Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Loi de 1997 sur la prévention de la protection contre l’incendie

ONTARIO REGULATION 388/97

FIRE CODE

Note: This Regulation was revoked on November 21, 2007. See: O. Reg. 213/07, Division C, ss. 2.1.1.1., 2.1.2.1.

Last amendment: O. Reg. 213/07.

This Regulation is made in English only.

PART 1
APPLICATION AND DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.1APPLICATION

Subsection 1.1.1.General

1.1.1.1.  Unless otherwise specified, the owner shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code.

1.1.1.2.  Where tests, repairs or alterations are made to fire protection installations, including sprinkler and standpipe systems, a procedure of notification shall be established, and the procedure shall include notifying the fire department and the building occupants where necessary for safety in the event of a fire emergency.

1.1.1.3.  Any appliance, device or component of a device that does not operate or appear to operate as intended when checked, inspected or tested as required by this Code shall be repaired or replaced if the failure or malfunctioning of the appliance, device or component would adversely affect fire or life safety.

Subsection 1.1.2. Records of Tests and Inspections

1.1.2.1.  (1)  Except as required in Sentence (2), written records shall be kept of tests and corrective measures for two years after they are made, and the records shall be available upon request to the Chief Fire Official.

(2)  If the time interval between tests exceeds 2 years, the written records shall be kept for the period of the test interval plus one year.

(3)  In addition to the requirements of Sentences (1) and (2), in facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act, written records shall be kept of inspections for two years after they are made, and the records shall be available upon request to the Chief Fire Official.

Subsection 1.1.3.Demolition

1.1.3.1.  Permits for the demolition or partial demolition of a building are required under the Building Code.

Subsection 1.1.4.Required Testing

1.1.4.1.  Where a building or its contents must be tested for compliance with this Code, the tests shall be carried out by the owner or the owner’s agent within such reasonable time as the Chief Fire Official may determine.

1.1.4.2.  (1)  The tests referred to in Article 1.1.4.1. may be carried out by the Chief Fire Official.

(2)  The Chief Fire Official shall only take such samples as are necessary in the circumstances in order to carry out the tests referred to in Article 1.1.4.1.

Subsection 1.1.5.Qualification and Responsibilities of Persons Performing Tests, Inspections and Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment

1.1.5.1.  The requirements of this Subsection come into force on the 21st day of November, 1999.

1.1.5.2.  Any person performing tests, inspections and maintenance of fire alarm systems, with or without voice communication capability, shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of Articles 1.1.5.3. and 1.1.5.4.

1.1.5.3.  (1)  Any person who performs the annual tests or annual inspections of a fire alarm system required under Article 6.3.2.2. and any person who repairs, replaces or alters components of a fire alarm system shall

(a) have successfully completed a program or course acceptable to the Fire Marshal,

(b) produce for inspection, upon request by the owner or the Chief Fire Official, a copy of a certificate or document attesting to the successful completion of a program or course referenced in Clause (a), and

(c) perform the inspection, test, repair, replacement or alteration in accordance with Article 6.3.1.8. and Subsection 6.3.2.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), a person who has not successfully completed the required program or course may perform the work described in Clause (1)(c) provided that

(a) the work is done under the supervision of a person who has successfully completed a program or course required by Clause (1)(a),

(b) no more than two persons work under the supervision of the person referred to in Clause (a), and

(c) the supervision is provided at the work site.

(3)  Any person supervising another as permitted in Sentence (2) shall

(a) advise the owner in writing that the work has been completed in accordance with Article 6.3.1.8. and Subsection 6.3.2., and

(b) be deemed to be the person referred to in Article 1.1.5.4.

1.1.5.4.  Despite Article 1.1.1.1., any person who performs the annual tests or annual inspections of a fire alarm system required by Article 6.3.2.2. and any person who repairs, replaces or alters components of a fire alarm system shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of Article 1.1.5.3.

Subsection 1.1.6.Exemptions

1.1.6.1.  A farm building with an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² of floor area during normal use and other premises on a farm used for farming purposes are exempt from the requirements of this Code.

1.1.6.2.  RESERVED

1.1.6.3.  The requirements of Articles 2.6.1.12., 2.6.2.1., 2.6.3.2., 3.2.1.2., 5.4.2.3., 5.4.5.1., 5.5.6.1., 5.6.2.4., 5.12.2.3., 5.12.8.2., 5.13.6.1., and 5.18.3.3. and Sections 9.2 to 9.8 do not apply to installations or construction that meet the requirements of the Fire Code made under the Fire Marshals Act, as it read on the 20th day of November, 1997.

Subsection 1.1.7.Standards Referenced

1.1.7.1.  In the event of a conflict between this Code and any standard, document, manual or handbook referred to herein, this Code shall apply.

