Appendix A - Division C
A-2.2.1.2.(1) Structural Design. Part 4 of Division B is written on the assumption that structural design will
be carried out by a professional who is qualified to perform such design. Sentence 2.2.1.2.(1) is not intended to imply that a professional may not also be required in the application
of
requirements in other Parts of the NBC.
A-2.2.6.2.(1) Information Required on Drawings and Specifications. Examples of information that should be shown on architectural drawings and
drawings for heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems are:
(a)
the name, type and location of the building,
(b)
the name of the owner,
(c)
the name of the architect,
(d)
the name of the engineer or designer,
(e)
the north point,
(f)
the dimensions and height of all rooms,
(g)
the intended use of all rooms,
(h)
the details or description of the wall, roof, ceiling and floor
construction, including insulation,
(i)
the details or description of the windows and outside doors, including
the size, weatherstripping, storm sashes, sills and storm doors,
(j)
the size and continuity of all pipes, ducts, shafts, flues and fire
dampers,
(k)
the location, size, capacity and type of all principal units of
equipment,
(l)
the size, shape and height of all chimneys and gas
vents,
(m)
the size and location of all combustion air and ventilation openings,
and
(n)
the location and fire-resistance rating of required fire
separations.
A-2.2.7. Professional Design and Review. This Section provides for the use of what are generally called Letters
of Assurance. The letters themselves, known as Schedules A, B-1, B-2, C-A
and C-B and located at the end of Division C, are intended to put on paper
the responsibilities of the owner and various registered professionals in a
construction project. The Letters of Assurance do not impose any additional
responsibilities on the registered professionals nor are they intended to
alter the roles and responsibilities of the authorities having
jurisdiction
The Schedules have been very carefully scrutinized by the Province of
British Columbia, Union of BC Municipalities, Building Officials’
Association of BC, Architectural Institute of BC, Association of
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of B.C. and their respective legal
counsel. The precise wording in the letters is extremely critical and must
not be modified. For this reason, authorities having jurisdiction will only
accept copies of the original master Schedules as published in Division C.
Any notations on these Schedules which are absolutely necessary to suit a
particular project must be clearly and legibly marked in pen on the
copies.
It is typical that the registered professional responsible for the
design is also responsible for the field review. There are instances where
this is not the case and having a different registered professional doing
the field reviews is unavoidable. Schedule C-B requires that the registered
professional that provides the field review provide assurance that the
building as finally constructed is in substantial conformance with the Code.
It is unreasonable to expect the field reviewer to take on the
responsibility for Code compliance of the design done by others. In the
event of transition, Schedule C-B must be clarified by the field reviewer by
crossing out and initialing Clause (b)(i) and providing the effective
transition date.
Note that Schedules A, B-1, B-2, C-A & C-B, as required by
Subsection 2.2.7., must be signed and sealed and submitted to the authority
having jurisdiction, as applicable for each specific project. Conditional or
qualified Schedules are not typically acceptable. Any fire and life safety
deficiency that would prevent the issuance of a Schedule must be remedied
before the Schedule is released, not accommodated by conditions or
qualifications placed on the Schedule. See the Guide to Letters of
Assurance, available from the Building Policy Branch Web site, for more
details.
A-2.2.7.1.(1)(b) Structural Components. The reference to “structural components of buildings that fall within
the scope of Part 4” includes the situation where a building is classified
under Part 9 due to its size and occupancy but also contains some structural
components (such as beams supporting concentrated loads) which must be
designed under Part 4. In this situation only Schedules B-1, B-2 and C-B for
the structural components are required. Schedule A and Schedules B-1, B-2,
C-A and C-B relating to non-structural components are not required. Refer to
Appendix A-9.4.1.1. and A-9.4.1.1.(3) for structural design of Part 9
buildings for lateral wind and earthquake loads.
A-2.2.7.2.(1)(a) Coordinating Registered Professional. The coordinating registered professional is responsible to ascertain
that all Code related aspects which are relevant to the project are clearly
identified by each of the registered professionals in the collection of
Schedules B-1 and B-2. If a registered professional has crossed out any item
on their Schedule B-2, the coordinating registered professional must confirm
this item is not applicable to the project or resolve the issue with the
registered professional. Only under unusual circumstances should additional
registered professionals within a single discipline be expected to submit
Schedules B-1, B-2 and C-B to the coordinating registered
professional.
A-2.2.7.2.(1)(b) Schedule B-2. The purpose of Schedule B-2 is to clearly identify the appropriate
registered professional who has the overall responsibility in each
discipline for compliance with the various code-related aspects of the
project. Detailed design of certain building components may be undertaken by
a second registered professional. It is common in the industry for detailed
sprinkler design or detailed structural design of open web steel joists to
be performed by a second registered professional who may be retained by the
contractor or the fabricator. The registered professional of record fulfills
their obligation for overall responsibility of Code compliance as indicated
in Schedule B-2 by reviewing the shop drawings which are prepared under the
direction of the second registered professional. Such shop drawings must
bear the professional seal and signature of the second registered
professional. Field review of these components can be undertaken by either
the registered professional of record or the second registered professional.
In the event that the second registered professional provides the field
review, the registered professional of record must be satisfied that such
reviews have been performed and is responsible for Schedule C-B.
A-2.2.7.2.(2) Schedule C-A. Schedule C-A provides confirmation that the coordinating registered
professional has completed the obligation to coordinate the various
registered professionals engaged in the project. It also confirms that the
testing of the interrelated fire and life safety systems, such as fire
alarms and sprinklers, have been completed and the systems function as
intended.
A-2.2.7.3. Demonstration of the Coordinated Fire & Life Safety
Systems. The design drawings and supporting documents must clearly indicate all
essential details of the coordinated fire and life safety systems prior to
issuance of a building permit. Demonstration of the proper, integrated
operation of the fire and life safety systems must be conducted prior to
occupancy. The following is an example of the steps required to co-ordinate
the installation and testing of fire and life safety systems in buildings.
