jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.3.5.5. Repair Garage Separation (1) A repair garage and any ancillary spaces serving it, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage areas and supervisory office space, shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.3.5.6. Storage Garage Separation (1) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.2.(4) and (5), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.3.5.7. Vestibules (1) If access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 1 or Group B occupancy, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (3). (2) In a building more than 3 storeys in building height, access through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 2, 3 or 4, or a Group C occupancy, shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (3). (3) If access is provided through a vestibule, as required by Sentences (1), (2) and 3.3.5.4.(1), the vestibule shall, (a) be not less than 1 800 mm long, (b) be ventilated, (i) naturally to outside air by a vent that has an unobstructed area of not less than 0.1 m2 for each door that opens into the vestibule but not less than 0.4 m², or (ii) mechanically at a rate of 14 m3/h for each square metre of vestibule floor surface area, and (c) have openings between the vestibule and an adjoining occupancy provided with self-closing doors with no hold-open devices.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.3.5.8. Toe-Boards Required (1) Where tools or other objects could fall from the floor of an upper level to a lower level in a room or space intended for use as a Group F occupancy, the edge of the floor at the upper level shall be provided with a toe-board extending from the floor surface to a height at least 125 mm above the floor surface. Section 3.4. Exits 3.4.1. General
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.1. Scope (1) Exit facilities complying with this Section shall be provided from every floor area that is intended for occupancy.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.2. Separation of Exits (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be separate from every other exit leading from that floor area. (2) If more than 2 exits are provided from a floor area, exits are permitted to converge in conformance with Sentence 3.4.3.1.(2), provided the cumulative capacity of the converging exits does not contribute more than 50% of the total required exit width for the floor area.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.3. Access to Exits (1) Access to exits shall conform to Section 3.3.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.4. Types of Exit (1) Subject to the requirements of 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 (conforming to Subsection 3.4.7.), (f) a horizontal exit, (g) an interior passageway, (h) an interior ramp, or (i) an interior stairway.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.5. Exterior Exit Passageways (1) Access to an exterior exit passageway from a floor area shall be through exit doors at the floor level. (2) Every exterior exit passageway that has a drop of more than 500 mm on any side shall have guards on the open sides not less than 1 070 mm high.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.6. Restricted Use of Horizontal Exits (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), horizontal exits shall not comprise more than one half of the required number of exits from any floor area. (2) In a hospital or nursing home, horizontal exits serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms shall comprise not more than two thirds of the required number of exits from any floor area. (3) Where an elementary or secondary school is subdivided by a firewall, a horizontal exit shall not serve as an exit but is permitted to serve as an access to exit.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.7. Slide Escapes (1) A slide escape shall not be erected on any building as a required exit, but is permitted to be provided as an additional egress facility if unusual hazards are foreseen.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.8. Transparent Doors and Panels (1) Glass and transparent panels in an exit shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Article 3.3.1.18. for glass and transparent panels in an access to exit.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.9. Mirrors near Exits (1) No mirror shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in a manner that would confuse the direction of exit.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.10. Combustible Glazing in Exits (1) Combustible glazing is not permitted in wall or ceiling assemblies or in closures used to construct an exit enclosure.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.1.11. Exterior Stairway for Nursing Home (1) No open exterior stairway shall serve as a means of egress for residents above the second floor of a nursing home. 3.4.2. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4) and (6), every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least 2 exits. (2) A floor area in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit provided the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than 60 and, (a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered, the floor area and the travel distance are not more than the values in Table 3.4.2.1.A., or (b) in a floor area that is sprinklered, (i) the travel distance is not more than 25 m, and (ii) the floor area is not more than the value in Table 3.4.2.1.B. Table 3.4.2.1.A.   Criteria for One Exit, Floor Area not Sprinklered Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)  Column 1

Column 2

Column 3


Occupancy of Floor Area

Maximum Floor Area, m2

Maximum Travel Distance, m


Group A

150

15


Group C

100

15


Group D

200

25


Group E

150

15


Group F, Division 2

150

10


Group F, Division 3

200

15 (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if Sentence (2) permits a single exit from a floor area classified as Group B or Group C occupancy, the exit shall be an exterior doorway not more than 1 500 mm above adjacent ground level. Table 3.4.2.1.B.   Criteria for One Exit, Floor Area Sprinklered Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)  Column 1

