jswizzle3737/ontario_laws_and_regs huggingface dataset:
3.3.1.17. Guards (1) Except for the front edges of stages, floor pits in repair garages and loading docks, a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided (a) around each roof to which access is provided for other than maintenance, (b) at openings into smoke shafts referred to in Subsection 3.2.6. that are less than 1 070 mm above the floor, and (c) at each raised floor, mezzanine, balcony, gallery, interior or exterior vehicular ramp, and at other locations where the difference in level is more than 600 mm. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (3) and Sentence 3.3.2.8.(4), openings through any guard which is required by Sentence (1) shall be of a size which 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 which exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (3) Openings through any guard which is required by Sentence (1) and which is installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size which 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 which exceed this limit do not represent a hazard. (4) Openings through any guard which is not required by Sentence (1) and which serves a building of other than industrial occupancy, shall be of a size which (a) will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more 100 mm, or (b) will permit the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 mm unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings which exceed these limits 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 shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the level protected by the guard will facilitate climbing.
3.3.1.18. Transparent Doors and Panels (1) Except for dwelling units and as permitted by Sentence (4), a glass or transparent door shall be designed and constructed so that the existence and position of the door is readily apparent, by attaching non-transparent hardware, bars or other permanent fixtures to it. (2) A glass door shall be constructed of (a) laminated or tempered safety glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass”, or (b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass”. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), transparent panels used in an access to exit which, because of their physical configuration or design, could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings. (4) Sliding glass partitions which separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and which are intended to be open during normal working hours need not conform to Sentences (1) and (3), provided the partitions are suitably marked to indicate their existence and position. (5) Glass in doors and in sidelights that could be mistaken for doors, within or at the entrances to dwelling units and in public areas, shall conform to the requirements of Article 9.6.6.2. (6) A window in a public area that extends to less than 1 070 mm above the floor and is located above the second storey in a building of residential occupancy, shall be protected by a barrier or railing from the floor to not less than 1 070 mm above the floor, or the window shall be non-openable and designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony guards required by Article 4.1.10.1.
3.3.1.19. Exhaust Ventilation (1) An exhaust ventilation system designed in conformance with the appropriate requirements of Part 6 shall be provided in a building or part of a building in which dust, fumes, gases, vapour or other impurities or contaminants have the potential to create a fire or explosion hazard. (2) Explosion relief devices, vents or other protective measures conforming to Subsection 6.2.2. shall be provided for a space in which substances or conditions that have the potential to create an explosion hazard are present as a result of the principal use of a building.
3.3.1.20. Janitors’ Rooms (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial supplies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above. (3) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the room or space is located is sprinklered.
3.3.1.21. Common Laundry Rooms (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor area that is not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above. (3) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the laundry room is located is sprinklered.
3.3.1.22. Obstructions (1) No obstruction shall be permitted in any occupancy that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress from any part of a floor area to less than 750 mm unless an unobstructed alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to, accessible from, and plainly visible from the obstructed means of egress.
3.3.1.23. Signs in Service Spaces (1) Illuminated signs conforming to Sentences 3.4.5.1.(3) and (5) shall be provided to indicate the direction to egress points in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(7).
3.3.1.24. Welding and Cutting (1) If a room in other than an industrial major occupancy is used for welding and cutting operations, it shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that this requirement does not apply to a room that is protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system. 3.3.2.Assembly Occupancy
3.3.2.1. Scope (1) This Subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as assembly occupancies.
3.3.2.2. Fire Separations (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the seating area of a Group A, Division 1 occupancy shall be separated from adjacent occupancies in the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h if the occupant load in the seating area exceeds 200. (2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above. (3) If usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena type buildings, a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min shall be provided between the space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered. (4) Except as required in Sentences (5), (6) and (7), in an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than (a) 1 h where the building is not sprinklered, or (b) 30 min where the building is sprinklered. (5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), in an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom containing an auto repair shop shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than (a) 2 h where the building is not sprinklered, or (b) 1 h where the building is sprinklered. (6) In an elementary or secondary school, if