Last updated
Values this chapter turns on
- minimum width of a public corridor
- 1,100 mm
- minimum width of a public corridor
- clear opening of a single-leaf corridor door
- 850 mm
- clear opening of a single-leaf corridor door
- of width per person for corridors and doorways
- 6.1 mm
- of width per person for corridors and doorways
- minimum clear passage between rows of fixed seats
- 400 mm
- minimum clear passage between rows of fixed seats
Section 3.3 governs everything that happens inside a floor area before a person reaches an exit: how suites and corridors are separated, how many doors a room needs, how wide corridors and aisles are, and what extra protection each occupancy needs. Subsection 3.3.1 applies to every floor area. Subsections 3.3.2 to 3.3.5 then add rules for assembly, care and detention, residential and industrial occupancies, and 3.3.6 covers hazardous materials. On the exam, start in 3.3.1 and then check the occupancy subsection for anything stricter.
All floor areas (3.3.1)
Suites. Outside business and personal services occupancies, each suite is separated from neighbouring suites by a 1 h fire separation. It drops to 45 min where 3.2.2 lets the floor assembly be rated below 1 h (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.1.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…). In a sprinklered building, mercantile and business suites (and take-out food counters without seating) along a wide "mall" public corridor need no separation from each other.
Public corridors. A public corridorOBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Public corridorPublic corridor means a corridor that provides access to exit from more than one suite. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1)) is one that serves as access to exit from more than one suite. It is normally a fire separation with a 45 min rating. In a storey sprinklered throughout the separation stays but needs no rating, unless the corridor serves care, care and treatment, detention or residential occupancies. In a sprinklered floor area the separation can go entirely where travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is 45 m or less (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.4.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…).
Egress doorways. A room or suite needs two egress doorways when it holds more than 60 people, is a high-hazard industrial space or hazardous room over 15 m², or exceeds the area or travel limits in Tables 3.3.1.5.-A and -B. The two doors must be at least one third of the maximum diagonal apart. A Large Buildings detail: an assembly room serving a hotel, in the hotel building, needs three egress doorways above 600 persons and four above 1,000. Each door then counts for only a third or a quarter of the required width (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.5.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…).
Corridors, doors and capacity. Public corridors are at least 1,100 mm wide, and dead ends are limited by occupancy (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.9.OBC Div. B 3.3.1.9. Corridors(1) The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1,100 mm. (2) Except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.3.(2) and (3), the minimum unobstructed width shall be 1,100 mm for every (a) corridor used by the public, (b) corridor serving classrooms, and (c) corridor in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy where the corridor…). A door from a room or suite with more than 60 occupants swings toward the exit (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.11.OBC Div. B 3.3.1.11. Door Swing(1) Except as permitted by Sentence (5) and Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite, shall swing on a vertical axis. (2) Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility…). A single-leaf door opening into a public corridor gives at least 850 mm clear (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13.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…). Access to exit capacity uses the same per-person factors as exits (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.17.OBC Div. B 3.3.1.17. Capacity of Access to Exits (See Article 3.3.1.9. for minimum widths of corridors.)(1) The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served. (2) In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than 1 in 8, doorways, and corridors shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm per person. (3) In an access to exit the required…).
| Item (3.3.1) | Key value |
|---|---|
| Public corridor separation, unsprinklered | 45 min |
| Public corridor minimum width | 1,100 mm |
| Dead-end public corridor, residential | 6 m |
| Dead-end corridor, Group D, E, F2, F3 (30 persons or fewer, self-closing doors) | 9 m |
| Access to exit: doors, corridors, gentle ramps | 6.1 mm per person |
| Access to exit: patient or resident areas of B-2, B-3 | 18.4 mm per person |
| Protruding objects below 1,980 mm | 100 mm maximum projection |
Janitors' rooms and common laundry rooms in residential buildings get a 1 h separation (45 min with lighter floors, no rating if sprinklered) (OBC Div. B 3.3.1.22.OBC Div. B 3.3.1.22. Janitors' Rooms(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial supplies shall be separated from 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…, 3.3.1.23.OBC Div. B 3.3.1.23. Common Laundry Rooms(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor area that is not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from 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…).