Column 2


Occupancy of Floor Area

Maximum Floor Area, m2


Group A

200


Group B

100


Group C

150


Group D

300


Group E

200


Group F, Division 2

200


Group F, Division 3

300 (4) The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived for dwelling units having access to exit conforming to Sentences 3.3.4.4.(1) to (4) and (9). (5) Exits are not required directly from rooftop enclosures that are provided with access to exits in conformance with Sentences 3.3.1.3.(5) and (6). (6) Every room containing an assembly occupancy serving a hotel, and located in the building containing the hotel, shall be provided with no fewer than, (a) 3 separate egress doorways from the room where the occupant load is more than 600 persons, and (b) 4 separate egress doorways from the room where the occupant load is more than 1000 persons. (7) Each egress doorway in Sentence (6) shall be considered as contributing not more than, (a) one third of the required width where 3 egress doorways are required, and (b) one fourth of the required width where 4 egress doorways are required.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.2.2. Mezzanine Exiting (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), a mezzanine shall be provided with exits on the same basis as required for floor areas by this Section. (2) A mezzanine need not conform to Sentence (1) provided Article 3.2.8.2. does not require it to terminate at a vertical fire separation. (3) In a floor area that is not sprinklered, a mezzanine need not conform to Sentence (1) where Article 3.2.8.1. does require it to terminate at a vertical fire separation provided the total occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than 60 and, (a) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits for rooms and suites in Table 3.3.1.5.A., and (b) the distance limits in Table 3.3.1.5.A. are not exceeded from any point on the mezzanine to, (i) the egress doorway from the room in which the mezzanine is located if that room has a single egress doorway, or (ii) an egress facility leading from the mezzanine if the room in which the mezzanine is located has 2 egress doorways provided in conformance with Subsection 3.3.1. (4) In a floor area that is sprinklered, a mezzanine need not conform to Sentence (1) where Article 3.2.8.1. does require it to terminate at a vertical fire separation provided the total occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than 60 and, (a) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits for rooms and suites in Table 3.3.1.5.B., and (b) the distance of travel is not more than 25 m when measured from any point on the mezzanine to, (i) the egress doorway from the room in which the mezzanine is located if that room has a single egress doorway, or (ii) an egress facility leading from the mezzanine if the room in which the mezzanine is located has 2 egress doorways provided in conformance with Subsection 3.3.1.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.2.3. Distance between Exits (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the least distance between 2 required exits from a floor area shall be, (a) one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but need not be more than 9 m for a floor area having a public corridor, or (b) one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9 m for all other floor areas. (2) Exits need not comply with Sentence (1) where, (a) the floor area is divided so that not less than one third of the floor area is on each side of the fire separation, and (b) it is necessary to pass through the fire separation to travel from one exit to another exit. (3) The minimum distance between exits referred to in Sentence (1) shall be the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the exits, assuming that the smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.2.4. Travel Distance (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), 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 travel to the exit. (2) The travel distance from a suite or a room not within a suite is permitted to be measured from an egress door of the suite or room to the nearest exit provided, (a) the suite or room is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation, (i) having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min in a floor area that is not sprinklered, or (ii) that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, in a floor area that is sprinklered, and (b) the egress door opens onto, (i) an exterior passageway, (ii) a corridor used by the public that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with the requirements in Article 3.3.1.4. for the separation of public corridors, or (iii) a public corridor that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with Article 3.3.1.4. (3) Travel distance to an exit shall be not more than 50 m from any point in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(9). (4) If there is a firewall in an elementary or secondary school, the travel distance shall not be measured to a door in the firewall, but shall be measured to an exterior exit door or an exit door to a stairway.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.2.5. Location of Exits (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), 3.2.8.4.(4) and 3.3.2.4.