jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.3.19. Walkway between Buildings (1) Except as required by Sentence 3.2.3.20.(2), if buildings are connected by a walkway, each building shall be separated from the walkway by a fire separation
with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a walkway
connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction shall also be of noncombustible construction. (2.1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), a walkway
connected to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction shall be of noncombustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction. (3) A walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction or to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction is permitted to be of heavy timber construction provided, (a) not less than 50% of the area of any enclosing perimeter walls is open to the outdoors, and (b) the walkway
is at ground level. (4) A walkway of noncombustible construction used only as a pedestrian thoroughfare need not conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.3.14. and 3.2.3.15. (5) A walkway between buildings
shall be not more than 9 m wide.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.3.20. Underground Walkway (1) An underground walkway shall not be designed or used for any purpose other than pedestrian travel unless, (a) the purpose is permitted, and (b) sprinklers are installed in any space in the walkway containing an occupancy. (2) Buildings connected by an underground walkway shall be separated from the walkway by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (3) An underground walkway shall be of noncombustible construction suitable for an underground location. (4) In an underground walkway, (a) smoke barrier doors shall be installed at intervals of not more than 100 m, or (b) the travel distance from the door of an adjacent room or space to the nearest exit
shall be not more than one and a half times the least allowable travel distance to an exit for any of the adjacent occupancies as permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.5.(1). (5) An underground walkway between buildings shall be not more than 9 m wide.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.3.21. Service Lines under Buildings (1) A building shall not be constructed over an existing buried flammable gas main unless the gas main is encased in a gas-tight conduit in conformance with CAN/CSA-Z662, “Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems”. 3.2.4. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.1. Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System (1) Reserved (2) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) to (5) and Sentence 3.2.4.2.(4), a fire alarm system shall be installed in a building
that contains, (a) a contained use area, (b) an impeded egress zone, (c) more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey, (d) a total occupant load more than 300, other than in open air seating areas, (e) an occupant load more than 150 above or below the first storey, other than in open air seating areas, (f) a school, college or child care facility, with an occupant load more than 40, (g) a licensed beverage establishment or a restaurant, with an occupant load more than 150, (h) a low hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load
more than 75 above or below the first storey, (h.1) a medium hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load
more than 75 above or below the first storey, (i) a residential occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons, (j) a high hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load
more than 25, (k) an occupant load more than 300 below an open air seating area, (l) an interconnected floor space required to conform to Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11, (m) a care and treatment occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care or treatment, or (n) a care occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care. (3) If each dwelling unit has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level, a fire alarm system is not required in an apartment building, (a) in which not more than four dwelling units share a common means of egress, or (b) that is not more than 3 storeys in building height. (4) A fire alarm system is not required in a hotel
3 storeys or less in building height provided each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level. (5) A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.83. provided there are no other occupancies in the building.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.2. Continuity of Fire Alarm System (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (6), if there are openings through a
firewall, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and totally enclosed noncombustible
raceways, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply to the floor areas on both sides of the firewall
as if they were in the same building. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if a building
contains more than one major occupancy and a fire alarm system is required, a single system shall serve all occupancies. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if a fire alarm system is required in any portion of a building, it shall be installed throughout the building. (4) Except as required by Sentence (5), the requirements in this Subsection are permitted to be applied to each portion of a building not more than 3 storeys