Assembly occupancies (3.3.2)
The seating area of a Group A, Division 1 occupancy with a seating area occupant load over 200 is separated by a 1 h fire separation (OBC Div. B 3.3.2.2.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…). The same Article covers schools. A hazardous classroom needs 1 h (30 min if sprinklered). One with an auto repair shop needs 2 h (1 h if sprinklered). A room for more than 200 persons needs 1 h (30 min if sprinklered).
Fixed seats need at least 400 mm clear between rows. No seat may be more than 7 seats (with backs) or 20 seats (without backs) from an aisle, unless the continental-seating options in Sentences (4) and (5) are met (OBC Div. B 3.3.2.4.OBC Div. B 3.3.2.4. Fixed Seats(1) Except for the requirements of Article 3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by Sentence (2) and Articles 3.3.2.11. and 3.3.2.12., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be (a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser, (b) provided with arms and back, and (c)…). Aisles start at 1,100 mm. They may be 750 mm for 60 seats or fewer, or 900 mm for seats on one side only. Where rows discharge into the aisle, add 25 mm per metre of aisle length toward the exit (OBC Div. B 3.3.2.5.OBC Div. B 3.3.2.5. Aisles(1) Except as required by Articles, 3.3.2.11. and 3.3.2.12., aisles leading to egress doors or exits shall be provided in conformance with Sentences (2) to (27) in places of assembly that contain fixed seats. (2) In this Subsection, a converging aisle is an aisle into which the occupants of two or more aisles converge…).
Dead-end aisles are 6 m. They can reach 10 m or 13 m only with the full list of conditions in Sentences (13) and (14), including sprinklers. Doors with latches serving assembly rooms of more than 100 persons need panic-type hardware (OBC Div. B 3.3.2.7.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).).
Care, care and treatment, and detention (3.3.3)
These occupancies get wider corridors and compartmentation so patients can be moved horizontally rather than down stairs.
| Item (3.3.3) | Key value |
|---|---|
| Corridor serving hospital patients | 2,400 mm |
| Corridor serving non-ambulatory residents (B-2, B-3) | 1,650 mm |
| Doorway for moving a patient in a bed | 1,050 mm |
| Fire compartments (hospital, long-term care sleeping floors) | at least 2, each 1,000 m² maximum |
| Travel to adjoining compartment door | 45 m |
| Refuge space for adjacent compartment | 2.5 m² per patient or resident |
Sources: OBC Div. B 3.3.3.3.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…, 3.3.3.4.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)), 3.3.3.5.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….
In a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls around sleeping rooms and their corridors are 1 h fire separations. Small homes (10 or fewer sleeping, 6 or fewer needing help to evacuate) still need fire separations but no rating (OBC Div. B 3.3.3.2.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…). A contained use areaOBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Contained use areaContained use area means a supervised area containing one or more rooms in which occupant movement is restricted to a single room by security measures not under the control of the occupant. (movement restricted to one room by security measures) gets a 1 h separation and normally a sprinklered building (OBC Div. B 3.3.3.7.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…).
Residential occupancies (3.3.4)
Residential suites are separated from each other and the rest of the building by 1 h (45 min with lighter floors). Floors inside a multi-level dwelling unit need not be fire separations if the unit spans no more than 6 m vertically. The unit's separation must then be 1 h if unsprinklered, 45 min if sprinklered and 3 storeys or less, or 1 h if sprinklered and over 3 storeys (OBC Div. B 3.3.4.2.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…). Tenant storage rooms outside suites are sprinklered and separated (OBC Div. B 3.3.4.3.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…).