(13) to (16), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, the exits shall be located so that the travel distance to at least one exit shall be not more than, (a) 25 m in a high hazard industrial occupancy, (b) 40 m in a business and personal services occupancy, (c) 45 m in a floor area that contains an occupancy other than a high hazard industrial occupancy, provided it is sprinklered, (d) 105 m in any floor area, served by a public corridor, in which rooms and suites are not separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation, provided, (i) the public corridor is not less than 9 m wide, (ii) the ceiling height in the public corridor is not less than 4 m above all floor surfaces, (iii) the building is sprinklered, and (iv) not more than one half of the required egress doorways from a room or suite open into the public corridor if the room or suite is required to have more than one egress doorway, (e) 60 m in any storage garage that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.2.2.83., and (f) 30 m in any floor area other than those referred to in Clauses (a) to (e). (2) Except for a high hazard industrial occupancy, Sentence (1) need not apply if exits are placed along the perimeter of the floor area and are not more than 60 m apart, measured along the perimeter, provided each main aisle in the floor area leads directly to an exit. (3) Exits shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their locations are clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.2.6. Principal Entrance (1) For the purposes of this Section, at least one door at every principal entrance from ground level shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for exits. 3.4.3. Width and Height of Exits
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.3.1. Exit Width Based on Occupant Load (1) For the purpose of determining the aggregate width of exits, the occupant load of every room or floor area shall be determined in conformance with Subsection 3.1.17. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.4.3.2.(4), the required exit width shall be cumulative if 2 or more exits converge.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.3.2. Exit Width (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the minimum aggregate required width of exits serving floor areas intended for assembly occupancies, residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies, mercantile occupancies, and industrial occupancies shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by, (a) 6.1 mm per person for ramps with a slope of not more than 1 in 8, doorways, corridors and passageways, (b) 8 mm per person for a stair consisting of steps whose rise is not more than 180 mm and whose run is not less than 280 mm, or (c) 9.2 mm per person for, (i) ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 8, or (ii) stairs, other than stairs conforming to Clause (b). (2) The minimum aggregate width of exits serving floor areas intended for a care or detention occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by 18.4 mm per person. (3) The minimum aggregate width of means of egress serving a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by, (a) 1.8 mm per person for, (i) aisles, (ii) stairs other than exit stairs, and (iii) ramps and passageways in vomitories and exits, and (b) 2.4 mm per person for exit stairs. (4) Except as required by Sentence (5), the required exit width need not be cumulative in an exit serving 2 or more floor areas located one above the other. (5) The required exit width for an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serving more than one balcony level shall conform to the appropriate requirements for stairs serving interconnected floor spaces in Article 3.2.8.4. (6) If more than one exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not more than one half of the required exit width. (7) The width of an exit shall be not less than, (a) 1 100 mm for corridors and passageways, (b) 1 100 mm for ramps not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, (c) 1 100 mm for stairs, not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, that serve more than two storeys above the lowest exit level or more than one storey below the lowest exit level, (d) 900 mm for stairs, not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, that serve not more than two storeys above the lowest exit level or not more than one storey below the lowest exit level, (e) 1650 mm for stairs and ramps serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, (f) 1 050 mm for doorways serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, and (g) 790 mm for doorways not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.3.3. Exits from Interconnected Floor Space (1) Exit stairs that serve interconnected floor spaces as provided in Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11. shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.2.8.4. and in this Section.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.3.4. Exit Width Reduction (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), no fixture, turnstile or construction shall project into or be fixed within the required width of an exit. (2) Exit doors shall be hung so that, when open, they shall neither diminish nor obstruct the required width of the exit by more than 50 mm for each door leaf. (3) Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the required width of exit stairs or landings to less than 750 mm or reduce the width of an exit passageway to less than the minimum required width. (4) Handrails and construction below handrails are permitted to project into the required width of means of egress but the projections shall be not more than 100 mm on each side of the required width. (5) In an elementary or secondary school, where a stair lift is installed in an exit stair, an intermediate handrail shall be installed between the path of travel of the stair lift and the remainder of the stair to ensure that the stair lift will not reduce the required width of the exit stair.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.3.5. Headroom Clearance (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), every exit shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 2 100 mm. (2) The headroom clearance for stairways measured vertically above any landing or the nosing of any stair tread shall be not less than 2 050 mm. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), the headroom clearance for doorways shall be not less than 2 030 mm. (4) No door closer or other device shall be installed so as to reduce the headroom clearance of a doorway to less than 1 980 mm. 3.4.4. Fire Separation of Exits
