jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
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.(2)(a), in a care and treatment occupancy an alert signal is permitted to be silenced automatically after 1 min.
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) If a fire alarm system is installed, an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed to notify the fire department, in conformance with Sentence (4), that a waterflow switch has been actuated. (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) Except as permitted by Sentence (5), signals to the fire department shall be by way of (a) an independent central station conforming to NFPA-71, “Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Signaling Systems for Central Station Service”, (b) a proprietary control centre conforming to Chapter 4 of NFPA-72, “Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Protective Signaling Systems”, (c) a central station conforming to ULC/ORD-C693-1994, “Central Station Fire Protective Signaling Systems and Services”, or (d) the municipal fire alarm system. (5) If the facilities referred to in Sentence (4) are not available in the municipality in which the building is to be built, an independent system is permitted to be used to transmit signals to the fire department. (6) If a single stage fire alarm system or a local group of sprinklers has been installed and Sentence (1) does not require provision to transmit a signal to the fire department, a legible notice, that is not easily removed, shall be affixed to the wall near each manual pull station with wording that the fire department is to be notified in the event of a fire emergency and including the emergency telephone number for the municipality or the telephone number of the fire department.
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, “Standard for the 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) Notwithstanding the requirements for an annunciator in this Article (a) all fire alarm systems shall include a main control unit to which all signal and supervision circuits shall report, either directly or by means of transponders, and (b) each annunciator or trouble signal device shall be connected to the main control unit. (8) Reserved (9) 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. (10) In a nursing home, a remote audiovisual fire alarm trouble signal shall be located at the main nursing station.
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.
3.2.4.10. 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.
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.
3.2.4.12. 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).
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.
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.
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).
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, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”. (2) Waterflow detecting devices required by Sentence (1) shall be connected to initiate an alert signal or an alarm signal on the fire alarm system if a fire alarm is provided.
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 Sentences (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 Sentences (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.
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) In a building or portion thereof intended for use primarily by persons with hearing impairment, visual signal devices shall be installed in addition to audible signal devices. (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.
3.2.4.19. Audibility of Alarm Systems (1) Except as permitted in Sentence 3.2.4.18.(5), audible signal devices forming part of a fire alarm system shall be installed in a building so that alert signals and alarm signals are clearly audible throughout the floor area in which they are installed. (2) The temporal pattern of an alarm signal shall conform to the temporal pattern defined in Clause 4.2 of International Standard ISO 8201, “Acoustics — Audible emergency evacuation signal”. (3) The signals from smoke alarms and the patterns of alert signals shall be sufficiently different from the signals or patterns of alarm signals that there is no possibility of confusion. (4) In all normally occupied spaces, the fire alarm signal sound pressure level (a) shall be not more than 100 dBA when measured at a distance of 3 m from the device, or (b) is permitted to be more than 100 dBA provided the sound pressure level measured 2 000 mm above the floor level is not more than 100 dBA. (5) The sound pressure level in a sleeping room from a fire alarm audible signal device shall be not less than 75 dBA in a building of residential occupancy when any intervening doors between the device and the sleeping room are closed. (6) The sound pressure level from a fire alarm audible signal device in a floor area used for occupancies other than residential occupancies shall be not less than 10 dBA above the ambient noise level, but with a minimum value not less than 65 dBA. (7) Fire alarm audible signal devices shall be supplemented by visual signal devices in any floor area in which (a) the ambient noise level is more than 87 dBA, or (b) the occupants of the floor area (i) use ear protective devices, (ii) are located within an audiometric booth, or (iii) are located within sound insulated enclosures. (8) Sentence (7) shall also apply in an assembly occupancy in which music and other sounds associated with performances could exceed 100 dBA. (9) A fire alarm audible signal device located within a dwelling unit shall incorporate a means that enables the device to be silenced for a period of not more than 10 min, after which the device shall restore to normal operation. (10) A fire alarm audible signal device located within a dwelling unit or a suite of residential occupancy shall be connected to the fire alarm system in a manner that disconnection of, or damage to, that device will not interfere with the ability of devices in other dwelling units, public corridors, or suites to sound an alarm. (11) Reserved (12) Fire alarm audible signal devices shall be installed in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(7) and shall be connected to the fire alarm system.
