jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.3.13. Protection of Exit Facilities (1) Except as required by Sentence (3) and as permitted by Sentence 3.4.4.3.(1), if the plane of an exterior wall of an exit enclosure forms an angle less than 135° with the plane of an exterior wall of the building it serves, and an opening in the exterior wall of the exit enclosure could be exposed to fire from an opening in the exterior wall of the building, the opening in either the exterior wall of the exit or the exterior wall of the building shall be protected in conformance with the requirements of Sentence (4) where the opening in the exterior wall of the building is within 3 m horizontally and, (a) less than 10 m below an opening in the exterior wall of the exit, or (b) less than 2 m above an opening in the exterior wall of the exit. (2) If an unenclosed exterior exit stair or ramp could be exposed to fire from an opening in the exterior wall of the building it serves, the opening in the exterior wall of the building shall be protected in conformance with the requirements of Sentence (4) where the opening in the exterior wall of the building is within 3 m horizontally and, (a) less than 10 m below the exit stair or ramp, or (b) less than 5 m above the exit stair or ramp. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.4.4.3.(1), if an exterior exit door in one fire compartment is within 3 m horizontally of an 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 in conformance with the requirements of Sentence (4). (4) The opening protection referred to in Sentences (1) to (3) shall consist of, (a) glass block conforming to the requirements of Article 3.1.8.14., (b) a wired glass assembly conforming to Supplementary Standard SB-2, or (c) a closure conforming to the requirements of Subsection 3.1.8. and Articles 3.2.3.1. and 3.2.3.14.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.3.14. Wall Exposed to Another Wall (1) Except as required by Sentences (3) and 3.2.3.13.(1) or as permitted by Sentence 3.2.3.19.(4), if an unprotected opening in an exterior wall of a fire compartment is exposed to an unprotected opening in the exterior wall of another fire compartment, and the planes of the 2 walls are parallel or at an angle less than 135°, measured from the exterior of the building, the unprotected openings in the 2 fire compartments shall be separated by a distance not less than DO, where, DO = 2D – [(θ/90) x D] but in no case less than 1 000 mm, and D = the greater required limiting distance for the exposing building faces of the 2 fire compartments, and θ = the angle made by the intersecting planes of the exposing building faces of the 2 fire compartments (in the case where the exterior walls are parallel and face each other, θ = 0°). (2) The exterior wall of each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (1) within the distance, DO, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the interior vertical fire separation between the fire compartment and the remainder of the building. (3) Sentence (1) does not apply to unprotected openings of fire compartments within a building that is sprinklered, but shall apply to, (a) unprotected openings of fire compartments on opposite sides of a firewall, and (b) exposure from unprotected openings of a fire compartment that is not protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.3.15. Wall Exposed to Adjoining Roof (1) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.3.19.(4), if a wall in a building is exposed to a fire hazard from an adjoining roof of a separate fire compartment that is not sprinklered in the same building, and the exposed wall contains windows within 3 storeys vertically and 5 m horizontally of the roof, the roof shall contain no skylights within 5 m of the exposed wall.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.3.16. Protection of Soffits (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), where a common attic or roof space spans more than 2 suites of residential occupancy or more than 2 patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or Division 3 occupancy, and the common attic or roof space projects beyond the exterior wall of the building, the portion of any soffit or other surface enclosing the projection that is less than 2 500 mm vertically above a window or door and less than 1 200 mm from either side of the window or door, shall have no openings and shall be protected by, (a) noncombustible material, (i) not less than 0.38 mm thick, and (ii) having a melting point not below 650°C, (b) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum wallboard installed according to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application”, (c) not less than 11 mm thick plywood, (d) not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or (e) not less than 11 mm thick lumber. (2) Where an attic or roof space, including its adjoining eave overhangs, is separated by construction conforming to Article 3.1.11.7. into compartments such that the resulting spaces are not common to more than 2 suites of residential occupancy or more than 2 patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or Division 3 occupancy, the requirements in Sentence (1) do not apply. (3) If an eave overhang is completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by fire stopping, the requirements of Sentence (1) do not apply. (4) The protection required by Sentence (1) for projections is permitted to be omitted if, (a) the fire compartments behind the window and door openings are sprinklered in accordance with Article 3.2.5.13., and (b) all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding exceptions permitted in the standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.13. for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.3.17. Canopy Protection for Vertically Separated Openings (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), if a storey classified as a Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 major occupancy is required to be separated from the storey above by a fire separation, (a) every opening in the exterior wall of the lower storey that is located vertically below an opening in the storey above shall be separated from the storey above by a canopy projecting not less than 1 000 mm from the face of the building at the intervening floor level, and (b) the canopy required by Clause (a) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly but need not be more than 1 h, except as required elsewhere in this Subsection. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the canopy required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be omitted if the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 000 mm behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey. (3) The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived if sprinklers are installed in, (a) the lower storey referred to in Clause (1)(a), and (b) the storey immediately above the lower storey.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.3.18. Covered Vehicular Passageway (1) A covered vehicular passageway designed as a receiving or shipping area shall be separated from every building or part of a building adjoining it by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h. (2) A covered vehicular passageway constructed below grade shall be of noncombustible construction.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