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.4.1. Fire-Resistance Rating of Exit Separations (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (4), 3.3.5.4.(3), 3.4.4.2.(2), 3.4.4.3.(1) and 3.13.3.1.(3), every exit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required by Subsection 3.2.2., but not less than 45 min, for, (a) the floor assembly above the storey, or (b) the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above. (2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation referred to in Sentence (1) need not be more than 2 h. (3) If an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serves more than one balcony level, the exit stair shall be separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentence (1). (4) The path of exit travel may lead from an exit door or exit enclosure through open air parking that is located below a roof or floor assembly that is part of the building served by the exit door or exit enclosure where, (a) the portion of the path of exit travel that leads through the open air parking is not more than 9 m in length measured from the exit door to a point at ground level at the perimeter of the building, (b) measures are taken to prevent vehicles intended to park in spaces adjacent to the path of exit travel from encroaching on the path of exit travel, and (c) an alternate means of egress not leading through the open air parking is available from the interior side of the door opening onto the path of exit travel through the open air parking area.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.4.2. Exits through Lobbies (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), no exit from a floor area above or below the first storey shall lead through a lobby. (2) Not more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby provided, (a) the lobby floor is not more than 4.5 m above grade, (b) the path of travel through the lobby to the outdoors is not more than 15 m, (c) the adjacent rooms or premises having direct access to the lobby do not contain a residential occupancy or an industrial occupancy, except that dwelling units may open directly onto the lobby where, (i) from the interior of the exit stair that opens onto the lobby there is alternate means of egress not leading through the lobby and such means of egress is entirely within the same storey as the lobby, or (ii) the floor area is sprinklered, (d) except as required by Clause (g), the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space other than as described in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(6), (e) the lobby conforms to the requirements for exits, except that, (i) rooms other than service rooms and storage rooms are permitted to open onto the lobby, (ii) the fire separation between the lobby and a room used for the sole purpose of control and supervision of the building need not have a fire-resistance rating, (iii) the fire separation between the lobby and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open onto the lobby need not have a fire-resistance rating provided the lobby and adjacent occupancies are sprinklered, and (iv) passenger elevator entrances are permitted to open onto the lobby provided the elevator entrance doors are designed to remain closed except while loading and unloading, (f) a fire separation, constructed in accordance with Sentence 3.4.4.1.(1), is maintained between the lobby and any exit permitted by this Sentence to lead through the lobby, and (g) that if the exit serves a hotel, the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.4.3. Exterior Passageway Exceptions (1) The requirements of Sentences 3.4.4.1.(1) and 3.2.3.13.(1) and (3) do not apply to an exterior exit passageway provided, (a) not less than 50% of the exterior side is open to the outdoors, and (b) an exit stair is provided at each end of the passageway.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.4.4. Integrity of Exits (1) A fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except for, (a) standpipe and sprinkler piping, (b) electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit, (c) openings required by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6., (d) exit doorways, (e) wired glass and glass block permitted by Article 3.1.8.14., and (f) a sprinkler protected glazed wall assembly conforming to Article 3.1.8.18. (2) Exits within scissors stairs and other contiguous exit stairways shall be separated from each other by a smoke-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly through which they pass. (3) Fire separations separating contiguous stairs described in Sentence (2) shall not be pierced by doorways, ductwork, piping or any other openings that affect the continuity of the separation. (4) A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in an exit. (5) An exit shall not be used as a plenum for a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system. (6) An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit is permitted also to be designed to serve as an access to a floor area. (7) A service room shall not open directly into an exit. (8) Storage rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and similar ancillary rooms shall not open directly into an exit. (9) Service spaces referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(9) shall not open directly into an exit. (10) In elementary and secondary schools, an exit shall be designed so that it does not serve as an access from one portion of a floor area to another portion of the same floor area. 3.4.5. Exit Signs
