Stairs, guards and means of egress (Part 9) (Small Buildings)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

maximum rise for public stairs: 180 mm; maximum rise for public stairs
minimum rectangular run for public stairs: 280 mm; minimum rectangular run for public stairs
max travel to exit, unsprinklered offices: 40 m; max travel to exit, unsprinklered offices
minimum guard height, the general rule: 1,070 mm; minimum guard height, the general rule

Sections 9.8 and 9.9 are where Small Buildings questions differ most from House questions. A house has private stairs and one exit door. A small office, store or apartment building has public stairs, public corridors, exit stairs, exit signs and emergency lighting. Many articles say "except for stairs serving a single dwelling unit", so the first step on every question is to decide whether the stair, door or corridor is private or public.

Definitions to know: a means of egress is the whole continuous escape path and includes exits and access to exits (OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.). An exit is the part that leads from the floor area to a separate building, a public thoroughfare or a protected open space (OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.). A public corridor gives access to exit from more than one suite (OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.).

Stairs, ramps and landings

Table 9.8.4.1. sorts stairs into private, public, service and attic or crawl space stairs. Private stairs are those inside or serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite. Public stairs are every stair that is not private or service.

Item	Private	Public or other
Max. rise	200 mm	180 mm
Min. run (rectangular)	255 mm	280 mm
Clear height over stairs	1,950 mm	2,050 mm
Min. exit stair width	860 mm (one dwelling unit)	900 mm, or 8 mm per person if more (non-residential)
Ramp width	860 mm	1,100 mm

Sources: OBC Div. B 9.8.2.1., OBC Div. B 9.8.2.2., OBC Div. B 9.8.5.2..

Other stair rules that catch candidates: interior flights outside a dwelling unit need at least three risers (OBC Div. B 9.8.3.2.); no flight may rise more than 3.7 m (OBC Div. B 9.8.3.3.); risers may vary only 5 mm between neighbours and 10 mm in a flight (OBC Div. B 9.8.4.4.). Open risers are allowed only in dwelling unit stairs, fire escapes, maintenance stairs, service room stairs and industrial stairs other than storage garages (OBC Div. B 9.8.4.9.). Spiral stairs may not be an exit unless they serve 3 persons or fewer (OBC Div. B 9.8.4.7.).

Ramp slopes are set by occupancy: 1 in 10 for exterior ramps and interior residential ramps, 1 in 6 for industrial, and 1 in 8 for all others (OBC Div. B 9.8.5.4.). Barrier-free ramps follow Article 3.8.3.4 instead (OBC Div. B 9.8.5.1.). Landings are needed at the top and bottom of each flight and where a door opens onto a stair (OBC Div. B 9.8.6.2.). A straight landing need not be longer than the lesser of the required stair width or 1,100 mm (OBC Div. B 9.8.6.3.). Stairs other than in dwelling units need slip-resistant finishes, a contrasting leading edge and a tactile attention indicator at the top (OBC Div. B 9.8.9.6.), and stairs outside a single dwelling unit are designed for 4.8 kPa (OBC Div. B 9.8.9.1.).

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Handrails and guards

Outside dwelling units, a straight stair under 1,100 mm wide needs one handrail, while curved stairs and any stair 1,100 mm or wider need handrails on both sides (Table 9.8.7.1.). Ramps outside dwelling units need two. Handrails are 865 mm to 1,070 mm high (OBC Div. B 9.8.7.4.). Except on stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, at least one handrail must be continuous, including at landings, and at least one must extend 300 mm past the top and bottom of each flight (OBC Div. B 9.8.7.2., OBC Div. B 9.8.7.3.).

A guard is required where the drop is more than 600 mm (OBC Div. B 9.8.8.1.). Height is 1,070 mm generally, 900 mm inside dwelling units and for low exterior guards at a single dwelling unit, and 1,500 mm for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above ground (OBC Div. B 9.8.8.3.). Openings must stop a 100 mm sphere; industrial guards may use rails that stop a 535 mm sphere (OBC Div. B 9.8.8.5.). Guards must not be climbable between 140 mm and 900 mm, except in industrial occupancies (OBC Div. B 9.8.8.6.).