Retirement homes have their own Article. Sleeping floors for more than 10 residents are split into at least two compartments of 1,000 m² or less, with 1.5 m² per resident of refuge space. Dead-end public corridors are 3 m maximum, resident doorways are 850 mm, and a voice communication system is required (OBC Div. B 3.3.4.11.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…). Openable windows in residential suites need a 1,070 mm guard or a limiter to 100 mm unless an exception applies (OBC Div. B 3.3.4.8.OBC Div. B 3.3.4.8. Protection of Openable Windows(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), openable windows in suites of residential occupancy shall be protected by (a) a guard with a minimum height of 1,070 mm constructed in accordance with Article 3.3.1.18., or (b) a mechanism that can only be released with the use of tools or special knowledge to control the free…).
Industrial occupancies and hazardous areas (3.3.5, 3.3.6)
| Item | Rating or value |
|---|---|
| Repair garage (with its waiting room, parts storage and office) | 2 h (3.3.5.5.OBC Div. B 3.3.5.5. Repair Garage Separation(1) A repair garage and any ancillary spaces serving it, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage areas and supervisory office space, shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.) |
| Storage garage to other occupancies | 1.5 h (3.3.5.6.OBC Div. B 3.3.5.6. Storage Garage Separation(1) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.2.(4) and (5), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.) |
| Vestibule length (garage to Group A-1, B, retirement home) | 1.8 m |
| Vestibule natural vent | 0.1 m² per door, never less than 0.4 m² |
| Garage curb, guard, vehicle guardrail | 140 mm, 1,070 mm, 500 mm |
Below-grade storeys of storage and repair garages are sprinklered unless open-air (OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4.OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4. Repair and Storage Garages(1) If access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator serving occupancies above the level of the storage garage, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence 3.3.5.7.(4). (2) Treads and landings in interior stairs that extend to the roof of a storage garage shall be designed to…). The vestibule rules are in OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7.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…. In 3.3.6, oxidizers, organic peroxides, reactive materials, large tire storage (over 375 m²) and process-plant areas with unstable liquids all take 2 h separations (OBC Div. B 3.3.6.2.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…, 3.3.6.5.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)), 3.3.6.8.OBC Div. B 3.3.6.8. Fire Separations in Process Plants(1) In process plants, areas where unstable liquids are handled or where small-scale unit chemical processes occur shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.).
Common traps
- The 45 m "no corridor separation" rule measures from any part of the floor area, not from the suite door.
- A sprinklered storey removes the corridor rating, not the fire separation itself, unless a full Sentence (4) exception applies.
- Retirement homes use 1.5 m² per resident. Hospitals and long-term care homes use 2.5 m².
- Storage garage separation is 1.5 h. Repair garage separation is 2 h and includes its offices and waiting room.
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.
- All floor areas (3.3.1)
Corridors, doors and capacity.
- Assembly occupancies (3.3.2)
The seating area of a Group A, Division 1 occupancy with a seating area occupant load over 200 is separated by a 1 h fire separation.
- Care, care and treatment, and detention (3.3.3)
These occupancies get wider corridors and compartmentation so patients can be moved horizontally rather than down stairs.
- Residential occupancies (3.3.4)
Residential suites are separated from each other and the rest of the building by 1 h (45 min with lighter floors).
- Industrial occupancies and hazardous areas (3.3.5, 3.3.6)
Below-grade storeys of storage and repair garages are sprinklered unless open-air.
Usual exam traps
- The 45 m "no corridor separation" rule measures from any part of the floor area, not from the suite door.
- A sprinklered storey removes the corridor rating, not the fire separation itself, unless a full Sentence (4) exception applies.
- Retirement homes use 1.5 m² per resident. Hospitals and long-term care homes use 2.5 m².
- Storage garage separation is 1.5 h. Repair garage separation is 2 h and includes its offices and waiting room.
Practice this chapter
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.
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 3.3.1.1. Separation of Suites
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.1. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Public corridor
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerPublic corridor means a corridor that provides access to exit from more than one suite. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.4. Public Corridor Separations
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.4. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.5. Egress Doorways
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.5. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.9. Corridors
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.9. in the code viewer(1)The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1,100 mm.