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. (3) A walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible 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.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
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. 3.2.4. Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
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 medium hazard industrial occupancy or a low 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 4 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.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.2. Continuity of Fire Alarm System (1) 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.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
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 2 stage system in a Group B occupancy other than those described in Clause (c), (c) a single or 2 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 2 stage system in all other cases.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
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 2 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 2 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 4 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 4 times.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
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.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.6. 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 3.2.4.19.(9), and 3.2.4.22.(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 in Clause 3.2.4.22.(3)(a), in a care and treatment occupancy an alert signal is permitted to be silenced automatically after 1 min.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.7. 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., or (e) a building containing interconnected floor space required to conform to Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11. (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 2 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.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.8. Annunciator and Zone Indication (1) Except as permitted in 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) one 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) one storey, nor (ii) the system area limits as specified in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, (c) shaft required to be equipped with smoke detectors, (d) air handling system required to be equipped with smoke detectors, (e) contained use area, (f) impeded egress zone, (g) fire compartment required in Sentence 3.3.3.5.(2), and (h) 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 nursing home, a remote audiovisual fire alarm trouble signal shall be located at the main nursing station.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.9. Electrical Supervision (1) Electrical supervision shall be provided for a fire alarm system. (2) 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 fire fighting 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 fire fighting purposes. (3) In a building regulated by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6., the indication of a supervisory signal in accordance with Sentence (2) shall be transmitted to a proprietary control centre or to an independent central station.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.10. Fire Detectors (1) Fire detectors required by this Article shall be connected to the fire alarm system. (2) Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.15., if a fire alarm system is required, fire detectors shall be installed in, (a) storage rooms not within dwelling units, (b) service rooms not within dwelling units, (c) janitors’ rooms, (d) rooms in which hazardous substances are to be used or stored, (e) elevator and dumbwaiter shafts, (f) a laundry room in a building of residential occupancy, but not one within a dwelling unit, and (g) hazardous classrooms and change rooms in elementary and secondary schools.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.11. 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, and (f) Reserved (g) each corridor serving classrooms in elementary and secondary schools. (2) Except as provided in Article 3.2.4.15, 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 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.
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3.2.4.12. 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 one 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 (d) is not provided with fire-dampers as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.8.(8).
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3.2.4.13. Vacuum Cleaning System Shutdown (1) A central vacuum cleaning system in a building equipped with a fire alarm system shall be designed to shut down upon actuation of the fire alarm system.
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3.2.4.14. 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.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.15. Sprinklers in Lieu of Fire Detectors (1) Fire detectors required by Article 3.2.4.10. and heat detectors required by Sentence 3.2.4.11.(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 3.2.4.9.(2).
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.16. System Monitoring (1) An automatic sprinkler system shall be equipped with waterflow detecting devices and, if an annunciator is required by Article 3.2.4.8., shall be installed so that each device serves, (a) not more than one 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.
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3.2.4.17. 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, 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 Division 2 occupancies.