in building height, in which a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h separates the portion from the remainder of the
building as if it were a separate building, provided there are no openings through the fire separation, other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and totally enclosed noncombustible
raceways. (5) The permission in Sentence (4) to consider separated portions of a building as separate buildings
does not apply to service rooms and storage rooms. (6) Buildings interconnected by walkways permitted in Articles 3.2.3.19. and 3.2.3.20. or by vestibules provided in conformance with Article 3.2.6.3. shall be treated as separate buildings
for the purpose of fire alarm installation required by this Subsection.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.3. Types of Fire Alarm Systems (1) A fire alarm system shall be, (a) a single stage system in a Group F, Division 1 occupancy, (b) a two stage system in a Group B occupancy other than those described in Clause (c), (c) a single or two stage system in a
building 3 storeys or less in building height that contains a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, (d) a single stage system in elementary and secondary schools, except for a special needs facility, and (e) a single or two stage system in all other cases.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.4. Description of Fire Alarm Systems (1) A single stage fire alarm system shall, upon the operation of any manual pull station or fire detector, cause an alarm signal to sound on all audible signal devices in the system. (2) A two stage fire alarm system shall, (a) cause an alert signal to sound upon the operation of any manual pull station or fire detector, (b) except for a Group B, Division 2 occupancy, automatically cause an alarm signal to sound if the alert signal is not acknowledged within 5 min of its initiation, (c) have each manual pull station equipped so that the use of a key or other similar device causes an alarm signal to sound and continue to sound upon the removal of the key or similar device from the manual pull station, and (d) in a building
containing a hotel, (i) cause an alarm signal to sound in the initiating fire zone in the hotel, and (ii) cause an alert signal to sound throughout the hotel and such parts of the building
as is necessary to alert hotel staff. (3) A two stage fire alarm system is permitted to be zone coded so that, upon the operation of any manual pull station or fire detector, (a) a coded alert signal is sounded indicating the zone of alarm initiation, (b) the coded alert signal is repeated in its entirety no fewer than four times, and (c) a continuous alert signal is sounded upon completion of the coded signals referred to in Clause (b) and Sentence (4). (4) If a second manual pull station or fire detector is operated in a fire alarm system with zone coding as permitted by Sentence (3), in a zone other than that for which the first alert signal was sounded, the coded alert signal for the first zone shall be completed before the coded alert signal for the second zone is repeated no fewer than four times.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.5. Installation and Verification of Fire Alarm Systems (1) Fire alarm systems, including those with voice communication capability, shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems”. (2) A fire alarm system shall be verified in conformance with CAN/ULC-S537, “Verification of Fire Alarm Systems”, to ensure satisfactory operation.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.6. Reserved
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.7. Silencing of Alarm Signals (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a fire alarm system shall be designed so that when an alarm signal is actuated it cannot be silenced automatically before a period of time has elapsed that is not less than, (a) 5 min for a building
not required to be equipped with an annunciator, and (b) 20 min for any other building. (2) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.4.20.(9) and 3.2.4.23.(2) and (3), a fire alarm system shall not incorporate manual silencing switches other than those installed inside the fire alarm control unit. (3) Except as provided by Clause 3.2.4.23.(3)(a), in a care and treatment occupancy an alert signal is permitted to be silenced automatically after 1 min.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.8. Signals to Fire Department (1) If a fire alarm system is required to be installed and a single stage system is provided, the system shall be designed to notify the fire department in conformance with Sentence (4) that an alarm signal has been initiated in, (a) a Group A occupancy
having an occupant load more than 300, (b) a Group B occupancy, (c) a Group F, Division 1 occupancy, (d) a building
regulated by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6., (e) a building
containing interconnected floor space required to conform to Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11., or (f) a retirement home. (2) A fire alarm system that includes waterflow indicating devices shall be designed to notify the fire department, in conformance with Sentence (4), that an alarm has been initiated. (3) If a fire alarm system is required to be installed and a two stage system is provided, the system shall be designed to notify the fire department, in conformance with Sentence (4), that an alert signal