there is a group of hazardous classrooms or a group of hazardous classrooms and ancillary rooms of a complementary use, the fire separation required by Sentence (4) or (5) need not be provided within the group but the fire separation is required between the group and the remainder of the building. (7) In an elementary or secondary school, a hazardous classroom containing a spray painting operation shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than (a) 2 h, or (b) 1 h where the spray painting operation is separated from the classroom by a fire-separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (8) Except as required in Sentence (9), in an elementary or secondary school, where the occupant load of a room exceeds 200 persons, the room and any ancillary rooms of a complementary use shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than (a) 1 h where the building is not sprinklered, or (b) 30 min where the building is sprinklered. (9) A kitchen shall not be located within the fire compartment required in Sentence (8).
3.3.2.3. Fixed Seats (1) Except for the requirements of Article 3.3.2.7. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by Sentence (2) and Articles 3.3.2.9. and 3.3.2.10., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be (a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser, (b) provided with arms and back, and (c) arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage not less than 400 mm wide measured horizontally between plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the seats in the next row in the unoccupied position. (2) For fixed seats with backs and with folding tablet arms, the value of 400 mm required by Clause (1)(c) shall be measured when the tablet arms are in the use position, but is permitted to be measured in the stored position provided (a) there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, (b) the seats are located in a lecture hall or an auditorium used for instructional purposes, and (c) the tablet arm, when raised manually to a vertical position, falls by the force of gravity to the stored position. (3) Except as permitted by Sentences (4) and (5), aisles shall be located so that there are not more than 7 seats with backs or 20 seats without backs between any seat and the nearest aisle. (4) The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if (a) egress doorways are provided to serve both ends of rows of seats, (b) each doorway referred to in Clause (a) serves not more than 3 rows of seats, and (c) each row contains not more than 100 seats. (5) The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if (a) there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, where the seats are served by a single aisle, (b) there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, where the seats are served by two aisles, (c) each row has an unobstructed passage with minimum width of 400 mm plus 6.1 mm for each additional seat above 16 seats in the row, and (d) the travel distance is not more than 45 m measured along the path of travel from any seat to an exit or to an egress doorway. (6) Seating arrangements that do not conform to the requirements of Sentences (3) to (5) are permitted provided the standard of safety is not reduced and the time required for egress is not increased.
3.3.2.5. Corridors (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy as an access to exit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above. (3) The fire-resistance rating required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the floor area in which the corridor is located is sprinklered. (4) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to an exit does not exceed the travel distance permitted by Article 3.4.2.5.
3.3.2.6. Doors (1) A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of assembly occupancy containing an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that will release the latch and allow the door to swing wide open when a force not more than that specified in Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7) is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit.
3.3.2.7. Fixed Bench-Type Seats without Arms (1) If fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the seat width per person shall be assumed to be 450 mm. (2) The centre-to-centre spacing between rows of bench-type seats shall be not less than 760 mm if back rests are provided, and not less than 550 mm if back rests are not provided. (3) A clear space of not less than 300 mm shall be provided between the back of each seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it.
3.3.2.8. Guards (1) Except as required by Sentences (2) to (4) for bleacher seats, guards shall be installed in outdoor and indoor places of assembly with fixed seats so that (a) at the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the edge, the height of guards is not less than (i) 760 mm in front of the seats, and (ii) 920 mm if located at the end of aisles or at the foot of steps, (b) the height of guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery is not less than 660 mm, except that guards need not be provided if the backs of the seats along the front side of the aisle are not less than 600 mm above the floor of the aisle, and (c) where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise between platforms is more than 450 mm, the height of guards is not less than 660 mm along the entire row of seats at the edge of the platform. (2) The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1 200 mm above the ground or floor that are not adjacent to a wall shall be protected with a guard (a) not less than 1 070 mm high above an adjacent aisle surface or foot rest, and (b) not less than 920 mm high above the centre of an adjacent seat board. (3) If the front of a bleacher is more than 600 mm above the ground or floor, it shall be protected with a guard not less than 840 mm high above the front foot rest. (4) Openings through any guard which is required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall be of a size which will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 300 mm.