(2)Except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.3.(2) and (3), the minimum unobstructed width shall be 1,100 mm for every
(a)corridor used by the public,
(b)corridor serving classrooms, and
(c)corridor in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy where the corridor
(i)serves a service room,
(ii)serves an administrative area,
(iii)will not be used by non-ambulatory outpatients, or
(iv)will not be used by non-ambulatory residents.
(3)If a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than its required width.
(4)If a public corridor conforming to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,
(a)the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3 m at all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and
(b)the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than 15% of the area of the public corridor.
(5)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.3.3.(1), a dead-end corridor shall conform to Sentences (6) to (12).
(6)A dead-end corridor is permitted in an assembly occupancy where there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.
(7)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(10) and except for corridors served by a single exit as described in Sentence 3.3.4.4.(6), a dead-end public corridor is permitted in a residential occupancy provided it is not more than 6 m long.
(8)Dead-end corridors in Sentence (7) shall contain no door openings to service rooms containing fuel-fired appliances or rooms that may be considered a hazard.
(9)A dead-end public corridor is permitted in a business and personal services occupancy where
(a)the dead-end corridor
(i)serves an occupant load of not more than 30 persons,
(ii)is not more than 9 m long, and
(iii)is provided with doors having self-closing devices, or
(b)there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.
(10)A dead-end corridor is permitted in a mercantile occupancy where
(a)the dead-end corridor
(i)serves an occupant load of not more than 30 persons,
(ii)is not more than 9 m long, and
(iii)is provided with doors having self-closing devices, or
(b)there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.
(11)A dead-end corridor is permitted in a low- or medium-hazard industrial occupancy where
(a)the dead-end corridor
(i)serves an occupant load of not more than 30 persons,
(ii)is not more than 9 m long, and
(iii)is provided with doors having self-closing devices, or
(b)there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.
(12)A dead-end corridor is permitted in a high-hazard industrial occupancy where there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into a dead-end corridor.
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.11. Door Swing
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.11. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (5) and Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite, shall swing on a vertical axis.
(2)Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a room or suite shall swing in the direction of travel to the exit if the room or suite is used or intended for
(a)an occupant load more than 60,
(b)a high-hazard industrial occupancy, or
(c)a hazardous classroom in an elementary or secondary school.
(3)Every door that divides a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit where the corridor provides access to exit for
(a)an occupant load more than 60,
(b)a high-hazard industrial occupancy,
(c)a hazardous classroom in an elementary or secondary school,
(d)a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, or
(e)a retirement home.
(4)If a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall swing in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand side swinging in the direction of travel to the exit.
(5)Doors that serve individual storage spaces not more than 28 m² in area in self-service storage buildings need not conform to Sentence (1).
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13. Doors and Door Hardware (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(17))
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.13. in the code viewer(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).
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.17. Capacity of Access to Exits (See Article 3.3.1.9. for minimum widths of corridors.)
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.17. in the code viewer(1)The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served.
(2)In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than 1 in 8, doorways, and corridors shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm per person.
(3)In an access to exit the required width of a ramp with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be based on not less than 9.2 mm per person.
(4)In an access to exit from a floor area used or intended to be used for patients or residents in a Group B, Division 2 or Division 3 occupancy, the required width of corridors, doorways, and ramps shall be based on not less than 18.4 mm per person.
(5)The capacity of stairs in an access to exit shall conform to the requirements for stairs in Sentences 3.4.3.2.(1) to (3).
(6)In a building that is not sprinklered throughout in accordance with Sentence 3.2.5.12.(1), an access to exit that is part of the principal entrance serving a dance hall or a licensed beverage establishment with an occupant load more than 250 shall be at least one-half of the required exit width.
Show all 31 articles
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.22. Janitors' Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.22. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial supplies shall be separated from 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)The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the room or space is located is sprinklered throughout.