has been initiated. (4) Notification of the fire department required by Sentences (1) to (3) shall be by way of, (a) signals to a central station conforming to CAN/ULC-S561, “Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems”, or (b) the municipal fire alarm system. (5) Where a single stage fire alarm system is installed in a building that is not sprinklered, and Sentence (1) does not apply, a legible notice, that is not easily removed, shall be affixed to the wall near each manual pull station stating, (a) that the fire department is to be notified in the event of a fire emergency, and (b) the emergency telephone number for the municipality or the telephone number of the fire department.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.9. Annunciator and Zone Indication (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) to (5), an annunciator shall be installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1). (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (6), the annunciator required by Sentence (1) shall have separate zone indication of the actuation of the alarm initiating devices in each, (a)  floor area
so that in a building that is not sprinklered, the area of coverage for each zone is neither more than, (i) 1 storey, nor (ii) 2 000 m2, (b)  floor area
so that in a building that is sprinklered, the area of coverage for each zone is neither more than, (i) 1 storey, nor (ii) the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, (c) shaft required to be equipped with
fire detectors, (d) air handling system required to be equipped with smoke detectors, (e) fire extinguishing system required by NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”, (f)  contained use area, (g)  impeded egress zone, (h)  fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2), and (i)  fire compartment required to be separated by vertical fire separations having a fire-resistance rating
not less than 2 h, other than dwelling units described in Subsection 3.3.4. (3) An annunciator need not be provided for a fire alarm system if not more than one zone indicator is required in Sentence (2). (4) If an annunciator is not installed as part of a fire alarm system in conformance with Sentence (1), a visual and audible trouble signal device shall be provided inside the main entrance of the building. (5) The requirements in Sentence (1) are waived in a building, (a) Reserved (b) that has an aggregate area for all
storeys of not more than 2 000 m2, and (c) that is not more than 3 storeys in building height. (6) The area limits of Clause (2)(a) are waived for an interior undivided open space used as an arena, a rink or a swimming pool provided that other spaces in the building that are separated from the open space are individually zoned in accordance with the requirements of Sentence (2). (7) A fire alarm control unit installed in close proximity to a building entrance that faces a street
or an access route for fire department vehicles that complies with Sentence 3.2.5.5.(1), is deemed to satisfy the requirement for an annunciator provided all indicators required for an annunciator or trouble signal device are included on the control unit. (8) In a building containing a hotel in which a trouble signal sounding device has a silencing switch, a trouble light shall be installed in, (a) the main reception area serving the hotel, or (b) another continually-supervised location. (9) In a long-term care home, a remote audiovisual fire alarm trouble signal shall be located at the main nursing station.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.10. Electrical Supervision (1) Electrical supervision shall be provided for a fire alarm system. (2) If a fire alarm system in a building is required by Sentence 3.2.4.9.(1) to have an annunciator, each valve controlling water supplies in a standpipe system, except for hose valves, shall be equipped with an electrically supervised switch for transmitting a trouble signal to the annunciator in the event of movement of the valve handle. (3) If a fire alarm system is installed in a building, an automatic sprinkler system shall be electrically supervised to indicate a supervisory signal on the building fire alarm system annunciator for each of the following, (a) movement of a valve handle that controls the supply of water to sprinklers, (b) loss of excess water pressure required to prevent false alarms in a wet pipe system, (c) loss of air pressure in a dry pipe system, (d) loss of air pressure in a pressure tank, (e) a significant change in water level in any water storage container used for firefighting purposes, (f) loss of power to any automatically starting fire pump, and (g) a temperature approaching the freezing point in any dry pipe valve enclosure or water storage container used for firefighting purposes. (4) If a fire alarm system is installed in a building, a fire pump shall be electrically supervised in accordance with NFPA 20, “Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection”. (5) If a fire alarm system is required in a building, electrical supervision shall be provided to indicate, on the fire alarm system annunciator, a loss of power to a heat tracing cable that is installed to heat, (a) a standpipe riser, (b) a sprinkler line as part of a fire suppression system, or (c) an exit