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 thereof in which they are installed. (2) In addition to the requirements for fire alarm and detection systems in this Subsection, visual signals from smoke detectors required in sleeping rooms of Group B occupancy shall be provided so that staff serving those rooms can easily identify the room or location of fire alarm initiation. (3) Visual signal devices permitted by Sentence 3.2.4.18.(5) shall be installed so that the signal from not less than one device is visible throughout the compartment in which they are installed.
3.2.4.21. Smoke Alarms (1) Smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531-M, “Standard for 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-M, “Standard for the 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.
3.2.4.22. Voice Communication Systems (1) A voice communication system required by Subsection 3.2.6 or Clause 3.3.2.4. (11.2) (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 which 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 provision for silencing the alarm signal in a single stage fire alarm system when voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alarm signal has sounded initially for not less than (a) 30 s in Group B, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy, and (b) 60 s in all other occupancies (3) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include provision for silencing the alert signal and the alarm signal in a 2 stage fire alarm system when voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alert signal has sounded initially for not less than (a) 30 s in Group B, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy, or (b) 60 s for all other occupancies. (4) The voice communication system referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be designed so that voice instructions can be transmitted selectively to any zone or zones while maintaining an alert signal or alarm signal to other 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
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 900 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.
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.
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.
3.2.5.4. Access Routes (1) A building which 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 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.
3.2.5.5. Location of Access Routes (1) Access routes required by Article 3.2.5.4. shall be located so that the principal entrance and every access opening required by Articles 3.2.5.1. and 3.2.5.2. are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route required for fire department use, measured horizontally from the face of the building. (2) Access routes shall be provided to a building so that (a) for a building provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to the hydrants referred to in Article 3.2.5.16., (b) for a building not provided with a fire department connection, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located so that the length of the access route from a hydrant to the vehicle plus the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 90 m, and (c) the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the building is not more than 45 m. (3) The unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter required by Sentence (2) from the vehicle to the building shall be measured from the vehicle to the fire department connection provided for the building, except that if no fire department connection is provided, the path of travel shall be measured to the principal entrance of the building. (4) If a portion of a building is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, the access routes required by Sentence (2) shall be located so that the unobstructed path of travel from the vehicle to one entrance of each portion of the building is not more than 45 m.
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.
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 which is required to face a street in Subsection 3.2.2.
3.2.5.8. Reserved
3.2.5.9. Reserved
3.2.5.10. Reserved
3.2.5.11. Reserved
3.2.5.12. Reserved
3.2.5.13. Automatic Sprinkler Systems (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (3) and (4), an automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”. (2) Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13R, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Storeys 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 requiring assistance in evacuation in case of an emergency. (3) Instead of the requirements of Sentence (1), NFPA 13D, “Standard for the 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), (2) and (3) 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.
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, “Guide for the Investigation of Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems”. (3) 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) If combustible sprinkler piping is located above a ceiling, an opening through the ceiling that is not protected in conformance with Sentence (3) shall be located so that the distance between the edge of the opening and the nearest sprinkler is not more than 300 mm.
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.(7) 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 3.1.5.20., (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 3.6.2.6. 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.
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.
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 the Ontario Fire Code made under the Fire Marshals Act. (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.
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.
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, “Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps”. 3.2.6.Additional Requirements for High Buildings
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.
3.2.6.2. Limits to Smoke Movement (1) Except as permitted in Sentence 3.2.6.6.(2), a building to which this Subsection applies shall be designed in accordance with Sentences (2) to (4) and Articles 3.2.6.3. to 3.2.6.7 to limit the danger to occupants and firefighters from exposure to smoke in a building fire. (2) Except as provided in Articles 3.2.6.4. to 3.2.6.6., a building referred to in Sentence (1), shall be designed so that, during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, all floor areas that are above the lowest exit storey will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire floor, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in conformance with Subsection 2.5.1. (3) Except as provided in Articles 3.2.6.4 and 3.2.6.6., a building referred to in Sentence (1), shall be designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, the limit described in Sentence (2) on the movement of contaminated air into other floor areas is not exceeded in (a) each exit stair serving storeys above the lowest exit level, and (b) each exit stair serving storeys below the lowest exit level. (4) Except as provided in Articles 3.2.6.4. and 3.2.6.6., a building referred to in Sentence (1), shall be designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, the limit described in Sentence (2) on the movement of contaminated air into other floor areas is not exceeded in a shaft that contains an elevator for use by firefighters required by Article 3.2.6.9.