OBC Div. B 3.3.1.23. Common Laundry Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.1.23. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor area that is not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from 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)The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the laundry room is located is sprinklered throughout.
OBC Div. B 3.3.2.2. Fire Separations
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.2.2. in the code viewer(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).
OBC Div. B 3.3.2.4. Fixed Seats
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.2.4. in the code viewer(1)Except for the requirements of Article 3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by Sentence (2) and Articles 3.3.2.11. and 3.3.2.12., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be
(a)attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser,
(b)provided with arms and back, and
(c)arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage not less than 400 mm wide measured horizontally between plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the seats in the next row in the unoccupied position.
(2)For fixed seats with backs and with folding tablet arms, the value of 400 mm required by Clause (1)(c) shall be measured when the tablet arms are in the use position, but is permitted to be measured in the stored position provided
(a)there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle,
(b)the seats are located in a lecture hall or an auditorium used for instructional purposes, and
(c)the tablet arm, when raised manually to a vertical position, falls by the force of gravity to the stored position. (See Note A-3.3.2.4.(2))
(3)Except as permitted by Sentences (4) and (5), aisless hall be located so that there are not more than 7 seats with backs or 20 seats without backs between any seat and the nearest aisle.
(4)The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if
(a)egress doorways are provided to serve both ends of rows of seats,
(b)each doorway referred to in Clause (a) serves not more than 3 rows of seats, and
(c)each row contains not more than 100 seats.
(5)The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if
(a)there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, where the seats are served by a single aisle,
(b)there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, where the seats are served by two aisles,
(c)each row has an unobstructed passage with minimum width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above 16 seats in the row, and
(d)the travel distance is not more than 45 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit or to an egress doorway.
(6)Seating arrangements that do not conform to the requirements of Sentences (3) to (5) are permitted provided the standard of safety is not reduced and the time required for egress is not increased.
OBC Div. B 3.3.2.5. Aisles
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.2.5. in the code viewer(1)Except as required by Articles, 3.3.2.11. and 3.3.2.12., aisles leading to egress doors or exits shall be provided in conformance with Sentences (2) to (27) in places of assembly that contain fixed seats.
(2)In this Subsection, a converging aisle is an aisle into which the occupants of two or more aisles converge in travelling to an exit.
(3)An aisle shall terminate at
(a)a converging aisle,
(b)an egress doorway from the seating area, or
(c)an exit from the seating area.
(4)A converging aisle shall terminate at
(a)an egress doorway from the seating area, or
(b)an exit from the seating area.
(5)The minimum clear width of aisles shall be not less than 1,100 mm, except that the width is permitted to be reduced to not less than
(a)750 mm if serving not more than 60 seats, and
(b)900 mm if serving seats on one side only.
(6)The minimum clear width of each aisle shall be measured at the point in the aisle furthest from
(a)an egress doorway referred to in Clause (15)(a),
(b)an exit referred to in Clause (15)(b), or
(c)an exit referred to in Sentence (16).
(7)Except for an aisle serving bleacher seats, where rows of seats discharge into an aisle, the minimum clear width required by Sentence (5) shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of length of the aisle measured in the direction towards an exit.
(8)The width of a converging aisle shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.
(9)If rows of seats discharge directly into the converging aisle, the width required by Sentence (8) shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of length of the aisle where the rows of seats discharge into the aisle.
(10)The width of an egress doorway or an exit leading directly from the seating area shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle or converging aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles and converging aisles that it serves.
(11)The requirements in Sentences (5) to (10) and (17) do not apply if
(a)the minimum clear width of an aisle is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but is not less than 900 mm if serving seats on one side only,
(b)the minimum clear width of an aisle is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but is not less than 1,200 mm if serving seats on both sides.