1.1.7.2.  A reference in this Code to a document listed in Table 1.1.7.A. is to the edition designated in the table.

1.1.7.3.  (1)  A reference in this Code to a document listed in Table 1.1.7.A. includes all amendments up to and including April 30, 1997.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), CAN/ULC-S643-M90, “Shop Fabricated Steel Aboveground Utility Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, includes all amendments up to and including June 30, 1998.

1.1.7.4.  Despite Articles 1.1.7.2. and 1.1.7.3., the Chief Fire Official may permit compliance with an edition of a document previous to that referred to in this Code if the Chief Fire Official is satisfied that compliance with the edition referred to in this Code is impractical.

1.1.7.5.  If a document in this Code refers to another document, only those portions of the second document that are specific to the subject matter are applicable.

TABLE 1.1.7.A.

Forming Part of Article 1.1.7.2.

Subsection 1.1.8.Chief Fire Official

1.1.8.1.  The Fire Marshal may appoint persons who are assistants to the Fire Marshal to be Chief Fire Officials for the purposes and subject to the limitations and conditions as are set out in the appointment.

1.1.8.2.  An appointment made under Article 1.1.8.1. may grant to the person appointed the exclusive authority to exercise all or any of the powers and perform all or any of the duties of a Chief Fire Official with respect to any class or classes of building or occupancy or within the territorial area specified in the appointment and, in such case, no other Chief Fire Official shall exercise such powers or perform such duties.

1.1.8.3.  The Municipal Fire Chief may appoint a member of the fire department who is an assistant to the Fire Marshal to be the Chief Fire Official for the purposes and subject to the limitations and conditions as are set out in the appointment.

SECTION 1.2DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES

Subsection 1.2.1.Definitions

1.2.1.1.  Definitions of words and phrases that are not included in the list of definitions in this Part shall have the meanings which are commonly assigned to them in the context in which they are used in this Code, taking into account the specialized use of terms by the various trades and professions to which the terminology applies.

1.2.1.2.  Except for headings and names of regulations and statutes, the words and terms used in this Code that are in lower case bold face shall have the following meanings:

Access to exit means that part of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an exit serving the floor area.

Air-supported structure means a structure that consists of a pliable membrane that achieves and maintains its shape and support by internal air pressure.

Alarm signal means an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones or throughout a building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists.

Alert signal means an audible signal to advise designated persons of a fire emergency.

Appliance means a device to convert fuel into energy, and includes all components, controls, wiring and piping required to be part of the device by the applicable standard referred to in this Code.

Approved means approved by the Chief Fire Official.

Architect means a member or licensee of the Ontario Association of Architects under the Architects Act.

Assembly occupancy (Group ‘A’) means the occupancy or the use of a building, or part thereof, by a gathering of persons for civic, political, travel, religious, social, educational, recreational or like purposes or for the consumption of food or drink.

Atmospheric storage tank means a storage tank that is designed to operate at pressures from atmospheric to 3.5 kPa (gauge).

Attic space means the space between the roof and the ceiling of the top storey or between a dwarf wall and a sloping roof.

Basement means a storey or storeys of a building located below the first storey.

Boiler means an appliance intended to supply hot water or steam for space heating, processing or power purposes.

Building means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Building area means the greatest horizontal area of a building above grade within the outside surface of exterior walls or within the outside surface of exterior walls and the centre line of firewalls.

Building Code means any version of the Ontario Building Code that was in force at any time since it was made under The Building Code Act, 1974, the Building Code Act of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, the Building Code Act of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, the Building Code Act, 1992 or a successor to the Building Code Act, 1992.

Building height (in storeys) means the number of storeys contained between the roof and the floor of the first storey.

Business and personal services occupancy (Group ‘D’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof for the transaction of business or the rendering or receiving of professional or personal services.

Cellar means a basement that is more than 50 per cent below grade.

Check means visual observation to ensure the device or system is in place and is not obviously damaged or obstructed.

Chief Fire Official means the assistant to the Fire Marshal who is the Municipal Fire Chief or a member or members of the fire department appointed by the Municipal Fire Chief under Subsection 1.1.8. or a person appointed by the Fire Marshal under Subsection 1.1.8.

Chimney means a primarily vertical shaft enclosing at least 1 flue for conducting flue gases to the outdoors.

Class A fire means a fire involving combustible materials such as wood, cloth and paper.

Class B fire means a fire involving a flammable or combustible liquid, fat or grease.

Class C fire means a fire involving energized electrical equipment.

Class D fire means a fire involving a combustible metal.

Closed container means a container so sealed by means of a lid or other device that neither liquid nor vapour will escape from it at ordinary temperatures.

Closure means a device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation such as a door, a shutter, wired glass or glass block and includes all components, such as hardware, closing devices, frames and anchors.

Combustible construction means that type of construction that does not meet the requirements for noncombustible construction.

Combustible dust means dust and particles ignitable and liable to explode when mixed with air.

Combustible fibres means finely divided combustible vegetable or animal fibres and thin sheets or flakes of such materials that in a loose, unbaled condition present a flash fire hazard, and includes cotton, wool, hemp, sisal, jute, kapok, paper and cloth.