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3.2.4.18. Alert and Alarm Signals (1) In a 2 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 in Sentence (6), visual signal devices shall be installed in addition to audible signal devices, (a) in a building or portion of it intended for use primarily by persons with hearing impairment, (b) in a public corridor serving a Group A, B, D or E occupancy, (c) in a corridor used by the public and in a floor area or part of it where the public may congregate in Group A occupancy, and (d) in not less than 10% of the suites of a hotel or motel. (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 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency.
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3.2.4.20. Visual Signals (1) Visual signal devices required by Sentences 3.2.4.18.(4) and 3.2.4.19.(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 3.2.4.18.(5) shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the compartment in which they are installed.
Note to Table 3.1.13.7.:
3.2.4.21. Smoke Alarms (1) Smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, “Smoke Alarms”, shall be installed in each dwelling unit and, except for care or detention occupancies required to have a fire alarm system, in each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit. (2) At least one smoke alarm shall be installed on each storey and mezzanine of a dwelling unit. (3) On any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a smoke alarm shall be installed in a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway. (4) A smoke alarm shall be installed on or near the ceiling. (5) A smoke alarm shall be installed with permanent connections to an electrical circuit and shall have no disconnect switches between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm. (6) If more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be wired so that the actuation of one smoke alarm will cause all smoke alarms within the dwelling unit to sound. (7) A smoke alarm required by Sentence (1) shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S553, “Installation of Smoke Alarms”. (8) A manually operated device is permitted to be incorporated within the circuitry of a smoke alarm installed in a dwelling unit so that it will silence the signal emitted by the smoke alarm for a period of not more than 10 min, after which the smoke alarm will reset and again sound the alarm if the level of smoke in the vicinity is sufficient to reactuate the smoke alarm. (9) The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall be significantly different from the temporal patterns of alarm signals.
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3.2.4.22. Voice Communication Systems (1) A voice communication system required by Subsection 3.2.6. or Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f) shall consist of, (a) a 2-way communication system in each floor area, with connections to the central alarm and control facility and to the mechanical control centre, and (b) loudspeakers operated from the central alarm and control facility that are designed and located so as to be audible and the messages intelligible in all parts of the building, except that this requirement does not apply to 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 2 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 Clause (1)(b) shall be designed so that the alarm signal can be selectively transmitted to any zone or zones while maintaining an alert signal or selectively transmitting voice messages to any other zone or zones in the building. (5) The 2-way communication system referred to in Clause (1)(a) shall be installed so that emergency telephones are located in each floor area near exit stair shafts. 3.2.5. Provisions for Fire Fighting
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3.2.5.1. Access to Above Grade Storeys (1) Except for storeys below the first storey, direct access for fire fighting 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 1070 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 fire fighting as required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2.
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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 fire fighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 90 m, and (c) the unobstructed path of travel for the fire fighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 45 m. (3) The unobstructed path of travel for the fire fighter 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.
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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 fire fighting 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.
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3.2.5.7. Water Supply (1) An adequate water supply for fire fighting 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.
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3.2.5.8. Reserved
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3.2.5.9. Reserved
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3.2.5.10. Reserved
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3.2.5.11. Reserved
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3.2.5.12. Reserved
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3.2.5.13. Automatic Sprinkler Systems (1) Except as permitted 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) Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height”, 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 is not more than 4 storeys in building height, or (b) of Group B, Division 3 occupancy that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 persons and not more than 6 occupants require assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency. (3) Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Mobile 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 2 dwelling units. (4) If a building contains fewer than 9 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) Notwithstanding 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) Fast response sprinklers shall be installed in care or detention occupancies and in sprinklered residential occupancies. (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.
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3.2.5.14. Combustible Sprinkler Piping (1) Combustible sprinkler piping shall be used only for wet systems in residential occupancies and other light hazard occupancies. (2) Combustible sprinkler piping shall meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-199P-M, “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-M, “Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems”, and has been shown to meet the requirements in that document without additional protection.
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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 one 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 2 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 8 sprinkler heads are required to protect any room or bin based on a maximum coverage of 12 m2 per sprinkler head, (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 head 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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3.2.6.1. Application (1) 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, and (d) containing a Group C major occupancy whose floor level is more than 18 m above grade.