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.5.1. Exit Signage (1) Except as provided in Sentences (7) and (9), every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it if the exit serves, (a) a building more than 2 storeys in building height, (b) a building having an occupant load more than 150, or (c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (8), every exit sign shall, (a) be visible from the exit approach, (b) have the word EXIT or the words EXIT/SORTIE displayed in plain legible letters, and (c) be illuminated continuously while the building is occupied. (3) Exit signs shall consist of red letters on a contrasting background or a red background with contrasting letters, with the letters having a 19 mm stroke and a height not less than, (a) 114 mm when internally illuminated, and (b) 150 mm when externally illuminated. (4) If illumination of an exit sign is provided from an electrical circuit, that circuit shall, (a) serve no equipment other than emergency equipment, and (b) be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentence 3.2.7.4.(1) (5) If necessary, the direction of egress in public corridors and passageways shall be indicated by a sign conforming to Sentences (2) to (4) with a suitable arrow or pointer indicating the direction of egress. (6) Except for egress doorways described in Sentence 3.3.2.3.(4), an exit sign conforming to Sentences (2) to (4) shall be placed over or adjacent to every egress doorway from rooms with an occupant load more than 60 in Group A, Division 1 occupancies, dance halls, licensed beverage establishments and other similar occupancies that, when occupied, have lighting levels below the level that would provide easy identification of the egress doorway. (7) 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. (8) If an exit sign having the word EXIT is installed in conformance with this Article, an additional sign displaying the word SORTIE is permitted to be installed. (9) An exit sign is not required within a suite containing 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.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.5.2. Signs within Exit Facilities (1) In a building more than 2 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stair that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall be clearly marked by a sign indicating that it does not lead to an exit. (2) An exit stair serving a building more than 6 storeys in building height shall be clearly marked by signs indicating that it does not lead to an exit at the roof level. 3.4.6. Types of Exit Facilities
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.1. Slip Resistance of Ramps and Stairs (1) The surfaces of ramps, landings and treads, (a) shall have a finish that is slip resistant, and (b) if accessible to the public, shall have either a colour contrast or a distinctive pattern to demarcate the leading edge of the tread and the leading edge of the landing, as well as the beginning and end of a ramp. (2) Treads and landings of exterior exit stairs shall be designed to be free of ice and snow accumulations if the stairs, (a) are more than 10 m high, or (b) serve a hotel.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.2. Minimum Number of Risers (1) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.3.2.13.(1), every flight of interior stairs shall have no fewer than 3 risers.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.3. Landings and Maximum Vertical Rise of Stair Flights (1) No flight of stairs shall have a vertical rise of more than 3.7 m between floors or landings, except that a flight of stairs serving as an exit in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall have a vertical rise not more than 2 400 mm between floors or landings. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (6), the length and width of a landing shall be at least the width of the stairway in which it occurs, except that in a straight run the length of the landing need not be more than 1 100 mm. (3) Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through a side wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp, and for a distance of 300 mm on either side of the wall opening, or on one side if the opening abuts on an end wall. (4) Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through an end wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp and along its length for not less than 900 mm. (5) A landing shall be provided at the top and bottom of every flight of stairs or section of a ramp. (6) Where the direction of exit travel changes at a landing, the landing is permitted to be chamfered or curved in plan, provided the required width of the stair is maintained where measured perpendicular to the direction of exit travel across the landing.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.4. Handrails (1) A stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1 100 mm or more in width, shall have handrails on both sides. (2) If the required width of a ramp or flight of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrails continuous between landings shall be provided, and located so that there will be not more than 1 650 mm between handrails. (3) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length and shall have, (a) a circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than 43 mm, or (b) any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 125 mm and whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 45 mm. (4) Handrails on stairs and ramps shall be not less than 865 mm and not more than 965 mm high, measured vertically from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosing or from the surface of the ramp, except that handrails not meeting these requirements are permitted provided they are installed in addition to the required handrail. (5) Except as required by Sentence (11) and except where interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction, at least one handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of a