Combustible liquid means any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8^oC and below 93.3^oC.

Compressed gas means any contained mixture or material with either an absolute pressure exceeding 275.8 kPa at 21^oC or an absolute pressure exceeding 717 kPa at 54^oC, or both, or any liquid having an absolute vapour pressure exceeding 275.8 kPa at 37.8^oC.

Constructor means a person who contracts with an owner, occupant or their authorized agent to undertake a project, and includes an owner, occupant or authorized agent who contracts with more than one person for the work on a project or undertakes the work on a project or any part thereof.

Contained use area means a supervised area containing one or more rooms in which occupant movement is restricted to a single room by security measures not under the control of the occupant.

Corrosive liquid means a liquid that, when contacting living tissue causes damage to the tissue, or when contacting organic matter and chemicals that react with the liquid, causes fire.

Dangerous goods means those products or substances which are regulated by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) and its Regulations.

Demolition means the doing of anything in the removal of a building or any material part thereof.

Distilled beverage alcohol means a beverage that is produced by fermentation and contains more than 20 per cent by volume of water-miscible alcohol.

Distillery means a process plant where distilled beverage alcohols are produced, concentrated or otherwise processed, and includes facilities on the same site where the concentrated products may be blended, mixed, stored or packaged.

Dwelling unit means a suite operated as a housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons and usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.

Exit means that part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare.

Farm building means a building or part thereof associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming, and used primarily for the housing of equipment or livestock or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds, but is not used for residential occupancy.

Fire compartment means an enclosed space in a building that is separated from all other parts of the building by enclosing construction that provides a fire separation having a required fire-resistance rating.

Fire damper means a closure that consists of a damper installed in an air distribution system or in a wall or floor assembly that is normally held in the open position and that is designed to close automatically in the event of a fire in order to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.

Fire department means a group of firefighters authorized to provide fire protection services by a municipality, group of municipalities or by an agreement made under section 3 of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Fire detector means a device which detects a fire condition and automatically initiates an electrical signal to actuate an alert signal or alarm signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors.

Fire-protection rating means the time in hours or fraction thereof that a closure, window assembly or glass block assembly will withstand the passage of flame when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria, or as otherwise prescribed in the Building Code.

Fire resistance means the property of a material or assembly in a building to withstand fire or give protection from it and is characterized by the ability of the material or assembly to confine a fire or to continue to perform a given structural function or both.

Fire-resistance rating means the time in hours or fraction thereof that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria, or as determined by extension or interpretation of information derived therefrom as prescribed in the Building Code.

Fire separation means a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire and may or may not have a fire-resistance rating or a fire-protection rating.

Fire stop means a draft-tight barrier within or between construction assemblies that acts to retard the passage of smoke and flame.

Fire-stop flap means a device intended for use in horizontal assemblies that are required to have a fire-resistance rating and incorporate protective ceiling membranes and that operates to close off a duct opening through the membrane in the event of a fire.

Firewall means a fire separation of noncombustible construction that subdivides a building or separates adjoining buildings to resist the spread of fire that has a fire-resistance rating as prescribed in the Building Code and that has structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for the required fire-rated time.

First storey means the storey with its floor closest to grade and having its ceiling more than 1.8 m above grade.

Flame-spread rating means an index or classification indicating the extent of spread of flame on the surface of a material or an assembly of materials as determined in the Building Code.

Flammable liquid means a liquid having a flash point below 37.8ºC and having a vapour pressure not more than 275.8 kPa (absolute) at 37.8ºC as determined by ASTM D 323, “Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)”.

Flash point means the minimum temperature at which a liquid within a container gives off vapour in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.

Floor area means the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls and required firewalls and includes the space occupied by interior walls and partitions, but does not include exits and vertical service spaces that pierce the storey.

Flue means an enclosed passageway for conveying flue gases.

Flue pipe means the pipe connecting the flue collar of an appliance to a chimney.

Fuel dispensing station means any premises at which flammable or combustible liquids are dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or watercraft.

Furnace means a space-heating appliance that uses warm air as the heating medium and that usually has provision for the attachment of ducts.

Grade means the average level of finished ground adjoining a building at all exterior walls.

Guest suite means a single room or a series of rooms of complementary use providing sleeping accommodation for the travelling public or for recreational purposes in a hotel establishment.

Hazardous location means a location that is or may become subject to conditions conducive to the rapid development of fire or explosion.

Heat detector means a fire detector designed to operate at a predetermined temperature or rate of temperature rise.

Heavy timber construction means that type of combustible construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by placing limitations on the sizes of wood structural members and on thickness and composition of wood floors and roofs, by avoidance of concealed spaces under floors and roofs and by use of approved fastenings, construction details and adhesives for structural members.

High hazard industrial occupancy (Group ‘F’ Division 1) means an industrial occupancy that contains sufficient quantities of highly combustible and flammable or explosive materials that, because of their inherent characteristics, constitute a special fire hazard.