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Exits, egress dimensions and travel

Corridors used by the public and exit corridors are at least 1,100 mm wide; other exit facilities at least 900 mm (OBC Div. B 9.9.3.2., OBC Div. B 9.9.3.3.). Every floor area needs at least two exits, with travel distance to the nearest exit not over 40 m for business and personal services, 45 m if sprinklered, and 30 m otherwise (OBC Div. B 9.9.8.2.). One exit per storey is allowed in 1 and 2 storey buildings if the floor area meets the room limits in 9.9.7.4 and the exit serves 60 persons or fewer. Room and suite limits: a second egress door is needed above 200 m² (Groups D, E, F2, F3) or 150 m² (Group C), or where any point is over 25 m from the nearest egress door (OBC Div. B 9.9.7.4.). Dead-end public corridors are limited by Table 9.9.7.3.: 6 m in Groups C and D, 9 m in Groups E and F.

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Fire protection of exits and doors

An exit is separated from the floor area by a fire separation rated at least as high as the floor above, and never less than 45 min where there is no floor above (OBC Div. B 9.9.4.2.). Wired glass and glass block in doors and sidelights into an exit are limited to 0.8 m² unless there is a 45 min vestibule (OBC Div. B 9.9.4.3.). Exit doors swing on a vertical axis and in the direction of exit travel, except where the room, suite or floor area has 60 persons or fewer (OBC Div. B 9.9.6.5.). Exit doors have at least 800 mm clear width for one leaf and 2,030 mm clear height (OBC Div. B 9.9.6.3., OBC Div. B 9.9.6.2.). Release hardware sits 900 mm to 1,100 mm above the floor, and exit doors open with a force of 90 N or less (OBC Div. B 9.9.6.7., OBC Div. B 9.9.6.8.). Fuel-fired appliances may not be installed in an exit (OBC Div. B 9.9.5.7.).

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Egress from dwelling units and bedrooms

In an apartment building, a dwelling unit door onto a public corridor must allow travel in opposite directions to two separate exits, unless the unit has a second means of egress (OBC Div. B 9.9.9.2.). A second and separate means of egress is required where the unit door opens onto a shared exit stair, a corridor with a single exit, or a single-exit passageway or balcony more than 1.5 m above ground (OBC Div. B 9.9.9.3.). Each floor level with a bedroom needs an openable window with at least 0.35 m² unobstructed opening and no dimension under 380 mm, unless a door on that level leads directly outside (OBC Div. B 9.9.10.1.).

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Exit signs and lighting

Exit signs are required over or beside every exit door where the building is 3 storeys in building height, the occupant load exceeds 150, or a fire escape is part of the egress (OBC Div. B 9.9.11.3.). Signs use a green pictogram with a white or lightly tinted symbol. Exits and public corridors need an average of 50 lx (minimum 10 lx) normally (OBC Div. B 9.9.12.2.), and emergency lighting averaging 10 lx for at least 30 min from a separate energy source (OBC Div. B 9.9.12.3.).

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Common traps

Applying private stair numbers (200 mm rise) to a stair in an office or apartment common area.
Using 30 m travel distance for an office: business and personal services allow 40 m.
Forgetting the 60 person threshold for door swing and single exits.
Treating a 2 storey building as needing exit signs automatically. The trigger is 3 storeys or more than 150 occupants.

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
Stairs, ramps and landings	Other stair rules that catch candidates: interior flights outside a dwelling unit need at least three risers; no flight may rise more than 3.7 m; risers may vary only 5 mm between…
Handrails and guards	Outside dwelling units, a straight stair under 1,100 mm wide needs one handrail, while curved stairs and any stair 1,100 mm or wider need handrails on both sides.
Exits, egress dimensions and travel	Corridors used by the public and exit corridors are at least 1,100 mm wide; other exit facilities at least 900 mm.
Fire protection of exits and doors	An exit is separated from the floor area by a fire separation rated at least as high as the floor above, and never less than 45 min where there is no floor above.
Egress from dwelling units and bedrooms	In an apartment building, a dwelling unit door onto a public corridor must allow travel in opposite directions to two separate exits, unless the unit has a second means of egress.
Exit signs and lighting	Exit signs are required over or beside every exit door where the building is 3 storeys in building height, the occupant load exceeds 150, or a fire escape is part of the egress.