3.2.6.3. Areas of Refuge (1) In a building of Group C major occupancy classification, the requirements of Sentence 3.2.6.2.(2) are waived in buildings where occupants above the first storey can enter and be safely accommodated in floor areas or parts of floor areas that are designated as areas of refuge on the plans and are identified as such in the building. (2) Except as required in Sentence (3), the areas of refuge referred to in Sentence (1) shall be located on every fifth storey. (3) The areas of refuge referred to in Sentence (1) shall be located on every storey if the building is more than 75 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey. (4) The areas of refuge referred to in Sentence (1) shall (a) provide not less than 0.5 m2 of floor space per ambulatory occupant and 1.5 m2 of floor space per non-ambulatory occupant, (b) have access corridors and doors leading to each designated part of a floor area on the same storey sufficient to provide 3.67 mm of width for every person who may have to use these passages to reach the designated part of a floor area, (c) have access stairs from intervening storeys leading to each designated part of a floor area sufficient to provide 5.5 mm of width for every person who may have to use these stairs to reach the designated part of a floor area, and (d) not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire floor during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in conformance with Subsection 2.5.1.
3.2.6.4. Sprinklered Buildings (1) The requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.2.(2) and (4), and Clause 3.2.6.2.(3)(a) are waived when a building is sprinklered, and (a) the sprinkler system is equipped with a water flow and supervisory signal system that will (i) transmit automatically a waterflow signal directly to the fire department, or through an independent central station, (ii) transmit automatically other supervisory signals to a proprietary control centre or to an independent central station, and (iii) actuate a signal at the central alarm and control facility described in Article 3.2.6.12., (b) each stairway that serves storeys above the lowest exit level is vented to the outdoors at or near the bottom of the stair shaft, (c) measures are taken to limit movement of smoke from a fire in a floor area below the lowest exit storey into upper storeys, and (d) except for exhaust fans in kitchens, washrooms and bathrooms in dwelling units, and except for fans used for smoke venting in Article 3.2.6.10., air moving fans in a system that serves more than 2 storeys shall be designed and installed so that in the event of a fire these fans can be stopped by means of a manually operated switch at the central alarm and control facility.
3.2.6.5. Exception for Lower Buildings (1) The requirements of Sentence 3.2.6.2.(2) are waived in a building of Group C major occupancy classification where (a) the building is not more than 75 m high measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey, and (b) the number of occupants of storeys above grade is not more than 3.6 times the area in square metres of treads and landings in the exit stairs serving these storeys.
3.2.6.6. Residential Buildings (1) The requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.2.(2) and (4) and Clause 3.2.6.2.(3)(a) are waived in a building of Group C major occupancy classification (a) where each suite above grade has direct access to an exterior balcony that (i) is not less than 1 500 mm deep from the outside face of the exterior wall to the inside edge of the balcony, and (ii) provides not less than 0.5 m2 of balcony space for each occupant of the suite, (b) where each stairway that serves storeys above the lowest exit level is vented to the outdoors at or near the bottom of the stair shaft, (c) where measures are taken to limit movement of smoke from a fire in a floor area below the lowest exit storey into upper storeys, and (d) where, except for exhaust fans in kitchens, washrooms and bathrooms in dwelling units, air moving fans are designed and installed so that in the event of a fire such fans can be stopped by means of a manually operated switch at the central alarm and control facility where the system serves more than 2 storeys. (2) The requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.2.(2) and (3) are waived in a Group C major occupancy apartment building.
3.2.6.7. Connected Buildings (1) If a building described in Sentence 3.2.6.1.(1) is connected to any other building, measures shall be taken to limit movement of contaminated air from one building into another during a fire.
3.2.6.8. Emergency Operation of Elevators (1) Manual emergency recall shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey. (2) Key-operated switches for emergency recall described by Sentence (1) shall be provided in a conspicuous location at (a) each elevator lobby on the recall level, and (b) the central alarm and control facility required in Article 3.2.6.12. (3) In-car emergency service switches shall be provided in all elevator cars. (4) Keys to operate the switches required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall be (a) provided in a suitably identified box conspicuously located on the outside of an elevator hoistway near the central alarm and control facility required by Article 3.2.6.12., and (b) at the central alarm and control facility. (5) Automatic emergency recall operation shall be provided for all elevators serving storeys above the first storey in unsprinklered buildings. (6) The automatic emergency recall feature in Sentence (5) shall be actuated by (a) smoke detectors installed in each elevator lobby on each storey, or (b) the building fire alarm system. (7) Smoke detectors in Sentence (6) shall be designed as part of the building fire alarm system.