A-2.2.7.3. Demonstration of the Coordinated Fire & Life Safety
Systems. The design drawings and supporting documents must clearly indicate all
essential details of the coordinated fire and life safety systems prior to
issuance of a building permit. Demonstration of the proper, integrated
operation of the fire and life safety systems must be conducted prior to
occupancy.
1.0. General
Referencing Schedule B-2:
- Item No. 1.12 “Functional Testing of Architecturally Related Fire
Emergency Systems and Devices,”
- Item No. 3.4 “Functional Testing of Mechanically Related Fire Emergency
Systems and Devices,”
- Item No. 4.5 “Functional Testing of Plumbing Related Fire Emergency
Systems and Devices,”
- Item No. 5.13 “Functional Testing of Fire Suppression Systems and
Devices,” and
- Item No. 6.3 “Functional Testing of Electrical Related Fire Emergency
Systems and Devices.”
The coordinating registered professional (CRP) and registered
professionals (RPs) must demonstrate that the fire and life safety systems'
design has been coordinated prior to the issuance of the building permit.
That is, the CRP/RPs must accumulate and submit the necessary documentation,
such as:
- complete drawings,
- schedules,
- schematic diagrams,
- fire alarm system sequencing description (showing coordination between
mechanical and electrical fire protection and life safety systems),
- mechanical fire protection and life safety schematic riser
diagrams,
- electrical fire alarm riser diagram,
- motor data list coordinated with fire alarm system sequencing,
- other documentation, as appropriate,
to demonstrate that the interface of the fire and life safety systems has
been designed and coordinated so that when built correctly they will
function as an integrated system. Further, it is intended that when the
construction of the fire and life safety systems is indicated by the
contractor to be complete, the RPs/CRP witness the demonstration of the
testing of the fire and life safety systems to confirm compliance that the
as-built systems function as intended by the design.
The required list of items will depend on the simplicity or complexity of
the project. The following is a comprehensive list of items for fire and
life safety systems for a complex project which need to be coordinated in
order to demonstrate compliance:
Notes: It is the responsibility of the coordinating registered
professional (CRP) and registered professionals (RPs) to determine the
best method of “how to” demonstrate to the authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ) that the fire protection and life safety systems have been
coordinated for each project. That is, the method(s) used (i.e., charts,
drawings, matrices, tables, etc.) for demonstration purposes should be
project-specific and relate only to that project.
It is not the intent of this Appendix material to dictate or produce
“checklists” or other prescriptive methods for demonstrating compliance
since this is best left to the professional discretion of the
appropriate CRP/RPs.
2.0 Design Phase — Building Permit Application Stage & Final
Construction Phase — Occupancy Permit Application Stage
2.1 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
2.1.1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
- design requirements to appropriate standard
2.1.2. Standpipe Systems
- design requirements to appropriate standard
- Class I/Class II
- locations
- coverage
- F.D. connections
2.1.3. Fire Pump Systems
- design requirements to appropriate standard
2.1.4. Fire Alarm Systems
- one/two stage system(s)
- no. of systems
- design requirements to appropriate standard
- sequence of operation
- F.A. system zoning
- location of F.A. system devices
- annunciator panel (location and design criteria)
- annunciator panel shop drawings (detail design)
- sprinkler zone/waterflow device
- smoke detectors
- smoke alarms
- manual pull stations
- signals to fire department via an acceptable central monitoring
station
- activation of ancillary devices
2.1.6. Emergency Telephone System
2.1.7. Emergency Power
- design requirements to appropriate standard
- supervisory provisions for fire alarm
- emergency electrical load
- emergency generator
2.1.8. Emergency Lighting
- exits
- access to exits
- public corridors
- other floor areas
2.1.9. Exit Signs
2.2. Additional Requirements for High Buildings
2.2.1. Interface Condition between Highrise and Lowrise
Components
2.2.2. Smoke Control — Measure A
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
- venting above-grade stairs
- separation of above-grade and below-grade stairs
- venting below-grade stairs
- pressurization of below-grade stairs at bottom
- above-grade elevator shaft serving below-grade protected with a
"protected" vestibule
- additional controls at CACF (annunciator panel shop drawings)
2.2.3. Smoke Venting
2.2.4. Fire Fighters' Elevators
- fire fighting controls
- emergency recall
2.2.5. Protection of Emergency Electrical Conductors
- highrise elevator
- emergency generator(s)
- fire pump(s)
- smoke control systems
- smoke venting systems
- fire alarm and emergency voice communication systems
2.2.6. Emergency Voice Communications
- integrated with F.A. system
- audible to appropriate standard
- zoning of speakers
3.0. Roles and Responsibilities for the Demonstration of the
Coordinated Fire and Life Safety Systems
3.1. Roles and Responsibilities for the Design, Commissioning and
Functional Testing of Fire and Life Safety Systems
3.1.1. Design Phase
RPs will clearly indicate on their drawings and supporting documents
the details of the fire and life safety systems for each applicable item
of Section 2 for their particular discipline. RPs will also coordinate
the design of the components in their system with the designs of other
RPs on the project. RPs are to indicate what functional testing, system
verification, etc., must be performed by the contractor or sub-trades
and establish the documentation to be provided.
The CRP will act as the facilitator for the coordination of the design
of the fire and life safety systems among the various RPs.
3.1.2. Construction Phase
The contractor will coordinate the activities of the sub-trade
contractors for the installation of the fire and life safety systems in
accordance with the contract documents.
RPs will provide field reviews to ascertain that the construction of
the fire and life safety systems substantially complies with their
design.
RPs will review shop drawings of the fire and life safety systems to
determine that they accurately reflect their design intent. They will
also coordinate their reviews with those of the other RPs on the
project.
The CRP will coordinate the shop drawing reviews and field reviews by
the RPs with the objective that the entire fire and life safety system
will correctly operate as an integrated system.