or means of egress to keep it free of ice and snow. (6) In a building regulated by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6., the indication of a supervisory signal in accordance with Sentence (3) shall be transmitted to a proprietary control centre or to an independent central station.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.11. Fire Detectors (1) Fire detectors
required by this Article shall be connected to the fire alarm system. (2) Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.16., if a fire alarm system is required, fire detectors shall be installed in each, (a) storage room not within a dwelling unit, (b)  service room
not within a dwelling unit, (c) janitors’ room, (d) room in which hazardous substances are to be used or stored, (e) elevator or dumbwaiter shaft, (f) laundry room in a building of residential occupancy, but not one within a dwelling unit, and (g)  hazardous classroom and change room in an elementary or secondary school.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.12. Smoke and Heat Detectors (1) If a fire alarm system is required, smoke detectors
shall be installed in, (a) each sleeping room and each corridor serving as part of a means of egress from sleeping rooms in portions of a building classified as Group B major occupancy, (b) each room in a contained use area and corridors serving those rooms, (c) each corridor in portions of a building classified as Group A, Division 1 major occupancy, (d) each public corridor in portions of a building
classified as Group C major occupancy, (e) each exit
stair shaft, (f) each corridor serving classrooms in elementary and secondary schools, and (g) each elevator machine room or machinery space. (2) Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.16., if a fire alarm system is required, heat detectors shall be installed in, (a) every room in portions of buildings classified as Group A, Division 1, (b) except in a hotel, in every suite, and every room not located within a
suite, in portions of buildings
classified as Group C major occupancy and more than 3 storeys in building height, and (c) in a floor area containing a hotel, in every room in a suite and in every room not located in a suite other than washrooms within a suite, saunas, refrigerated areas and swimming pools. (3) Smoke detectors required in sleeping rooms of care,
care and treatment or detention occupancy shall upon actuation provide an audible and visible signal to staff serving those rooms so that the room or location containing the smoke detector can be easily identified. (4) Smoke detectors required by Clause (1)(g) shall, upon actuation, recall the elevators served by machinery located in the machine room or machinery space in which the smoke detector is installed. (5) Except as permitted by Sentences (6) and (7), where a building is required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, a smoke detector shall be located near the entrance to, (a) a walkway
described in Articles 3.2.3.19. and 3.2.3.20., or (b) a vestibule provided in conformance with Article 3.2.6.3. (6) Smoke detectors
installed at the entrance to a walkway in conformance with Article 3.1.8.12. are deemed to meet the requirements of Sentence (5). (7) Fire detectors
are permitted to be installed in lieu of the smoke detectors required by Sentence (5) in Group F occupancies
where the smoke detectors may be subjected to false alarms due to the activities within the building.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.13. Prevention of Smoke Circulation (1) If a fire alarm system is installed, an air handling system shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a duct-type smoke detector if the air handling system, (a) serves more than 1 storey, (b) serves more than one suite in a storey, (c) serves more than one fire compartment required by Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2), or (d) is not provided with fire dampers as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.8.(4).
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.14. Vacuum Cleaning System Shutdown (1) A central vacuum cleaning system serving more than one suite or storey in a building equipped with a fire alarm system shall be designed to shut down upon actuation of the fire alarm system.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.15. Elevator Emergency Return (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), in a building
having elevators that serve storeys above the first storey and that are equipped with an automatic emergency recall feature, smoke detectors shall be installed in the elevator lobbies on the recall level so that when these smoke detectors are actuated, the elevators will automatically return directly to an alternate floor level. (2) Smoke detectors
required by Sentence (1) shall be designed as part of the building
fire alarm system. (3) The alternate floor recall feature required by Sentence (1) is not required if the floor area containing the recall level is sprinklered.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.16. Sprinklers in Lieu of Fire Detectors (1) Fire detectors
required by Article 3.2.4.11. and heat detectors
required by Sentence 3.2.4.12.(2) need not be provided within a floor area if the floor area
is sprinklered and the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.10.(3).