Hotel means floor areas, a floor area or part of a floor area containing four or more suites that provide sleeping accommodation for the travelling public or for recreational purposes.

Hotel establishment means a building containing a hotel and all subsidiary occupancies that are operated in connection with the hotel and includes all connected or adjacent buildings that are operated in connection with the hotel.

Impeded egress zone means a supervised area in which occupants have free movement but require the release, by security personnel, of security doors at the boundary before they are able to leave the area, but does not include a contained use area.

Individual storage area means the area occupied by piles, bin boxes, racks or shelves, including subsidiary aisles providing access to the stored products, which is separated from the adjacent storage by aisles not less than 2.4 m in width.

Industrial occupancy (Group ‘F’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof for assembling, fabricating, manufacturing, processing, repairing or storing of goods and materials.

Inspect means physical examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function.

Institutional occupancy (Group ‘B’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof by persons who require supervisory care, medical care or medical treatment or by persons who are under restraint for correctional purposes and are incapable of self preservation because of security measures not under their control.

Listed means equipment or materials included in a list published by a certification organization accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.

Low pressure storage tank means a storage tank designed to operate at pressures greater than 3.5 kPa (gauge) to 100 kPa (gauge).

Lower explosive limit means the minimum concentration of vapour in air at which the propagation of flame occurs on contact with a source of ignition.

Major occupancy means the principal occupancy for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used, and includes the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy.

Means of egress means a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. Means of egress includes both exits and access to exits.

Mercantile occupancy (Group ‘E’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof for the displaying or selling of retail goods, wares or merchandise.

Noncombustible construction means that type of construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by the use of noncombustible materials for structural members and other building assemblies.

Occupancy means the use or intended use of a building or part thereof for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property.

Occupant load means the number of persons for which a building or part thereof is designed.

Order means an order made under subsection 21(1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Owner means any person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of the building or property under consideration and includes the persons in the building or property.

Oxidizing material means a material, other than ordinary atmospheres, that by itself is not necessarily combustible, but that may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of another material.

Partition means an interior wall 1 storey or part of a storey in height that is not load-bearing.

Pressure vessel means a storage tank that is designed to operate at pressures greater than 100 kPa (gauge).

Process plant means an industrial occupancy where materials, including flammable liquids, combustible liquids or Class 2 gases, are produced or used in a process.

Professional Engineer means a member or licensee of the Association of Professional Engineers of the Province of Ontario under the Professional Engineers Act.

Public corridor means a corridor that provides access to exit from more than 1 suite.

Rack means any combination of vertical, horizontal or diagonal members that support stored materials on solid or open shelves, including both fixed and portable units.

Rapid transit station means a building or part thereof used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers of a rapid transit system but does not include open-air shelters at street level.

Refinery means any process plant in which flammable or combustible liquids are produced from crude petroleum, including areas on the same site where the resulting products are blended, packaged or stored on a commercial scale.

Residential occupancy (Group ‘C’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof by persons for whom sleeping accommodation is provided but who are not harboured or detained to receive medical care or treatment or are not involuntarily detained.

Retrofit means the minimum performance requirements for life safety for existing buildings.

Self-service outlet means a fuel dispensing station, other than a marine fuel dispensing station, where the public handles the dispenser.

Service room means a room in a building used to contain equipment associated with building services.

Service space means space in a building used to facilitate or conceal the installation of building service facilities such as chutes, ducts, pipes, shafts or wires.

Smoke alarm means a combined smoke detector and audible alarm device that is designed to sound an alarm within the room or suite in which it is located when there is smoke within the room or suite.

Smoke detector means a fire detector designed to operate when the concentration of airborne combustion products exceeds a predetermined level.

Space heater means a space-heating appliance that heats the room or space within which it is located without the use of ducts.

Space-heating appliance means an appliance that supplies heat to a room or space directly or indirectly or to rooms or spaces of a building through a heating system.

Spraying area means the area that is within 6 m of a spray booth or spraying operation and that is not separated therefrom by a vapour-tight separation.

Spray booth means a power-ventilated structure that encloses or accommodates a spraying operation so that spray vapour and residue can be controlled and exhausted.

Spray room means a spraying area on a floor area or part thereof in which an open spraying operation is confined and that is separated from the remainder of the building in which it is located by a noncombustible vapour-tight separation.

Sprinklered (as applying to a building or part thereof) means that the building or part thereof is equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.

Storage tank means a vessel for flammable or combustible liquids having a capacity of more than 230 L and designed to be installed in a fixed location.

Storey means that portion of a building that is situated between the top of any floor and the top of the floor next above it, and where there is no floor above it, that portion between the top of the floor and the ceiling above it.

Street means any highway, road, boulevard, square or other improved thoroughfare 9 m or more in width, that has been dedicated or deeded for public use, and is accessible to fire department vehicles and equipment.