3.1.3. Occupancy Phase
The contractor will coordinate the sub-trade contractors for the
commissioning and functional testing of the fire and life safety
systems. The contractor will also collect all of the required occupancy
submission documents from the various sub-trade contractors and forward
them to the CRP.
The CRP will take the lead role in coordinating the activities of the
RPs required for the commissioning and functional testing of the fire
and life safety systems. The CRP will develop the project-specific test
protocol and procedures in consultation with the RPs and distribute them
to the various parties involved in the process.
RPs will ascertain that the appropriate commissioning and functional
testing of the fire and life safety systems of the components in their
disciplines have been satisfactorily completed by the sub-trade
contractors. They will also determine that the appropriate occupancy
submission documents have been submitted and filled in correctly.
The CRP will be responsible for collecting all of the required
occupancy submission documents, reviewing them for completeness and
accuracy, and forwarding them to the AHJ in a complete package prior to
the coordinated final AHJ review.
3.2. Sample Summary of Roles and Responsibilities for Demonstration of
the Coordinated Fire and Life Safety Systems
The following is a sample summary (only) of the roles and responsibilities
for a typical highrise building with underground parking. The precise roles
and responsibilities for each project will vary depending on the complexity.
The CRP will ascertain that the appropriate roles and responsibilities for
each project are fulfilled by the RPs.
3.2.1. Coordinating Registered Professional
Design Phase
- Determine the appropriate RPs required for the project and make
arrangements with the owner for their services.
- Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various RPs.
- Coordinate the design of the fire and life safety systems by the
RPs.
- Coordinate and develop the test protocol and procedures for
functional testing of the fire and life safety systems.
- Coordinate the submission of the design drawings and supporting
documents for the building permit application.
Construction Phase
- Coordinate and monitor the field reviews of the RPs.
- Coordinate and monitor the review of shop drawings by the RPs.
- Coordinate the information and its circulation among the RPs and
contractor.
Occupancy Phase
- In conjunction with the RPs, compile the project-specific test
protocol and procedures for the fire and life safety systems, and
review the requirements with the contractor, sub-trades and
RPs.
- Compile the list of project-specific occupancy permit submission
documents and the schedule for submissions and confirm completeness
with AHJ.
- Organize the "Coordinated Final Consultant Review" at least one week
prior to "Coordinated AHJ Final Review."
- Coordinate the functional testing of the fire and life safety
systems during the "Coordinated Final Consultant Review."
- Coordinate the RPs' review of occupancy submission documents for
completeness and accuracy.
- Coordinate certification of equivalencies, if applicable.
- Collect all of the required occupancy submission documents and
submit them in a complete package to the AHJ.
- Organize the "Coordinated AHJ Final Review."
- Record any deficiencies identified at the "Coordinated AHJ Final
Review" and monitor RPs' field review of the corrective actions by
the contractor.
- Assist in finalizing the list of outstanding requirements which need
to be met prior to occupancy.
3.2.2. Architectural
Design Phase
- Establish the conceptual design for the fire and life safety systems
in consultation with RPs.
- Determine equivalency reports required and coordinate the
implementation on the drawings and supporting documents.
- Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
- major occupancies and code classifications.
- fire separations and fire-resistance ratings.
- Closures:
- Fire-protection rating
- Temperature rise requirements
- Amount of glazing
- hardware
- Quick release hardware
- Hold-open devices
- Electromagnetic locks
- Egress systems.
- provisions for fire fighting access.
- interior and exterior finishes.
- elevating devices c/w integrated controls to the fire alarm
panel.
- signage coordinated with fire alarm system and
annunciation.
Construction Phase
- Provide field reviews of architectural components.
- Review shop drawings for architectural components and coordinate
requirements with other RPs.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
architectural components.
Occupancy Phase
- Ascertain that the architectural components substantially conform to
the architectural drawings and supporting documents.
- Witnessing the functional testing of the architectural components of
the fire and life safety systems.
- Coordinate the signage with the fire alarm annunciator and the fire
safety plans.
- Review the architecturally-related occupancy submission documents
provided by the contractor and sub-trades for completeness and
accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the architectural Schedule C-B and
other applicable supporting documents required prior to
occupancy.
3.2.3. Mechanical/Plumbing
Design Phase
- Coordinate mechanical/plumbing clearances and functional
requirements with other RPs.
- Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
- details of the mechanical/plumbing components of the fire and
life safety systems.
- schematic diagram of the smoke venting system showing all fans,
ducts, motorized dampers, fusible link dampers and backdraft
dampers.
- location and fire-protection ratings of fusible link fire
dampers and fire stop flaps.
- location and fire-protection ratings of motorized fire
dampers.
- location and fire-resistance ratings of fire-rated duct
enclosures.
- fire stop systems for mechanical/plumbing penetrations of fire
separations.
- kitchen exhaust system/suppression system.
- Mechanical fans/motorized dampers sequence of operations:
- Describe operation under normal mode.
- Describe operation under fire alarm mode.
- Indicate fire alarm initiation devices that activate change of
operation.
Construction Phase
- Provide field reviews of mechanical/plumbing components.
- Review shop drawings for mechanical/plumbing components and
coordinate requirements with other RPs.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
mechanical/plumbing components.
Occupancy Phase
- Ascertain that the mechanical/plumbing components substantially
conform to the mechanical/plumbing drawings and supporting
documents.
- Witnessing the functional testing of the mechanical/ plumbing
components of the fire and life safety systems.
- Review the mechanical/plumbing related occupancy submission
documents provided by the contractor and sub-trades for completeness
and accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the mechanical/plumbing Schedule C-B
and other applicable supporting documentation required prior to
occupancy.
3.2.4. Fire Suppression
The assurance of sprinkler systems can be accomplished under two
possible scenarios:
Scenario 1
- The engineer of record undertakes the complete detailed sprinkler
system design prior to the building permit application.
