jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), at least one required handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including landings, except where interrupted by, (a) doorways, or (b) newel posts at changes in direction. (2) For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit, at least one handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, except where interrupted by, (a) doorways, (b) landings, or (c) newel posts at changes in direction.
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
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. (2) Except for stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit, 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 stair or ramp.
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
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 line drawn through the leading edge of the stair treads 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), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be, (a) not less than 800 mm, and (b) not more than 965 mm. (3) Where guards are required, handrails required on landings shall be not more than 1 070 mm in height.
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
9.8.7.5. Ergonomic Design (1) A clearance of not less than 50 mm shall be provided between a handrail and any surface behind it. (2) All handrails shall be constructed so as to be continually graspable along their entire length with no obstruction on or above them to break a handhold, except where the handrail is interrupted by newels at changes in direction.
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
9.8.7.6. Projections into Stairs and Ramps  (1) Handrails and projections below handrails, including handrail supports and stair stringers shall not project more than 100 mm into the required width of a stair or ramp.
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
9.8.7.7. Design and Attachment of Handrails (1) Handrails and any building element that could be used as a handrail shall be designed and attached in such a manner to resist, (a) a concentrated load at any point of not less than 0.9 kN, and (b) for handrails other than those serving a single dwelling unit, a uniformly distributed load of 0.7 kN/m. (2) Where a handrail serving a single dwelling unit is attached to wood studs or blocking, the attachment shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1) where, (a) the attachment points are spaced not more than 1.2 m apart, (b) the first attachment point at either end is located not more than 300 mm from the end of the handrail, and (c) the fasteners consist of no fewer than 2 wood screws at each point, penetrating not less than 32 mm into solid wood. 9.8.8. Guards
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
9.8.8.1. Required Guards (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), every surface to which access is provided for other than maintenance purposes, 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, (a) there is a difference in elevation of more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface, or (b) the adjacent surface within 1.2 m from the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2. (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) When an interior stair has more than 2 risers or an interior ramp rises more than 400 mm, the sides of the stair or ramp and the landing or floor level around the stairwell or ramp shall be protected by a guard on each side that is not protected by a wall.
Notes to Table 9.8.4.2.:
9.8.8.2. Loads on Guards (1) Except as provided in Sentence (5), guards shall be designed to resist the specified loads prescribed in Table 9.8.8.2. (2) Where the width and spacing of balusters in guards within dwelling units, and exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units is such that 3 balusters can be engaged by a load imposed over the 300 mm width, the load shall be imposed so as to engage 3 balusters. (3) None of the specified loads prescribed in Table 9.8.8.2. need be considered to act simultaneously. (4) For guards within dwelling units and for exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units, Table 9.8.8.2. need not apply where the guard construction has been demonstrated to provide effective performance. (5) Guards constructed in accordance with the requirements in Supplementary Standard SB-7 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of Sentence (1). Table 9.8.8.2.   Specified Loads for Guards Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.8.2.(1)  Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4


Location of Guard

Minimum Specified Loads


 

Horizontal Load Applied Inward or Outward at any Point at the Top of the Guard

Horizontal Load Applied Inward or Outward on Elements Within the Guard, Including Solid Panels and Pickets

Evenly Distributed Vertical Load Applied at the Top of the Guard


Guards within dwelling units and exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units

0.5 kN/m or concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point(1)

0.5 kN applied over a maximum width of 300 mm and a height of 300 mm(2)

1.5 kN/m


Guards serving access walkways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs and similar areas

Concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point

Concentrated load of 0.5 kN applied at any point on individual elements

1.5 kN/m


All other guards

0.75 kN/m or concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point(1)