(c)the minimum clear width of a converging aisle is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but not less than the width of the widest aisle leading to the converging aisle,
(d)the minimum clear width of an exit leading directly from the seating area is in accordance with Article 3.4.3.2.,
(e)except as provided in Clause (f), the minimum clear width of an egress doorway leading directly from the seating area is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17., but not less than the required width of the aisle or the converging aisle leading to the doorway, and
(f)if more than one vomitory is provided
(i)the minimum total clear width of the egress doorways leading from one vomitory is not less than the required width of the aisle or the converging aisle leading to the doorways, and
(ii)the minimum clear width of egress doorways from additional vomitories is in accordance with Article 3.3.1.17.
(12)Except as provided in Sentences (13) and (14), dead-end aisles shall be not more than 6 m long.
(13)Dead-end aisles are permitted to be more than 6 m long, but not more than 10 m long if
(a)the seating area is separated from other seating areas and adjacent occupancies, including a corridor serving any seating area, by a fire separation in accordance with Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2),
(b)the travel distance is not more than 25 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit, to an egress doorway or to an opening into a vomitory,
(c)at least one means of egress, comprising not less than 30 percent of the required exit capacity, is through an exterior exit, an exit stairway or a corridor not containing an occupancy,
(d)each row served by the dead-end aisle has a minimum unobstructed width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above seven seats in a row, but not more than 550 mm,
(e)the minimum ceiling height above the seating area is 3 m,
(f)the activation of a fire detector or a sprinkler head in the seating area will
(i)cause the shutdown of the projection system serving the seating area, and
(ii)turn on the normal lighting in the seating area, and
(g)the floor area is sprinklered.
(14)Dead-end aisles are permitted to be more than 10 m long, but not more than 13 m long if
(a)the seating area is separated from other seating areas and adjacent occupancies, including a corridor serving any seating area, by a fire separation in accordance with Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2),
(b)the travel distance is not more than 25 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit, to an egress doorway or to an opening into a vomitory,
(c)at least one means of egress, comprising not less than 30 percent of the required exit capacity, is through an exterior exit, an exit stairway or a corridor not containing an occupancy,
(d)each row served by a dead-end aisle has a minimum unobstructed width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above seven seats in a row, but not more than 550 mm,
(e)the activation of a fire detector or a sprinkler head in the seating area will
(i)cause the shutdown of the projection system serving the seating area, and
(ii)turn on the normal lighting in the seating area,
(f)a voice communication system is installed in conformance with Article 3.2.4.22.,
(g)a smoke control system is installed to control movement of smoke in the seating area or a smoke exhaust system is provided so that, in the event of detection of smoke by a smoke detector in the seating area, air handling equipment is activated to extract air directly from the seating area at the rate of at least six air changes per hour, and
(h)the floor area is sprinklered.
(15)Where a seating area is separated as required by Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2) or 3.3.2.2.(8), the length of travel by any aisle shall be not more than 45 m measured from the most remote point of the aisle to
(a)an egress doorway in the required separation, or
(b)an exit leading directly from the seating area.
(16)Where a seating area is not required to be separated by Sentences 3.3.2.2.(1) and (2) or 3.3.2.2.(8), the travel distance shall be not more than 45 m measured from the most remote point of the aisle to an exit.
(17)Side aisles shall be not less than 1,100 mm wide if seating is provided in conformance with Sentence 3.3.2.3.(4).
(18)An aisle that has a slope not more than 1 in 8 shall not be stepped.
(19)An aisle that slopes more than 1 in 8 shall be stepped.
(20)The passageway between rows of seats served by a stepped aisle shall be level at right angles to the line of travel.
(21)The riser of a step in an aisle shall be
(a)not less than 110 mm high, and
(b)not more than 200 mm high.
(22)Variations are permitted in riser height provided
(a)the height of adjacent risers does not vary by more than 6 mm, and
(b)the depth of a tread or a platform in the direction of travel is not less than 430 mm.
(23)Steps in an aisle shall
(a)have a run not less than 230 mm exclusive of nosings,
(b)have a tread depth not less than 250 mm,
(c)extend to the adjacent rows of seats in a manner that will not create a hazard from tripping, and
(d)have a finish on the treads conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).