- The engineer of record submits Schedules B-1 and B-2 with the BP
application.
- The engineer of record provides field reviews during construction
and submits a Schedule C-B prior to occupancy.
Scenario 2
- The engineer of record provides a detailed performance specification
for the sprinkler system design, as well as sufficient documentation
to demonstrate/assure layout feasibility and interface with other
components.
- The engineer of record submits Schedules B-1 and B-2 with the BP
application for overall coordination of the sprinkler design.
- The performance specifications may include a requirement that a
separate sprinkler design engineer be responsible for detailed
sprinkler design, preparation of sprinkler shop drawings (signed and
sealed) and hydraulic calculations, letters of assurance Schedules
B-1 and B-2, field reviews during construction, and Schedule C-B
(for detailed design) prior to occupancy.
- The engineer of record reviews the detailed sprinkler design and
shop drawings to ascertain that they substantially comply with the
performance specifications.
- The engineer of record provides a Schedule C-B prior to occupancy to
confirm overall coordination of the sprinkler design and
installation. The engineer of record is entitled to rely upon the
professional seal of the sprinkler design engineer for the detailed
design and field review of the sprinkler system.
3.2.5. Electrical
Design Phase
- Coordinate with the CRP and RPs the test protocol and procedures for
functional testing of the fire and life safety systems.
- Details of the electrical components of the fire and life safety
systems.
- Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
- Fire Alarm System
- Location of fire alarm annunciator panel and central alarm
control facility
- Location of fire alarm initiating devices, e.g., smoke
detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations.
- Fire alarm riser diagram c/w ancillary device
connections
- Audibility of fire alarm signal throughout floor area
- Zoning of fire alarm initiation devices and audible signal
appliances
- Monitoring of fire alarm
- Routing and method of protection of emergency
conductors
- Wiring methods for equipment
- Testing/verification requirements and the documentation to
be submitted to the RP
- Sprinkler System
- Coordinate design with fire suppression registered
professional.
- Sprinkler system alarm initiation and monitoring to be
indicated on the fire alarm riser diagram, e.g., flow,
tamper, pressure.
- Detailed diagrams for freeze protection systems, e.g., heat
trace monitoring, low temperature monitoring.
- Fire Pump Systems
- Riser diagram to indicate monitoring of the fire pump, e.g.,
pump running, power failure, phase reversal, wiring details
for device connections.
- Routing and method for protection of fire pump feeders from
fire and power source, so that a fire from one source will
not interrupt power from the other source
- Electrical requirements to appropriate Standard and
documents to be submitted to RP, e.g., overcurrent
protection details, location of controller and transfer
switches, voltage drop.
- Kitchen Exhaust/Fire Suppression System
- Emergency Generator
- Generator load calculations
- Details and wiring diagram for monitoring through the fire
alarm system
- Details for testing to appropriate Standard and documents to
be submitted to RP
- Smoke Venting Systems
- Coordinate design with the mechanical engineer
- Fire alarm riser diagram to indicate smoke venting fans and
motorized dampers and HVAC/exhaust fan shutdown
- Detailed wiring diagrams for fan shut-offs, exhaust fan
operation, pressurization fan operation, damper operation
(opening, closing, throttling)
- Sequence of operation of smoke venting system in a narrative
form
- Describe operation under normal mode
- Describe operation under fire alarm mode
- Indicate fire alarm initiating devices that activate changes
of operation/sequence
- Routing methods for protection of emergency conductors
- Electromagnetic Locks and Hold-Open Devices (Security)
- Coordinate design with the architect
- Sequence of operation in both normal and fire alarm
mode
- Wiring diagrams for connection of devices
- Locations of devices on the floor plans
- Elevators
- Sequence of operation in a narrative form
- Wiring diagram details
- Routing and method of protection of emergency
conductors
- Fire stop systems for electrical penetrations of fire
separations
- Coordinate electrical equipment location and functional
requirements with other RPs/CRP.
Construction Phase
- Provide field reviews of electrical components.
- Review shop drawings for electrical components and coordinate
requirements with other RPs.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
electrical components.
Occupancy Phase
- Ascertain that the electrical components substantially conform to
the electrical drawings and supporting documents.
- Witnessing the functional testing of the electrical components of
the fire and life safety systems.
- Review the electrical-related occupancy permit submission documents
provided by the contractor and sub-trades for completeness and
accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the electrical Schedule C-B and other
applicable supporting documents required prior to occupancy.
4.0. Sample Occupancy Demonstration/Witnessing Flowchart
| DEVELOP TESTING PROTOCOL/PROCEDURE
(Design Phase) |
CRP/RPs develop Testing
Demonstration/Witness Protocol
— Issue to Authorities
Having Jurisdiction & Contractor |
| ⇓ |
| DOCUMENTATION SUBMISSION |
| Contractor/Sub-trades submit/deliver all
appropriate documentation to CRP/RPs, including: |
| |
— The original Contractor's Materials and Test Certificate
for the sprinkler system
— The original Contractor's
Materials and Test Certificate for the sprinkler system
— Fire Pump Flow Test Certificate(s)
— Back
Flow Prevention Certificate(s)
— Emergency generator
commissioning and verification reports
— The original
Certificate of Verification for the fire alarm system
— Appendix "A" to the fire alarm verification report
— ULC Certificate for Protective Signaling Service
— Other documentation, as appropriate |
| ⇓ |
| CONTRACTOR DEMONSTRATION — CONSTRUCTION
COMPLETE |
Contractor & Sub-trades
(Mechanical, Electrical, Elevator, Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, etc.) as
appropriate |
| ⇓ |
| COORDINATED FINAL CONSULTANT REVIEW
DEMONSTRATION/WITNESSING |
CRP/RPs
(Architect, Mechanical
Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Sprinkler Engineer,
Equivalency
Consultant, etc.) as appropriate |
| ⇓ |
| OCCUPANCY SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS |
CRP to collect all submission documents,
including Schedule Cs from RPs,
and submit to AHJ in a complete
package |
| ⇓ |
COORDINATED FINAL AHJ REVIEW
DEMONSTRATION/WITNESS |
Contractor, Sub-trades, CRP/RPs
demonstrate to AHJ
(Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and
Sprinkler) |
| ⇓ |
| OCCUPANCY |
A-2.3.1. Documentation of Alternative Solutions. Beyond the purposes of demonstrating compliance and acquiring a building
permit, there are other important reasons for requiring that the proponent of
an
alternative solution submit project documentation (i.e. a compliance report) to
the
Chief Building Official and for the Chief Building
Official to retain that documentation for a substantial period following
the construction of a building: the City requires that a building be
maintained in compliance with the codes under which it was built. Alternative
solutions made possible by objective-based By-law may have special
maintenance requirements, which would be described in the documentation.