Stairs, ramps and landings
Other stair rules that catch candidates: interior flights outside a dwelling unit need at least three risers; no flight may rise more than 3.7 m; risers may vary only 5 mm between…
Handrails and guards
Outside dwelling units, a straight stair under 1,100 mm wide needs one handrail, while curved stairs and any stair 1,100 mm or wider need handrails on both sides.
Exits, egress dimensions and travel
Corridors used by the public and exit corridors are at least 1,100 mm wide; other exit facilities at least 900 mm.
Fire protection of exits and doors
An exit is separated from the floor area by a fire separation rated at least as high as the floor above, and never less than 45 min where there is no floor above.
Egress from dwelling units and bedrooms
In an apartment building, a dwelling unit door onto a public corridor must allow travel in opposite directions to two separate exits, unless the unit has a second means of egress.
Exit signs and lighting
Exit signs are required over or beside every exit door where the building is 3 storeys in building height, the occupant load exceeds 150, or a fire escape is part of the egress.

Usual exam traps

Applying private stair numbers (200 mm rise) to a stair in an office or apartment common area.
Using 30 m travel distance for an office: business and personal services allow 40 m.
Forgetting the 60 person threshold for door swing and single exits.
Treating a 2 storey building as needing exit signs automatically. The trigger is 3 storeys or more than 150 occupants.

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Questions on Stairs, guards and means of egress (Part 9), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

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Code cited in this chapter

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

OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Means of egress
Means of egress means a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. means of egress includes exits and access to exits.
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Exit
Exit means that part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor areait serves to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare, or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Public corridor
Public corridor means a corridor that provides access to exit from more than one suite. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 9.8.4.1. Rise for Rectangular Treads, Tapered Treads and Winders and Run for Rectangular Treads — Forming Part of Sentences 9.8.4.1.(1) and 9.8.4.2.(1)
Table 9.8.4.1 — Rise for Rectangular Treads, Tapered Treads and Winders and Run for Rectangular Treads — Forming Part of Sentences 9.8.4.1.(1) and 9.8.4.2.(1) Stair Type | Max. Rise, mm, for All Steps | Min. Rise, mm, for All Steps | Max. Run, mm, for Rectangular Treads | Min. Run, mm, for Rectangular Treads Private stairs[1] | 200 | 125 | 355 | 255 Public stairs[2] | 180 | 125 | no limit | 280 Service stairs[3] | no limit | 125 | 355 | no limit Stairs to unoccupied attic space[4] | no limit | 125 | 355 | no limit Stairs to crawl spaces | no limit | 125 | 355 | no limit Stairs that serve mezzanines not exceeding 20 m² within live/work units | no limit | 125 | 355 | no limit Notes to Table 9.8.4.1.: (1) Private stairs are: (a) interior stairs within a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit, (b) exterior stairs serving a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit, and (c) exterior stairs serving a garage that serves a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit. (2) Public stairs are all stairs not described as service stairs or private stairs. (3) Service stairs are stairs that serve areas used only as service rooms or service spaces. (4) Stairs to unoccupied attic space are stairs that serve attics containing no storage or living space.
Open OBC Div. B Table 9.8.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.2.1. Stair Width
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Article 9.8.4.7., required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of residential occupancy shall have a width of not less than 900 mm.
(2)Exit stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.
(3)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of other than residential occupancy shall have a width of not less than the greater of
(a)900 mm, or
(b)8 mm per person based on the occupant load limits specified in Table 3.1.17.1.
(4)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., at least one stair between each floor level within a dwelling unit, and exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit except required exit stairs, shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.2.2. Height Over Stairs
(1)The clear height over stairs shall be measured vertically, over the clear width of the stair, from a straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest point above. (See Note A-3.4.3.4.)
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4) and Article 9.8.4.7., the clear height over stairs shall not be less than 2,050 mm.
(3)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., the clear height over stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall not be less than 1,950 mm.
(4)The clear height over stairs that are located under beams and ducting in secondary suites shall not be less than 1,850 mm.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.2.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.5.2. Ramp Width (See also Article 9.9.3.2.)
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), ramps shall not be less than 1,100 mm wide.
(2)Ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 860 mm wide
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.5.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.3.2. Minimum Number of Risers
(1)Except for stairs within a dwelling unit, at least three risers shall be provided in interior flights.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.3.2. in the code viewer