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.17. System Monitoring (1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices and, if an annunciator is required by Article 3.2.4.9., shall be installed so that each device serves, (a) not more than 1 storey, and (b) an area on each storey that is not more than the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”. (2) If a fire alarm system is provided, waterflow indicating devices required by Sentence (1) shall be connected to the fire alarm system so that on actuation an alert signal or an alarm signal is initiated.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.18. Manual Pull Stations (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), if a fire alarm system is installed, a manual pull station shall be installed, (a) near the principal entrance to the
building, and (b) near every required exit. (2) In a building that is sprinklered, a manual pull station is not required at an exterior egress doorway from a suite that does not lead to an interior shared means of egress in a hotel not more than 3 storeys
in building height, provided each suite is served by an exterior exit
facility leading directly to ground level. (3) In a building that is sprinklered, a manual pull station is not required at an exterior egress doorway from a dwelling unit that does not lead to an interior shared means of egress
in a building not more than 3 storeys
in building height containing only dwelling units, provided each dwelling unit is served by an exterior exit facility leading directly to ground level. (4) In a building referred to in Sentence (2) or (3), manual pull stations shall be installed near doorways leading from shared interior corridors to the exterior. (5) In a building containing a hotel, a manual pull station shall be installed in the main reception area serving the hotel. (6) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), in Group C apartment buildings other than retirement homes, if a pull station is not installed on a floor area in accordance with Sentence (1) or (4), (a) a manual pull station shall be installed in every dwelling unit in the floor area near each egress door leading from the dwelling unit, (b)  smoke detectors shall be installed in the floor area
in public corridors and stairwells, and (c)  fire detectors shall be installed in the floor area
in all common public areas and in rooms not located within dwelling units. (7) In floor areas where the manual pull stations are located in dwelling units, a legible sign stating FIRE ALARM PULL STATIONS LOCATED IN APARTMENT UNITS shall be posted near every exit in a public corridor. (8) Key switch activated pull stations are permitted in an impeded egress zone and a contained use area in Group B, Division 1 and 2 occupancies.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.19. Alert and Alarm Signals (1) In a two stage fire alarm system described in Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2), the same audible signal devices are permitted to be used to sound the alert signals and the alarm signals. (2) If audible signal devices with voice reproduction capabilities are intended for paging and similar voice message use, other than during a fire emergency, they shall be installed so that alert signals
and alarm signals take priority over all other signals. (3) Audible signal devices forming part of a fire alarm or voice communication system shall not be used for playing music or background noise. (4) Except as permitted by Sentence (6), visual signal devices shall be installed in addition to audible signal devices, (a) in a building
or portion of a building intended for use primarily by persons with hearing impairment, (b) in a public corridor serving a Group A, B, C, D or E occupancy, (c) in a corridor used by the public and in a floor area or part of a floor area where the public may congregate in a Group A occupancy, (d) in not less than 10% of the suites of a hotel or motel, (e) in a washroom for public use described in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), (3), (4) or (6), and (f) in the living space in a suite of residential occupancy
in a Group C major occupancy apartment building. (5) Visual signal devices are permitted to be installed in lieu of audible signal devices in the compartments referred to in Article 3.3.3.6. (6) Visual signal devices required by Clauses (4)(b) and (c) are not required in, (a) a classroom, and (b) a Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than six occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.21. Visual Signals (1) Visual signal devices required by Sentences 3.2.4.19.(4) and 3.2.4.20.(7) and (8) shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the floor area or portion of it in which they are installed. (2) Visual signal devices permitted by Sentence 3.2.4.19.(5) shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the compartment in which they are installed.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.22A. Residential Fire Warning Systems (1) Except where a fire alarm system is installed or required in a building,
smoke detectors forming part of a residential fire warning system installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S540, “Residential Fire and Life Safety Warning Systems: Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance”, are permitted to be installed in lieu of all smoke alarms required by Article 3.2.4.22., provided that the system is, (a) capable of sounding audible signals in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(8) and (12), (b) provided with a visual signalling component in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(13) to (15), (c) powered in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(5), and (d) provided with a silencing device in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(10) and (11).