stairway or ramp, including landings. (6) Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. (7) At least one handrail shall, (a) in the case of a stair, (i) extend horizontally at the required height, not less than 300 mm beyond the top riser, and (ii) continue to slope for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser followed by a 300 mm horizontal extension, and (b) in the case of a ramp, extend horizontally at the required height, not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom edges of the incline. (8) The clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less than 50 mm. (9) Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values obtained from the nonconcurrent application of, (a) a concentrated load not less than 0.9 kN applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails, and (b) a uniform load not less than 0.7 kN/m applied in any direction to handrails not located within dwelling units. (10) A ramp shall have handrails on both sides. (11) In a nursing home, a home for the aged and a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, a continuous handrail shall be provided on both sides of a stairway throughout the length of the stairway, including landings, except where a handrail is interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.5. Guards (1) Every exit shall have a wall or a well-secured guard on each side. (2) Except as required by Sentence (4), the height of guards for exit stairs shall be not less than 920 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings and 1 070 mm around landings. (3) Exit ramps and their landings shall be protected with guards not less than 1 070 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the ramp surface where the difference in elevation between the adjacent ground or floor level and the ramp is more than 600 mm. (4) The height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above adjacent ground level shall be not less than 1 500 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing or a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings. (5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (6) Openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) and that is installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (7) In a stairway, a window for which the distance measured vertically between the bottom of the window and a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings is less than 900 mm, or a window that extends to less than 1 070 mm above the landing, shall, (a) be protected by a guard that is, (i) located approximately 900 mm above a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or (ii) not less than 1 070 mm high measured to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing, or (b) be fixed in position and designed to resist the lateral design loads specified for guards and walls in Articles 4.1.5.15. and 4.1.5.17. (8) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a hazard, a guard shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the level being protected by the guard will facilitate climbing.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.6. Ramp Slope (1) Except as required for aisles by Article 3.3.2.4., the maximum slope of a ramp shall be, (a) 1 in 10 in any assembly occupancy, care or detention occupancy or residential occupancy, (b) 1 in 6 in rooms or floor areas classified as mercantile occupancy or industrial occupancy, (c) 1 in 8 in any other floor area, and (d) 1 in 10 for an exterior ramp.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.7. Treads and Risers (1) Except as permitted for dwelling units and by Sentence 3.4.7.5.(1) for fire escapes, steps for stairs shall have a run of not less than 255 mm and not more than 355 mm between successive steps. (2) Steps for stairs referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a rise between successive treads not less than 125 mm and not more than 200 mm. (3) Treads and risers in every exit stair, except a fire escape stair, shall have uniform run and rise in any one flight, and shall not alter significantly in run and rise in successive flights in any stair system. (4) Except as permitted by Sentence (6), the leading edge of a stair tread shall have either a radius or a bevel between 6 mm and 10 mm in horizontal dimension. (5) The front edge of stair treads in exits and public access to exits shall be at right angles to the direction of exit travel. (6) If resilient material is used to cover the leading edge of a stair tread, the minimum radius or bevel required by Sentence (4) is permitted to be reduced to 3 mm.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.8. Curved Stairs (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), tapered treads shall not be used in an exit. (2) A curved stair used as an exit shall have, (a) a handrail on each side, (b) treads with a minimum run of 240 mm exclusive of nosings, (c) treads that conform to Article 3.4.6.7. where they are measured 230 mm away from the handrail at the narrow end of the tread, and (d) an inside radius that is not less than twice the stair width.