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OBC Div. B 9.8.3.3. Maximum Height of Stairs
(1)The vertical height of any flight of stairs shall not exceed 3.7 m.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.4.4. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers, Runs and Treads
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), risers shall be of uniform height in any one flight with a maximum tolerance of
(a)5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and
(b)10 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
(2)Except for required exit stairs, where the top or bottom riser in a stair adjoins a sloping finished walking surface such as a garage floor, driveway or sidewalk, the height of the riser across the stair shall vary by not more than 1 in 12.
(3)Rectangular treads shall have a uniform run with a maximum tolerance of
(a)5 mm between adjacent treads, and
(b)10 mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.
(4)Tapered treads in a flight shall have a uniform run in accordance with the construction tolerances stipulated in Sentence (3) when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail as described in Sentence 9.8.7.1.(5).
(5)The slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 50.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.4.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.4.9. Open Risers
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), stairs shall have no open risers.
(2)Open risers are permitted in
(a)interior and exterior stairs that serve a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite,
(b)fire escape stairs,
(c)stairs that are principally used for maintenance,
(d)stairs that serve service rooms, and
(e)stairs that serve industrial occupancies other than storage garages.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.4.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.4.7. Spiral Stairs
(1)Spiral stairs shall have
(a)handrails on both sides, the outer handrail being not less than 1,070 mm high,
(b)a clear width not less than 660 mm between handrails,
(c)risers that are not more than 240 mm high,
(d)treads that
(i)are a minimum of 190 mm deep at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrails at the narrower edge,
(ii)have a consistent angle and uniform dimension, and
(iii)turn in the same direction, and
(e)not less than 1,980 mm clear height.
(2)Spiral stairs conforming to Sentence (1) are permitted to be used as the only means of egress where they serve not more than 3 persons.
(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), spiral stairs shall not serve as an exit.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.4.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.5.4. Ramp Slope
(1)The slope of ramps shall be not more than
(a)1 in 10 for exterior ramps,
(b)1 in 10 for interior ramps serving residential occupancies,
(c)1 in 6 for industrial occupancies, and
(d)1 in 8 for all other occupancies.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.5.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.5.1. Application
(1)This Subsection applies to pedestrian ramps except ramps in a barrier-free path of travel.
(2)Ramps in a barrier-free path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.8.3.4.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.5.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.6.2. Required Landings
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4) and Sentence 9.9.6.6.(2), a landing shall be provided
(a)at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs, including stairs in garages,
(b)at the top and bottom of every ramp with a slope greater than 1 in 50, and
(c)where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp.
(2)Where a door at the top of a stair within a dwelling unit swings away from the stair, no landing is required between the doorway and the stair. (See Note A-9.8.6.2.(2))
(3)A landing may be omitted at the top of an exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, provided
(a)the stair does not contain more than three risers,
(b)the principal door is a sliding door or swings away from the stair, and
(c)only a storm or screen door, if any, swings over the stair and is equipped with hardware to hold it open.
(3.1)Sentence (3) does not apply to an exterior stair serving a secondary entrance to a house with a secondary suite that is also a main entrance to a dwelling unit in the house.
(4)A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp provided there is no obstruction, such as a gate or door, within the lesser of the width of the stair or ramp or
(a)900 mm for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit, and
(b)1,100 mm for stairs or ramps not serving a single dwelling unit.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.6.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings (See also Articles 9.9.6.1. and 9.9.6.6. regarding landings in exits)
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (7), landings shall be at least as wide and as long as the width of the stair or ramp in which they occur.
(2)Where the landing in a stairway or ramp does not turn or turns less than 90° , the length of the landing need not be more than the lesser of
(a)the required width of the stair or ramp, or
(b)1,100 mm.
(3)The length of a landing shall be measured perpendicular to the nosings of adjacent steps or to the end of the ramp, at a distance equal to half the length required in Sentence (2) from the narrow edge of the landing.
(4)Where stair flights or ramps of different widths adjoin a single landing, the minimum width of the landing shall be
(a)where one or more of the stair or ramp widths do not exceed their respective required widths, not less than the greater required stair or ramp width, or
(b)where all of the widths of the stairs or ramps exceed their respective required widths, not less than the lesser actual stair or ramp width.
(5)Where a door swings toward a stair, the full arc of the swing shall be over the landing.
(6)The slope of landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.
(7)Where a doorway or stairway opens onto the side of a ramp, the landing shall extend for a distance of not less than 300 mm on either side of the doorway or stairway, except on a side abutting an end wall.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.6.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.9.6. Finish for Treads, Landings and Ramps