Suite means a single room or series of rooms of complementary use, operated under a single tenancy, and includes dwelling units, individual guest rooms in motels, hotels, boarding houses, rooming houses and dormitories as well as individual stores and individual or complementary rooms for business and personal services occupancies.

Supervisory staff means those occupants of a building who have some delegated responsibility for the fire safety of other occupants under the fire safety plan and may include the fire department where the fire department agrees to accept these responsibilities.

Tank vehicles means any vehicle, other than railroad tank cars and boats, with a cargo tank having a capacity of more than 450 L, mounted or built as an integral part of the vehicle, and used for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids and includes tank trucks, trailers and semi-trailers.

Tent means a shelter or structure with a covering that is made of pliable material.

Test means the operation of a device or system to ensure that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.

Total area means the total area of all floors above and below grade, including mezzanines and penthouses, measured between the inside surfaces of exterior walls or between the inside surfaces of exterior walls and the inside surfaces of firewalls.

Travel distance means the distance from any point in a floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel, except that when floor areas are subdivided into rooms used singly or into suites of rooms and served by public corridors or exterior passageways, the distance shall be measured from the door of the rooms or suites to the nearest exit.

Unstable liquid means a liquid, including flammable and combustible liquids , which is chemically reactive to the extent that it will vigorously react or decompose at or near normal temperature and pressure conditions or which is chemically unstable when subject to impact.

Vapour pressure means the pressure exerted by a liquid as determined by ASTM D 323, “Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)”.

Vertical service space means a shaft oriented essentially vertically that is provided in a building to facilitate the installation of building services including mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations and facilities such as elevators, refuse chutes and linen chutes.

Viscosity means the resistance that a liquid offers to flow.

SECTION 1.3ABBREVIATIONS

Subsection 1.3.1.Abbreviations of Names of Associations

1.3.1.1.  The abbreviations in this Code for the names of associations shall have the meanings assigned to them as follows.

Subsection 1.3.2.Abbreviations of Words and Phrases

1.3.2.1.  The abbreviations of words and phrases in this Code shall have the meanings assigned to them as follows:

O. Reg. 388/97, Part 1; O. Reg. 428/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 475/00, ss. 1-3; O. Reg. 315/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 451/05, ss. 1, 2; O. Reg. 144/06, ss. 1-3.

PART 2
BUILDING AND OCCUPANT FIRE SAFETY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 2.1GENERAL

Subsection 2.1.1.Scope and Application

Scope

2.1.1.1.  This Part provides for the safety of the occupants in buildings, through the elimination or control of fire hazards in and around buildings, the maintenance of certain life safety systems in buildings, for the establishing of a fire safety plan in those buildings where required and the installation of smoke alarms in dwelling units.

Application

2.1.1.2.  (1)  This Part applies to all buildings.

(2)  This Part does not apply to individual dwelling units.

2.1.1.3.  (1)  Despite Sentence 2.1.1.2.(2), Section 2.2 (Fire Separations), Subsection 2.4.7. (Vacant Buildings), Section 2.6 (Service Equipment), Section 2.11 (Insulation and Re-Insulation), Section 2.13 (Installation of Smoke Alarms) and Section 2.15 (Portable Oxygen Systems) apply to individual dwelling units.

(2)  Despite Sentence 2.1.1.2.(2), this Part applies to facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act.

Subsection 2.1.2.Classification of Buildings or Parts of Buildings by Major Occupancy

Classification of buildings or parts thereof

2.1.2.1.  For the purpose of applying this Code, a building or part thereof shall be classified according to its major occupancy by the Chief Fire Official in conformance with the Building Code.

Hazardous activities

2.1.2.2.  Activities that create a hazard and that are not allowed for in the original design shall not be carried out in a building unless approved provisions are made to control the hazard.

Prohibited combinations of occupancies

2.1.2.3.  No major occupancy of Group ‘F’ Division 1 shall be contained within a building with any occupancy classified as Group ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’.

SECTION 2.2FIRE SEPARATIONS

Subsection 2.2.1.Major Occupancies

Damaged fire separations

2.2.1.1.  Where fire separations between major occupancies are damaged in a manner so as to affect the integrity of their fire-resistance rating, such damaged fire separations shall be repaired so that the integrity of the fire separations is maintained.

Subsection 2.2.2.Rooms and Spaces

Damaged fire separations

2.2.2.1.  Where fire separations between rooms, corridors, shafts and other spaces are damaged so as to affect the integrity of their fire-resistance rating, the damaged fire separations shall be repaired so that the integrity of the fire separations is maintained.

Subsection 2.2.3.Closures

Damaged closures

2.2.3.1.  Where closures are damaged so as to affect the integrity of their fire-protection rating, the damaged closures shall be repaired so that the integrity of the closures is maintained.

Maintenance of closures

2.2.3.2.  (1)  Closures in fire separations shall be maintained to ensure that they are operable at all times by

(a) keeping fusible links and heat or smoke actuated devices undamaged and free of paint and dirt,

(b) keeping guides, bearings and stay rolls clean and lubricated,

(c) making necessary adjustments and repairs to door hardware and accessories to ensure proper closing and latching, and

(d) repairing or replacing inoperative parts of hold-open devices and automatic releasing devices.

