
(vii)the use of a building or part of a building is changed and the previous major occupancy of the building or part of the building cannot be determined, or
(b)in respect of an existing building of combustible construction will extend the building by adding a storey or storeys such that the extended building will be more than four storeys in building height.
(2)For the purposes of this Section and Sentences 11.4.2.1.(1) and 11.4.2.5.(4), the changes of use set out in Subclauses (1)(a)(ii) to (iv) and (vi) shall also be deemed to constitute a change in major occupancy.
(3)The requirements of this Section are in addition to the requirements of other Parts of this Division as they apply to the proposed construction.
Open OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1. Change of Use and Compensating Construction
(1)Where proposed construction will result in a change of use described in Subclauses 3.18.1.1.(1)(a)(i) to (iv) and (vi), additional construction shall be required in order that the building or part of a building subject to the change of use conforms to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. as they apply to the new major occupancy that the building or part of a building is to support.
(2)For the purposes of this Article, existing buildings shall be classified as to their construction and occupancy as provided for in Sentence 11.2.1.1.(1).
Open OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.18.2.2. Performance Level and Compensating Construction
(1)The performance level of a building after construction shall not be less than the performance level of the building prior to construction.
(2)For the purposes of Sentence (1), reduction of performance level shall be determined in accordance with Articles 11.4.2.1., 11.4.2.3., 11.4.2.5. and 11.4.2.6.
(3)Where proposed construction would reduce the performance level of an existing building, compensating construction shall be required in conformance with Articles 11.4.3.1., 11.4.3.2., 11.4.3.4., 11.4.3.6. and 11.4.3.7.
(4)Section 11.5. applies in respect of the requirements of Sentences 11.4.3.4.(1), (3) and (4).
Open OBC Div. B 3.18.2.2. in the code viewer