- Documentation helps consultants perform code compliance assessments of existing
buildings before they are sold and informs current owners or prospective buyers
of existing buildings of any limitations pertaining to their future use or
development.
- Documentation provides design professionals with the basic information necessary
to design changes to an existing building.
- An alternative solution could be invalidated by a proposed alteration to a
building. Designers and regulators must therefore know the details of the
particular alternative solutions that were integral to the original design.
Complete documentation should provide insight as to why one alternative solution
was chosen over another.
- Documentation is the “paper trail” of the alternative solution negotiated
between the designer and the regulator and should demonstrate that a rational
process led to the acceptance of the alternative solution as an
equivalency.
- It is possible that over time a particular alternative solution may be shown to
be inadequate. It would be advantageous for a jurisdiction to know which
buildings included that alternative solution as part of their design:
documentation will facilitate this type of analysis.
- Project documentation provides important information to a forensic team that is
called to investigate an accident or why a design failed to provide the level
of
performance expected.
A-2.6.3.
Demonstration of the Coordinated Fire & Life Safety
Systems . The design drawings and supporting documents must clearly indicate
all essential details of the Coordinated Fire & Life Safety
Systems prior to issuance of a Building Permit. Demonstration of the
proper, integrated operation of the Fire & Life Safety Systems
must be conducted prior to issuance of the Occupancy Permit.
Note that Schedules A, B-1, B-2, C-A & C-B, as required by
Section 2.6., must be signed and sealed and submitted to the Authority
Having Jurisdiction, as appropriate for each specific project.
1.0. General
Referencing Schedule B-2:
- Item No. 1.14 "Functional Testing of Architecturally Related Fire
Emergency Systems and Devices,"
- Item No. 3.4 "Functional Testing of Mechanically Related Fire
Emergency Systems and Devices,"
- Item No. 4.5 "Functional Testing of Plumbing Related Fire Emergency
Systems and Devices,"
- Item No. 5.13 "Functional Testing of Fire Suppression Systems and
Devices," and
- Item No. 6.3 "Functional Testing of Electrical Related Fire
Emergency Systems and Devices."
The Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP) and Registered
Professionals of Record (RPRs) must demonstrate that the Fire and Life
Safety Systems' design has been coordinated prior to the issuance of the
Building Permit. That is, the CRP/RPRs must accumulate and submit the
necessary documentation, such as:
- complete drawings,
- schedules,
- schematic diagrams,
- fire alarm system sequencing description (showing coordination
between mechanical and electrical fire protection and life safety
systems),
- mechanical fire protection and life safety schematic riser
diagrams,
- electrical fire alarm riser diagram,
- motor data list coordinated with fire alarm system sequencing,
- other documentation, as appropriate,
to demonstrate that the interface of the Fire & Life Safety
Systems has been designed and coordinated so that when built correctly
they will function as an integrated system. Further, it is intended that
when the construction of the Fire & Life Safety Systems is
indicated by the Contractor to be complete, the RPRs/CRP witness the
demonstration of the testing of the Fire & Life Safety Systems
to confirm compliance that the as-built systems function as intended by
the design.
The required list of items will depend on the simplicity or complexity
of the Project. The following is a comprehensive list of items for Fire
& Life Safety Systems for a complex project, which must be
coordinated in order to demonstrate compliance:
Notes: It is the responsibility of the Coordinating Registered
Professional (CRP) & Registered Professionals of Record (RPRs)
to determine the best method of "How To" demonstrate to the Authority
Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that the Fire & Life Safety Systems
have been coordinated for each project. That is, the method(s) used
(i.e., charts, drawings, matrices, tables, etc.) for demonstration
purposes should be project-specific and relate only to that
project.
It is not the intent of this Appendix Material to dictate or produce
"checklists" or other prescriptive methods for demonstrating compliance
since this is best left to the professional discretion of the
appropriate CRP/RPRs.
2.0. Design Phase — Building Permit Application Stage &
Final Construction Phase — Occupancy Permit Application Stage
2.1. Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
2.1.1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
2.1.2. Standpipe Systems
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
- Class I/Class II
- locations
- coverage
- F.D. connections
2.1.3. Fire Pump Systems
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
2.1.4. Fire Alarm Systems
- one/two stage system(s)
- no. of systems
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
- sequence of operation
- F.A. system zoning
- location of F.A. system devices
- annunciator panel (location and design criteria)
- annunciator panel shop drawings (detail design)
- sprinkler zone/waterflow device
- smoke detectors
- smoke alarms
- manual pull stations
- signals to Fire Department via an acceptable central monitoring
station
- activation of ancillary devices
2.1.6. Emergency Telephone System
2.1.7. Emergency Power
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
- supervisory provisions for fire alarm
- emergency electrical load
- emergency generator
2.1.8. Emergency Lighting
- exits
- access to exits
- public corridors
- other floor areas
2.1.9. Exit Signs
2.2. Additional Requirements for High Buildings
2.2.1. Interface Condition between Highrise and Lowrise Components
(Measure 'N' Vestibules)
2.2.2. Smoke Control — Measure A
- design requirements to appropriate Standard
- venting above-grade stairs
- separation of above-grade and below-grade stairs
- venting below-grade stairs
- pressurization of below-grade stairs at bottom
- above-grade elevator shaft serving below-grade protected with a
"protected" vestibule
- additional controls at CACF (annunciator panel shop drawings)
2.2.3. Smoke Venting
2.2.4. Fire Fighters' Elevators
- fire fighting controls
- emergency recall
2.2.5. Protection of Emergency Electrical Conductors
- highrise elevator
- emergency generator(s)
- fire pump(s)
- smoke control systems
- smoke venting systems
- fire alarm and emergency voice communication systems
2.2.6. Emergency Voice Communications
- integrated with F.A. system
- audible to appropriate Standard
- zoning of speakers
3.0. Roles and Responsibilities for the Demonstration of the
Coordinated Fire and Life Safety Systems
3.1. Roles and Responsibilities for the Design, Commissioning and
Functional Testing of Fire and Life Safety Systems
3.1.1. Design Phase
RPRs will clearly indicate on their drawings and supporting documents
the details of the fire and life safety systems for each applicable item
of Section 2 for their particular discipline. RPRs will also coordinate
the design of the components in their system with the designs of other
RPRs on the project. RPRs are to indicate what functional testing,
system verification, etc., must be performed by the Contractor or
subtrades and establish the documentation to be provided.
The CRP will develop the project-specific test protocol and procedures
in consultation with the RPRs. The CRP will act as the facilitator for
the coordination of the design of the fire and life safety systems among
the various RPRs.
3.1.2. Construction Phase
The Contractor will coordinate the activities of the subtrade
contractors for the installation of the fire and life safety systems in
accordance with the contract documents.
RPRs will provide field reviews to ascertain that the construction of
the fire and life safety systems substantially complies with their
design.
RPRs will review shop drawings of the fire and life safety systems to
determine that they accurately reflect their design intent. They will
also coordinate their reviews with those of the other RPRs on the
project.
The CRP will coordinate the shop drawing reviews and field reviews by
the RPs with the objective that the entire fire and life safety system
will correctly operate as an integrated system.
3.1.3. Occupancy Phase
The Contractor will coordinate the subtrade contractors for the
commissioning and functional testing of the fire and life safety
systems. The Contractor will also collect all of the required Occupancy
Permit submission documents from the various subtrade contractors and
forward them to the CRP.
The CRP will take the lead role in coordinating the activities of the
RPRs required for the commissioning and functional testing of the fire
and life safety systems. The CRP will distribute the test protocol and
test procedures, as developed in the Design Stage, to the various
parties involved in the process.
RPRs will ascertain that the appropriate commissioning and functional
testing of the fire and life safety systems of the components in their
disciplines have been satisfactorily completed by the sub trade
contractors. They will also determine that the appropriate Occupancy
Permit submission documents have been submitted and filled in
correctly.
The CRP will be responsible for collecting all of the required
Occupancy Permit submission documents, reviewing them for completeness
and accuracy, and forwarding them to the AHJ in a complete package at
least 24 hours prior to the Coordinated Final AHJ Review.
3.2. Sample Summary of Roles and Responsibilities for Demonstration
of the Coordinated Fire and Life Safety Systems
The following is a sample summary (only) of the roles and
responsibilities for a typical highrise building with underground
parking. The precise roles and responsibilities for each project will
vary depending on the complexity. The CRP will ascertain that the
appropriate roles and responsibilities for each project are fulfilled by
the RPRs.
3.2.1. Coordinating Registered Professional
Design Phase
- Determine the appropriate RPRs required for the project and make
arrangements with the owner for their services.
- Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various RPRs.
- Coordinate the design of the fire and life safety systems by the
RPRs.
- Coordinate and develop the test protocol and procedures for
functional testing of the fire and life safety systems.
- Coordinate the submission of the design drawings and supporting
documents for the Building Permit application.
Construction Phase
- Coordinate and monitor the field reviews of the RPRs.
- Coordinate and monitor the review of shop drawings by the RPRs.
- Facilitate the information flow among the RPRs and Contractor.
Occupancy Phase
- In conjunction with the RPRs, finalize the project-specific test
protocol and procedures for the fire and life safety systems, and
review the requirements with the Contractor, subtrades and
RPRs.
- Finalize the list of project-specific occupancy permit submission
documents and the schedule for submissions and confirm completeness
with AHJ.
- Organize the "Coordinated Final Consultant Review" at least one week
prior to "Coordinated AHJ Final Review."
- Take a lead role in coordinating the functional testing of the fire
and life safety systems during the "Coordinated Final Consultant
Review."
- Coordinate the RPRs' review of Occupancy Permit submission documents
for completeness and accuracy.
- Coordinate Certification of Equivalencies, if applicable.
- Collect all of the required Occupancy Permit submission documents
and submit them in a complete package to the AHJ.
- Organize the "Coordinated AHJ Final Review."
- Record any deficiencies identified at the "Coordinated AHJ Final
Review" and monitor RPRs' field review of the corrective actions by
the subtrades.
- Assist in finalizing the list of outstanding requirements which need
to be met for the issuance of the Occupancy Permit.
- Follow-up on minor deficiencies post-Occupancy.
3.2.2. Architectural Design Phase
- Establish the conceptual design for the fire and life safety systems
in consultation with RPRs.
- Determine equivalency reports required and coordinate the
implementation on the drawings and supporting documents.
- Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
- Major occupancies and code classifications.
- Fire separations and fire-resistance ratings.
- Closures:
- Fire-protection rating
- Temperature rise requirements
- Amount of glazing
- Hardware for closures
- Panic hardware
- Hold-open devices
- Electromagnetic locks
- Egress systems.
- Provisions for fire fighting access.
- Interior and exterior finishes.
- Elevating devices c/w integrated controls to the fire alarm
panel.
- Signage coordinated with fire alarm system and annunciation.
Construction Phase
- Provide field reviews of architectural components.
- Review shop drawings for architectural components and coordinate
requirements with other RPRs.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
architectural components.
Occupancy Phase
- Ascertain that the architectural components substantially conform to
the architectural drawings and supporting documents.
- Perform an active role in witnessing the functional testing of the
architectural components of the fire and life safety systems.
- Coordinate the signage with the fire alarm annunciator and the fire
safety plans.
- Review the architecturally-related Occupancy Permit submission
documents provided by the Contractor and subtrades for completeness
and accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the architectural Schedule C-B and
other assurance letters required for the Occupancy Permit.
3.2.3. Mechanical/Plumbing Design Phase
- Coordinate mechanical/plumbing clearances and functional
requirements with other RPRs.
- Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
- Details of the mechanical/plumbing components of the fire and life
safety systems.
- Schematic diagram of the smoke venting system showing all fans,
ducts, motorized dampers, fusible link dampers and backdraft
dampers.
- Location and fire-protection ratings of fusible link fire dampers
and fire stop flaps.
- Location and fire-protection ratings of motorized fire dampers.
- Location and fire-resistance ratings of fire-rated duct
enclosures.
- Fire stop systems for mechanical/plumbing penetrations of fire
separations.
- Mechanical fans/motorized dampers sequence of operations:
- Describe operation under normal mode
- Describe operation under fire alarm mode
- Indicate fire alarm initiation devices that activate change of
operation
- Kitchen exhaust system/suppression system.
Construction Phase
- Provide field reviews of mechanical/plumbing components.
- Review shop drawings for mechanical/plumbing components and
coordinate requirements with other RPRs.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
mechanical/plumbing components.
Occupancy Phase
- Ascertain that the mechanical/plumbing components substantially
conform to the mechanical/plumbing drawings and supporting
documents.
- Perform an active role in witnessing the functional testing of the
mechanical/ plumbing components of the fire and life safety
systems.
- Review the mechanical/plumbing related occupancy permit submission
documents provided by the Contractor and subtrades for completeness
and accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the mechanical/plumbing Schedule C-B
and other assurance letters and documentation required for the
Occupancy Permit.
3.2.4. Fire Suppression
The design of sprinkler systems can be accomplished by at least two
possible scenarios:
Scenario 1
- The engineer of record undertakes the complete detailed design prior
to the building permit application.
- The engineer of record submits Schedules B-1 and B-2 with the BP
application.
- The engineer of record provides field reviews during construction
and submits a Schedule C-B prior to Occupancy Permit.
Scenario 2
- The engineer of record provides a detailed performance specification
for the sprinkler design, as well as sufficient drawings to
demonstrate/assure layout feasibility and interface with other
components.
- The engineer of record submits Schedules B-1 and B-2 with the BP
application for overall coordination of the sprinkler design.
Schedules B-1 and B-2 can be annotated "For Performance
Specification Only."
- The performance specifications may include a requirement that a
separate sprinkler design engineer be responsible for detailed
sprinkler design, preparation of sprinkler shop drawings and
hydraulic calculations, letters of assurance Schedules B-1 and B-2,
field reviews during construction, and Schedule C-B (for Detailed
Design) prior to Occupancy Permit.
- The engineer of record reviews the detailed sprinkler design and
shop drawings to ascertain that they substantially comply with the
performance specifications.
- The engineer of record provides a Schedule C-B prior to Occupancy
Permit to confirm overall coordination of the sprinkler design and
installation. Schedule C-B can be annotated "For Performance
Specification Only." The engineer of record is entitled to rely upon
the professional seal of the sprinkler design engineer for the
detailed design and field review of the sprinkler system.
For purposes of this example, Scenario 2 Roles and Responsibilities
are outlined below:
Design Phase by Engineer of Record
- Coordinate fire suppression spatial and functional requirements with other RPRs/CRP.
- Clearly indicate on the drawings and performance specification:
- Fundamental design parameters for the fire suppression system to
appropriate Standard.
- Location of fire department siamese hose connections.
- Location and size of standpipes and hose connections.
- Details of special sprinkler protection as per equivalent
reports.
- Fire stop systems for pipe penetrations of fire separations.
- Zoning of the sprinkler system to be coordinated with the electrical
engineer for the fire alarm annunciation and clearly identified in
the performance specifications.
Construction Phase by Sprinkler Design Engineer
- Prepare, sign and seal shop drawings and hydraulic calculations,
clearly indicating:
- Details of the fire suppression components of the fire and life
safety systems.
- Schematic riser diagram of sprinkler and standpipe systems c/w all
devices that will be connected to the fire alarm system (flow
switches, tamper switches, pressure switches, freeze monitoring,
heat trace monitoring).
- Location of fire department siamese hose connections.
- Location and size of standpipes and hose connections.
- Details of special sprinkler protection as per equivalent
reports.
- Zoning of the sprinkler system to be coordinated with the electrical
engineer for the fire alarm annunciation and clearly identified on
the sprinkler shop drawings.
- Coordinate fire suppression location and functional requirements
with engineer of record/CRP.
- Provide field reviews of fire suppression components.
Construction Phase by Engineer of Record
- Review shop drawings and hydraulic calculations for fire suppression
components to determine substantial conformance to the performance
specifications.
- Provide field reviews of fire suppression components to determine
substantial conformance to the performance specifications.
- Monitor the field reviews by the Sprinkler Design Engineer to
determine substantial conformance with the performance
specifications.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence fire
suppression components.
Occupancy Phase by the Engineer of Record
- Ascertain that the fire suppression components substantially conform
to the performance specifications.
- Perform an active role in witnessing the functional testing of the
fire suppression components of the fire and life safety
systems.
- Review the fire suppression-related Occupancy Permit submission
documents by the Contractor and subtrades for completeness and
accuracy.