3.2.6.9. Elevator for Use by Firefighters (1) At least one elevator shall be provided for use by firefighters in conformance with Sentences (2) to (6). (2) The elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a usable platform area not less than 2.2 m2 and shall be capable of carrying a load of 900 kg to the top floor that it serves from a landing on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. within 1 min. (3) Except when Measure K of the Supplementary Guidelines is used, each elevator for use by firefighters shall (a) be provided with a closure at each shaft opening so that the interlock mechanism remains mechanically engaged and electrical continuity is maintained in the interlock circuits and associated wiring is operational for a period of not less than 1 h when the assembly is subjected to the standard fire exposure described in CAN4-S104-M, “Standard Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies”, (b) be protected with a vestibule containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (c) be protected with a corridor containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (4) Except as permitted in Sentence (5), an elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall be capable of providing transportation from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. to every floor that is above grade in the building and that is normally served by the elevator system. (5) If it is necessary to change elevators to reach any floor referred to in Sentence (4), the system shall be designed so that not more than one change of elevator is required when travelling to any floor in the building from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. (6) Electrical conductors for the operation of the elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall be (a) installed in service spaces conforming to Section 3.6. that do not contain other combustible material, or (b) protected against exposure to fire from the service entrance of the emergency power supply, or the normal service entrance of the normal power supply, to the equipment served, to ensure operation for a period of 1 h when subjected to the standard fire exposure described in CAN4-S101-M, “Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials”.
3.2.6.10. Venting to Aid Fire-fighting (1) Means of venting each floor area to the outdoors shall be provided by windows, wall panels or smoke shafts, except that in a sprinklered floor area, the floor area is permitted to be vented by the building exhaust system. (2) Venting described in Sentence (1) shall conform to the requirements in the Supplementary Guidelines. (3) Fixed glass windows shall not be used for the venting required by Sentence (1) if the breaking of the windows could endanger pedestrians below. (4) Openable windows used for the venting required by Sentence (1) shall be permanently marked so that they are easily identifiable. (5) Elevator hoistways shall not be designed for the venting required by Sentence (1).
3.2.6.11. Reserved
3.2.6.12. Central Alarm and Control Facility (1) A central alarm and control facility shall be provided on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. in a location that (a) is readily accessible to firefighters entering the building, and (b) takes into account the effect of background noise likely to occur under fire emergency conditions, so that the facility can properly perform its required function under such conditions. (2) The central alarm and control facility required in Sentence (1) shall include (a) means to control the voice communication system required by Article 3.2.6.13., so that messages can be sent to (i) all loudspeakers simultaneously, (ii) to individual floor areas, and (iii) exit stairwells, (b) means to indicate audibly and visually alert signals and alarm signals and a switch to (i) silence the audible portion of these signals, and (ii) indicate visually that the audible portion has been silenced, (c) means to indicate visually that elevators are on emergency recall, (d) an annunciator conforming to Article 3.2.4.8., (e) means to transmit alert signals and alarm signals to the fire department in conformance with Article 3.2.4.7., (f) means to release hold-open devices on doors to vestibules, (g) means to manually actuate alarm signals in the building selectively to any zone or zones, (h) means to silence the alarm signals referred to in Clause (g) in conformance with Sentences 3.2.4.22.(2) and (3), (i) means, as appropriate to the measure for fire safety provided in the building, to (i) actuate auxiliary equipment, or (ii) communicate with a continually staffed auxiliary equipment control centre, (j) means to communicate with telephones in elevator cars, separate from connections to firefighters’ telephones, if elevator cars are required by the Elevating Devices Act to be equipped with a telephone, (k) means to indicate visually, individual sprinkler system waterflow signals, (l) means to indicate audibly and visually, sprinkler system supervisory signals, (m) a switch to silence the audible portion of a supervisory signal, and (n) visual indication that the audible portion of a supervisory signal has been silenced.
3.2.6.13. Voice Communication System (1) A voice communication system or systems conforming to Article 3.2.4.22. shall be provided in a building if (a) the floor of the top storey, is more than 36 m above grade, or (b) a floor area or part of a floor area located above the third storey is designed or intended for use as a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy.