1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), each suite in other than business and personal services occupancies shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See also Subsection 3.3.3. for care or detention occupancies, Article 3.3.4.2. for residential occupancies and Article 3.1.8.7. for fire dampers.)
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) Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the occupancies are
a) suites of business and personal services occupancy,
b)fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,
c) suites of mercantile occupancy, or
d)any combination of these occupancies.
1) Except as provided in Subsection 3.3.5., the storage, handling and use of
hazardous substances shall be in conformance with
a)provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or
b)in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a), the British Columbia Fire Code.
(See Appendix A.)
2) Cooking equipment, not within a dwelling unit, used in processes producing grease-laden vapours shall be designed and installed in
conformance with Part 6. (See Appendix A.)
3) A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.
1) Access to exit within floor areas shall conform to Subsections 3.3.2. to 3.3.5., in addition to the requirements of this Subsection.
2) If a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space
is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the
appropriate requirements of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1) for rooms and suites.
3) Means of egress shall be provided from every roof which is intended for occupancy, and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space.
4) At least two separate means of egress shall be provided from a roof, used or intended
for an occupant load more than 60, to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements regarding
exit stairs stated in Section 3.4.
5) A rooftop enclosure shall be provided with an
access to exit that leads to an exit
a)at the roof level, or
b)on the storey immediately below the roof.
6) A rooftop enclosure which is more than 200
m2 in area shall be provided with at least 2 means of egress.
7) Two points of egress shall be provided for a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if
a)the area is more than 200 m2, or
b)the travel distance measured from any point in the service space to a point of egress is more than 25 m.
8) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.4.(5) and (6), each suite in a floor area that contains more than one suite shall have
a)an exterior exit doorway, or
b)a doorway
i)into a public corridor, or
ii)to an exterior passageway.
9) Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to
in Sentence (8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite
directions to each of 2 separate exits.
1) Except as otherwise required by this Part or as
permitted by Sentence (4), a public corridor shall be separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation.
2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and Clauses 3.3.1.4.(4)(a) and (b), the fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
3) If a storey is sprinklered throughout, no fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey provided the corridor does not serve a care or detention occupancy or a residential occupancy. (See A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) in Appendix A.)
4) No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and
a) except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.5.(9) and 3.3.4.2.(1), and notwithstanding Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2), the remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more than 45 m,
b)a room or a suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence 3.3.1.9.(6) and Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or
c) a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Subsection 3.7.2., provided the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.
1) Except for dwelling units, a minimum of 2 egress doorways located so that one doorway could
provide egress from the room or suite as required by Article 3.3.1.3. if the other doorway becomes inaccessible
to the occupants due to a fire which originates in the room or
suite, shall be provided for every room and every suite
a)that is used for a high-hazard industrial occupancy and whose area is more than 15 m2,
b)intended for an occupant load more than 60,
c)in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, and
i)the area of a room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.A, or
ii)the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.A, or
d)in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout and does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy and
i)the travel distance to an egress doorway is more than 25 m, or
ii)the area of the room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.B.
| Table 3.3.1.5.A Egress in Floor Area not Sprinklered Throughout Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1) |
||
| Occupancy of Room or Suite | Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m2 | Maximum Distance to Egress Doorway, m |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | 150 | 15 |
| Group C | 100(1) | 15(1) |
| Group D | 200 | 25 |
| Group E | 150 | 15 |
| Group F, Division 2 | 150 | 10 |
| Group F, Division 3 | 200 | 15 |
| Notes to Table 3.3.1.5.A | |
|
|
|
| (1) | See Article 3.3.4.4. for dwelling units. |
| Table 3.3.1.5.B Egress in Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1) |
|
| Occupancy of Room or Suite | Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m2 |
|---|---|
| Group A | 200 |
| Group B, Division 1 | 100 |
| Group B, Division 2 | |
| sleeping rooms | 100 |
| other than sleeping rooms | 200 |
| Group C | 150(1) |
| Group D | 300 |
| Group E | 200 |
| Group F, Division 2 | 200 |
| Group F, Division 3 | 300 |
| Notes to Table 3.3.1.5.B | |
|
|
|
| (1) | See Article 3.3.4.4. for dwelling units. |
1) If more than one egress doorway is required from a
room or suite referred to in Article 3.3.1.5., the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway shall not exceed the maximum
travel distances specified in Clauses 3.4.2.5.(1)(a), (b), (c) and (f) for exits.
1) Except within the floor area of a storage garage, the minimum headroom clearance in every access to exit shall conform to the requirements of Article 3.4.3.4. for exits. (See also Sentence 3.3.5.4.(5).)
1) The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1 100 mm.
2) Except as required by Sentence 3.3.3.3.(2), the minimum unobstructed width of a
corridor used by the public or a corridor serving classrooms or
patients' sleeping rooms shall be 1 100 mm.
3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall
not project more than 100 mm horizontally into an exit passageway, a public corridor, a corridor used by the public or a corridor
serving classrooms or patients' sleeping rooms in a manner that
would create a hazard for a person with a visual disability
traveling adjacent to the walls.
4) The horizontal projection of an obstruction referred
to in Sentence (3) is permitted to be more than 100 mm provided the
clearance between the obstruction and the floor is less than 680
mm. (See Appendix A.)
5) If a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than
its required width.
6) If a public corridor conforming to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,
a)the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3 m at all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and
b)the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than 15% of the area of the public corridor.
7) Except for a dead end corridor that is entirely within
a suite or as permitted by Sentences 3.3.3.3.(1) and 3.3.4.4.(6), a dead end corridor is permitted provided it is not more than 6
m long.
1) Except as otherwise stated in this Section, aisles
shall be provided in conformance with the BCFC.
1) Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing
access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis.
2) Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing
access to exit from a room or suite that is used or intended for an occupant load more than 60 or for a high-hazard industrial occupancy shall swing in the direction of travel to the exit.
3) Every door that divides a corridor that is not wholly
contained within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit.
4) If a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that
provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall swing in opposite directions, with
the door on the right hand side swinging in the direction of
travel to the exit.
1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a sliding door provided in the locations described in Article 3.3.1.11. shall
a)be designed and installed to swing on the vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit when pressure is applied, and
b)be identified as a swinging door by means of a label or decal affixed to it.
2) In a Group B, Division 1 occupancy, or in an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, sliding doors used in an access to exit need not conform to Sentence (1) and Article 3.3.1.11.
3) Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence (1) and Sentences 3.3.1.11.(1) and (2), provided the partitions are not located in the only means of egress. (See Appendix A.)
1) A door that opens into or is located within a
public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall
a)provide a clear opening of not less than 800 mm if there is only one door leaf,
b)in a doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 800 mm, and,
c)not open onto a step.
2) A door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism, except that
this requirement does not apply to a door serving a
contained use area, or an impeded egress zone, provided the locking devices conform to Sentence (6).
3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), door release hardware shall be operable by one hand and the door
shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation.
(See also Clause (10)(c).)
4) An egress door from an individual dwelling unit or from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be provided with additional devices that require a releasing
operation additional to the main door release hardware, provided
the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use
of keys, special devices or specialized knowledge. (See
Appendix A.)
5) Door release hardware shall be installed not more than
1 200 mm above the finished floor.
6) An egress door in an access to exit serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be equipped with locking devices that can be released either
locally or remotely in conformance with Sentence (7) or (8). (See Appendix A.)
7) Local locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.
8) Controls for the remote release of door locking
devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be located in an area readily available to security personnel.
9) Locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) that are electrically operated shall be
a)designed to operate on emergency power, and
b)capable of manual release by security personnel.
10) Door assemblies providing access shall
a)conform to Clauses (1)(a) and (b),
b)have a clear and level area
i)when the door swing is towards this area, not less than 1 500 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 600 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,
ii)when the door swing is away from this area, not less than 1 200 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 300 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,
iii)for power operated sliding doors or power operated doors swinging away from the area, not less than 1 100 mm long by the width of the door assembly, and
iv)for power operated doors swinging into the area, not less than 1 100 mm long plus the arc of the door swing by the width of the door assembly,
c)be operable by devices which do not require tight grasping, or twisting of the wrist, as the only means of operation,
d)operate when a force of not more than 38 N for exterior doors and not more than 22 N for interior doors is applied at the handle, push plate or latch-releasing device, except for locations where greater pressures are required to ensure proper building function, and
e)if equipped with a closer, have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from the door in an open position of 70° to the doorway to a point 75 mm from the closed position measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door.
(See Appendix A-3.8)11) In doorways, where thresholds are not flush with the floor, the difference in level shall be not more than 13 mm and shall be beveled.
12) Doors which are installed in series shall be separated by a space not less than 1 200 mm plus the width of any door swinging into the separating space. (See also Clauses 3.2.8.5.(1)(a) and 3.3.5.7.(3)(a).)
1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), Article 3.3.4.7. and Subsection 3.3.2., ramps and stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the dimensional, guard, handrail and slip-resistance requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles 3.4.3.4., and 3.4.6.1. to 3.4.6.8.
2) Ramps and stairways that do not conform to the
requirements of Sentence (1) are permitted to serve service rooms and service spaces and in industrial occupancies, provided the ramps and stairways are intended
only for occasional use for servicing equipment and machinery.
1) An exterior passageway leading to a required exit shall conform to the requirements of Section 3.4. for exterior exit passageways.
1) A curved or spiral stair is permitted in a stairway
not required as an exit, provided the stair has
a)treads with
i)a minimum run not less than 150 mm, and
ii)an average run not less than 200 mm, and
b)risers in conformance with Sentence 3.4.6.7.(2).
1) The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served.
2) In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than 1 in 8,
doorways, and corridors shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm
per person.
3) In an access to exit the required width of a ramp with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be
based on not less than 9.2 mm per person.
4) In an access to exit from a floor area used or intended to be used for patients in a Group B, Division 2 occupancy, the required width of corridors, doorways, and ramps shall be based on not less than 18.4 mm per person.
5) The capacity of stairs in an access to exit shall conform to the requirements for stairs
in Sentences 3.4.3.2.(1) to (3).
1) Except as provided in Sentence (4) and Article 3.3.2.9., a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided
a)around any roof to which access is provided for purposes 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 permitted by Sentence 3.3.2.9.(4) and unless it can be shown that the size of
openings that exceed this limit does not present a hazard, there
shall be no opening that permits the passage of a sphere whose
diameter is more than 100 mm through a guard serving
a)an exterior balcony, or
b)a room, stairway, or space not within a suite of residential occupancy.
3) 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.
4) Sentence (1) does not apply to the front edges of stages or to loading docks.
1) Except 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 that, 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 that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are 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
1 000 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
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 4.1.5.15.
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. (See also Article 4.2.4.13.)
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.
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 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 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 throughout.
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 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 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 throughout.
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 alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to, accessible from, and plainly visible
from the obstructed means of egress. (See Appendix A.)
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.(8).
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), welding and cutting operations shall be carried out in a
room
a)separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, or
b)protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system.
2) Sentence (1) shall not apply to industrial occupancies where the welding and cutting
operations do not present a fire or explosion hazard to
adjacent areas.
1) This Subsection applies to assembly occupancies and to outdoor places of assembly.
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.
1) Non-fixed seating shall conform to the BCFC.
1) Except for the requirements of Article 3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by
Sentence (2) and Articles 3.3.2.10. and 3.3.2.11., 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.
(See Appendix A.)3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), 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.
1) Except as required by Articles 3.3.2.10. and 3.3.2.11., aisles leading to exits shall be provided in conformance with Sentences (2) to (17) in places of assembly which contain fixed seats.
2) The minimum clear width of aisles shall be not less
than 1 100 mm, except that the width is permitted to be
reduced to not less than
a)750 mm if serving not more than 60 seats, and
b)900 mm if serving seats on one side only.
3) Except in the case of bleacher seats, the minimum
clear width of aisles referred to in Sentence (2) shall be measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle or foyer and shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of distance toward the exit, cross aisle or foyer.
4) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit, and the width of the cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required width
of the remaining aisles that it serves.
5) Dead-end aisles shall be not more than 6 m long.
6) The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be not more than 45 m.
7) Side aisles shall be not less than 1 100 mm
wide if seating is provided in conformance with Sentence 3.3.2.4.(4).
8) An aisle that has a slope not more than 1 in 8 shall
not be stepped.
9) An aisle that slopes more than 1 in 8 shall be
stepped.
10) The passageway between rows of seats served by a
stepped aisle shall be level at right angles to the line of
travel.
11) The riser of a step in an aisle shall be
a)not less than 110 mm high, and
b)not more than 200 mm high.
12) Variations are permitted in riser height provided
a)the height of adjacent risers does not vary by more than 6 mm, and
b)the width of a tread or a platform in the direction of travel is not less than 430 mm.
13) Steps in an aisle shall
a)have a run not less than 230 mm exclusive of nosings,
b)have a tread width not less than 250 mm,
c)extend to the adjacent rows of seats in a manner that will not create a hazard from tripping, and
d)have a finish on the treads conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).
14) The location of every riser in an aisle shall be made
apparent from both directions of travel by strategically placed
lighting or contrasting marking stripes.
15) A platform in an aisle shall be level, except that a
slope not more than 1 in 50 is permitted for a platform that is
not less than 430 mm wide in the direction of exit travel.
16) If a step is used at the entry to a row of seats from
a stepped aisle, an unobstructed platform not less than 800 mm
square shall be provided adjacent to the aisle.
17) The finish of the surface of a platform in or adjacent
to a stepped aisle shall conform to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).
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 floor area 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 throughout.
4) The requirement for a fire separation stated in 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 the exit does not exceed the travel distance permitted by Article 3.4.2.5.
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 3.3.1.13.(10)(d) is applied to the device in the direction
of travel to the exit.
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.
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) The size of any opening in a guard required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall not allow the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 300 mm.
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 3.4.3.2.(3).
5) Aisles in a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall
a)be located so that there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, and
b)be not less than 1 200 mm wide, except that an aisle serving less than 60 persons is permitted to be 750 mm wide.
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.
5) Openings above footboards and below the seats in
rows of bleacher seats shall be provided with intermediate
construction so that there is no opening that would permit
the passage of a sphere of more than 100 mm in diameter.
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 2.1 m but not more than 75% of the
floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or below the
mezzanine floor assembly.
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, “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 acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and designed to close
a)automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler system,
b)automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, and
c)manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage.
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 building that is sprinklered throughout, provided a sprinkler deluge system is installed at the boundary between the
stage and the seating area.
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.
1) This Subsection applies to care or detention occupancies. (See Appendix A.)
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.
1) A corridor used by the public or serving patients'
sleeping rooms 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 in which it may be necessary to move a
patient in a bed shall be not less than 2 400 mm wide.
3) Paired doors in a corridor referred to in Sentence (2) 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.
1) The minimum clear width of doorways through which it is necessary to move patients in bed shall be 1 050 mm.
(See Appendix A.)
1) Floor areas containing patients' sleeping rooms in a hospital or nursing home shall conform to
Sentences (2) to (13). (See Appendix A.)
2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area containing patients' 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. (See Appendix A.)
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 in the adjacent
fire compartment.
9) Except as permitted by Sentences (11) and (12), walls between patients' sleeping rooms and the remainder of the floor area shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating unless one is required by other provisions in this
Part. (See A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) in Appendix A.)
10) The fire separation requirements of Sentence (9) do not apply to walls within a group of
intercommunicating patients' rooms, provided the group of rooms
does not
a)contain more than 5 patients, or
b)include storage, bathing or toilet facilities serving persons not occupying the group of rooms.
(See Appendix A.)11) A door in a fire separation required by Sentence (9) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch.
12) Except as permitted by Sentence (13), a fire separation required by Sentence (9) shall not have any grilles, louvres or other openings.
13) A door or wall separating a patient's sleeping room
from an ensuite toilet room, shower room or similar ancillary
space is permitted to incorporate grilles and louvres provided
a)the adjacent rooms are not used to store flammable or combustible materials, and
b)the openings are located so that smoke cannot pass through these rooms to other parts of the building.
(See Appendix A.)1) Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms,
recovery rooms, delivery rooms and intensive 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.
1) A contained use area shall conform to Sentences (2) to (5).
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 throughout.
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 3.3.1.13.(6), and
d)the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.
5) A corridor serving a contained use area shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion
has a second and separate means of egress.
1) This Subsection applies to residential occupancies.
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)1 h if the building is not sprinklered throughout,
ii)45 min if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, or
iii)1 h if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is more than 3 storeys in building height.
4) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is permitted to be waived if the fire separation is located between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage containing not more than 5 vehicles, provided
a)the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are sprinklered,
b)the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1), (2) and (3),
c)there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,
d)the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and
e)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.
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.
1) Single storey dwelling units in an apartment building need not lead to a public corridor or exterior passageway on the same storey provided the dwelling units are served by private stairways leading directly to a public access to exit on the storey
a)immediately above, and
b)immediately below.
(See Appendix A.)2) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), a dwelling unit containing more than one storey shall have an exit door or an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost storey and from the lowest storey of the dwelling unit so that each storey is served by an exit or egress door located not more than 1.5 m above or below its floor level.
3) A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level and
a)it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or
b)the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony not more than 6 m above adjacent ground level.
4) An egress door from either the uppermost storey or the lowest storey of a dwelling unit, as required by Sentence (2), need not be provided if that storey is served by a stairway that
a)leads to a public access to exit,
b)has no direct access to any other storey in the dwelling unit, and
c)is separated from the other storeys in the dwelling unit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
5) In a building of residential occupancy not more than 3 storeys in building height, a doorway from a dwelling unit is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.
6) If a dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress, one means of egress from a dwelling unit is permitted to pass through
a)an interior corridor served by a single exit,
b)an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, or
c)an exterior passageway served by a single exit stairway.
1) Except for hotels and motels, a door opening onto a
public corridor which provides access to exit from a suite shall be designed not to lock automatically.
(See Appendix A.)
1) Sound transmission class ratings of building assemblies shall conform to Section 5.9.
1) Stairs, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Section 9.8.
1) Dwelling units shall conform to the applicable requirements of Subsections 9.6.8. and 9.7.6.
1) This Subsection applies to industrial occupancies.
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)provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or
b)the BCFC, in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a).
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.
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 m.
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.
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.
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.
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 1.8 m 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.
1) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a
flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed above any space intended for occupancy.
2) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a
flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed in any building, except that this requirement does not apply to a canopy which is open on not
less than 75% of its perimeter.
1) Unless the building is sprinklered throughout, each individual tenancy in a multiple tenant self storage warehouse classified
as an industrial occupancy shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.