2.2.3.3.  Closures in fire separations shall not be blocked or wedged open.

Inspection of doors in fire separations

2.2.3.4.  Doors in fire separations shall be inspected monthly.

2.2.3.5.  (1)  Doors in fire separations in occupied buildings shall be checked as frequently as necessary to ensure that they remain closed.

(2)  Sentence (1) does not apply to

(a) doors designed to close automatically in the event of a fire, or

(b) doors for which an approved fire safety plan contains provisions for closing in the event of a fire.

2.2.3.6.  RESERVED

Inspection of fire dampers and fire-stop flaps

2.2.3.7.  Fire dampers and fire-stop flaps shall be inspected annually, or on an approved time schedule.

2.2.3.8.  Door openings and the surrounding areas shall be kept clear of everything that would be likely to obstruct or interfere with the free operation of the door.

SECTION 2.3INTERIOR FINISHING, FURNISHING AND DECORATIVE MATERIALS

Subsection 2.3.1.General

2.3.1.1.  (1)  Where a building is refurbished or redecorated, interior finish materials used shall be in conformance with the Building Code.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), other interior finish materials may be approved.

Moveable partitions and screens

2.3.1.2.  Moveable partitions or screens, including acoustical screens, shall have a flame-spread rating equal to that required for the interior finish of the area in which they are located as determined in the Building Code.

Subsection 2.3.2.Textile Flammability

Flame resistance of textiles

2.3.2.1.  (1)  Drapes, curtains and other decorative materials, including textiles and films used in buildings, shall meet the requirements for a high degree of flame resistance as described in NOTE 4 of Test Method 27.1 of CAN2-4.2, “Textile Test Methods”, when such drapes, curtains and other decorative materials are used in

(a) any Group ‘B’ occupancy,

(b) any lobby or exit,

(c) any access to exit in a Group ‘A’ occupancy, and assembly occupancies with an occupant load of more than 100 persons, or

(d) any open floor area in a Group ‘D’, ‘E’ or ‘F’ occupancy exceeding 1500 m², except when the floor area is divided into fire compartments not exceeding 1500 m² in area and separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a 1-hr fire-resistance rating.

Flameproofing treatments

2.3.2.2.  Flameproofing treatments shall be renewed as often as required to ensure that the material will pass the match flame test in NFPA 701, “Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films”.

SECTION 2.4FIRE HAZARDS

Subsection 2.4.1.Combustible Materials

Accumulation of combustible materials

2.4.1.1.  (1)  Combustible materials shall not be permitted in quantities or locations that may constitute a fire hazard.

(2)  Sentence (1) does not apply to combustible materials

(a) stored in compliance with this Code, or

(b) stored in compliance with the Building Code.

2.4.1.2.  (1)  Combustible materials, other than those for which the location, room or space is designed, shall not be permitted in any part of an elevator shaft, ventilation shaft or means of egress.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), corridors serving as access to exits for guest suites may contain solid wood or other approved furniture, provided the furniture does not create an obstruction to the egress route.

2.4.1.3.  No combustible materials, other than those for which the room or space is designed, shall be permitted in any service room or service space.

2.4.1.4.  Except for building components, no combustible materials shall be permitted in horizontal concealed spaces, such as crawl spaces and ceiling spaces.

Flammable or combustible liquid spills

2.4.1.5.  Flammable or combustible liquid spills in a building shall be removed immediately with an absorbent material that will not increase the hazard and shall be disposed of in a safe manner.

Precautions against spontaneous combustion

2.4.1.6.  Greasy or oily rags or materials subject to spontaneous heating shall be deposited in a receptacle that conforms to Article 2.4.1.9. or removed from the premises.

Lint traps

2.4.1.7.  Lint traps in laundry equipment shall be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of lint that creates an undue fire hazard.

Ashes

2.4.1.8.  (1)  Ashes shall be stored in receptacles that conform to Article 2.4.1.9.

(2)  Combustible materials shall not be stored with ashes in the same receptacle.

Receptacles

2.4.1.9.  Receptacles required by Clause 2.4.1.1.(2)(c) and  Articles 2.4.1.6. and 2.4.1.8. shall be constructed of noncombustible materials with a melting point of not less than 650^oC, shall have no openings in the sides or bottom, and shall have a self-closing, tightly fitted cover.

2.4.1.10.  Receptacles as described in Article 2.4.1.9. shall not be placed closer than 1 m on the sides and top to combustible materials, and if placed on a combustible floor surface, shall be equipped with a flanged bottom or legs at least 50 mm high.

2.4.1.11.  (1)  Waste containers in public washrooms and in other public areas in a hotel establishment shall be

(a) approved, or

(b) constructed of noncombustible material and have self-closing covers.

Subsection 2.4.2.Exposure to Combustible Materials

2.4.2.1.  Combustible materials shall not be stored on a roof or adjacent to any building so as to create a fire hazard to the building or its occupants.

Subsection 2.4.3.Smoking

Smoking prohibited

2.4.3.1.  (1)  Where conditions are such as to make smoking a fire or explosion hazard, smoking shall be permitted only in specifically approved smoking areas.

(2)  In facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act, suitable noncombustible ashtrays shall be provided where smoking is permitted.

Signs

2.4.3.2.  The areas where smoking is not permitted shall be identified by signs having black lettering 50 mm high with a 12.5 mm stroke on a yellow background, except that symbols of 150 mm by 150 mm may be used in lieu of lettering, or covered by instructions established under a fire safety plan and available to all persons.

Subsection 2.4.4.Open Flames

Open flames prohibited

2.4.4.1.  (1)  Open flames shall not be permitted in buildings used for public assemblies in such quantities and in such a manner as to create a fire hazard unless approved.

(2)  Open flames shall not be permitted in dining areas in Group ‘B’ Division 2 occupancies.

(3)  Despite Sentence (1), decorative and lighting devices with open flames shall not be used unless they are

(a) securely supported in noncombustible holders and located and protected so that combustible materials will not come into contact with or be ignited by the flame, or

(b) approved.

2.4.4.2.  (1)  Flaming meals or drinks shall not be served in Group ‘B’ Division 2 occupancies.

(2)  Flaming meals or drinks shall be ignited only at the location of serving in places of public assembly.

Portable extinguishers

(3)  A 2A:5BC or higher rated portable extinguisher, conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2, shall be available where refueling of appliances and containers used for flaming meals or drinks takes place.

(4)  Refueling of appliances shall not be carried out in the dining area.

Portable extinguishers for flaming meals and drinks

2.4.4.3.  A 2A:5BC or higher rated portable extinguisher, conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2, shall be located on the serving cart or table where flaming meals and drinks are being served.

Devices having open flames

2.4.4.4.  Devices having open flames shall be securely supported in noncombustible holders and located or protected so as to prevent accidental contact of the flame with combustible materials.

Subsection 2.4.5.Use of Hazardous Materials

2.4.5.1.  Flammable liquids shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where the cleaning is an essential part of a process.

2.4.5.2.  Flammable gases shall not be used to inflate balloons.

Subsection 2.4.6.Electrical Hazards

Electrical wiring

2.4.6.1.  Temporary electrical wiring shall not be used where it presents a fire hazard.

Subsection 2.4.7.Vacant Buildings

2.4.7.1.  Vacant buildings shall be secured against unauthorized entry.

SECTION 2.5FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDINGS

Subsection 2.5.1.General

Application

2.5.1.1.  (1)  This Section applies to fire access routes

(a) required to be constructed under the Building Code,

(b) required by municipal by-law, or

(c) required by this Code.

Maintaining access free of obstructions

2.5.1.2.  (1)  Fire access routes and access panels or windows provided to facilitate access for fire fighting operations shall not be obstructed by vehicles, gates, fences, building materials, vegetation, signs or any other form of obstruction.

Fire department connections

(2)  Fire department sprinkler and standpipe connections shall be clearly identified and maintained free of obstructions for use at all times.

Maintenance

2.5.1.3.  Fire access routes shall be maintained so as to be immediately ready for use at all times by fire department vehicles.

Signs

2.5.1.4.  Approved signs shall be displayed to indicate fire access routes.

SECTION 2.6SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Subsection 2.6.1.Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

Defective equipment

2.6.1.1.  Defective appliances in a building shall be removed, repaired or replaced when the defective appliances create a hazardous condition.

Solid fuel bins

2.6.1.2.  Bins containing solid fuel shall be located at least 1.2 m from any appliance.

Hoods, filters and ducts

2.6.1.3.  (1)  Hoods, filters and ducts that are subject to accumulations of combustible deposits shall be checked weekly.

(2)  Hoods, filters and ducts that are subject to accumulations of combustible deposits shall be cleaned when the deposits create a fire hazard.

Chimneys, flues and flue pipes

2.6.1.4.  (1)  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be inspected

(a) annually,

(b) when any appliance is added to it, and

(c) after any chimney fire.

(2)  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be repaired or replaced to eliminate any structural deficiency (such as absence of a liner) or any decay (such as cracking, settling, crumbling mortar, distortion, advanced corrosion, separation of sections or loose or broken supports).

(3)  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes that constitute a fire hazard shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the Building Code.

2.6.1.5.  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from accumulations of combustible deposits.

Abandoned flue openings

2.6.1.6.  Abandoned or unused flue openings shall be sealed in a manner that prevents the passage of fire or smoke.

Operation of systems

2.6.1.7.  Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including appliances, chimneys and flue pipes, shall be operated and maintained so as not to create a hazardous condition.

Disconnect switches

2.6.1.8.  Except for self-contained systems within guest suites and dwelling units, disconnect switches for mechanical air-conditioning and ventilating systems shall be operated annually to establish that the system can be shut down.

Ventilation shafts

2.6.1.9.  Ventilation shafts shall be used only for ventilating purposes.

Precautions during repairs or renovations

2.6.1.10.  Work on ducts involving the use of heat producing devices for cutting, welding or soldering shall not be undertaken before the system has been shut down, the duct cleaned of any accumulations of combustible deposits and any combustible lining and covering material that could be ignited by such work has been removed.

2.6.1.11.  Precautions shall be taken, where necessary, to ensure that there is no damage to fuel supply piping or equipment that would result in fuel leakage or a fire hazard during renovations or excavations.

Commercial cooking equipment

2.6.1.12.  (1)  Commercial cooking equipment shall be provided with exhaust and fire protection systems in conformance with NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), existing exhaust or fire protection systems may be approved.

(3)  In a hotel establishment regulated by Section 9.9, commercial cooking equipment that complies with Article 9.9.2.19. shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).

2.6.1.13.  Commercial cooking equipment exhaust and fire protection systems shall be maintained in conformance with NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”.

2.6.1.14.  (1)  Instructions for manually operating the fire extinguishing systems required under Article 2.6.1.12. shall be posted conspicuously in the kitchen areas.

(2)  The instructions required in Sentence (1) shall be included in the fire safety plan where such a plan is required.

Subsection 2.6.2Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances

Solid-fuel burning appliances

2.6.2.1.  The installation of solid-fuel burning appliances and equipment shall be in accordance with CAN/CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment”.

2.6.2.2.  Solid-fuel burning appliances and equipment shall be maintained in accordance with CAN/CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment”.

Subsection 2.6.3.Incinerators

Design, construction, installation and alteration

2.6.3.1.  (1)  The design, construction, installation and alteration of indoor incinerators shall conform to the requirements of the Building Code.

(2)  The design, construction, installation and alteration of outdoor incinerators shall conform to NFPA 82, “Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment”, except that the flue venting an incinerator shall not also serve as the chute conveying waste material to the incinerator.

Maintenance

2.6.3.2.  All indoor and outdoor incinerators shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 82, “Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment”.

Spark arresters

2.6.3.3.  (1)  Spark arresters shall be cleaned annually or more frequently where accumulations of debris will adversely affect operations.

(2)  Burnt-out spark arresters shall be repaired or replaced.

Open air burning

2.6.3.4.  Open air burning shall not be permitted unless approved, or unless such burning consists of a small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or a barbecue.

Subsection 2.6.4.Electrical Equipment Vaults

2.6.4.1.  Electrical equipment vaults shall not be used for storage purposes.

2.6.4.2.  Electrical equipment vaults shall be kept locked to prevent unauthorized access.

SECTION 2.7SAFETY TO LIFE

Subsection 2.7.1.Means of Egress

Group ‘D’ and ‘E’ occupancies

2.7.1.1.  Individual work areas in Group ‘D’ and ‘E’ occupancies shall be located adjacent to aisles described in Articles 2.7.1.2. and 2.7.1.3.

2.7.1.2.  Where 2 exits are required from floor areas in buildings of Group ‘D’ and ‘E’ occupancy that are not subdivided into rooms or suites of rooms served by corridors giving access to exits, at least 1 aisle with access to the 2 exits and having a minimum clear width of 1100 mm shall be provided to serve the individual work areas where necessary.

2.7.1.3.  Subsidiary aisles with a minimum clear width of 900 mm may branch off for a distance not exceeding 7.5 m from the aisles described in Article 2.7.1.2.

Occupant load

2.7.1.4.  (1)  The number of persons occupying a room or floor space in an assembly occupancy shall not exceed the occupant load for the intended use as determined in Sentence (2).

(2)  The occupant load for any room or floor space shall be the lower of

(a) the occupant load as calculated in accordance with Sentences (3) to (7), or

(b) the occupant load for which means of egress are provided as determined by the Building Code.

(3)  The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area in an assembly occupancy shall be based on

(a) the number of fixed seats, or

(b) the number of persons

(i) for which the area is designed, or

(ii) determined from Table 2.7.1.A. for occupancies other than those described in Clause (a).

(4)  For the purposes of this Article, mezzanines, tiers and balconies shall be regarded as part of the floor area.

(5)  Where fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the occupant load shall be based on a seat width of 450 mm per person.

(6)  The occupant load of a room in which a dance floor is situated shall be based on that portion of the room that is not occupied by the dance floor except where the occupant load is determined using Subclause (3)(b)(i).

(7)  At no time shall the maximum occupant load determined in Sentences (2) to (6) exceed the occupant load calculated on the basis of

(a) 0.60 m² of floor space per person in dining, alcoholic beverage and cafeteria space, and

(b) 0.40 m² of floor space per person for all other uses.  

TABLE 2.7.1.A.

Forming Part of Article 2.7.1.4.