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.23. Two-Way Voice Communication Systems (1) A voice communication system required by Subsection 3.2.6., Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(12) shall, (a) consist of a two-way means of communication with the central alarm and control facility and with the mechanical control centre from each floor area, and (b) be capable of broadcasting pre-recorded, synthesized or live messages from the central alarm and control facility that are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building, except in elevator cars. (2) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alarm signal in a single-stage fire alarm system while voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alarm signal has initially sounded for not less than 30 s. (3) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alert signal and the alarm signal
in a two-stage fire alarm system while voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alert signal has initially sounded for not less than, (a) 10 s in hospitals that have supervisory personnel on duty for twenty-four hours each day, or (b) 30 s for all other occupancies. (4) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed so that the alarm signal in a two-stage fire alarm system can be selectively transmitted to any zone or zones while maintaining an alert signal or selectively transmitting voice instructions to any other zone or zones in the building. (5) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed so that visual signal devices are not interrupted while voice instructions are being transmitted. (6) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall be installed so that emergency communication devices are located in each floor area
near exit stair shafts. (7) A voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) that is installed in a building
that is not intended to be staffed, at times when the building
will be occupied, with persons trained to provide instructions over the system shall include a pre-recorded message.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.4.24. One-Way Voice Communication Systems (1) Except for Group B, Division 1 and Group F, Division 1 major occupancies, a one-way voice communication system shall be installed in a building where, (a) a fire alarm system is required under Subsection 3.2.4., (b) a two-stage fire alarm system is installed, and (c) the occupant load of the building exceeds 1 000. (2) The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall consist of loudspeakers that are, (a) operated from the central alarm and control facility or, in the absence of a central alarm and control facility, from a designated area, and (b) designed and located so that transmitted messages are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building, except in elevator cars. (3) A voice communication system required by Sentence (1) that is installed in a building
that is not intended to be staffed, at times when the building
will be occupied, with persons trained to provide instructions over loudspeakers described in Sentence (2) shall include a pre-recorded message. (4) The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences 3.2.4.23.(2) to (5). 3.2.5. Provisions for Firefighting
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.1. Access to Above Grade Storeys (1) Except for storeys below the first storey, direct access for firefighting shall be provided from the outdoors to every storey that is not sprinklered and whose floor level is less than 25 m above grade, by at least one unobstructed window or access panel for each 15 m of wall in each wall required to face a street by Subsection 3.2.2. (2) An opening for access required by Sentence (1) shall, (a) have a sill no higher than 1 070 mm above the inside floor, and (b) be not less than 1 100 mm high by not less than, (i) 550 mm wide for a building not designed for the storage or use of dangerous goods, or (ii) 750 mm wide for a building designed for the storage or use of dangerous goods. (3) Access panels above the first storey
shall be readily openable from both inside and outside, or the opening shall be glazed with plain glass.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.2. Access to Basements (1) Direct access from at least one street
shall be provided from the outdoors to each basement, (a) that is not sprinklered, and (b) that has horizontal dimension more than 25 m. (2) The access required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be provided by, (a) doors, windows or other means that provide an opening not less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide, with a sill no higher than 900 mm above the inside floor, or (b) an interior stairway immediately accessible from the outdoors.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.3. Roof Access (1) On a building more than 3 storeys in building height
where the slope of the roof is less than 1 in 4, all main roof areas shall be provided with direct access from the floor areas
immediately below, either by, (a) a stairway, or (b) a hatch not less than 550 mm by 900 mm with a fixed ladder. (2) Clearance and access around roof signs or other obstructions shall provide, (a) a passage not less than 900 mm wide by 1 800 mm high, clear of all obstructions except for necessary horizontal supports not more than 600 mm above the roof surface, (i) around every roof sign, and (ii) through every roof sign at locations not more than 15 m apart, and (b) a clearance of not less than 1 200 mm between any portion of a roof sign and any opening in the exterior wall face or roof of the building in which it is erected.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.4. Access Routes (1) A building that is more than 3 storeys in building height or more than 600 m2 in building area shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles, (a) to the building
face having a principal entrance, and (b) to each building
face having access openings for firefighting as required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.5. Location of Access Routes (1) Access routes required by Article 3.2.5.4. shall be located so that the principal entrance and every access opening required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route required for fire department use, measured horizontally from the face of the building. (2) Access routes shall be provided to a building
so that, (a) for a building
provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to the hydrants referred to in Article 3.2.5.16., (b) for a building
not provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located so that the length of the access route from a hydrant to the vehicle plus the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 90 m, and (c) the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building
is not more than 45 m. (3) The unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter required by Sentence (2) from the vehicle to the building shall be measured from the vehicle to the fire department connection provided for the
building, except that if no fire department connection is provided, the path of travel shall be measured to the principal entrance of the building. (4) If a portion of a building is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, the access routes required by Sentence (2) shall be located so that the unobstructed path of travel from the vehicle to one entrance of each portion of the building is not more than 45 m.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.6. Access Route Design (1) A portion of a roadway or yard provided as a required access route for fire department use shall, (a) have a clear width not less than 6 m, unless it can be shown that lesser widths are satisfactory, (b) have a centreline radius not less than 12 m, (c) have an overhead clearance not less than 5 m, (d) have a change of gradient not more than 1 in 12.5 over a minimum distance of 15 m, (e) be designed to support the expected loads imposed by firefighting equipment and be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or other material designed to permit accessibility under all climatic conditions, (f) have turnaround facilities for any dead-end portion of the access route more than 90 m long, and (g) be connected with a public thoroughfare. (2) A building within the scope of Article 3.2.2.43A. or 3.2.2.50A. shall have no portion of the required access route more than 20 m below the floor level of the uppermost storey or mezzanine that is not a rooftop enclosure provided for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used for no purpose other than for service to the building.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.7. Water Supply (1) An adequate water supply for firefighting shall be provided for every building. (2) Hydrants shall be located within 90 m horizontally of any portion of a building perimeter that is required to face a street in Subsection 3.2.2.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.8. Reserved
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.9. Reserved
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.10. Reserved
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.11. Reserved
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.12. Reserved
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.13. Automatic Sprinkler Systems (1) Except as provided by Sentences (2) to (4), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”. (2) NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies”, is permitted to be used for the design, construction, installation and testing of an automatic sprinkler system installed in a building, (a) of residential occupancy that does not contain a retirement home
and that is not more than 4 storeys
in building height, (b) of Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than six occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency, (c) that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.48D., or (d) that contains a retirement home constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.48E., where the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.4.11.(2) on the storey immediately below the roof assembly is continuous to the underside of the roof deck. (3) Except as required by Sentence (9), NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes”, is permitted to be used for the design, construction, installation and testing of an automatic sprinkler system installed in a building
of residential occupancy that contains not more than two dwelling units. (4) If a building contains fewer than nine sprinklers, the water supply for these sprinklers is permitted to be supplied from the domestic water system for the building provided the required flow for the sprinklers can be met by the domestic system. (5) If a water supply serves both an automatic sprinkler system and a system serving other equipment, control valves shall be provided so that either system can be shut off independently. (6) Despite the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, sprinklers shall not be omitted in any room or closet in the storey immediately below a roof assembly if the fire-resistance rating of the roof assembly is waived as permitted by Article 3.2.2.17. (7) Despite the requirements of the standards referenced in Sentences (1) and (2) for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems, sprinklers shall be provided for all balconies and decks forming part of a building within the scope of Article 3.2.2.42A., 3.2.2.43A., 3.2.2.49A. or 3.2.2.50A., other than, (a) balconies or decks that are not more than 610 mm in depth measured perpendicular to the exterior wall of the building, or (b) decks on the uppermost roof of the
building. (8) Sprinklers in elevator machine rooms shall have a temperature rating not less than that required for an intermediate temperature classification and shall be protected against physical damage. (9) The sprinkler system described in Sentence (3) shall be provided with a minimum 20 min water supply when installed in a retirement home.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.14. Combustible Sprinkler Piping (1) Combustible sprinkler piping shall be used only for sprinkler systems in residential occupancies and other light hazard occupancies. (2) Combustible
sprinkler piping shall meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-C199P, “Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems”. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (5), combustible
sprinkler piping shall be separated from the area served by the sprinkler system, and from any other fire compartment, by ceilings, walls, or soffits consisting of, as a minimum, (a) lath and plaster, (b) gypsum board not less than 9.5 mm thick, (c) plywood not less than 13 mm thick, or (d) a suspended membrane ceiling with, (i) steel suspension grids, and (ii) lay-in panels or tiles having a mass not less than 1.7 kg/m2. (4) Except as permitted by Sentence (5), combustible