3.3.2.9. Outdoor Places of Assembly (1) A Group A, Division 4 occupancy and each tier or balcony that has a capacity of more than (a) 1 000 persons shall have not less than 3 separate exits, or (b) 4 000 persons shall have not less than 4 separate exits. (2) In a Group A, Division 4 occupancy, every seat shall be located so that the travel distance is not more than 45 m measured along the path of travel from the seat to (a) the ground, (b) an exit, (c) an opening to a passageway leading from the seating area, or (d) a portal, a vomitory or any other opening through the seating deck structure. (3) Exits from outdoor stadia or grandstands shall be located not more than 25 m apart. (4) The capacity of a means of egress for a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.4.3.4.(3). (5) Aisles in a Group A, Division 4 occupancy (a) shall be located so that there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, (b) shall be not less than 1 200 mm wide, except that an aisle serving less than 60 persons is permitted to be 750 mm wide, and (c) shall not have steps unless the slope of the aisle is more than 1 in 8. (6) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.2.10.(1), (2) and (3), steps provided in an aisle shall (a) extend the full width of the aisle, (b) have risers not more than 230 mm high, and (c) have treads with a run not less than 250 mm.
3.3.2.10. Bleachers (1) Steps provided in aisles of bleachers of the telescopic type shall (a) have risers not more than 250 mm high, and (b) have treads with a run not less than 280 mm. (2) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 280 mm, an intermediate step shall be provided the full width of the aisle and proportioned to provide 2 equal risers between platforms. (3) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 450 mm, 2 intermediate steps shall be provided the full width of the aisle so that there are 3 equal risers between platforms. (4) If the passageway between rows of seats is not a closed deck, footboards shall be provided so that (a) the total width of the footboards shall be not less than three quarters of the centre-to-centre spacing between rows of seats, and (b) the spacing between footboard members shall be not more than 25 mm.
3.3.2.11. Libraries (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a library book storage room that is not normally accessible to the public shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h if it (a) is more than 250 m2 in area, or (b) contains book stacks that (i) are more than 10 m high, or (ii) penetrate more than one floor assembly. (2) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required if the book storage room is sprinklered. (3) Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor in a library building provided the height of the shelves is not more than 2 100 mm but not more than 75% of the floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or below the mezzanine floor assembly.
3.3.2.12. Stages for Theatrical Performances (1) A stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be sprinklered. (2) A fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (6), a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be separated from the seating area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except for a proscenium opening protected with (a) a sprinkler deluge system conforming to the requirements of NFPA 13 “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, (b) an unframed fire curtain if the opening is not more than 20 m wide, or (c) a semi-rigid fire curtain if the opening is more than 20 m wide. (4) A fire curtain required by Sentence (3) shall be of a type designed to close (a) automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler system, (b) automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, (c) manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage, and (d) automatically by heat-actuated devices. (5) At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall be provided above a stage designed for theatrical performances and shall (a) have an aggregate area not less than one eighth of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening, and (b) be arranged to open automatically upon actuation of the sprinkler system. (6) The fire separation referred to in Sentence (3) is not required between a stage and a seating area in a floor area that is sprinklered, provided a sprinkler deluge system is installed at the boundary between the stage and the seating area.
3.3.2.13. Risers for Stairs (1) In a Group A, Division 2 occupancy used for the serving of food and beverages, an interior flight of stairs with fewer than 3 risers is permitted provided it (a) is not less than 900 mm wide, (b) is illuminated at all times that occupants are on the premises, and (c) has a handrail on each side. 3.3.3.Care or Detention Occupancy
3.3.3.1. Scope (1) This Subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as a care or detention occupancy.
3.3.3.2. Fire Separations (1) The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.5.(1) between a care or detention occupancy and a repair garage shall have no openings. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls between sleeping rooms and adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that the fire-resistance rating need not be more than 45 min where the floor assembly is not required to be more than 45 min. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, walls separating corridors serving sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except that the fire-resistance rating need not be more than 45 min where the floor assembly is not required to be more than 45 min. (4) In a 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, the walls separating sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms and corridors shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating. (5) The door in the fire separation required in Sentence (4) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch and need not be provided with a self-closing device.
3.3.3.3. Corridors (1) A corridor used by the public or serving patients or residents shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress. (2) A corridor serving patients in a hospital shall be not less than 2 400 mm wide. (3) Except as permitted in Sentence (5), a corridor serving residents who are not ambulatory in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy shall be not less than 1 650 mm wide. (4) Paired doors in a corridor serving patients or residents shall (a) swing in opposite directions, the right hand door swinging in the direction of travel, and (b) be not less than 1 100 mm wide. (5) A corridor in a 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 need not comply with Sentence (3).
3.3.3.4. Doorway Width (1) Except as permitted in Sentence 3.3.1.12.(11), the minimum clear width of doorways serving patients or residents shall be 1 050 mm.