(0.1)Except as required by Sentence (2), the finish for treads, landings and ramps shall be
(a)wear-resistant,
(b)slip-resistant, and
(c)smooth, even and free from open defects.
(1)The finish for treads and landings of interior stairs in dwelling units, other than stairs to unfinished basements, shall consist of hardwood, vertical grain softwood, resilient flooring or other material providing equivalent performance.
(2)Treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs and ramps, other than those within dwelling units or within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, shall have a slip-resistant finish or be provided with slip-resistant strips that extend not more than 1 mm above the surface.
(3)Stairs and ramps, except those serving a house with a secondary suite, an individual dwelling unit, service rooms or service spaces, shall have a colour contrast or a distinctive visual pattern to demarcate
(a)the leading edge of the treads,
(b)the leading edge of the landing, and
(c)the beginning and end of a ramp.
(4)Except for stairs serving a house with a secondary suite, an individual dwelling unit, service rooms or service spaces, a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed
(a)at the top of the stairs, starting one tread depth back from the edge of the top stair, and
(b)at the leading edge of landings where a doorway opens onto stairs, starting one tread depth back from the edge of the landing.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.9.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and Ramps
(1)Except as specified in Articles 9.8.9.4. and 9.8.9.5., stairs and ramps shall be designed for strength and rigidity under uniform loading criteria to support specified loads of
(a)1.9 kPa for stairs and ramps serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and
(b)4.8 kPa for other stairs and ramps.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.9.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 9.8.7.1. Number of Sides of Stair or Ramp Required to Have a Handrail
Table 9.8.7.1. — Number of Sides of Stair or Ramp Required to Have a Handrail Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.7.1.(1) Location of Stair or Ramp | Handrails Serving Stairs: Stairs < 1,100 mm Wide (Straight) | Handrails Serving Stairs: Stairs < 1,100 mm Wide (Curved) | Handrails Serving Stairs: Stairs ≥ 1,100 mm Wide (All) | Handrails Serving Ramps: Ramps < 1,100 mm Wide (Straight or Curved) | Handrails Serving Ramps: Ramps ≥ 1,100 mm Wide (All) Within a dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 All other locations | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2
Open OBC Div. B Table 9.8.7.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.7.4. Height of Handrails
(1)The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to
(a)a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or
(b)the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(e) and Sentence 9.8.4.7.(1), required handrails shall be 865 mm to 1,070 mm high.
(3)Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (2).
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.7.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), required handrails shall be continuously graspable throughout the length of
(a)ramps, and
(b)flights of stairs, from the bottom risers to the top risers.
(2)Except for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, at least one required handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including at the landing except where interrupted by doorways. (See Note A-3.4.6.5.(11))
(3)For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, a handrail is permitted to start from a newel post or volute installed on the bottom tread.
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.7.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.7.3. Termination of Handrails
(1)Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. (See Note A-9.8.7.3.(1))
(2)Except for stairs and ramps serving only one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, at least one handrail at the sides of a stair or ramp shall extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of each flight or ramp. (See Note A-9.8.7.3.(2))
Open OBC Div. B 9.8.7.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 9.8.8.1. Required Guards
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and except at the leading edge at the top of a flight, every surface to which access is provided, including but not limited to flights of steps and ramps, exterior landings, porches, balconies, mezzanines, galleries and raised walkways, shall be protected by a guard on each side that is not protected by a wall for the length where the difference in elevation is more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface within 1.2 m.
(2)Guards are not required
(a)at loading docks,
(b)at floor pits in repair garages, or
(c)where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.
(3)Doors in buildings of residential occupancy, where the finished floor on one side of the door is more than 600 mm above the floor or other constructed surface or ground level on the other side of the door, shall be protected by
(a)a guard, or
(b)a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the door so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), openable windows in buildings of residential occupancy shall be protected by
(a)a guard, 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. (See Note A-9.8.8.1.(4))
(5)Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (4), where the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located
(a)more than 900 mm above the finished floor, or
(b)less than 1,800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window. (See Note A-9.8.8.1.(4))
(6)Except as provided in Sentence (7), glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than 1,070 mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be
(a)protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or
(b)non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.
(7)In dwelling units, glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than 900 mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be
(a)protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or
(b)non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.
(8)Glazing installed in public areas that extends to less than 1 m from the floor and is located above the second storey in buildings of residential occupancy shall be
(a)protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or
(b)non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.
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OBC Div. B 9.8.8.3. Height of Guards
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (3.1), all guards shall be not less than 1,070 mm high.
(2)All guards within dwelling units or within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 900 mm high.
(3)Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 900 mm high where the walking surface served by the guard is not more than 1,800 mm above the finished ground level.
(3.1)The height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above adjacent ground level shall be not less than 1,500 mm.
(4)The height of guards for flights of steps shall be measured vertically from the top of the guard to a line drawn through the tread nosing served by the guard.
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OBC Div. B 9.8.8.5. Openings in Guards
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (3) and (4), openings through guards shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (3))
(2)Except for guards that serve industrial occupancies, the triangular openings formed by stair risers, stair treads and the bottom element of a required guard shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a 150 mm diam sphere.
(3)Except where they serve storage garages, guards in industrial occupancies are permitted to consist of
(a)a top railing, and
(b)one or more horizontal intermediate rails spaced such that the size of the openings through the guard prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 535 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (3))
(4)Openings through any guard that is not required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that serves an occupancy other than industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that
(a)prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm, or
(b)permits the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(4))
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OBC Div. B 9.8.8.6. Guards Designed Not to Facilitate Climbing
(1)Guards required by Article 9.8.8.1., except those in industrial occupancies and where it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not represent a hazard, shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the floor or walking surface protected by the guard will facilitate climbing. (See Note A-9.8.8.6.(1))
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OBC Div. B 9.9.3.2. Exit Width
(1)Except for doors and corridors, the width of every exit facility shall be not less than 900 mm. (See Article 9.9.6.3. for doors, Article 9.8.2.1. for stairs, and Article 9.8.5.2. for ramps.)
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OBC Div. B 9.9.3.3. Width of Corridors
(1)The width of every public corridor, corridor used by the public, and exit corridor shall be not less than 1,100 mm. (See also Subsection 9.9.5. for obstructions in corridors.)
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OBC Div. B 9.9.8.2. Number of Required Exits
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Subsection 9.9.9., at least 2 exits shall be provided from every floor area, spaced so that the travel distance to the nearest exit is not more than
(a)40 m in the case of business and personal services occupancies,
(b)45 m for all occupancies where the floor area is sprinklered, and
(c)30 m for all other occupancies.
(2)Except as provided in Subsection 9.9.9., a single exit is permitted from each storey in buildings of 1 and 2 storeys in building height provided the floor area and travel distance requirements conform to those required in Article 9.9.7.4. and the total occupant load served by an exit facility does not exceed 60 persons.
(3)In boarding, lodging or rooming houses,
(a)where sleeping accommodation is provided for not more than eight persons, a single exit is permitted from each floor area, or
(b)where sleeping accommodation is not provided in the basement, a single exit is permitted from the basement floor area.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.7.4. Number and Spacing of Egress Doors
(1)Except for dwelling units, at least two egress doors shall be provided where
(a)the area of a room or suite exceeds 200 m² in a Group D, E, F2 and F3 occupancy, or 150 m² in a Group C occupancy, or
(b)the distance measured from any point within a room or suite to the nearest egress door exceeds 25 m.
(2)Doors required in Sentence (1) shall be spaced so that in the event one door is made inaccessible by a fire within such a room or suite, the other door will provide safe egress.
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OBC Div. B Table 9.9.7.3. Dead-End Public Corridors — Forming Part of Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1)
Table 9.9.7.3 — Dead-End Public Corridors — Forming Part of Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1) Forming Part of Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1) Occupancy | Maximum Length of Dead-End Public Corridor, m | Maximum Occupant Load or Suites Served by Dead-End Public Corridor Group C | 6 | 4 suites Group D | 6 | 30 Group E | 9 | 30 Group F | 9 | 30
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OBC Div. B 9.9.4.2. Fire Separation for Exits
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (5) and Article 9.9.8.5., every exit other than an exit doorway shall be separated from each adjacent floor area or from another exit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly above the floor area.
(2)Where there is no floor assembly above, the fire-resistance rating required in Sentence (1) shall not be less than that required by Subsection 9.10.8. for the floor assembly below, but in no case shall the fire-resistance rating be less than 45 min.
(3)A fire separation common to 2 exits shall be smoke-tight and not be pierced by doorways, duct work, piping or any other opening that may affect the continuity of the separation.
(4)A fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except those for electrical wiring, noncombustible conduit and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit, and for standpipes, sprinkler piping, exit doorways and wired glass and glass block permitted in Article 9.9.4.3.
(5)The requirements in Sentence (1) do not apply to an exterior exit passageway provided the passageway has at least 50% of its exterior sides open to the outdoors and is served by an exit stair at each end of the passageway.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.4.3. Wired Glass or Glass Block)
(1)This Article applies to wired glass in doors, and wired glass or glass block in sidelights, where these are installed in fire separations between exit enclosures and floor areas.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the combined area of glazing in doors and sidelights shall not exceed 0.8 m².
(3)Where an exit enclosure connects with a floor area through an enclosed vestibule or corridor separated from the floor area by fire separations having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating, the glazed areas described in Sentence (1) need not be limited as required in Sentence (2).
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OBC Div. B 9.9.6.5. Direction of Door Swing
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (1.1) and except for doors serving single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, exit doors that are required to swing shall swing in the direction of exit travel.
(1.1)An exit door need not swing in the direction of exit travel where it serves
(a)a room, suite or floor area having an occupant load of not more than 60 persons, or
(b)as part of a means of egress from more than one floor area and the floor areas so served have a total occupant load of not more than 60 persons.
(2)Doors that open onto a corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a room or suite having an occupant load of more than 60 persons shall swing on the vertical axis in the direction of exit travel.
(3)Doors that divide a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing in the direction of exit travel.
(4)Where a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall
(a)swing in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand-side swinging in the direction of exit travel, or
(b)swing in both directions.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.6.3. Clear Opening Width at Doorways
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (4), the clear opening width of doorways shall comply with Sentence (2) at
(a)exit doors, and
(b)doors that open into or are located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite.
(2)Doorways described in Sentence (1) shall be
(a)not less than 800 mm wide where there is only one door leaf,
(b)not less than 800 mm wide where multiple-leaf doors are installed with only one active leaf having a latching mechanism described in Article 9.9.6.7., and
(c)not less than 1,210 mm wide where multiple-leaf doors are installed with two active leaves.
(3)In doorways described in Sentence (1) that have multiple-leaf doors installed,
(a)no active leaf shall be less than 810 mm wide where only one leaf is active, and
(b)no single leaf shall be less than 610 mm wide where two leaves are active.
(4)Doorways serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite need not comply with Sentence (2). (See also Article 9.5.5.1.)
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OBC Div. B 9.9.6.2. Clear Opening Height at Doorways
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the clear opening height of doorways shall be not less than 2,030 mm high at
(a)exit doors,
(b)doors that open into or are located within a public corridor, and
(c)doors that open into or are located within another facility that provides access to exit from a suites.
(2)The clear opening height under door closers and other devices in doorways described in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 1,980 mm.
(3)Doorways serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite need not comply with Sentences (1) and (2) (See also Article 9.5.5.1.)
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OBC Div. B 9.9.6.7. Door Latching, Locking and Opening Mechanisms
(1)Principal entrance doors, exit doors and doors to suites, including exterior doors of dwelling units, and other doors in an access to exit shall
(a)be openable from the inside or in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door-opening mechanism, or
(b)be controlled by electromagnetic locking mechanisms in accordance with Sentence 3.4.6.16.(5).
(2)Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, and doors to accessory buildings and to garages serving a single dwelling unit, door release hardware on doors in a means of egress shall be operable with one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation. (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(4) and Note A-3.3.1.13.(4))
(3)Door release hardware on doors in a means of egress shall be installed 900 mm to 1,100 mm above the finished floor.
(4)Except for hotels, a door opening onto a public corridor that provides access to exit from suites shall be designed not to lock automatically when such doors are equipped with an automatic self-closing device. (See Note A-3.3.4.5.(1))
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OBC Div. B 9.9.6.8. Effort Required to Open
(1)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7), every exit door, except doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, shall be designed and installed so that when the latch is released the door will open in the direction of exit travel under a force of not more than 90 N applied to the door release hardware. (See Sentence 3.8.3.6.(8) for door opening forces in a barrier-free path of travel.)
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OBC Div. B 9.9.5.7. Fuel-Fired Appliances
(1)Fuel-fired appliances shall not be installed in an exit or corridor serving as an access to exits.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.9.2. Two Separate Exits
(1)Except as provided in Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1) and except for dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite, where an egress door from a dwelling unit opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway it shall be possible from the location where the egress door opens onto the corridor or exterior passageway to go in opposite directions to 2 separate exits unless the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.9.3. Shared Egress Facilities
(1)Except for dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite, a dwelling unit shall be provided with a second and separate means of egress where an egress door from the dwelling unit opens onto
(a)an exit stairway serving more than one suite,
(b)a public corridor
(i)serving more than one suite, and