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.9. Horizontal Exits (1) Except in an elementary or secondary school that is subdivided by a firewall, the floor area on each side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupants of both floor areas, allowing not less than 0.5 m2 of clear floor space per person, except that 1.5 m2 shall be provided for each person in a wheelchair and 2.5 m2 for each patient in bed. (2) If vestibules, enclosed balconies or bridges are used as parts of a horizontal exit, their clear width shall be not less than that of the exit doorways opening into them, except that handrails are not permitted to project into this clear width more than 100 mm. (3) In a horizontal exit where there is a difference in level between the connected floor areas, slopes not more than those specified for ramps in Article 3.4.6.6. are permitted to be used. (4) No stairs or steps shall be used at a horizontal exit. (5) If 2 doors are provided in a horizontal exit that comprises a part of the required number of exits from the floor areas on both sides of the exit, (a) the doors shall be mounted adjacent to each other with the door on the right side in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit swinging in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit, and (b) signs shall be provided on each side of the horizontal exit to indicate the door that swings in the direction of travel from that side. (6) If a horizontal exit utilizes bridges between buildings or outside balconies, the bridges or balconies shall conform to Article 3.2.3.19. (7) Any change in floor level from one side of a horizontal exit to the other side shall not exceed 2 000 mm.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.10. Doors (1) The distance between a stair riser and the leading edge of a door during its swing shall be not less than 300 mm. (2) No exit door shall open directly onto a step except that, if there is danger of blockage from ice or snow, an exit door is permitted to open onto not more than one step which shall be not more than 150 mm high. (3) Exit doors shall be clearly identifiable (4) No door leaf in an exit doorway with more than one leaf shall be less than 600 mm wide.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.11. Direction of Door Swing (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (3) and Article 3.4.6.13., every exit door shall, (a) open in the direction of exit travel, and (b) swing on its vertical axis. (2) A door serving a single dwelling unit shall swing on its vertical axis. (3) Except in a high hazard industrial occupancy, 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.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.12. Self-Closing Devices (1) An exit door that is normally required to be kept closed, (a) shall be provided with a self-closing mechanism, and (b) shall not be secured in an open position except as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.12.(1).
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.13. Sliding Doors (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2) an exit door leading directly to outdoors at ground level is permitted to be a sliding door provided it is released in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.11.(1). (2) An exit door serving a Group B, Division 1 occupancy, or an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, is permitted to be a sliding door that does not conform to Sentence 3.3.1.11.(1) provided it is designed to be released in conformance with Article 3.3.1.12.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.14. Revolving Doors (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a revolving door, if used, shall, (a) be collapsible, (b) have hinged doors providing equivalent exiting capacity located adjacent to it, (c) be used as an exit from the ground floor level only, (d) be not less than 3 m from the foot of any stairway, and (e) have all glass in door leaves and enclosure panels conforming to, (i) CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass”, or (ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass”. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a revolving door shall not be considered to have an exiting capacity for more than 45 persons. (3) An electrically powered revolving door is not required to conform to Sentences (1) and (2) provided, (a) the door leaves will collapse and stop automatic rotation of the door system and not obstruct the doorway if a force not more than that specified in Sentence 3.4.6.15.(2) is applied at the centre of a door leaf, (b) the door leaves are capable of being opened from inside the building without requiring keys, special devices, or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism, (c) the allowable exiting capacity is based on the clear width of passage through the door enclosure when the doors are fully collapsed, (d) a permanent sign, whose centreline is between 1 000 mm and 1 500 mm above the floor, is placed on each face of each door leaf indicating the method for collapsing the door leaf in an emergency, and (e) glass used for door leaves and enclosure panels is safety glass conforming to, (i) CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass”, or (ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass”.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.17. Emergency Access to Floor Areas (1) In a building more than 6 storeys in building height, (a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), doors providing access to floor areas from exit stairs shall not have locking devices to prevent entry into, (i) any floor area designated as an area of refuge, (ii) floor areas located at intervals of 5 storeys or less, and (iii) at least one of the three highest storeys, (b) doors referred to in Clause (a) that provide access into the floor area shall be identified by a sign on the stairway side to indicate that they are openable from that side, and (c) a master key to fit all door locking devices that are intended to prevent entry into a floor area from an exit stair shall be provided in a designated location accessible to fire fighters, or the door shall be provided with a wired glass panel not less than 0.0645 m2 in area and located not more than 300 mm from the door opening hardware. (2) If access to floor areas through unlocked doors is required by Clause (1)(a) or through electromagnetically locked doors as permitted by Sentence (3), it shall be possible for a person entering the floor area to have access through unlocked doors or through electromagnetically locked doors within the floor area to at least one other exit. (3) Electromagnetic locking devices may be installed on the doors providing access to floor areas from exit stairs as required by Clause (1)(a), provided all locking device release and signage provisions in Sentence 3.4.6.15.(4) are installed on both sides of the doors. (4) In a building not more than 6 storeys in building height, doors providing access from exit stairs to a floor area containing a hotel are permitted to have locking devices to prevent entry into the floor area provided the requirements in Clause (1)(c) are complied with.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.6.18. Floor Numbering (1) Arabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number shall, (a) be mounted permanently on each side of doors to exit stair shafts, (b) be not less than 60 mm high, raised approximately 0.7 mm above the surface, (c) be located 1 500 mm from the finished floor, and (d) be contrasting in colour with the surface to which they are applied. (2) Upper case letters indicating the designation assigned to each exit stair shaft shall be mounted permanently on each side of doors to the exit stair shaft and shall, (a) be not less than 60 mm high, raised approximately 0.7 mm above the surface, (b) be located 1 500 mm from the finished floor, and (c) be contrasting in colour with the surface on which they are applied. 3.4.7. Fire Escapes
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.1. Scope (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), fire escapes shall not be erected on a building. (2) If it is impracticable to provide one or more of the exit facilities listed in Article 3.4.1.4., fire escapes conforming to Articles 3.4.7.2. to 3.4.7.7. are permitted to serve floor areas in an existing building provided the floor areas served are, (a) not in an elementary or secondary school, (b) not more than 2 storeys above ground level in care or detention occupancies, and (c) not more than 5 storeys above ground level in other occupancies.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.2. Fire Escape Construction (1) Fire escapes shall be of metal or concrete, of the stair type extending to ground level, constructed throughout in a strong substantial manner and securely fixed to the building, except that wooden fire escapes are permitted to be used on buildings of combustible construction if all posts and brackets are not less than 89 mm in their least dimension and all other woodwork is not less than 38 mm in its least dimension.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.3. Access to Fire Escapes (1) Access to fire escapes shall be from corridors through doors at floor level, except that access from a dwelling unit is permitted to be through a casement window having an unobstructed opening not less than 1 100 mm high by 550 mm wide with a sill height of not more than 900 mm above the inside floor. (2) The clear area of a fire escape balcony onto which a door opens, shall be not less than 1 m2.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.4. Protection of Fire Escapes (1) If a fire escape serves any storey above the second, openings located in a zone described in Sentence (2), including access doorways in the exterior walls of the building to which the fire escape is attached, shall be protected by closures conforming to Subsection 3.1.8. (2) The zone referred to in Sentence (1) extends from any balcony, platform or stairway of a fire escape to a distance, (a) 3 m horizontally, (b) 10 m below, and (c) 1 800 mm above.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.5. Stairs (1) Stairs shall be inclined at an angle of not more than 45° with the horizontal, and their steps shall have risers not more than 210 mm high and treads not less than 220 mm wide exclusive of nosing. (2) Stairway headroom shall be not less than 1 950 mm plus the height of one riser measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform. (3) The width of a fire escape shall conform to Articles 3.4.3.1., 3.4.3.2. and 3.4.3.4., except that the width is permitted to be reduced to 550 mm provided the fire escape serves, (a) not more than 3 storeys, and (b) not more than 15 persons. (4) If a flight of stairs leading to the ground at the foot of a fire escape is not fixed in position, it shall, (a) be held in the raised position without a latch or locking device, (b) be fitted with a counterbalancing device, (c) be easily and quickly brought into position for use, and (d) reach the ground in the lowered position.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.6. Guards and Railings (1) The open sides of every platform, balcony and stairway forming part of a fire escape shall be protected by guards not less than 920 mm high measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform. (2) The top rail of a guard is permitted to serve as a handrail if it is free from obstructions that could break a handhold. (3) A wall handrail shall be installed if the fire escape is more than 550 mm wide. (4) Openings through any guard that is required by Sentence (1) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (5) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a hazard, a guard for a fire escape shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above a platform or the nosing of any tread will facilitate climbing.
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.4.7.7. Landings (1) Platforms for a fire escape shall be provided in conformance with the requirements for stair landings in Article 3.4.6.3. Section 3.5. Vertical Transportation 3.5.1. General
Note to Table 3.3.1.5.B.:
3.5.1.1. Scope (1) This Section applies to vertical transportation facilities installed in a building, including elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters. (2) Elevators in a building within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. shall conform to Articles 3.2.6.4. and 3.2.6.5. 3.5.2. Elevator Requirements