(24)The location of every riser in an aisle shall be made apparent from both directions of travel by strategically placed lighting or contrasting marking stripes.
(25)A platform in an aisle shall be level, except that a slope not more than 1 in 50 is permitted for a platform that is not less than 430 mm deep in the direction of exit travel.
(26)If a step is used at the entry to a row of seats from a stepped aisle, an unobstructed platform not less than 800 mm square shall be provided adjacent to the aisle.
(27)The finish of the surface of a platform in or adjacent to a stepped aisle shall conform to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).
OBC Div. B 3.3.2.7. Doors
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.2.7. in the code viewer(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).
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.3. Corridors
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.3. in the code viewer(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).
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.4. Doorway Width
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.4. in the code viewer(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))
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.5. Hospitals and Long-Term Care Homes
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.5. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.2. Fire Separations
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.2. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Contained use area
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerContained use area means a supervised area containing one or more rooms in which occupant movement is restricted to a single room by security measures not under the control of the occupant.
OBC Div. B 3.3.3.7. Contained Use Areas
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.3.7. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.4.2. Fire Separations
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.4.2. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.4.3. Storage Rooms
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.4.3. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.4.11. Retirement Homes
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.4.11. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.4.8. Protection of Openable Windows
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.4.8. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), openable windows in suites of residential occupancy shall be protected by
(a)a guard with a minimum height of 1,070 mm constructed in accordance with Article 3.3.1.18., or
(b)a mechanism that can only be released with the use of tools or special knowledge to control the free swinging or sliding operation of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally.
(2)Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (1) where
(a)the only opening having greater dimensions than those allowed by Clause (1)(b) is located higher than 1,070 mm above the finished floor, or
(b)the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located less than 1,800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.
OBC Div. B 3.3.5.5. Repair Garage Separation
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.5.5. in the code viewer(1)A repair garage and any ancillary spaces serving it, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage areas and supervisory office space, shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
OBC Div. B 3.3.5.6. Storage Garage Separation
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.5.6. in the code viewer(1)Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.2.(4) and (5), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.
OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4. Repair and Storage Garages
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.5.4. in the code viewer(1)If access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator serving occupancies above the level of the storage garage, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence 3.3.5.7.(4).
(2)Treads and landings in interior stairs that extend to the roof of a storage garage shall be designed to be free of accumulations of ice and snow.
(3)A mechanical storage garage not more than 4 storeys in building height, in which no persons other than parking attendants are permitted above the street floor level, need not have a fire separation between the exits and the remainder of the building.
(4)A storage garage or repair garage shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with the requirements of Subsection 6.3.1. and Article 6.9.1.2. to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes or flammable and toxic vapours.
(5)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.2.2.(2), the clear height in a storage garage shall be not less than 2 m.
(6)Where storage garage or repair garage floors or ramps are 600 mm or more above the adjacent ground or floor level, every opening through such floors and the perimeter of such floors and ramps shall be provided with
(a)a continuous curb not less than 140 mm high, a guard not less than 1,070 mm high and a vehicle guardrail not less than 500 mm high conforming to Sentence (7), or
(b)a full-height wall conforming to Sentence (7).
(7)Vehicle guardrails and full-height walls required in Sentence (6) shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values specified in Sentence 4.1.5.15.(1).
(8)Except for open-air storeys, every storey of a storage garage or repair garage located below grade shall be sprinklered.
OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7. Vestibules
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.5.7. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.6.2. Storage of Dangerous Goods
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.6.2. in the code viewer(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.
OBC Div. B 3.3.6.5. Tire Storage
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.6.5. in the code viewer(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))
OBC Div. B 3.3.6.8. Fire Separations in Process Plants
Open OBC Div. B 3.3.6.8. in the code viewer(1)In process plants, areas where unstable liquids are handled or where small-scale unit chemical processes occur shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.