Concentrated load of 0.5 kN applied at any point on individual elements

1.5 kN/m
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.8.3. Height of Guards (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), all guards shall be not less than 1 070 mm high. (2) All guards within dwelling units shall be not less than 900 mm high. (3) Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit 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. (4) Guards for flights of steps, except in required exit stairs, shall be not less than 900 mm high. (5) The height of guards for flights of steps shall be measured vertically from the top of the guard to a line drawn through the leading edge of the treads served by the guard.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.8.4. Guards for Floors and Ramps in Garages (1) Except for floors of garages referred to in Section 9.35., where garage floors or ramps are 600 mm or more above the adjacent ground or floor level, every opening through a garage floor and the perimeter of floors and ramps that have no exterior walls shall be provided with, (a) a continuous curb not less than 150 mm in height, and (b) a guard not less than 1 070 mm above the floor level.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.8.5. Openings in Guards (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), openings through any guard that is required by Article 9.8.8.1. shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (2) Openings through any guard that is required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that is installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of such openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (3) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that do not comply with the following limits do not represent a hazard, openings through any guard that is not required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that serves a building of other than industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that, (a) will prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm, or (b) will permit the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 mm.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.8.6. Design to Prevent 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 will facilitate climbing. (2) Guards shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1) where any elements protruding from the vertical and located within the area between 140 mm and 900 mm above the floor or walking surface protected by the guard, (a) are located more than 450 mm horizontally and vertically from each other, (b) provide not more than 15 mm horizontal offset, (c) do not provide a toe-space more than 45 mm horizontally and 20 mm vertically, or (d) present more than a 1-in-2 slope on the offset.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and Ramps (1) Except as required 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 a single dwelling unit, and (b) 4.8 kPa for other stairs and ramps.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.9.2. Exterior Concrete Stairs (1) Exterior concrete stairs with more than 2 risers and 2 treads shall be, (a) supported on unit masonry or concrete walls or piers not less than 150 mm in cross section, or (b) cantilevered from the main foundation wall. (2) Stairs described in Sentence (1), when cantilevered from the foundation wall, shall be constructed and installed in conformance with Subsection 9.8.10. (3) The depth below ground level for foundations for exterior steps shall conform to the requirements in Section 9.12.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.9.4. Wooden Stair Stringers (1) Wooden stair stringers shall, (a) have a minimum effective depth of 90 mm, measured perpendicularly to the bottom of the stringer at the point of minimum cross-section, and an over-all depth of not less than 235 mm, (b) be supported and secured top and bottom, (c) be not less than 25 mm actual thickness if supported along their length and 38 mm actual thickness if unsupported along their length, and (d) except as permitted in Sentence (2), be spaced not more than 900 mm o.c. for stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit, and 600 mm o.c. in other stairs. (2) For stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit where risers support the front portion of the tread, the space between stringers shall be not more than 1 200 mm.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.9.6. Finish for Treads, Landings and Ramps (1) Except as required in Sentence (4), the finish for treads, landings and ramps shall be, (a) wear resistant, (b) slip resistant, and (c) smooth, even, and free from open defects. (2) The finish for treads, landings and ramps in dwelling units, including those from an attached garage serving a single dwelling unit, shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1) where these treads, landings, or ramps are finished with, (a) hardwood, (b) vertical grain softwood, (c) resilient flooring, (d) low-pile carpet, (e) mat finish ceramic tile, (f) concrete, or (g) for stairs to unfinished basements and to garages, plywood. (3) Stairs and ramps, except those serving a single dwelling unit or service rooms or spaces, shall have either a colour contrast or a distinctive 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) Treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs and ramps, other than those within dwelling units, shall have a slip-resistant finish or be provided with slip-resistant strips that extend not more than 1 mm above the surface. 9.8.10. Cantilevered Precast Concrete Steps