- Collect the Schedule C-B from the Sprinkler Design Engineer, review
for accuracy and completeness and forward to the CRP.
- Collect other Occupancy Permit documents from the subtrade
contractor (e.g., Contractor's Material and Test Certificates),
review for completeness and forward to the CRP.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the fire suppression Schedule C-B for
overall coordination of the fire suppression system.
Occupancy Phase by the Sprinkler Design Engineer
- Ascertain that the fire suppression components substantially conform
to the sprinkler shop drawings and supporting documents.
- Perform an active role in witnessing the functional testing of the
fire suppression components of the fire and life safety
systems.
- Review the fire suppression-related Occupancy Permit submission
documents by the Contractor and subtrades for completeness and
accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the Engineer of Record the fire suppression
Schedule C-B and other assurance letters and documentation required
for the Occupancy Permit.
3.2.5. Electrical
Design Phase
- Coordinate with the CRP and RPRs the test protocol and procedures
for functional testing of the fire and life safety systems.
- Details of the electrical components of the fire and life safety
systems.
- Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
- Location of fire alarm annunciator panel and central alarm control
facility
- Location of fire alarm initiating devices (smoke detectors, heat
detectors, manual pull stations)
- Fire alarm riser diagram c/w ancillary device connections
- Audibility of fire alarm signal throughout floor area
- Zoning of fire alarm initiation devices and audible signal
appliances
- Monitoring of fire alarm
- Routing and method of protection of emergency conductors
- Wiring methods for equipment
- Testing/verification requirements and the documentation to be
submitted to the RPR
- Coordinate design with sprinkler design engineer
- Sprinkler system alarm initiation and monitoring to be indicated on
the fire alarm riser diagram (flow, tamper, pressure, etc.)
- Detailed diagrams for freeze protection systems (heat trace
monitoring, low temperature monitoring, etc.)
- Riser diagram to indicate monitoring of the fire pump (pump running,
power failure, phase reversal, wiring details for device
connections)
- Routing and method for protection of fire pump feeders from fire and
power source, so that a fire from one source will not interrupt
power from the other source
- Electrical requirements to appropriate Standard and documents to be
submitted to RPR (overcurrent protection details, location of
controller and transfer switches, voltage drop, etc.)
- Kitchen Exhaust/Fire Suppression System
- Emergency Generator
- Generator load calculations
- Details and wiring diagram for monitoring through the fire alarm
system
- Details for testing to appropriate Standard and documents to be
submitted to RPR
- Coordinate design with the mechanical engineer
- Fire alarm riser diagram to indicate smoke venting fans and
motorized dampers and HVAC/exhaust fan shutdown
- Detailed wiring diagrams for fan shut-offs, exhaust fan operation,
pressurization fan operation, damper operation (opening, closing,
throttling)
- Sequence of operation of smoke venting system in a narrative
form
- Describe operation under normal mode
- Describe operation under fire alarm mode
- Indicate fire alarm initiating devices that activate changes of
operation/sequence
- Routing methods for protection of emergency conductors
- Electromagnetic Locks and Hold-Open Devices
- Coordinate design with the architect
- Sequence of operation in both normal and fire alarm mode
- Wiring diagrams for connection of devices
- Locations of devices on the floor plans
- Sequence of operation in a narrative form
- Wiring diagram details
- Routing and method of protection of emergency conductors
- Fire stop systems for electrical penetrations of fire
separations
- Coordinate electrical equipment location and functional requirements
with other RPRs/CRP.
Construction Phase
- Provide field reviews of electrical components.
- Review shop drawings for electrical components and coordinate
requirements with other RPRs.
- Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
electrical components.
Occupancy Phase
- Ascertain that the electrical components substantially conform to
the electrical drawings and supporting documents.
- Perform an active role in witnessing the functional testing of the
electrical components of the fire and life safety systems.
- Review the electrical-related Occupancy Permit submission documents
provided by the Contractor and subtrades for completeness and
accuracy.
- Prepare and forward to the CRP the electrical Schedule C-B and other
assurance letters and documents required for the Occupancy
Permit.
4.0. Sample Occupancy Demonstration/Witnessing Flowchart
| DEVELOP TESTING PROTOCOL/PROCEDURE
(Design Stage) |
CRP/RPRs develop Testing
Demonstration/Witness Protocol
— Issue to Authorities
Having Jurisdiction & Contractor |
| ⇓ |
| DOCUMENTATION SUBMISSION |
| Contractor/Subtrades submit/deliver
all appropriate documentation to CRP/RPRs, including: |
| |
— The original Contractor's Materials and Test
Certificate for the sprinkler system
— Fire Pump
Flow Test Certificate(s)
— Back Flow Prevention
Certificate(s)
— Emergency generator
commissioning and verification reports
— The
original Certificate of Verification for the fire alarm
system
— Appendix "A" to the fire alarm
verification report
— ULC Certificate for
Protective Signaling Service
— Other
documentation, as appropriate |
| ⇓ |
| CONTRACTOR DEMONSTRATION —
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE |
Contractor & Subtrades
(Mechanical, Electrical, Elevator, Sprinkler, Fire Alarm, etc.)
as appropriate |
| ⇓ |
| COORDINATED FINAL CONSULTANT REVIEW
DEMONSTRATION/WITNESSING CRP/RPRs |
(Architect, Mechanical Engineer,
Electrical Engineer, Sprinkler Engineer,
Equivalency
Consultant, etc.) as appropriate |
| ⇓ |
| OCCUPANCY SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS |
CRP to collect all submission
documents, including Schedule Cs from RPRs,
and submit to
AHJ in a complete package |
| ⇓ |
| COORDINATED FINAL AHJ REVIEW
DEMONSTRATION/WITNESS |
Contractor, Subtrades, CRP/RPRs
demonstrate to AHJ
(Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical
and Sprinkler) |
| ⇓ |
| OP ISSUED |
[Rev. 10, B.C. Reg. 232/2010.]