(ii)served by a single exit,
(c)an exterior passageway
(i)serving more than one suite,
(ii)served by a single exit stairway or ramp, and
(iii)more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level, or
(d)a balcony
(i)serving more than one suite,
(ii)served by a single exit stairway or ramp, and
(iii)more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.
(2)Where a dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit or common space in a house with a secondary suite, the upper dwelling unit shall be provided with as second and separate means of egress where an egress door from that dwelling unit opens onto an exterior passageway that
(a)has a floor assembly with a fire-resistance rating less than 45 min,
(b)is served by a single exit stairway or ramp, and
(c)is located more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.10.1. Egress Windows or Doors for Bedrooms
(1)Except where a door on the same floor level as the bedroom provides direct access to the exterior, every floor level containing a bedroom in a suite shall be provided with at least one outside window that
(a)is openable from the inside without the use of tools,
(b)provides an individual, unobstructed open portion having a minimum area of 0.35 m² with no dimension less than 380 mm, and
(c)maintains the required opening described in Clause (b) without the need for additional support. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(1))
(2)Except for basement areas, the window required in Sentence (1) shall have a maximum sill height of 1,000 mm above the floor. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(2))
(3)Where a window required in Sentence (1) opens into a window well, a clearance of not less than 550 mm shall be provided in front of the window. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(3))
(4)Where the sash of a window referred to in Sentence (3) swings towards the window well, the operation of the sash shall not reduce the clearance in a manner that would restrict escape in an emergency.
(5)Where a protective enclosure is installed over the window well referred to in Sentence (3), the enclosure shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism.
(6)When sliding windows are used, the minimum dimension described in Sentence (1) shall apply to the openable portion of the window.
(7)Where the sleeping area within a live/work unit is on a mezzanine with no obstructions more than 1,070 mm above the floor, the window required in Sentence (1) may be provided on the main level of the live/work unit provided the mezzanine is not more than 25% of the area of the live/work unit or 20 m², whichever is less, and an unobstructed direct path of travel is provided from the mezzanine to this window.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.11.3. Exit Signs
(1)Except as required in Sentence (7), every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it if the exit serves
(a)a building that is 3 storeys in building height,
(b)a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or
(c)a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.
(2)Except as required in Sentence (6), every exit sign shall
(a)be visible on approach to the exit,
(b)consist of a green pictogram and a white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings," and
(c)conform to ISO 7010, "Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs," for the following symbols: (See Note A-3.4.5.1.(2) (c))
(i)E001 emergency exit left,
(ii)E002 emergency exit right,
(iii)E005 90-degree directional arrow, and
(iv)E006 45-degree directional arrow.
(3)Internally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated, and
(a)where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, be constructed in conformance with CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency lighting equipment," or
(b)where illumination of the sign is not powered by an electrical circuit, be
(i)constructed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S572, "Standard for Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems," and
(ii)labelled in accordance with the time duration for which they have been tested and listed.
(4)Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated at all times by a light fixture supplied by an electrical circuit.
(5)The circuitry serving lighting for externally and internally illuminated exit signs shall
(a)serve no equipment other than emergency lighting in the area where the exit signs are installed, and
(b)be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentences 9.9.12.3.(2), (3) and (7).
(6)An exit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and (c) with an arrow or other indicator pointing at the direction of egress shall be provided where no exit is visible from
(a)a public corridor,
(b)a corridor used by the public, or
(c)a principal route serving an open floor area having an occupant load of more than 150.
(7)Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotel shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.12.2. Required Lighting in Egress Facilities
(1)Every exit, public corridor or corridor providing access to exit for the public shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.
(2)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (1) shall be not less than 10 lx.
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OBC Div. B 9.9.12.3. Emergency Lighting
(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided in
(a)exits.
(b)principal routes providing access to exit in an open floor area,
(c)corridors used by the public,
(d)underground walkways, and
(e)public corridors.
(2)Emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided from a source of energy separate from the electrical supply for the building.
(3)Lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be designed to be automatically actuated for a period of at least 30 min when the electric lighting in the affected area is interrupted.
(4)Illumination from lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided to average levels of not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level.
(5)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (4) shall be not less than 1 1x.
(6)Where incandescent lighting is provided, lighting equal to 1 W/m² of floor area shall be considered to meet the requirement in Sentence (4).
(7)Where self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141, "Emergency lighting equipment."
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