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.10.2. Anchorage (1) Cantilevered concrete steps in Article 9.8.10.1. shall be anchored to concrete foundation walls at least 200 mm thick.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.8.10.3. Prevention of Damage Due to Frost (1) Suitable precautions shall be taken during backfilling and grading operations to ensure that subsequent freezing of the soil will not cause uplift forces on the underside of cantilevered concrete steps to the extent that the steps or the walls to which they are attached will be damaged. Section 9.9. Means of Egress 9.9.1. Scope
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.1.3. Occupant Load (1) The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area, or of a building or part of a building not having a floor area, shall be based on, (a) 2 persons per sleeping room or sleeping area in a dwelling unit or suite, and (b) for occupancies other than as described in Clause (a), the number of persons, (i) for which the area is designed, or (ii) determined from Table 3.1.17.1. 9.9.2. Types and Purpose of Exits
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.2.1. Types of Exits (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Section, an exit from any floor area shall be one of the following used singly or in combination: (a) an exterior doorway, (b) an exterior passageway, (c) an exterior ramp, (d) an exterior stairway, (e) a fire escape (as described in Subsection 3.4.7.), (f) a horizontal exit, (g) an interior passageway, (h) an interior ramp, or (i) an interior stairway. (2) Fire escapes are permitted to be used as exits on existing buildings provided they are designed and installed in conformance with Subsection 3.4.7. (3) Fire escapes shall not be installed on any new building. (4) Where a horizontal exit is used, it shall conform to Sentence 3.4.1.6.(1) and Article 3.4.6.9.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.2.2. Purpose of Exits (1) An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting except that an exit may also serve as an access to a floor area.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.2.3. Elevators, Slide Escapes and Windows as Means of Egress (1) Elevators, slide escapes or windows shall not be considered as part of a required means of egress. (2) Except for floor areas of mercantile occupancy, casement windows not less than 1 060 mm high, 560 mm wide, with a sill height not more than 900 mm above the inside floor, are permitted to be considered part of a required means of egress to provide access to fire escapes, when fire escapes are permitted.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.2.4. Principal Entrances (1) Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit, at least one door at every principal entrance to a building providing access from the exterior at ground level shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for exits.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.2.5. Front Edge of Stair Treads (1) Except for curved stairs the front edge of stair treads in exits and access to exits shall be at right angles to the direction of exit travel.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.3.1. Application (1) This Subsection applies to every means of egress except exits that serve not more than one dwelling unit and access to exits within dwelling units.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.4.1. Application (1) Except as provided in Article 9.9.4.4., this Subsection applies to the fire protection of all exits except exits serving a single dwelling unit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
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 per cent of its exterior sides open to the outdoors and is served by an exit stair at each end of the passageway.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
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).
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.4.4. Openings Near Unenclosed Exit Stairs and Ramps (1) Where an unenclosed exterior exit stair or ramp provides the only means of egress from a suite, and is exposed to fire from openings in the exterior walls of another fire compartment, the openings in the exterior walls of the building shall be protected with wired glass in fixed steel frames or glass block conforming to Articles 9.10.13.5. and 9.10.13.7. when the openings in the exterior walls of the building are within 3 m horizontally and less than 10 m below or less than 5 m above the exit stair or ramp.