sprinkler piping may be located above a ceiling, provided that the distance between the edge of any ceiling opening that is not protected in conformance with Sentence (3) and the nearest sprinkler is not more than 300 mm. (5) The protection required by Sentences (3) and (4) is permitted to be waived where combustible sprinkler piping has been tested in conformance with ULC/ORD-C199P, “Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems”, and has been shown to meet the requirements in that document without additional protection.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.15. Sprinklered Service Space (1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(9) if flooring for access within the service space is other than catwalks. (2) The sprinkler system required by Sentence (1) shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices, with each device serving not more than 1 storey. (3) The waterflow detecting devices required by Sentence (2) shall be connected to the fire alarm system to, (a) initiate an alert signal in a two stage system or an alarm signal
in a single stage system, and (b) indicate separately on the fire alarm system annunciator the actuation of each device. (4) If a building is sprinklered, sprinkler protection need not be provided in the space below a raised floor in a computer room, (a) if the optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables in this space conform to the test requirements in Article 3.1.5.21., (b) if the building
is of noncombustible construction and other combustible components are limited to those permitted in Subsection 3.1.5., (c) if this space is used to circulate conditioned air and the air handling system is designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal from a smoke detector, (d) if all of this space is easily accessible by providing access sections or panels in the raised floor, and (e) if the computer room is more than 2 000 m2 and the annunciator has separate zone indicators of the actuation of smoke detectors
located in this space so that the coverage for each zone is not more than 2 000 m2. (5) Where a room, chute or bin is required to be sprinklered
as indicated in Sentence 3.3.4.3.(1), Article 3.6.2.5. and Sentence 3.6.3.3.(6), the sprinklers may be supplied with water from the fire standpipe system provided that, (a) except for a chute, not more than eight sprinklers are required to protect any room or bin based on a maximum coverage of 12 m2 per sprinkler, (b) the standpipe riser is, (i) not less than 6 in. in diameter, or (ii) hydraulically designed to meet combined water supply as specified in Clause (c), (c) the water supply for a standpipe system, pumping capability and water storage facility, if required, is increased to supply 95 L/min for each sprinkler over and above the requirements for the standpipe system up to maximum 760 L/min for sprinklers, (d) a waterflow detecting device shall be installed in the sprinkler main adjacent to the point of connection to the standpipe riser, and (e) the activation of each waterflow detecting device in Clause (d) shall be indicated separately on the fire alarm system annunciator.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.16. Fire Department Connections (1) The fire department connection for a standpipe system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed. (2) The fire department connection for an automatic sprinkler system shall be located so that the distance from the fire department connection to a hydrant is not more than 45 m and is unobstructed. (3) The fire department connections required in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be, (a) located on the outside of a building adjacent to a street
or an access route, not less than 300 mm and not more than 900 mm above ground level, and (b) provided with two 65 mm hose connections with female swivel hose couplings.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.17. Portable Fire Extinguishers (1) Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all buildings, except within dwelling units, in conformance with the provisions of Part 6 of Division B of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997. (2) In a Group B, Division 1 major occupancy, portable fire extinguishers are permitted to be located in secure areas, or in lockable cabinets provided, (a) identical keys for all cabinets are located at all supervisory or security stations, or (b) electrical remote release devices are provided and are connected to an emergency power supply.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.18. Protection from Freezing (1) Equipment forming part of a fire protection system shall be protected from freezing if, (a) it could be adversely affected by freezing temperatures, and (b) it is located in an unheated area.
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.5.19. Fire Pumps (1) A fire pump having a rated net head pressure greater than 280 kPa shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 20, “Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection”. 3.2.6. Additional Requirements for High Buildings
Notes to Table 3.2.3.7.:
3.2.6.1. Application (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), this Subsection applies to a building, (a) of Group A, D, E or F major occupancy classification that is more than, (i) 36 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, or (ii) 18 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, and in which the cumulative or total occupant load on or above any storey
above grade, other than the first storey, divided by 1.8 times the width in metres of all exit stairs at that storey, exceeds 300, (b) containing a Group B major occupancy in which the floor level of the highest storey of that major occupancy is more than 18 m above grade, (c) containing a floor area or part of a floor area located above the third storey designed or intended as a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, (d) containing a Group C major occupancy in which the floor level of the highest storey of that major occupancy
is more than 18 m above grade, or (e) containing a retirement home, where the floor level of the highest storey of the retirement home
is more than 18 m above grade. (2) This Subsection applies to a building or part of a building constructed in conformance with Article 3.2.2.49A. in which the floor level of the highest storey is more than 18 m above grade.