3.3.3.5. Hospitals and Nursing Homes (1) Floor areas containing patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a hospital or nursing home shall conform to Sentences (2) to (14). (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area containing patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a hospital or nursing home shall be divided into not less than 2 fire compartments, each not more than 1 000 m2 in area. (3) The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.9. is permitted to be considered as a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article. (4) Except as permitted by Sentence (5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence (2) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (5) The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence (4) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above. (6) A closure in a fire separation between fire compartments referred to in Sentence (2) shall be weatherstripped or otherwise designed and installed to retard the passage of smoke. (7) The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) to a door to an adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than 45 m. (8) Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 2.5 m2 per patient or resident in the adjacent fire compartment. (9) Except as permitted by Sentences (11) and (12), walls between patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms and adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating. (10) Except as permitted by Sentence (12), walls separating corridors serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms from adjacent rooms shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating. (11) The fire separation requirements of Sentence (9) do not apply to walls within a group of intercommunicating patients’ or residents’ rooms, provided the group of rooms does not (a) contain more than 5 patients or residents, or (b) include storage, bathing or toilet facilities serving persons not occupying the group of rooms. (12) A door in a fire separation required by Sentence (9) or Sentence (10) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch. (13) A fire separation required by Sentence (9) or Sentence (10) shall not contain any grilles, louvres or other openings.
3.3.3.6. Protection for Special Care and Treatment Facilities (1) Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, delivery rooms, intensive care units and critical care units, from which it is impracticable to move patients in an emergency, shall be (a) separated from adjacent spaces by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and (b) provided with a mechanical air supply so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another space, the compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire area.
3.3.3.7. Contained Use Areas (1) A contained use area shall conform to Sentences (2) to (4). (2) A contained use area shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a building that includes a contained use area shall be sprinklered. (4) A contained use area, in a building for which Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.83. do not require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, is not required to be sprinklered as required by Sentence (3) provided (a) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in the contained use area, other fire compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the contained use area, (b) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another part of the building, the contained use area will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the other part of the building, (c) all doors are designed to be remotely released in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.12.(6), and (d) the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.
3.3.3.8. Handrails (1) Corridors and ramps used by residents in a nursing home shall be equipped with handrails on each side conforming to Sentences 3.4.6.4.(3), (4), (6), (7) and (8). 3.3.4.Residential Occupancy
3.3.4.1. Scope (1) This Subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as residential occupancies.
3.3.4.2. Fire Separations (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.2.2.9.(2), suites of residential occupancy shall be separated from each other and the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above. (3) Floor assemblies within a dwelling unit need not be constructed as fire separations provided (a) the distance between the lowest floor level and the uppermost floor level within the dwelling unit is not more than 6 m, and (b) the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than (i) 45 min if the building is sprinklered and is not more than 3 storeys in building height, (ii) 1 h if the building is sprinklered and is more than 3 storeys in building height, (iii) 1 h if the building is not sprinklered and is not more than 6 storeys in building height, or (iv) 2 h if the building is not sprinklered and is more than 6 storeys in building height. (4) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation located between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage need not conform to that required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) provided (a) the storage garage contains not more than 5 vehicles, (b) the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are sprinklered, (c) the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1), (2) and (3), (d) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit, (e) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and (f) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is (i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes, (ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and (iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping. (5) The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is not required between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage, serving that dwelling unit only, provided (a) the dwelling unit and its attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1), (2) and (3), (b) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit, (c) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and (d) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is (i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes, (ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and (iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.
3.3.4.3. Storage Rooms (1) Sprinklers shall be installed in a storage room provided for the use of tenants in a residential occupancy within a floor area but not contained within a suite. (2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a storage room referred to in Sentence (1) shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (3) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (2) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for (a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or (b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.
3.3.4.5. Automatic Locking Prohibition (1) Except for hotels, a door opening onto a public corridor which provides access to exit from a suite shall be designed not to lock automatically.
3.3.4.6. Sound Transmission (1) Sound transmission class ratings shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E413, “Classification for Rating Sound Insulation”, using results from measurements in accordance with (a) ASTM E90, “Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions”, or (b) ASTM E336, “Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings”. (2) Except as required by Sentence (3), a dwelling unit shall be separated from every other space in the building in which noise may be generated by construction providing a sound transmission class rating not less than 50, measured in accordance with the standards referenced in Sentence (1). (3) Construction separating a dwelling unit from an elevator hoistway or a refuse chute shall have a sound transmission class rating not less than 55, measured in accordance with the standards referenced in Sentence (1).
3.3.4.7. Stairs, Handrails and Guards for Dwelling Units (1) Stairs, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Section 9.8. 3.3.5.Industrial Occupancy
3.3.5.1. Scope (1) This Subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as industrial occupancies.
3.3.5.2. Fire Extinguishing Systems (1) In addition to other requirements in this Code for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor area to provide protection if required by (a) the Ontario Fire Code, or (b) the National Fire Code of Canada 1995, in the absence of provisions in the Ontario Fire Code.
3.3.5.3. Basements (1) A basement shall not be used for the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile solids, liquids or gases that generate explosive air-vapour mixtures or for processes that involve explosive dusts. (2) Entrances and exits to a basement and to rooms containing building services shall be separate from the remainder of the building in a building in which (a) the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile materials can generate explosive air-vapour mixtures, or (b) processes occur that produce explosive dusts. (3) Basements and rooms referred to in Sentence (2) shall be separated from the remainder of the building with a vapour-tight separation.
3.3.5.4. Repair and Storage Garages (1) If access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator serving occupancies above the level of the storage garage, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence 3.3.5.7.(3). (2) Treads and landings in interior stairs that extend to the roof of a storage garage shall be designed to be free of accumulations of ice and snow. (3) A mechanical storage garage not more than 4 storeys in building height, in which no persons other than parking attendants are permitted above the street floor level, need not have a fire separation between the exits and the remainder of the building. (4) A garage shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with the requirements of Subsection 6.2.2. to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes or flammable and toxic vapours. (5) The clear height in a storage garage shall be not less than 2 000 mm. (6) A continuous curb not less than 150 mm high and a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided at every garage floor opening and around the perimeter of every floor where the exterior walls are omitted. (7) Except for open-air storeys, every storey of a storage garage or repair garage located below grade shall be sprinklered.
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.
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.
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.
3.3.5.8. Reserved
3.3.5.9. Reserved
3.3.5.10. 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
3.4.1.1. Scope (1) Exit facilities complying with this Section shall be provided from every floor area which is intended for occupancy.
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 3.4.3.2.(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.
3.4.1.3. Access to Exits (1) Access to exits shall conform to Section 3.3.
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.
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 which 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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)  Occupancy of    Floor Area

Maximum Floor Area, m2

Maximum Travel Distance, m


Group A

150

15


Group C

125

25


Group D

200

25


Group E

200

25


Group F, Division 2

200

25


Group F, Division 3

200

25


Column 1

2

3 Table 3.4.2.1.B. Criteria for One Exit, Floor Area Sprinklered Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(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


Column 1

2 (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. (4) A floor area containing only dwelling units having access to exit conforming to Sentences 3.3.4.4.(1) to (4) need not comply with Sentences (1) or (3). (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 not less 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.
3.4.2.2. Mezzanine Exiting (1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2), (3) or (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 3.2.8.1. 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.
3.4.2.3. Distance between Exits (1) Except for a floor area that is divided so that not less than one third of the floor area is on one side of a fire separation and it is necessary to pass through the fire separation to travel from one exit to another exit, 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) 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.
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) which 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.(7). (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.