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.4.5. Openings in Exterior Walls of Exits (1) Either openings in the exterior walls of an exit or openings in adjacent exterior walls of the building the exit serves shall be protected with wired glass in fixed steel frames or glass block installed in accordance with Articles 9.10.13.5. and 9.10.13.7., where, (a) the exit enclosure has exterior walls that intersect the exterior walls of the building at an angle of less than 135° measured on the outside of the building, and (b) the openings in the exterior walls of the building are within 3 m horizontally and less than 2 000 mm above the openings in the exterior walls of the exit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.4.6. Openings Near Exit Doors (1) This Article applies to, (a) exit doors serving other than single dwelling units, and (b) exit doors serving single dwelling units where there is no second and separate exit from the dwelling unit. (2) Where an exterior exit door described in Sentence (1) in one fire compartment is within 3 m horizontally of an unprotected opening in another fire compartment and the exterior walls of these fire compartments intersect at an exterior angle of less than 135°, the opening shall be protected with wired glass in fixed steel frames or glass block conforming to Articles 9.10.13.5. and 9.10.13.7. or with a rated closure conforming to Table 9.10.13.1. with respect to the rating of the fire separation between the two compartments.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.4.7. Stairways in Group D or E Buildings (1) Notwithstanding the requirements of Sentences 9.9.4.2.(1), 9.9.8.2.(1) and Article 9.10.9.5., where a suite of Group D or E occupancy is located partly on the first storey and partly on the second storey or partly on the second storey and partly on the third storey, stairways serving that suite need not be constructed as exit stairs provided, (a) the building is not greater than 3 storeys in building height, (b) the suite is separated from other occupancies by at least a 45 min fire separation, (c) the area occupied by the suite is not greater than 100 m² per storey, other than the exit level storey, (d) the maximum travel distance from any point in the suite to an exterior exit is not greater than 25 m, (e) the floor assemblies have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min or are of noncombustible construction, (f) the basement and first storey are separated by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and (g) a smoke alarm is installed on each floor of the suite, including the basement, in accordance with Subsection 9.10.19. (2) The requirements of Article 9.10.12.1., for separation of exterior openings, do not apply to an occupancy conforming with Sentence (1). 9.9.5. Obstructions and Hazards in Means of Egress
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.5.1. Application (1) This Subsection applies to obstructions and hazards in every means of egress except those within a dwelling unit or serving a single dwelling unit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.5.3. Obstructions in Public Corridors (1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project horizontally more than 100 mm into exit passageways, corridors used by the public or public corridors in a manner that would create a hazard for visually impaired persons travelling adjacent to walls. (2) The horizontal projection of an obstruction in Sentence (1) is permitted to exceed 100 mm where the obstruction extends to less than 680 mm above the floor.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.5.5. Obstructions in Means of Egress (1) No obstructions such as posts or turnstiles shall be placed so as to restrict the width of a required means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area to less than 750 mm unless an alternate unobstructed means of egress is provided adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted egress. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), no obstructions, such as counter gates, that do not meet the requirements for exit doors, shall be placed in a required means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area unless an alternate unobstructed means of egress is provided adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted egress. (3) Obstructions, such as counter gates, that do not satisfy Sentence (2), are permitted to be placed in a required means of egress from a part of a floor area in mercantile occupancies and business and personal services occupancies, provided that the part of the floor area served by the unobstructed means of egress is not generally accessible to the public.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.5.6. Mirrors or Draperies (1) No mirror shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit so as to confuse the direction of exit, and no mirror or draperies shall be placed on or over exit doors.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
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 exit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.6.1. Obstructions by Doors  (1) Except as provided in Sentence (4), swinging doors in their swing shall conform to Sentences (2) and (3), (a) at exit doors, (b) at doors that open into or are located within a public corridor, and (c) at doors that open into or are located within another facility that provides access to exit from a suite. (2) When fully open, doors described in Sentence (1) shall not decrease the required exit width by more than, (a) 100 mm in exit corridors, and (b) 50 mm for other exit facilities. (3) The swing of doors described in Sentence (1), shall not reduce the width of the path of travel to less than, (a) the required exit width in exit corridors and passageways, and (b) 750 mm on exit stairs or landings. (4) Doors serving a single dwelling unit need not comply with Sentences (2) and (3).
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
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 suite. (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 need not comply with Sentences (1) and (2).
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
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, (i) within a public corridor, or (ii) within another facility that provides access to exit from a suite. (c) Revoked: O. Reg. 503/09, s. 140. (2) Doorways described in Sentence (1) shall be not less than, (a) 800 mm wide where there is only one door leaf, (b) 800 mm wide where multiple-leaf doors are installed with only one active leaf with a latching mechanism described in Article 9.9.6.7, and (c) 1210 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 need not comply with Sentence (2).
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.6.4. Door Action  (1) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), required exit doors and doors in required means of egress, except doors in means of egress within dwelling units, shall swing on the vertical axis. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (5), breakaway sliding doors, installed as required exit doors or required doors in means of egress, shall be identified as swinging doors by means of a label or decal affixed to the door. (3) Revolving doors shall comply with Article 3.4.6.14. (4) Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence (1), provided the partitions are not located in the only means of egress. (5) Exit doors need not conform to Sentence (1) or (2) where, (a) the doors serve accessory buildings where life safety is not adversely affected, or (b) the doors serve storage garages or other accessory buildings serving a single dwelling unit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.6.5. Direction of Door Swing  (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2) and except for doors serving a single dwelling unit, exit doors that are required to swing shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (2) 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. (3) 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. (4) Doors that divide a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (5) 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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.6.6. Proximity of Doors to Stairs (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the distance between a stair riser and the leading edge of a door in its swing, except for doors serving a single dwelling unit, shall be not less than 300 mm. (2) Where there is a danger of blockage from ice or snow, an exit door, including a door serving a single dwelling unit, may open onto not more than one step provided the riser of such step does not exceed 150 mm.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.6.7. Door Latching, Locking and Opening Mechanisms  (1) Principal entrance doors, exit doors and doors to suites, including exterior doors to 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) in the case of exit doors, be controlled by electromagnetic locking mechanisms in accordance with Sentence 3.4.6.15.(4). (2) Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit and doors to accessory buildings and 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. (3) Door release hardware on doors in a means of egress shall be installed not more than 1 200 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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.6.8. Effort Required to Open  (1) Every exit door, except doors serving a single dwelling unit, 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. 9.9.7. Access to Exits
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.7.1. Egress from Roof Area, Podiums, Terraces, Platforms and Contained Open Spaces (1) An access to exit shall be provided from every roof intended for occupancy and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space. (2) Where a roof is intended for an occupant load of more than 60 persons, at least 2 separate means of egress shall be provided from the roof to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements for exit stairs and located remote from each other. (3) Where a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the appropriate requirements for rooms or suites in Article 9.9.7.4.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.7.2. Means of Egress from Suites (1) Except as required in Sentence 9.9.9.3.(1), each suite in a floor area occupied by more than one suite shall have, (a) an exterior exit doorway, (b) a doorway to a public corridor, or (c) a doorway to exterior passageway. (2) Except as provided in Sentences 9.9.7.3.(1) and 9.9.8.2.(2), from the point where a doorway described in Clause (1)(b) or (c) enters the public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exits.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.7.3. Dead End Corridors (1) A dead-end public corridor is permitted in an occupancy shown in Table 9.9.7.3. where, (a) a dead-end corridor, (i) does not exceed the distance of travel measured from the most remote point of the dead-end to a point where it is possible to go in opposite directions to each of two separate exits, and (ii) is provided with doors equipped with self-closing devices, or (b) there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into the dead-end corridor. Table 9.9.7.3.   Dead End Public Corridors Forming Part of Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1)  Column 1

Column 2

Column 3


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 (2) Dead-end public corridors in residential occupancies and business and personal services occupancies shall contain only suite door openings arranged so that not more than 2 such doors have to be passed to reach the nearest exit. (3) The area of wired glass in doors required by Sentence (2) shall not exceed 645 cm².
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.7.4. Number and Spacing of Egress Doors (1) Except for dwelling units, at least 2 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 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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.7.5. Independent Access to Exit (1) Required access to exit from suites shall not be through any other dwelling unit, service room or other occupancy.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.7.6. Travel Distance within Rooms and Suites (1) Except for dwelling units, the travel distance from any point within the room or suite to the nearest egress door shall not exceed the maximum travel distance in Article 9.9.8.2. 9.9.8. Exits From Floor Areas
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.8.1. Measurement of Travel Distance (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel. (2) Where a room or suite is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 45 min, or in a sprinklered building, by a fire separation that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, the travel distance is permitted to be measured from an egress door of the room or suite to the nearest exit. (3) Where a public corridor is not less than 9 m wide and conforms to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), the travel distance is permitted to be determined in accordance with that Clause.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.8.2. Number of Required Exits (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Subsection 9.9.9., no fewer than 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 8 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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.8.3. Contribution of Each Exit (1) Where more than 1 exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be considered as contributing not more than half the required exit width.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.8.4. Location of Exits (1) Where more than 1 exit is required from a floor area, no fewer than 2 exits shall be independent of each other and be placed remote from each other along the path of travel between them.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.8.5. Exiting through a Lobby (1) Not more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby. (2) The floor of the lobby referred to in Sentence (1) shall be not more than 4.5 m above grade, and the path of travel through the lobby to the outdoors shall not exceed 15 m. (3) The lobby referred to in Sentence (1) shall conform in all respects with the requirements for exits, except that rooms other than service rooms, storage rooms and rooms of residential or industrial occupancy are permitted to open directly onto such lobby. (4) Except as required in Sentence (6), an exit is permitted to lead through a lobby referred to in Sentence (1) provided the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space other than as described in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(6). (5) Passenger elevator entrances are permitted to open onto the lobby referred to in Sentence (1) provided the elevator doors are designed to remain closed except while loading and unloading. (6) An exit that serves a hotel is permitted to lead through a lobby referred to in Sentence (1) provided the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space. (7) Where the lobby referred to in Sentence (1) and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open into the lobby are sprinklered, the fire separation between such occupancies and the lobby need not have a fire-resistance rating.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.8.6. Mezzanine Means of Egress  (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), the space above a mezzanine shall be served by no fewer than 2 means of egress leading to exits accessible at the mezzanine level on the same basis as floor areas. (2) One means of egress from a mezzanine is permitted where, (a) the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation, as permitted by Sentence 9.10.12.1.(2), (b) the occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than 60, (c) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits of Clause 9.9.7.4.(1)(a), and (d) the distance limits of Clause 9.9.7.4.(1)(b) measured along the path of travel, are not exceeded from any point on the mezzanine to, (i) an egress door serving the space that the mezzanine overlooks if the space is served by a single egress door, or (ii) an egress stairway leading to an access to exit in the space below if that space is required to be served by two or more egress doorways in conformance with Sentence 9.9.7.4.(1). (3) One of the means of egress from a mezzanine that is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence 9.10.12.1.(2) and that exceeds the limits of Sentence (2), is permitted to lead through the room in which the mezzanine is located provided all other means of egress from that mezzanine lead to exits accessible at the mezzanine level. (4) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the maximum travel distance from any point on a mezzanine to the nearest exit shall be not more than, (a) 40 m in a business and personal services occupancy, (b) 45 m in a floor area that is sprinklered provided it does not contain a high hazard industrial occupancy, or (c) 30 m in any floor area not referred to in Clauses (a) or (b). 9.9.9. Egress from Dwelling Units
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.9.1. Travel Limit to Exits or Egress Doors (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), every dwelling unit containing more than 1 storey shall have exits or egress doors located so that it shall not be necessary to travel up or down more than 1 storey to reach a level served by, (a) an egress door to a public corridor, enclosed exit stair or exterior passageway, or (b) an exit doorway not more than 1 500 mm above adjacent ground level. (2) Where a dwelling unit is not located above or below another suite, the travel limit from a floor level in the dwelling unit to an exit or egress door is permitted to exceed 1 storey where that floor level is served by an openable window or door, (a) providing an unobstructed opening of not less than 1 000 mm in height and 550 mm in width, and (b) located so that the sill is not more than, (i) 1 000 mm above the floor, and (ii) 7 m above adjacent ground level. (3) The travel limit from a floor level in a dwelling unit to an exit or egress door is permitted to exceed 1 storey where that floor level has direct access to a balcony.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.9.2. Two Separate Exits (1) Except as provided in Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1), 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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.9.3. Shared Egress Facilities (1) 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 1 suite, (b) a public corridor serving more than one suite served by a single exit stairway, (c) an exterior passageway more than 1 500 mm above adjacent ground level, serving more than one suite and served by a single exit stairway, or (d) a balcony more than 1 500 mm above adjacent ground level, serving more than one suite and served by a single exit stairway. 9.9.10. Signage
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.1. Application (1) This Subsection applies to all exits except those serving not more than 1 dwelling unit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.2. Visibility of Exits (1) Exits shall be located so as to be clearly visible or their locations shall be clearly indicated.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.3. Required Exit Signs (1) Except as required in Sentence (2), every exit door shall have an exit sign over or adjacent to it when the exit serves, (a) a 3 storey building, (b) a building with an occupant load greater than 150, or (c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress. (2) Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotel shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.4. Exit Direction Signs (1) Exit direction signs shall be placed in corridors and passageways where necessary to indicate the direction of exit travel.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.5. Visibility of Exit Signs (1) Exit signs shall be installed so as to be visible from the exit approach.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.6. Lettering (1) Exit signs shall have the word EXIT or the words EXIT/SORTIE in red letters on a contrasting background or a red background with contrasting letters when the sign is internally lighted, and white letters on a red background or red letters on a white background when the sign is externally lighted. (2) Lettering referred to in Sentence (1) shall be made with not less than 19 mm wide strokes and be not less than 150 mm high when the sign is externally lighted, and at least 114 mm high when the sign is internally lighted. (3) Where an exit sign having the word EXIT is installed in conformance with Sentence (1), an additional sign having the word SORTIE is permitted to be installed.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.7. Illumination (1) Illumination of exit signs required in Article 9.9.10.3. shall conform to Sentences 9.9.11.3.(2) and (3). (2) Where illumination of exit signs required in Article 9.9.10.3. is provided by an electrical circuit, that circuit shall serve no equipment other than emergency equipment.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.8. Signs for Stairs and Ramps at Exit Level (1) In buildings 3 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stairway that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall be clearly marked to indicate that it does not lead to an exit where the portion below exit level may be mistaken as the direction of exit travel.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.10.9. Floor Numbering (1) Arabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number shall be, (a) except in hotels, mounted permanently on the stair side of the wall at the latch side of doors to exit stair shafts, (b) in hotels, mounted permanently on each side of the exit doors to the exit stair shaft, (c) not less than 60 mm high, raised approximately 0.7 mm above the surface, (d) located 1 500 mm from the finished floor and not more than 300 mm from the door, and (e) contrasting in colour with the surface on which they are applied. 9.9.11. Lighting
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.11.1. Application (1) This Subsection applies to the lighting of all exits except those serving not more than 1 dwelling unit.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.11.2. 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.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.9.11.3. 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 not less than 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) Where incandescent lighting is provided, lighting equal to 1 W/m² of floor area shall be considered to meet the requirement in Sentence (4). (6) Where self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141-M, “Unit Equipment for Emergency Lighting”. Section 9.10. Fire Protection 9.10.1. Definitions and Application
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.10.1.3. Items Under Part 3 Jurisdiction (1) Tents, air-supported structures, transformer vaults, walkways, elevators and escalators shall conform to Part 3. (2) Where rooms or spaces are intended for an assembly occupancy, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3. (3) Basements containing more than 1 storey or exceeding 600 m2 in area shall conform to Part 3. (4) Where rooms or spaces are intended for the storage, manufacture or use of hazardous or explosive material, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3. (5) Reserved (6) Openings through floors that are not protected by shafts or closures shall be protected in conformance with Subsection 3.2.8. (7) Chutes and shafts shall conform to Subsection 3.6.3. except where they are contained entirely within a dwelling unit. (8) Where sprinkler, standpipe and hose systems are installed, they shall be installed in conformance with Part 3.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.10.1.4. Items Under Part 6 Jurisdiction (1) In kitchens containing commercial cooking equipment used in processes producing grease-laden vapours, the equipment shall be designed and installed in conformance with Part 6. (2) Where fuel-fired appliances are installed on a roof, such appliances shall be installed in conformance with Part 6. 9.10.2. Occupancy Classification
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.10.2.1. Occupancy Classification (1) Except as provided in Article 9.10.2.2., every building or part of it shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the groups or divisions described in Table 9.10.2.1. Table 9.10.2.1.   Occupancy Classifications Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.2.1.(1)  Column 1

Column 2

Column 3


Group

Division

Description of Major Occupancies


C

—

Residential occupancy


D

—

Business and personal services occupancies


E

—

Mercantile occupancies


F

2

Medium hazard industrial occupancies


F

3

Low hazard industrial occupancies (Does not include storage garages serving individual dwelling units)
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.10.2.2. Custodial and Convalescent Homes (1) Children's custodial homes and convalescent homes for ambulatory occupants living as a single housekeeping unit in a suite with sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons are permitted to be classified as residential occupancies (Group C).
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.10.2.3. Major Occupancies above Other Major Occupancies (1) Except as permitted in Article 9.10.2.4., in any building containing more than 1 major occupancy in which one major occupancy is located entirely above another, the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. for each portion of the building containing a major occupancy shall be applied to that portion as if the entire building was of that major occupancy.
Notes to Table 9.8.8.2.:
9.10.2.4. Buildings Containing More Than One Major Occupancy (1) In a building containing more than 1 major occupancy, where the aggregate area of all major occupancies in a particular group or division does not exceed 10% of the floor area on the storey on which they are located, they need not be considered as major occupancies for the purposes of Articles 9.10.8.1. and 9.10.2.3. provided they are not classified as Group F, Division 2 occupancies.